Manufactured in 1888 with a casehardened receiver, as was standard on the Model 1886 until 1902. The Model 1886 was already a highly prized firearm in the American West due to its hefty firepower and dependability, but this example would have been even more so due to its chambering in .45-70, a caliber that would have been extremely prevalent on the frontier because of its adoption by the U.S. government. The standard two-line address and caliber are marked on the upper barrel flat. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. It's mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 30 October 1888 and shipment the next day.

Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish and faint traces of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered small patches of minor pitting, hallmarks of a frontier worked rifle. The wood is good with a few minor chips absent around the upper tang and some scattered minor handling marks, all signs of hard use but never abuse. Mechanically excellent.