Manufactured in 1874 as a first model with raised thumbprint dust cover held in place by two integral guides. The accompanying factory letter (copy) lists this desirable early production Model 1873 with a 24 inch round barrel when received in the warehouse on April 4, 1874 and shipped on April 10. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight CORRECTLY installed in the reverse position. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the hand engraved three digit serial number, a very seldom encountered feature seen on only the earliest 1st models. The forearm and straight grip stock are uncheckered straight grain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Includes a four piece cleaning rod.

Fine. 30% original blue finish remains on the barrel and magazine tube, 70% original blue finish remains on the frame, and strong traces of original blue remains on the dust over with the overall balance a smooth brown patina. 60% blue remains on the forend cap. 25% of original niter blue remain on the loading gate. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever, and patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The refinished wood is fine with a barely noticeable long hairline crack on the buttstock (left side) and half moon ding near the toe, otherwise some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.