The factory letter confirms the rifle was in .38-55 W.C.F. and had a #3 26 inch octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Beach front sight, and graduated peep sight when received and shipped on April 11, 1887. It has a gold Beach combination globe and blade front sight, "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" on top of the barrel, adjustable sporting rear sight, "Cal 38-55" in script on top at the breech, "-.123" as well as "6" and the "VP" proof on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the breech, casehardened frame with the serial number and patent marking on the lower tang and a graduated peep sight fitted to the upper tang, and deluxe Schnabel tip forearm and pistol grip stock with style H checkering, contrasting inserts, "43" marked in pencil inside the forearm, and casehardened rifle buttplate.

Excellent overall. The barrel retains 97% plus of the original blue finish and has only minor wear at the edges and muzzle. The peep sight also retains 98% original blue and has minimal age and storage related wear. 95% plus original vivid case colors remain. The excellent wood has crisp checkering, attractive figure, glossy varnish, a few minor nicks and scratches, filled checks on the left, a dark line on the left side of the forearm at the rear, and minimal handling wear. Mechanically excellent. This rifle would be nearly impossible to improve on.