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. 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 heel.

Very good with scattered areas of brown patina and spotting on the bright metal surface. The stock is very good as repaired with a mended break and replaced wood around the receiver, a filled section at the trigger guard, mild chips and dents, and minor scuffing. Mechanically excellent. Many U.S. military longarm collections are missing this significant Springfield Armory made variation.