Originally manufactured in 1876 as a First Model carbine with dual integral dust cover guide grooves on top of the receiver and a "thumbprint" checkered dust cover. The included factory letter states that the carbine was then altered at the factory to musket configuration with an angular bayonet on 7 March 1879 and shipped from the warehouse three days later in order number 14808. There are two visible filler screws on the left of the receiver where the saddle ring staple was removed. The barrel has the standard two-line address and King's patent marking on top and British proofs on the upper left of the barrel and receiver at the breech. There is a faint J. Kerr London Armoury stamp on the right side of the buttstock. Interestingly, the bottom of the cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL." a caliber not introduced until 1879, and not the caliber that the musket is chambered in, indicating that this musket maybe have been somewhat of a factory "parts" conversion, potentially for submission for a military contract (Spanish military contract Model 1873 muskets also shipped in 1879). The model designation is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a block blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight, as well as sling swivels. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine/military buttplate.

Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered patches of light pitting. The lightly sanded and re-oiled wood is also very good with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.