Manufactured circa 1874-1878, with this example having been manufactured with the "REISSUE JULY 25.1871" patent date on the rib. The majority of the "Reissue" Russian production was consumed by foreign martial contracts, particularly to Imperial Japan and Turkey, with a much smaller number entering the commercial market. The rib marking is marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10. 60. JAN. 17. FEB. 17. JULY 11. 65 & AUG.24. 69. RUSSIAN MODEL" followed by "REISSUE/JULY 25. 1871." which is stamped near the takedown screw. According to Neal and Jinks in their book SMITH & WESSON 1857-1945, there were 13,500 commercial model Russian 3rd Model Russian revolvers manufactured. This revolver appears to be one of about 4,500 which were numbered in other contracts of this series whereas the majority of commercial arms in this series were numbered in the 1 through 9,000 serial range. Integral forged blade front sight and latch notch rear, with the large knurled takedown screw ahead of the latch and the full serial number on the butt next to a boxed "1874" stamp and a small "P" inspector proof. The number "212" is found on the latch, barrel and cylinder. Fitted with the distinctive spur trigger guard and a set of smooth two-piece grips with the right grip panel numbered to the gun.

Excellent, appears unfired. The revolver retains 98% original nickel finish showing only the slightest isolated flaking on the cylinder. The trigger guard and hammer retain 85% original case colors. The grips are very fine with a small chip missing from the left panel and some minor handling marks. A stellar example of a highly desirable large frame S&W revolver.