1,474 First Model Hotchkiss rifles were manufactured for the U.S. Navy in 1879-80 by Springfield Armory using Winchester supplied actions and buttplates. The safety and magazine cutoff are located on the right of the stock, and the barrel is fitted with blade/stud front sight and 1,300 yard Buckhorn folding ladder rear sight correctly marked with "R" on the base and "N" on the ladder. Henry Nettleton's "HN." inspection initials are marked on the bolt and stock. The barrel is marked with Springfield Armory "V/P/eagle head" proofs and "W.W.K./US/Naval anchor" markings of Navy inspector William Wirt Kimball. The left wrist of the stock is marked with Samuel W. Porter's boxed script "SWP/1879" inspection cartouche, and a circled script "P" proof mark is located behind the trigger guard. A slotted cleaning rod is included. Includes a Collins & Company "C & Co" marked blued "US" socket bayonet that is also bearing "HN" inspection initials on the socket, blued metal scabbard with a Watervliet Arsenal "US" brass/leather frog, and a period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good, retaining 20% original blue finish mostly concentrated on the receiver with scattered mild spotting overall and some scattered light to moderate pitting evident of period Naval use. Stock is also good with numerous scattered mild dents and scratches, a crack at the right above the front barrel band spring, a crack ahead of the magazine cutoff switch, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine with sharp edges and some light pitting, scabbard is very good with some scattered brown patina and pitting, and sling is very good with some very light age related cracking.