Rare Model 1882 U.S. Contract rifle with only 770 Model 1882 Lee rifles were made for the army. Marked "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. U.S.A. / SOLE MANUFACTURERS AND AGENTS / US" on the left side of the receiver, "THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. U.S.A. / PATENTED NOV. 4TH 1879" on top of the left receiver rail along with the serial number and US inspector marks at the rear of the barrel. The magazine is not marked. A "D.F.C." cartouche is stamped on the right side of the stock near the buttplate. Clark’s inspector marks also appear on the top of the receiver and the bolt. The rear sight, buttplate and barrel bands were furnished by Springfield Armory. The rear sight is stamped "L" on the left side. Has ramrod. There is an issue number "I.D.P. / 16" stamped on top of the comb and "D.F.C. / P" near the trigger guard.

Very fine. All metal surfaces have had a protective coating placed over the approximately 94% of the remaining blue finish. The receiver and barrel bands exhibit a slightly fading blue, with the top of the barrel turning a brown color in areas. There is moderate muzzle wear. The stock has been lightly cleaned and reoiled (with linseed) is very good with a hairline crack (likely a repair) at the rear of the receiver. There are a few minor chips and dings.