Manufactured in 1887 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The Model 1873 is one of the most iconic firearms of the American frontier, and this example would have been one of the most desirable configurations for those seeking mobile firepower in the Wild West, and this example certainly has the look of having "been there and done that". The included 1981 dated ATF letter lists the carbine as exempted from the NFA and classified as an antique. The top of the barrel is faintly marked with the two-line address/King's patent marking and the caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a block blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight, and the saddle ring staple and ring are absent from the left of the receiver, with the two empty holes remaining. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection

Fair, showing mostly the mottled brown-grey patina of many years of use as a working gun with some scattered light pitting and a series of punch-dot tool marks on the left sideplate. The saddle ring staple is absent and the lever is slightly loose. The wood is also fair showing the weathering of a frontier arm, a few hairline cracks and numerous minor handling marks. Mechanically good.