The Model 1873 was incredibly popular in the American West due to their rapid firepower and their rugged dependability. That popularity continued well into the 20th century with ranchers, and this example being chambered in .38 W.C.F. would have been the perfect pairing with a Colt Single Action Army revolver in the same caliber. The included factory letter confirms the 28 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber and plain trigger as well as received in the warehouse on November 28, 1892, and shipped the next day. The top barrel flat has the two-line address/King's patent marking. The caliber marking is on the upper barrel flat at the breech and repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. It is fitted with dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with extensive surface oxidation and thinning to brown on the balance. 25% of original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer, lever and buttplate are a mix of brown and gray patinas with 30% of original case colors remaining. The wood is excellent showing some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.