This is a nice example of a Special Order Bullard lever action rifle with the special order tapered 28" part octagon barrel. Bullard rifles are considered very rare on the collector market today as they were only produced from 1886 to 1890 and competed for sales directly with the Winchester, Marlin and Whitney lever actions rifles also produced during this time. This fierce competition really stymied their sales creating a very limited production of Bullard rifles. The left side of the receiver wall is marked " BULLARD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY / SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. AUG. 16 1881", the right side is marked "Model 1886" and the top of the chamber is marked " CAL / 40". Sporting blade front sight with a German silver insert, adjustable Winchester 23B replacement rear sight, full magazine and plain nicely figured American walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron forend cap and iron crescent buttplate similar to the Winchester Model 1886 with the turned down toe and no compartment. The impression of the serial number is found in both top and bottom tang channels.