One of only 1,011 manufactured to compete for acceptance by the United States Army, the harsh testing on the Western Frontier left few Ward-Burton Rifles in any condition. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with "U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871" on the left side of the receiver and "WARD.BURTON. PATENT./DEC.20.1859 FEB.21.1871" on top of the bolt cover. Smooth straight wrist stock, with a metal ramrod, sling swivels, and a "US" marked buttplate.

Fine bright metal, with some minor brown spotting and handling marks on the steel components. The rear sight shows a mixed brown patina. Stock is very good, lightly sanded and reoiled, with some light dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.