This is a unique example of a Second Model 1876 that was manufactured in 1878. This deluxe sporting rifle features a special order full 26 inch part octagon barrel, 1/2 magazine tube, and deluxe XX checkered wood with a shotgun butt. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address/King's Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "CAL. 45-60" at the breech. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 839" indicating the special order and the grade of the wood. The number is repeated on the stock in the upper tang slot, "P 839". The upper tang has "MODEL 1876," and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The barrel and magazine tube are blue, with casehardened remaining parts, German silver dovetailed blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated to "10" and marked "1876", and mounted with checkered deluxe walnut forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with an iron shotgun buttplate. The accompanying factory letter states that this rifle was received in the warehouse on August 23, 1879, with an octagon barrel and plain trigger, and that it was changed to 45/60 caliber, 26 inch barrel, 1/2 magazine, casehardened, checkered stock and shotgun butt. It was shipped to order number 19453 with one other firearm on March 17, 1880.

Very fine as factory upgraded/refurbished. The barrel retains 80% factory blue finish with some muzzle and edge wear and some thinning. The receiver retains 25% case colors with a smooth silver gray patina on the balance. A similar amount of the fading case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The re-oiled wood is very good with a hairline crack visible on right rear wrist, some scattered minor dents and dings and crisp checkering. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.