As outlined in the factory letter, only 276 of these revolvers were manufactured and sold between 1900 and 1910. They are based on the .44 Double Action Frontier and differ only in the caliber they are chambered for. This early example, serial number 52, is listed as shipped on December 20, 1902, to Great Falls Hardware Co. in Great Falls, Montana with 6 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish. The revolver was subsequently sent back to the factory for repair or refinishing as shown by the star by the serial number on the butt. The return must have been early on because the revolver certainly appears to have subsequently seen significant use in the West. It has the standard markings and features, including all matching serial numbers. The underside of the grips have roughed up areas were earlier markings appears to have been defaced along with the initials "FHM" below on the left and the matching serial number on the right. Those initials match many men and women that lived in Montana in the period, including Dr. Frank H. Martin and Fred Hide Masterson.

Good with genuine and attractive mottled gray and brown patina overall, some mild oxidation/pitting, marred hammer screw, and moderate overall wear suggestive of a colorful working life on the Montana ranges. The grips have classic faded "chocolate" brown coloration and moderate handling wear. Mechanically fine. This revolver certainly would have been an excellent sidearm paired with a .38-40 Winchester rifle. Smith & Wesson top break revolvers' faster reloading abilities certainly could have been a life saver in a shootout, and the reliable double action would have allowed for faster firing than Colt's famous Single Action Army which was often paired with a Winchester. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.