Manufactured in the 1870s and 1880s, it is estimated that several thousand of these revolvers were produced by Hopkins & Allen for Merwin, Hulbert & Co. This particular revolver is an early production example with the exposed cylinder pin, scooped cylinder flutes, and the scooped and open loading gate area on the right of the recoil shield, of which only a few thousand are estimated to have been made. This revolver shows an unusually high level of embellishment featuring the unique Merwin, Hulbert & Co. style engraving showing near full coverage of flowers, leaves, and dot designs, as well as a small bird on the left and a dog's head on the right. The back strap is inscribed "J.M.SARGENT.", whose identity is unknown. The embellishment on this revolver certainly befits someone of high status and excellent taste. It is fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus of the untouched original nickel finish with some scattered speckles of light flaking/pitting, most of the original enamel background, and crisp engraving overall. The slightly shrunken grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A work of firearms art!