Manufactured in 1894, the first year of production. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38-55 caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 30 October 1894 and shipped the same day. It goes on to state that this rifle was shipped with in the first ten days of delivery of Model 1894s to the warehouse. The barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and "38-55" at the breech. The three-line model/patent markings are on the upper tang and the exceptionally early three-digit serial number "152" is marked on the bottom of the receiver. A non-factory added filler screw is visible on the left side of the receiver. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.