Manufactured in 1885 as a Third Model with integral dust cover guide and a dust cover that is now absent. The Model 1873 is one of the most iconic firearms of the American frontier. These small and mobile variants of the 1873 would have been even more popular for the firepower they offered in a small package. The included 1981 dated ATF letter lists the carbine as exempted from the NFA and classified as an antique. The two-line address/King's patent marking is vaguely visible on top of the barrel and there is a faint caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower. It is fitted with a block blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection

Fair, showing the dark patina and heavy pitting on the sideplates, typical of a Western working gun, with many of the markings slightly softened. The dust cover is absent. The wood is also fair with a few hairline cracks, handling marks throughout, and the moderate weathered look of a frontier arm. Mechanically fine.