This rifle was manufactured in 1891. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "--MODEL 1886--". The 1884 and 1885 patent dates are marked on the lower tang directly behind the trigger, and the serial number is at the end. It features a dovetailed blade front sight, sporting leaf rear sight marked "1886" and graduated to "10", blue barrel and full length magazine, casehardened remaining parts, and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with steel forend cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies the rifle configuration, caliber, octagon barrel, plain trigger, that it was received in the warehouse on March 19, 1891, and shipped in order number 22564 on April 18, 1892. There is also a Cody Museum letter which verifies the same information.

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 80% of the original blue finish with some mild muzzle and edge wear, some thinning on the magazine tube and a few areas of residue from a protective coat of varnish. 99% of the original bright blue finish remains on the bolt. The forend cap has silvered out. The receiver retains 30% plus original case colors with a smooth silver on the balance. Most of the original case colors remain on the hammer. The lever has a smooth silver/gray patina with original case colors in protected areas, and the buttplate has a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is very good as lightly sanded and refinished and shows only a few minor dents and handling marks. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.