Manufactured 1872-1874 these revolvers were extremely popular on the Western frontier and in Mexico. This model was commonly known as the American 2nd Model and is an improved model of the First Model. The changes include a larger trigger pin which necessitates a bump in the formerly straight line of the bottom of the frame, an interlocking hammer and barrel latch and a steel front sight. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the one line Smith & Wesson address and five patent dates ending with Aug 24, 1869. It features the 8 inch barrel with a pinned half moon front sight and a notch in the barrel latch serves as the rear sight. The hammer is casehardened, and the grips are smooth nicely figured walnut. All matching numbers.

Very fine with 50% original blue finish remaining on the barrel, strong in sheltered areas. The balance has thinned on high points to a mottled brown patina with some scattered handling marks. The cylinder retains 40% original blue finish, strong in the flutes; the balance is now a mottled gray patina. 70% original blue finish remains on the frame thinning along the grip strap and showing some isolated spotting on the left side of the frame and some casual handling marks. The grips are also very fine with only a few scattered pressure marks. The action is excellent. Due to the popularity of this model, many examples saw heavy use; finding one in this condition is relatively difficult.