My book titled Ethan Allen and Allen & Wheelock has just been published and has a good chapter on A&W rifles. In the years of reserch, I have never been able to find any government contract but pictured in the Pitman notes on U.S. Martial Small Arms and Ammunition, 1776 to 1933, Volume 1 shows two schematics of an Allen Dropping breech rifle. This is proof that at one time or another, this rifle was in the Army arsenal. Check out my book, you will not be disapointed. Paul Henry