This "1872" dated rifle is one of only 10,001 Rolling Block Rifles manufactured between 1871 and 1872 by Springfield Armory under a royalty agreement with Remington Arms Company for the U.S. Army. This model introduced the locking action which made the rolling block action safer by automatically dropping the hammer to half cock when the breech is closed. It has the standard markings and features and includes a blued socket bayonet.