These rifles are based on designs by General J. N. Reece (often misspelled Reese) and Reuben Chaffee and approved for production and field use by the Ordnance Department in 1882 for testing alongside the Lee and Hotchkiss rifles. Only 753 were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1884, making this model one of the rarest manufactured by the armory. Colt had manufactured the original test rifle, but their quoted price per gun and production time were too high. The rifles were ultimately sold off as surplus after trials. Many were damaged and simply sold as scrap. This example has standard markings and features including the crisp "SWP/1884" cartouche on the left side of the butt and circled script "P" on the underside of the wrist. There is also "41" and with what appears to be a "J" stamped between the numerals just ahead of the "P."

Fine with 70% original blue finish, 40% of the faded original case colors, smooth gray or brown patina on the balance, some patches of minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The stock is also fine and has mild scrapes and dings, some white paint marks, small flakes at the edge at the back of the action, and minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent.