The Ward and Burton designed rifles were the first true bolt action military rifles in the U.S. and were manufactured at Springfield Armory in a run of just 1,011 as the U.S. Model 1871 Ward-Burton. Most of the Model 1871s were sent West for testing and were tested against the elements and harsh nature of the battles during the Indian War era. 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. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet.

Very good with bright polished finish with some scattered light patches of brown patina between the barrel bands and near the bayonet lug. The reoiled wood is also very good with numerous dings, scratches, and divots from hard trials use along with a few minor repairs and lightly visible cartouches. The bayonet is very good with a speckling of brown patina but mostly bright overall.