One of only 1,011 manufactured to compete for acceptance by the United States Army. Basically a trial weapon, Ward-Burton Rifles were one of the earliest bolt action long arms issued by the U.S. Army. The harsh testing on the Western Frontier left few Ward-Burton Rifles in any condition. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. The left side of the receiver has an eagle with "U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871" and the top of the bolt cover is marked "WARD.BURTON.PATENT./DEC.20.1859 FEB.21.1871." Smooth full length stock with a slotted ramrod, leather sling, "1" stamped on comb and "US/1" marked buttplate tang.

Good. The metal surfaces have a bright appearance showing some scattered minor pitting. The reoiled stock is fair with a long crack on the forearm (left side), a couple gouges and some scattered minor pressure dents. Mechanically fine.