The Model 1873 became one of a handful of firearms that became synonymous with the American west due to their widespread use on the frontier and their ruggedness. This example was manufactured in 1890 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail on top of the stepped down receiver and dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear. The standard two-line address/King's patent marking is on the top barrel flat along with the caliber marking. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the lower tang has the serial number. It is fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment on 21 August 1890.

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish, strong traces of the original case colors on the hammer, and 60% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to mostly a brown patina and a few scattered small patches of light patina. The refinished wood is very good with some scattered minor handling marks and a minor sliver absent from the upper left of the wrist. Mechanically fine apart from the magazine follower which is jammed inside the magazine tube.