Reportedly, only 753 of these rifles were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1884, making this model one of the rarest manufactured by the armory. These rifles are based on designs by General J. N. Reece (often misspelled Reese) and Reuben Chaffee, and approved for production and field use by the Ordnance Department in 1882 for testing alongside the Lee and Hotchkiss bolt action magazine rifles. The rifles were sold as surplus after trials. Many were damaged and simply sold as scrap. Circled script "P" firing proof stamp visible behind the lower tang.

Fine, retains 80% original blue finish and strong traces of original case colors with scattered mild to heavy surface spotting/oxidation overall, and sharp markings and edges in the metal. Stock is very good as sanded and re-oiled, with a lightened appearance, a few minor dings, and defined edges. Mechanically fine.