I have never seen another Winchester rifle presented to an active duty regular army soldier previously. This is really interesting with the engraved silver plaque telling the story of this Indian Fighters rifle. Inlaid on the right side of the butt stock is a large silver plaque inscribed as follows... DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA RIFLE COMPETITION / 1888 / REGIMENTAL TEAM MATCH / 1ST PRIZE / PRESENTED BY M.F. KENNEDY & BROS. / GUNS AND SPORTING GOODS / ST. PAUL MINN / WON BY / THOMAS MCMANUS SERGEANT CO. D 15TH INFANTRY-

Rifle is VG and very crisp. All original and complete. The 15th Infantry were actively engaged fighting the Utes in New Mexico in the 1880s and participated in campaigns against the Mescalero Apaches in the late 1880s.
I think this rifle is just great... one of my favorite purchases in many years.
The Department of Dakota held its shooting competitions at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis/St. Paul. 5000 soldiers competed in the annual contest, which was encouraged by General Phil Sheridan who believed marksmanship essential to a strong military.
See the illustrated newspaper clipping from 1888 telling the story of the presentation of this big bore repeating rifle. Two such rifles were awarded that day. Kennedy Bros Hardware donated the rifle won by Sergeant McManus. William R. Burkhart donated the second rifle which was awarded to Sergeant Hanley also of the 15th U.S. Infantry. Shipping etc $100

Vg