Manufactured in 1888 as a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edge. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .44 caliber and plain trigger when received in the warehouse on July 2, 1888, and shipped with 36 other Model 1873s on October 29, 1888. The barrel has a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 WCF" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." The upper tang has the model designation, and the lower tang has the serial number. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate holding a four piece steel cleaning rod.

Fine. The barrel, forend cap, dust cover and receiver retain 60% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 40% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The magazine tube retains streaks of original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The buttplate has a mixed brown-gray patina. 40% darkened original case colors remain on the hammer, and traces of original case colors remain on the lever. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches and retaining most of the original finish. Mechanically excellent.