Ordnance Department officer Henry Metcalfe invented the Metcalfe device which was then patented in 1875. The idea was that troops could carry these pre-loaded wooden cartridge blocks with them, which could then be attached to the side of their rifle making for quicker and easier access to cartridges when reloading. Only 1,008 Model 1873 rifles were fitted with these devices and were never issued. Most of them are believed to have been privately sold or disassembled for parts, making this very fine example scarce. The rifle shows standard Model 1873 markings and features including standard Springfield markings on the trapdoor and lock plate, both of which are dates "1873", "US" marked buttplate, circle "P" cartouche, and "ESA" cartouche on the left of the stock. Includes a loaded Metcalfe cartridge box with original packaging marked with Springfield and Frankford Arsenal labels and a blued "US" bayonet with steel scabbard and "US" marked brass hanger.

Fine as assembled, retains 30% original blue fading to a brown and 40% original oil-quenched finish with the balance a mottled brown patina. The re-oiled wood is in fine condition with only the slightest handling marks and a minor chip near the toe. Mechanically excellent. The cartridge block is very good retaining the legible original packaging. The bayonet is excellent retaining 90% original blue finish, and the sheath is very good with some minor wear.