Manufactured in 1874 as a first model with dust cover held in place by two integral guides. The barrel has a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" and is factory drilled and tapped with filler screws. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Comes with a four piece cleaning rod.

Very good. Strong amounts of original blue finish remain in the protected areas, otherwise the rifle has a smooth browning patina. The dust cover oval has been recut. Traces of original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with some chipping at the tangs and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.