This rifle started life as one of 60,000 New Model 1863 carbines manufactured for use during the Civil War and was subsequently altered into a metallic cartridge sporting rifle, most likely by the factory. Some of these cartridge conversions are known to have been made for Western dealers and to have been used by professional buffalo hunters. The barrel has a Rocky Mountain style German silver blade front sight, boxed "Old Reliable" and the one-line Bridgeport address, a Lawrence patent rear sight, and no caliber markings. Matching numbers minus the "C," prefix are on the bottom of the barrel and inside of the forearm. The receiver and lock plate have the standard New Model patent markings. It is equipped with double set triggers. The forearm has a Schnabel style tip, and the buttplate has the standard buttstock and evidence of a now removed plaque on the right.

Good with a mix of brown and mottled gray patina throughout, some mild oxidation and pitting, and moderate overall wear. The refinished wood is fair with some surface chips, a small hole behind the lower tang, and scattered flakes, scrapes, and dents. The adjustment screw for the trigger group is absent, but it is mechanically fine otherwise.