This First Model Hotchkiss carbine was built using a mix of Winchester and Springfield components and would have been used in early Army field trials. Only 501 are believed to have been manufactured. Many were converted into Second Models in 1881 or otherwise altered and re-issued for additional trials. The included Winchester factory letter confirms this example was received in the warehouse and shipped the same day on May 30th, 1879, although it lists it as a musket rather than a carbine (they were made in the same serial number sequence). Table #5 Springfield Research Service list on page 342 of "U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles" by Bruce Canfield also confirms the same date of shipment of this example by serial number as having been shipped from Springfield Armory on May 30th, 1879, although it is listed as a rifle. It has "US" and "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks, Henry Nettleton "HN." inspector marks on the bolt, the distinctive first model magazine cut-off, a saddle ring on the left of the field replacement stock, and "R.D.R." inspection initials behind the trigger guard. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Information on these Hotchkiss carbines can be found in Man at Arms- July/Aug 1986- "The Wartime Winchesters" and the book "U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles" pages 42-44, both by Bruce Canfield. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good as period arsenal refinished with mottled brown patina and scattered patches of mild pitting on the barrel with 50% blue finish on the rear sight, 60% blue finish on the trigger guard with some moderate pitting, gray patina on the receiver with some spotting, and some light pitting on the bolt. Stock is very good with scattered dents and scratches, a crack ahead of the cut-off, and a mild scratch on the right of the wrist. Mechanically excellent.