This is a desirable example of a rare factory cased and engraved S&W Large Frame Lever Action Pistol. This early production, Type I, pistol has a .41 caliber, eight-inch, part-round barrel with integral 10-shot magazine. The barrel has a flat muzzle, flat magazine spring, 'clam shell' shaped follower and brass pinch-back front sight. The pistol has the early style, loading lever with finger spur and Type I carrier with single lever screw. The receiver has a screw-fastened, L-shaped, rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The pistol has two-piece, rosewood grips with a flared butt. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." in two lines on the right center. "CAST STEEL" is roll-stamped on the left side of the top barrel flat toward the muzzle and "PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the top flat near the receiver. The serial number, "42", is visible on the back face of the rear sight and on the left side of the frame beneath the grips. "42" is written in pencil on the inside of both grips. The sides, top and rear of the receiver, side plates and back of the hammer are decorated with standard factory scroll and leaf engraving. The barrel and magazine are browned. The receiver, side plates, grip straps and lever are a high polish blue. The bolt, rear sight and carrier are niter blue. The hammer is color casehardened. The flared rosewood grips have a high polish piano finish. The pistol is complete with a rare factory pine case with four compartments. The case is lined with deep purple velvet and contains a steel cleaning rod. This pistol and case are illustrated on page 89 of "VOLCANIC FIREARMS" by Lewis & Rutter and described as: "An early large frame S&W pistol with lever spur, serial number 42, in a period pine casing. The Type I pistol is in superb condition". S&W manufactured fewer than 500 No. 2, large frame lever action pistols c. 1854-55.