Manufactured in 1885, this particular example is a Third Model with the distinctive integral dust cover rail. Blade front sight, adjustable buckhorn rear sight and tang mounted short range peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/King's Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight, and "44 CAL." at the breech. The brass elevator is marked "44 CAL". The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number on the lower tang. All blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever, and mounted with a smooth forearm with iron end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included). Single set trigger is also an additional factory feature present on this model 1873 rifle.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 60% thinning blue finish mixed with plum on the barrel and brownish gray on the magazine tube. The receiver retains 80% bright original blue finish with streaks and areas of smooth brown patina. There is a small area of pin prick type pitting on the left rear of the receiver. There are some strong traces of original case colors on the left side of the hammer, otherwise the hammer, lever and buttplate have a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is very fine with overall scattered minor dings, pressure dents and scratches. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.