Manufactured in 1898, the Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers. This example is a third model with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel has the two-line address and King's patent marking and the caliber marking, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, and a non-factory added Lyman peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Fine, retains 50% of the faded, thin original blue finish overall, faint traces of the original case colors, and 40% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered light surface spotting. The wood is very good with numerous scattered dings, scratches, and scuffs, most noticeable on the forearm. Mechanically excellent.