This is a unique example of a Ward-Burton Patent target rifle. The breech area of the barrel, receiver, bolt handle and trigger guard are decorated with fine floral scroll engraving. The top of the bolt is marked "WARD-BURTON / PATD OCT 14TH 1873". The rifle appears to have possibly been an Officer's Model or a Presentation grade shooting match rifle, with target features. The barrel gauges at 45 caliber and is equipped with a windage adjustable front globe sight without any sighting blade or post. The rear of the receiver has a fixed dovetailed notch sight that can also be used as a leaf sight. There is a flip up staff type sight base mounted on the upper tang. (Staff sight is absent.) The barrel was finished blue, with casehardened receiver, silver plated brass trigger guard and mounted with a nicely figured checkered walnut pistol grip half stock with a horn forend, checkered bare butt with lightly engraved brass heel and toe.

Very good plus. The barrel and bolt handle have a smooth brown patina. The receiver has a smooth mottled gray patina with traces of the original case colors in protected areas. The trigger guard has a very pleasant natural dark aged patina with traces of the original silver in protected areas. The stock is very fine with most of original varnish, some overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The checkering remains crisp. The engraving and markings are clear. The action is excellent. Writer does not recall ever seeing a Ward Burton rifle like this as the U.S. military rifles are usually what we have on rare occasion!