Manufactured in 1885 as a third model (dust cover guide rail integral to the receiver and dust cover featuring serrated finger grip on the rear) and special order X grade stock and half octagon barrel. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a half octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger and X stock when received in the warehouse on May 20, 1885, and shipped nearly a year later on April 30, 1886. The barrel has blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights and is marked with the two-line address/patent dates information ahead of the rear sight and "38 CAL" at the breech. The upper tang is factory tapped for sight mounting and is marked "MODEL 1873." The brass cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL." The lower tang has the serial number. Mounted on highly figured, varnished walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate with trapdoor (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is blank, the stock inlet has the assembly number "99X" or "X66," and the back of the buttplate has the number "1." The hammer, lever and buttplate are casehardened, leaving the remaining surfaces blue.

Exceptionally fine. The rifle retains 80% original high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina mixed with some very scattered. minor pitting. 30% original case colors remain on the hammer, lever and buttplate. 90% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is very fine with a number of minor dings and scratches and retaining most of the original "piano" varnish finish. Mechanically excellent.