This First Model with the dust cover held in place with grooved guides was manufactured in 1875. The rifle has a replacement blade front sight with an adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The lever catch is also a crude period replacement. Top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/patent date information, upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873", and the lower tang is marked with the serial number. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with metal forend cap and crescent buttplate with compartment.

Good. The rifle has a smooth brown-gray patina with a darker patina on the magazine tube. There is some minor pitting on the receiver. The revarnished wood is good with a few hairline cracks, a few shallow dents, and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.