The letter describes this Model 1873 as: "Type: Rifle, Barrel Type: Octagon, Barrel Length: 28 inches (crossed out), Trigger: Set, Checkered stock with pistol grip, Sights: Beach grad peep, 1/2 Magazine, Casehardened" and "Sling and swivel". The letter states that this rifle was shipped from Winchester on November 17, 1881. The rifle has the Second Model receiver with screw-fastened dust cover guide rail and dust cover with serrated finger grip on the rear edges. The 24-inch, full octagon barrel has a Beach folding combination front sight and buckhorn, sporting style rear sight with knurled edges. A folding graduated peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. Factory sling swivels are fitted on the forearm cap and stock. The receiver has a Winchester single set-trigger. The crescent steel buttplate has a sliding brass trap door and the butt trap contains a four-piece, jointed, steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe, highly figured, fancy grade walnut with checkered panels and a piano finish. The bottom of the pistol grip has a horn inlay. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is roll stamped in small script letters on the lower tang between the lever latch and rear tang screw. The barrel and magazine have a blue finish. The receiver has the very desirable casehardened finish with casehardened forearm cap, hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate. The half magazine identified in the Cody letter has been replaced with a full-length magazine

Very good. The refinished, replacement barrel and magazine have a smooth, plum blue patina. The barrel legend is sharp. No finish remains on the dust cover. The case colors on the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate have faded to a mottled silver-gray patina. The buttplate has scattered age spotting. The deluxe, highly figured walnut stock and forearm are in very good condition. The recut checkering on the pistol grip and forearm shows moderate handling wear. The stock and forearm show scattered handling and storage marks.