John Hall's innovative breech loading rifles were the first breech loading firearm adopted by the U.S. military and the first firearms to be produced with interchangeable parts. They were meant to be issued to Army rifle units, skirmishers, and flank companies. They did not see real combat use until the Black Hawk War and Second Seminole War in the 1830s. They were issued to the 6th U.S. Infantry and used at the Bad Axe Massacre at the end of the Black Hawk War. The rifles had issues with gas leakage, fouling, and stock breakage. Nonetheless, they saw use through the Mexican-American War and Civil War. This "1838" dated rifle has the standard features.

Fine with 80% plus original brown lacquered finish remaining, dark original case colors on the breechblock, and minor overall wear. It is bright inside the breechblock and appears to be unfired. The lightly sanded, refinished stock is also very good and has smooth finish, some faint hairline cracks mainly at the butt, some minor flakes at the edges, and light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.