Cataloged from 1878 to 1912 with all frames manufactured prior to 1898. As noted on page 105 of "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson: 3rd Edition, this revolver falls directly within a serial number range for Japanese contact guns shipped to Takata & Co for the Japanese navy. Fitted with a pinned round blade front sight and a raised notch on the barrel latch and the later style single finger extractor cam. The barrel is marked with the two-line Springfield address and patent dates with the "REISSUE JULY 25. 1871" marking at the end of the standard patent date listing. All matching numbers 22553 on butt, cylinder face, barrel latch, and top strap inside the latch cutout. The butt is factory fitted with a lanyard swivel and ring as called for in the Japanese contract. S&W remarked the serial number on these late contract revolvers as the addition of the lanyard button obscured the original number.

Very fine with 85% of the original nickel finish. Showing some areas of small nicks and dings, surface scratches, patchy mild brown patina and general handling marks. The grips are very fine with general handling marks and some scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.