Manufactured in 1874. This First Model 1873 features the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver, raised checkered oval finger grip on top of the dust cover and the lever latch with the visible screw threads. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two-line address/King's improvement patent dates. The model designation is on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. "Rocky Mountain" style front and adjustable rear sporting type sights. Special order adjustable single set trigger. Mounted on a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel forend cap and stock with a crescent buttplate with a sliding door compartment, (cleaning rod included).

Fair. The rifle retains an artificial smooth brown and silver patina with scattered brown speckling, light pitting and heavy polishing marks. The brass cartridge elevator has a smooth dark patina. The reoiled wood is also fair with scattered scratches, dings and pressure dents. There are also two small cracks on both sides of the stock at the toe. Mechanically fine.