Manufactured in 1903, this is a Third Model with the guide rail integrally machined as part of the receiver and features a 30" round barrel, 27" magazine, full length forend with three barrel bands, square base front sight/bayonet lug, military style folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards and carbine style buttplate with buttstock compartment containing an original 5 piece cleaning rod. The middle barrel band and butt are fitted with sling swivels. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/King's Improvement patent date ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL.1873." flanked by the foliate design, the lower tang is marked with the serial number, and the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL". The hammer, lever, trigger and buttplate are casehardened, and the remaining surfaces are blue. Mounted with a smooth oiled walnut forearm and straight grip stock. Comes with an 18 inch unmarked triangular bright socket bayonet. The accompanying factory letter verifies the musket configuration, 44 caliber, that it was received in the warehouse on August 31, 1903, and shipped out with 686 other Model 1873s to order number 13880 on September 18, 1903.

Very fine. The musket retains 90% original blue finish with some muzzle and edge wear, some wear and thinning on the barrel bands, a few scratches on the receiver, as well as some minor flaking and minor spotting on the receiver. Almost all of the original vivid case colors remain on the hammer, lever and buttplate. The wood is also very fine with some scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The bayonet is fine remaining mostly bright with some scattered discoloration.