Only 1,011 of the W.G. Ward and Bethel Burton designed rifles were manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1871 and then sent West for field trials and testing against the elements and harsh nature of the battles during the Indian War era. The Model 1871 Ward-Burton is significant as the first metallic cartridge bolt action rifle issued by the U.S. Army and the first bolt action manufactured at a U.S. armory. It has the standard bayonet stud/blade front sight, notch and folding ladder rear sight, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871" on the left side of the receiver, "WARD.BURTON. PATENT./DEC.20.1859. FEB.21.1871" on top of the bolt cover, a smooth straight wrist stock with "JWK" and "ESA" cartouches on the left, a slotted metal ramrod, sling swivels, and a "US" marked buttplate. It is fitted with a leather sling.

Very good with minor oil staining and light brown patina, some patches of light spotting, mild pitting mostly on the buttplate, and general marks and scratches. The otherwise very good stock has a 8 inch hairline crack in the butt on the right, a 1 1/2 crack in the toe on the left, and otherwise primarily light scuffs and dings. Mechanically fine.