There were only 100 of these 38 Safety Hammerless' sold to the U.S. Government in May of 1890, making these one of the most difficult and desirable of all U.S. contract arms. The revolvers are Third Models, although they are in the Second Model serial number range, 41333 - 41470 ( note serial number of this revolver). 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 checkered hard rubber grips with S&W logos at the top. The serial number on the butt, cylinder and barrel all match. The included factory letter confirms the barrel length, finish and hard rubber grips with the revolver shipped to the U.S. government, National Armory, Springfield, MA on April 31, 1890.

Good. The revolver has a smooth gray patina with some pitting overall. The grips show handling wear and are mostly smooth with some deep gouging on the left panel. Barrel is loose, otherwise the action is fine.