These rifles are based on designs by General J. N. Reece (commonly misspelled Reese) and Reuben Chaffee and approved for production and field use by the Ordnance Department in 1882 for testing alongside the Lee and Hotchkiss rifles. Only 753 were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1884. Colt manufactured the original test rifle. The rifles were ultimately sold off as surplus after trials. Many were damaged and simply sold as scrap. This example has standard markings and features including the crisp "SWP/1884" cartouche on the left side of the butt.

Very good plus with 40% original finish on the barrel, 30% of original casehardened finish elsewhere, smooth gray and brown patina on most of the balance, rusted and pitted buttplate, filler visible on the butt, and mild dings and scratches on the metal and wood. The magazine needs work. The action is mechanically fine.