Springfield Model 1871 Ward-Burton .50 Cal 32.5″ Bolt-Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1675
LSB#: 220316CA093
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1871 Ward-Burton Rifle
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1871, Antique
Caliber: .50 Caliber
Action Type: Bolt-Action Single-Shot Rifle
Markings: The top of the bolt is marked “WARD BURTON PATENT / DEC. 20 1859 FEB 21 1871”. The left side of the action is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) next to “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD 1871”. The top of the butt-plate is marked “US”.
Barrel Length: 32.5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a “V’-notch in the down position and when raised presents a “V’-notch slider. The ladder is marked “2”, “3”, “5”, “7” and “9”.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a metal nose cap, a slot in the forend for the included cleaning rod, a total of two barrel bands secured by springs (the front barrel band has a fixed sling swivel), a sling swivel fixed to the front of the trigger guard, a straight wrist, a straight comb and metal semi-crescent butt-plate. There are moderate-heavy handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a that circumvents the forend between the nose-cap and front barrel band, there are scattered light-moderate compressions on the forend, there is a light ding behind the front barrel band, there is a light scrape on the left side of the forend above the trigger guard, there is a light crack that extends from the front of the trigger guard onto the forend, there is a light crack that extends from the bottom tang onto the belly, there are several superficial cracks along the grain of the wood on both sides of the butt and there are scattered light-moderate compressions on the belly. The LOP is 13.25” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate is coated in light surface oxidation and has some light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Good condition for an Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright Metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The rifle has no metal finish. The gun is coated in scattered patches of light surface oxidation but remains mostly bright. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is superficial pitting in the receiver and some light wear around the muzzle. The markings remain clear. Overall, the rifle is in Poor condition due to a mechanical issue with the bolt but otherwise rates in Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The bolt’s spring is damaged and will need to be replaced. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a damaged spring for the bolt which is included with the rifle.
Our Assessment: The US Model 1871 Ward-Burton was a single-shot bolt-action rifle which was made at Springfield Armory. Approximately 1,000 of these rifles were made for service with the U.S. Army, but the military establishment decided to retain the durable trapdoor action. The Ward-Burton was a well made early bolt-action rifle, but it simply did not offer a significant improvement over existing weapon systems. Despite this, by 1900 the United States, and virtually every other major power, had adopted bolt-action rifles as the age of the single-shot rifle came to a conclusion. This specimen’s bolt has a damaged spring, but aside from that it remains mechanically sound. It is a unique firearm that should prove a worthy addition to any historical firearms collection. Good luck on your bid!