Developed in the United States following the Civil War by Hiram Berdan of Berdan's Sharpshooters fame, the Berdan Rifle was adopted by the Russians and earned a reputation as a rugged and potent weapon. Notes from the consignor attribute this Berdan as having been submitted for trials by France c.1870 for consideration as a military rifle and is possibly chambered for the ll.7x57Rmm Berdan Experimental cartridge. Fixed blade front and folding tangent rear sights, the latter bearing no graduation marks, and is struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks on the left side of the barrel, "2" on top of the receiver, and a lug for a socket bayonet at the muzzle. The left side of the stock is marked with a set of circled monogram stamps, one inverted, reading either "MD" or "CIW", and is fitted with a flat steel buttplate. Provenance: This rifle was loaned by the consignor to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, England.

Very good. The visible steel shows a mixed gray patina with mild spotting, and the protected areas retain strong blue finish. The stock is fine, with some scuffs and dents and a tiny flake at the upper tang. Mechanically fine.