The factory letter indicates this rifle was serial numbered on November 17, 1890, received in the warehouse on December 16, 1890, and shipped on February 25, 1891, in order 1109 as a rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel, and plain trigger. It was manufactured as a Third Model with a dust cover guide rail integral to the top of the receiver and dust cover featuring serrated finger grip on the rear. The barrel has dovetailed blade and elevation adjustable sights and is marked with the two-line address/patent dates information ahead of the rear sight and "38 W.C.F." at the breech. The receiver has the "step" at the junction with the barrel found on rifles chambered for .22, .32 and .38 caliber cartridges. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and is factory drilled and tapped for mounting a peep sight, the cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL," and the lower tang has the serial number. Mounted on a smooth forearm and straight grip stock. The stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate featuring a trapdoor.
Excellent. The rifle retains 90% plus original blue finish with the top rear of receiver thinning to a brown and a patch of dark corrosion at the muzzle. The buttplate, hammer and lever retain 60% original case colors with bright areas on lower buttplate. The loading gate retains 85% bright original nitre blue. The wood is also excellent showing a shallow narrow gash on the forearm, otherwise some minor pressure dents and scratches and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent.
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