Manufactured in 1883 as a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with rear serrations. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel (currently part octagon), plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, engraving, and gilt receiver, tip and buttplate with the balance nickel when received in the warehouse on September 3, 1883 and shipped the same day on order number 6101. The letter also lists a second order number dated June 1, 1887. The receiver features a wonderful factory engraving and is signed by John ulrich consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background along with detailed game scenes on the side plates. The left side plate depicts a hunter and stag scene inside an oval panel. The right side plate depicts a grizzly bear inside a circle panel inscribed "S.H. PALMER." Even the dust cover rail is engraved, and the forend cap, cartridge elevator and buttplate tang are engraved to match. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade Lyman front sight, an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight with adjustable insert, a Vernier tang peep sight graduated from 0 to 75 on the left side, and a half length magazine. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 WCF" at the breech. British proofs are present. The sling swivel on the forend cap is absent .The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, XXXX deluxe walnut with "H" style checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony insert. The buttstock is fitted with a sling swivel on the underside and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is stamped "XXXX 5003 R." The assembly number "5003" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate. Although the identity of S.H. Palmer remains unknown at the time of this writing, a search did find an interesting result: an outdoorsman from Milford, Pennsylvania. In one period account, Palmer and his deer hunting party were rushed by two bears, leading to an encounter that was so exciting that it was covered by a local paper.

Fine. Traces of original gilt finish remain in the engraving, and areas of original gilt remain around the trigger and on the lower tang; otherwise, the receiver is a smooth gray patina. Both side plates and dust cover retain 40% reapplied blue finish. The hammer, trigger and lever retain 90% original nickel plating. The forend cap and buttplate retain 70% faded reapplied blue finish. The engraving is crisp. The replacement barrel retains 80% plus thinned original blue finish. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.