Featured in the article Man at Arms- July/Aug 1986- "The Wartime Winchesters" and the book "U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles" pages 42-44, both by Bruce Canfield. The letter confirms it is one of the original lot of Hotchkiss arms built using a mix of Winchester and Springfield components and is one of the first 100 shipped for field trials on May 26, 1879 (a copy of the shipping ledge is included). Only 501 are believed to have been manufactured. Many were converted into Second Models in 1881 or otherwise altered and re-issued for additional trials. It has the a pinned blade front sight, notch and folding ladder rear sight with , "US" and "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks at the breech, the three-line Winchester address and Hotchkiss patent marking on the left side of the action followed by the serial number, Henry Nettleton "HN." inspector marks on the bolt, the distinctive first model magazine cut-off on the right, a correct First Model oval "ESA/1878" cartouche next to the saddle ring on the left, a small "H" and script "P" proof behind the trigger guard, a larger "H" on the left side of the butt, and the two-piece cleaning rod stored in the forend through the Second Model nickel forend cap. Provenance: Bruce Canfield collection.

Fine as period arsenal refurbished to carbine configuration and refinished with 30% of the blue finish, primarily on the receiver, and gray and brown patina in the fading areas. There are some scratches and dings concentrated around the barrel band. The nickel forend cap remains bright. The stock has a few minor nicks and dents and a bruise at the top of the otherwise crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.