The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a 28 inch octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber and set trigger when it was shipped on June 16, 1883. The top barrel flat features the two-line address/patent date marking ending with "RE-ISSUE NOV. 9. 1880" ahead of the rear sight and "45 Govt" at the breech. Equipped with dovetailed blade front, elevation adjustable rear and tang sights.

Fine. The rifle retains 70% bright original high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina with large areas of cold blue touch-up visible on bottom of receiver. Traces of faded original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is fine with a small chip missing near the upper tang and some minor to moderate dings and scratches. Mechanically functions fine, but the adjusting set trigger screw is missing.