Production of these revolvers started around 1886 after the tooling was purchased from Ludwig Loewe. Although approximately 35,000 were manufactured, these revolvers are very scarce in the U.S. and are reportedly just as rare in Russia. It has the Tula Arsenal Cyrillic marking on the barrel rib which includes the manufacture date "1889," the serial number, and an encircled "II" (lacks a double headed Russian eagle). The cylinder is also numbered to the gun. Other Russian markings are present throughout. A lanyard ring is mounted on the butt.

Fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance, high edge wear, grip straps mostly a smooth gray patina, and a couple patches of pitting. Hammer retains 30% original case colors, and traces of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The slightly oversize replacement grip are also fine with some dings. Mechanically excellent. Definitely one of the finer 3rd Model Russian contract revolvers one could find!