This is an example of a Third Model 1873 lever action rifle with a special order 30 inch octagon barrel and set trigger. It has the dust cover guide integral to the receiver found on the Third Model. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line New Haven address and King's Improvement patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 CAL" (faint) at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The caliber marking is very faint on the brass cartridge elevator. Beaded blade front (replacement) and adjustable semi buckhorn rear (missing elevator) sights. Smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Information provided by the consignor states that the Cody factory records verify the rifle's configuration, 30 inch octagon barrel and set trigger and that the rifle was received in the warehouse on June 25, 1884 and shipped on October 26, 1884, order number 12856.

Fair as rebarreled. The artificially browned rifle has a smooth brown-gray patina with traces of original blue finish in protected areas. The rear of barrel exhibits vise marks from once having been removed. Some very scattered minor pitting is present. The refinished wood is fair with a hairline crack near the upper tang, a few minor scratches and a few small gouges. Mechanically fine.