Manufactured in 1877 as a First Model carbine with the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the receiver, dust over with a checkered oval thumbprint grip on top and lever latch with visible screw threads. The front sight is integral to the barrel band, and there is a two leaf rear sight (one leaf absent). The barrel has the two-line address/King's improvement patent dates marking. This early carbine correctly lacks caliber markings. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The left side plate has the genuine period engraved inscription: "CONSTANTINO/NANDEN." At the time of this writing Constantino Nanden remains unidentified. Mounted with a carbine forearm and straight grip stock with trapdoor buttplate containing a three-piece cleaning rod.

Very fine, retaining half of the period retailer applied silver plating with the balance a mixed brown-gray patina. The inscription is crisp. The dust cover screw is absent. Traces of original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The forearm has an absent sliver and a few short hairline stress cracks ahead of the barrel band and the buttstock has a couple long hairline stress cracks, otherwise the good wood has minor handling marks. A very interesting and desirable first Model 1873 carbine that will bring added dimension to any Winchester collection.