serial #2455 was made on Oct. 3, 1874 and was shipped as a 24" round barrel. Letter further states that it was returned on Jan 24, 1904. Condition of the gun is exquisite. The barrel and tube retain at least 98% original blue finish. The receiver retains at least 80% brilliant blue on both sides except for the side plates which are basically patina with flashes of blue and patina. Ample case colors on hammer and lever. Wood is beautiful and no cracks or chips. Bore is gem mint as is the action. Thumbprint dust cover is the early raised oval. Gun has original vintage sling swivels not mentioned in letter. The bore of the rifle has the first style rifling only found on first models where as the lands and grooves are both the same size. This changed on the second model 44-40's. When this gun was sent back in 1904, the factory stamped 44 WCF on barrel and brass lifter as they were not stamped in 1874 when the 44 was the only caliber. When it left for the second time in 1904, there were four calibers and Winchester stamped this rifle , probably for liability reasons, that future owners would not load with wrong caliber but this barrel is the original first model barrel, not a 1904 replacement. Beautiful very early first model in top notch condition.