Manufactured by the Whitneyville Armory c. 1879-1883 based on the use of the serpentine lever and the earlier style serial number without a letter prefix. It features a Sheard bead style front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, "WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY CT. U.S.A. KENNEDY" on top of the barrel, "44 CAL. C.F." at the breech, nickel plated forearm cap and buttplate, the two-line patent marking and taps for peep sight mounting on the upper tang, "1898" on the lower tang and lever, varnished walnut stock and forearm, and cleaning rod in the stock compartment.

Fine with 50% original blue finish, 40% case colors on the hammer, 75% plus original nickel plating, brown patina and minor oxidation on the balance, and minor scratches and marks. The wood is also fine and has strong original varnish, mild scrapes and pressure marks, cracks at the toe and lower tang, and attractive grain on the butt. Mechanically excellent.