This is a good looking Model 1873 sporting rifle with special order 28" octagon barrel in Caliber 38-40.  Serial number is in the 439,000 range which dates its production to last part of 1892.  Standard full magazine and crescent rifle buttplate w/trapdoor.  Original sights include the standard semi-buckhorn rear and dove-tail front with German silver blade.  Original hammer has decorative dipped border which is also correct for 1892 production.

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Fine+ with 50-60% thinning original receiver blue.  Barrel and mag tube show 70-75% faded original blue.  Hammer shows strong traces of original case colors while the lever has turned mostly brown.  Nice markings and sharp edges throughout.  Wood is in fine condition with nice wood to metal fit and no cracks.  Most of the original varnish is intact and nice wood to metal fit...with wood correctly standing slightly proud above the metal surfaces. Action works perfectly and shows very little use with original blue still present in high wear areas like the top of the bolt and the firing pin.  Bore is excellent with strong rifling and still nice and bright.  Very good screws overall.

Item# 8231

SOLD