Manufactured 1879 to 1887 with a total production of only 977, this is one of the rarest Smith & Wesson firearms produced. Only 239 of the total 977 were made with the 16 inch barrel. This early production example features a 16 inch barrel with a pinned beaded blade front sight, two leaf rear sight and two-line address/patent dates marking. A factory service department star is marked on the butt with August 1913 ("8.13") return date is on the grip frame for what was obviously a functional repair issue, as the finish is completely original. It lacks a factory refinishing mark. The forearm and grips are matching checkered red mottled hard rubber with the S&W monogram. The two digit serial number is found on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The stock is smooth walnut with blue finished attaching iron and a checkered hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram.