This carbine from 1881 features a factory 1/2 nickel finish as confirmed by the included factory letter and shipped on November 26, 1881, in order 29489. The carbine features a blued 20 inch barrel, magazine tube, and bands; "barley corn" front sight mounted behind the front barrel band, two leaf rear sight, the two-line address and King's patent marking on top of the barrel, no caliber markings, nickel plated Second Model frame with screw fastened dust cover guide rail, "MODEL. 1873" on the upper tang, saddle ring on the left side, script serial number on the lower tang, smooth walnut stock and forearm, a nickel plated carbine buttplate, and empty stock compartment.

Very fine with 80% plus untouched original nickel plating overall with some minor flaking mainly at the heel, 50% plus original blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube, some smooth brown patina on the faded areas, light spotting, 40% original case colors on the hammer and lever, 30% original nitre blue on the loading gate, and generally mild overall age and storage related wear. The wood is fine and has some scrapes and dings and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent.