Manufactured in 1875 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 action is fitted with a special order single set trigger. Period replaced copper blade in front sight and elevation adjustable rear sights on a barrel marked with the two-line address/patent dates information. The rifle properly lacks caliber markings. "MODEL 1873" is marked on the upper tang. Mounted on a nicely figured and checkered forearm and straight grip stock. The crescent buttplate has a compartment and contains a four-piece cleaning rod. The lower left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 552." "552" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.