This is a Third Model Winchester-Hotchkiss bolt action musket that was manufactured in 1893. The Ordnance Department purchased an undetermined but limited quantity of Third Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Muskets circa 1883-1899. The barrel has a pinned, replacement beaded blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. There are no visible government inspection or acceptance marks, but the buttplate tang is numbered "69." This may be a rack number and suggests the rifle was owned by a more local level agency such as a police department or National Guard/militia unit. This is further supported by the turned down bolt handle. This modification has been noted on rifles purchased by the State of California in 1915. Some of the rifles in that order were originally manufactured in the mid-1890s. This example lacks the bayonet rail seen on the California muskets indicating it may have been purchased by another state. Cleaning rod is absent.

Very fine as period modified (see above). 70% of the fading original blue finish remains on the barrel. The receiver retains 50% original case colors especially on the right side. The left side has some light pitting. The buttplate has some rough oxidation. The balance of the rifle has a gray and brown patina. The stock and forearm are fine with some minor dings and scratches. The action functions very well, and the markings are clear.