The Swiss Modell 1842 Kadettengewehr Kadet Percussion Musket is a smooth bore muzzle loader intended for the youth cadet corps of Switzerland. It is smaller in size than the standard issue Infanteriegewehr Modell 1842 which was one of the first standardized service rifles of the Swiss military.
The 1842 pattern would become very successful throughout the world and would be manufactured by a number of countries for their own use and for export. The Modell 1842 would eventually be updated or converted with rifling as the 1842/59 and later with a Milbank-Amsler receiver in 1867.
This musket is a cadet version of the 1842. The bore has not been rifled. The caliber is 14.5mm (.57 cal) with a barrel length of 29-5/8 inches. Overall length is 43-3/8 inches. This musket would have been issued between the late 1840’s to mid 1860’s.
The overall condition of this musket is very good. The finish on the stock is very sharp and it may have been refinished at some point in its life. The wood itself shows no cracking or splitting but does have a few minor dings and scratches to be expected for a musket of this age.
The barrel does appear to have been refinished at least once as pitting is present under the finish. The finish itself is very good with minimal wear and no obvious scratching. Pitting is present along both sides of barrel along the stock. The smooth bore is fair and shows rust throughout. The lock plate is good showing patina and wear and the percussion hammer has been refinished and looks excellent.
The brass of the three barrel bands shows wear and tarnish with the bottom barrel band showing minor rust spotting. The brass trigger guard has one large rust spot on the bottom below trigger but rest of trigger guard has only minor wear and tarnish. The sling swivels have rust and patina. The trigger has very minor wear and looks to have been refinished at some point. The butt plate has tarnish and very minor rust spotting as well as minor dings. The Ram Rod has pitting and is rust stained in spots. All other parts, screws, pins, etc appear present.
Of note on this musket is the lack of Swiss proof marks. The Belgian proof is quite common as muskets and barrels made in Belgium were sold to Switzerland. Also the Swiss would return muskets to Belgium for servicing. Given that refinishing has taken place on this musket the point of original manufacture can’t be determined.
This musket has been tested for function and the lock, hammer, and trigger work normally. This musket has NOT been test fired. This would make a beautiful addition to any collection especially for the muzzle loader or military enthusiast.
