The factory letter indicates this rifle was in 32 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, casehardened frame, and pistol grip configuration and also had no stock when it was shipped from the factory on March 5, 1886. The forearm has style H checkering and may be factory, and the period custom semi-pistol grip buttstock has scalloped, triple point checkering, a curled bottom on the wrist and a high gloss varnished finish. The rifle also features a beaded blade front sight, the two-line address and patent marking on top of the barrel followed by an adjustable sporting rear sight and then "32 CAL," "32 CAL." on the elevator, "{MODEL. 1873.}" on the upper tang, the serial number and "A" on the tip of the lower tang, and a casehardened buttplate with a trapdoor compartment (empty).

Very fine with 90% plus original blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube, 80% original case colors, 95% original blue finish on the dust cover and 80% nitre blue on the loading gate, absent front sight bead, minor spotting on the upper tang which is slightly proud of the stock, light edge wear, and minimal light scratches and marks. The forearm is very fine and has mostly crisp checkering, minor scratches and dings, a small repaired flake on the right side at the junction with the frame, and nearly all of the original glossy varnish remaining. The buttstock is very fine and has crisp checkering, some attractive figure along the bottom, nearly all of the original glossy varnish remaining, and some small dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.