Manufactured as a First Model with the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver, raised checkered oval finger grip on top of the dust cover and the lever latch with the visible screw threads. The accompanying Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter (copy) states Winchester records lists this rifle with an octagon barrel, casehardened receiver, checkered stock, and plain trigger when it was received in the warehouse on March 13, 1877, and shipped on May 18, 1878. It is equipped with a dovetailed blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line address/King's Improvement patent dates marking, and the upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings. Mounted on nicely figured and checkered forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate featuring a compartment (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 273," and "273" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 25% plus original blue finish and the remaining metal surfaces retain 30% original case colors with the overall balance a smooth brown patina. 40% of the original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with a repaired crack on the stock wrist and forward forearm, some minor-moderate dings and scratches, and some scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp partially recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.