Manufactured in 1890, Smith & Wesson historian Don Mundell notes that this revolver is one of only 100 of these .38 Safety Hammerless revolvers purchased by the U.S. government for U.S. Army trials in May of 1890. These revolvers have Third Model features despite being in the Second Model serial number range, 41333-41470 (note serial number of this revolver). The included factory letter lists the revolver with blue finish, 6 inch barrel with pinned blade front sight, notch rear sight cut in the raised section of the barrel latch, and hard rubber round-butt grips. Additionally, Mundell notes in the factory letter that very few of these revolvers have survived, and it is believed that most were destroyed during U.S. Army testing. The revolver has the push button barrel release, two line address/patent dates on the top of the barrel rib, and is marked "U.S." on the left side of the barrel lug. Casehardened trigger, five round fluted cylinder, and black checkered hard rubber grips with S&W logos at the top. The serial number on the butt, cylinder, and barrel all match. This is an ultra rare and desirable collector's piece.