Manufactured in 1876. This desirable First Model 1873 rifle has the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver. The set trigger and 28 inch octagon barrel are special factory features. Any special features are rare on the already rare First Model 1873 rifle. German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and full length magazine tube. The barrel has the two line address/King's Improvement marking and the upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873". The rifle is correctly without caliber markings. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a forend cap and crescent buttplate. The buttplate has a compartment (cleaning rod not included).

Good as partially restored ("Model 1873" remarked on top tang). The rifle retains traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with a mottled brown-gray patina on the balance. Some minor pitting is present. The dust cover is a replacement. The wood is very fine with some minor handling marks. Set trigger does not function, otherwise action is fine.