Manufactured between 1873 and 1877. This particular rifle is equipped with the Metcalfe device mounted on the right side of the stock between the lock and rear barrel band. The device was designed by Lt. Henry Metcalfe as a quick loading attachment, which attaches to the right side of the rifle forward of the lock. It consisted of a block of wood which would hold 8 or 10 cartridges and when not attached to the rifle were carried on the waist belt in a special metal and leather carrier. This was an experimental device and only 1,108 were made, 1,008 for the 45-70 Model 1873. The box with this rifle is a reproduction and contains 8 brass "R-P" head stamped 45-70 Gov't brass casings. Blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 1,100 yards. The left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" inspection marks and the breechblock is marked "MODEL/1873/(eagle and arrows)/U.S.", with the eagle and shield motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" on the lock in front of the correct two click tumbler hammer. Mounted with a smooth straight grip stock marked with a clear "ESA" inspectors cartouche on the left side and the script circled "P" rear of the lower tang, equipped with the standard ramrod, sling swivels, two barrel bands and a smooth "US" marked steel buttplate.

Good as assembled. The breechblock retains 80% case colors, while the remaining metal surfaces have a dark mottled brown patina with some minor pitting on the lock. The stock has had a coat of varnish applied and remains very good with a few overall scattered minor dents and dings. The markings are clear. The action is fine. A good representative piece for a collection as documented original examples are extremely rare.