This rare .22 caliber Model 1873 was manufactured in 1885 and is fitted with a deluxe checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun buttplate and ebony grip insert and a checkered forearm. It is equipped with a dovetailed blade front sight and an adjustable sporting rear sight and is marked with the two line address and King's improvement marking on the top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight, "22 SHORT" at the breech, "{MODEL 1872}" on the upper tang, the serial number on the lower tang, and "22 CAL/SHORT" on the cartridge elevator. The factory letter indicates the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 11, 1885, and shipped the same day as part of order number 29261 in "22 caliber" with an octagon barrel, and plain trigger. It was "Returned on November 29, 1900, by Jas. Kerr & Co., and changed to rifle, 22 long, octagon barrel, plain trigger, plain wood, pistol grip, checkered stock, shotgun butt," and "casehardened."

Good as factory altered (see above). The barrel retains a mixture of faded blue finish and brown patina on the barrel and magazine tube. The receiver has a mottled dark brown patina. There are patches of mild pitting and oxidation throughout and some signs of modification on the lower tang and buttplate. The brass displays a lightly aged patina. The buttstock is refinished and recheckered. The forearm is a replacement. The wood overall has some minor scratches from handling and storage. The action functions fine.