One of only 4,023 first contract rifles manufactured at Harpers Ferry Armory from 1803-1807. They were the first regulation U.S. rifles and would have seen heavy use during the War of 1812 in the hands of U.S. riflemen, as well as often being linked to the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. However, with Lewis procuring arms from Harpers Ferry in preparation for their journey in the spring of 1803, it is more likely that the rifles he acquired were Model 1792 contract rifles, as the Model 1803 is believed to have entered production in the fall of 1803. This example shows the standard markings including the barrel numbered "1520" and sunken "US" and "eagle head/P" proofs. The Harpers Ferry lock plate is dated "1805", with "eagle shield/US", and marked "13V" on the inside. It shows the standard features of a rifle bearing this date including the brass band at the stock forend and belled front ramrod ferrule which are seen on all but the earliest examples. Collection marking in white under varnish on the bottom of the trigger guard. A rare and desirable example of the first regulation U.S. rifle.