Rifles based on James Paris Lee's designs were most famously used by the British Empire in both World Wars, but they also played a role in the U.S. military in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Model 1882 was very short lived. In 1885, the design was modified to have larger extractors and cocking knobs. As a result, only about 1,000 Model 1882 Lee rifles were manufactured for the military, and of those, 770 were for the Army. The rear sight, buttplate and barrel bands were furnished by Springfield Armory. The left side of the receiver is marked "E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION. N.Y. U.S.A./SOLE MANUFACTURERS AND AGENTS/U.S." The top of the left receiver rail is marked with "THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. U.S.A./PATENTED NOV. 4TH 1879" followed by the serial number. "U.S." and "V/P" are marked on the left rear of the barrel. David F. Clark's "D.F.C." inspection markings are on the left side of the barrel at the breech, right receiver rail, and right side of the bolt, and his cartouche is on the right side of the stock below the "US" marked buttplate tang. The under side of the stock wrist is stamped with "D.F.C." and a script "P" proof behind the trigger guard, which has a removable collection mark.

Very fine. 80% original blue finish remains on the barrel with edge wear, scattered nicks and scratches, areas of a light brown patina, and good legible markings. 70% darkened original case colors remain on the receiver. The rear sight screw is damaged. The stock is fine with crisp, legible inspection and acceptance marks, and small dings and bruises throughout. A semi-circular, slightly raised hairline crack is on the top of the wrist protruding from rear of receiver. Mechanically excellent.