Manufactured in 1881. The accompanying factory letter lists this rare short rifle with a 20 inch round barrel in .38 caliber and plain trigger when received in the warehouse on November 26, 1881 and shipped on December 5, 1881 with 17 other arms. Dovetail blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight on a barrel stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking and "38 CAL." The left side plate is stamped "LONDON ARMOURY/JAS KERR & Co/54 KING Wm St. E.C." London proofs are stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL." "MODEL 1873" is stamped on the upper tang. The straight grip stock has a steel shotgun buttplate, which does not letter, and a clear J. Kerr London Armory marking stamped on the right side of the buttstock. The assembly number "1437" is marked on the left side of the lower tang and stock inlet, and the assembly number "2239" is stamped on the buttplate.

Very fine, retaining 70% original blue finish thinning to a brown. 60% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 40% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with a hairline stress crack and surface chip near the buttplate heel, otherwise scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.