US Model 1871 Ward Burton Army Rifle

Indian Wars

.50-70. 32.625" barrel. NSN. Bright barrel and furniture, case hardened receiver, full length walnut musket stock with two solid, spring-retained rounded barrel bands. Single shot bolt action, cock on closing with right side receiver safety, M1868 patten ladder rear sight, musket style combination front sight and socket bayonet lug, sling swivels on triggerguard bow and upper barrel band, single shoulder jag head cleaning rod. Standard receiver markings, two legible script cartouches including the JWK of John W Keene and the ESA of Erskine S Allin on the counterpane. Only 1,011 of these rifles were produced circa 1871 for field trials, along with 316 carbines. The cock on closing action with lack of a visible or tactile cocking indicator caused confusion, accidental discharges and an overall distrust of the design and the guns were withdrawn from service circa 1873 with the adoption of the M1873 Trapdoor rifle series. {ANTIQUE}

This lot is located in Cincinnati.