Manufactured in 1882, this Third Model 1873 is fitted with a special order 16 inch round barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/King's improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and marked "44 W.F.C." at the breech. The bottom of the cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL", the upper tang "MODEL 1873" and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. Brass blade front and adjustable sporting rear sight. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever and buttplate, full magazine tube and mounted with a smooth forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying Gun Museum letter verifies serial number 249302B is being a rifle, 44 caliber, 16" barrel, plain trigger and that it was shipped from the factory on October 27, 1882.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube have a smooth dark brown patina with 30% plus original dark blue finish in the protected areas along the edge of the forearm and between the barrel and magazine. The receiver retains a strong 50% original blue finish mixed with a smooth brown patina. Much of the faded original case colors remain on the hammer, while the lever and buttplate have a smooth gray patina. The wood is very good with overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is fine.