Scarce US Model 1871 Ward-Burton Bolt Action Rifle and Bayonet by Springfield Armory

NSN, .50-70 Gov’t., 32 5/8" barrel with a good bore that has dark pitting within the grooves.  This is one of only 1,011 Ward-Burton rifles issued to US Army troops on a trial basis in 1871.  The metal has an overall mottled pewter gray and plum-brown patina with thin freckling throughout and a mostly brown color on the bolt handle.  The patent markings are somewhat faint, but still clearly legible on the integral bolt dustcover, and the "(American Eagle) US / SPRINGFIELD 1871" stamps are still crisp and clear on the left side of the receiver.  The walnut stock has numerous small handling marks and small blemishes scattered about the original military oil finish, with still quite crisp inspector cartouches on the left side at the rear of the receiver.  Additionally, there are a few small chips along the edges of the ramrod channel near the muzzle, and the ramrod, although correct, is only loosely held in place.  The rifle is accompanied by a US Model 1855 socket bayonet that measures 20 7/8" overall, with an 18" angular blade having a single fuller and hollow-ground back flutes.  The steel has a mottled gray patina with spots of darker plum-brown freckling throughout.  The Ward-Burton represented the first true military bolt action rifle, in the modern sense, ever issued to US troops, albeit only on a trial basis.  An advanced design, it never found favor with the officers and troops who put them through their paces in the field, and it was decided that the action was not suitable for adoption by the Army.  This is a good looking example, and is in very good condition overall.  Antique