Part of a limited 1,011 arm production run, the U.S. Model 1871 Ward-Burton rifle was a competitor to become the standard weapon of the United States Army, competing against Sharps, Remington, and ultimately losing to the Allin Conversion Trapdoor. Most of these arms were sent West for testing, where the harsh nature of frontier military use whittled down the already small stock, leaving few in good condition. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight and a ladder rear sight with graduations marked from 2 to 9. The left receiver wall is stamped with the eagle/shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD." Oil quenched casehardened receiver with remaining metal surfaces left in the white. The top of the bolt cover is marked "WARD.BURTON. PATENT./DEC.20.1859 FEB.21.1871." Smooth straight grip stock with sling swivels, a "US" marked buttplate heel and a serrated/slotted ramrod.

Very good. The receiver retains 30% original case colors. The remaining metal surfaces have a bright appearance with a few patches of minor pitting on the barrel. The lightly sanded, reoiled stock is very good with a couple cracks near the rear of the receiver, a couple putty filled repairs and a few minor handling marks. The cartouches are faint. Mechanically fine.