Manufactured circa 1874-1878, as one of the 9,000 Russians (both Second and Third models) produced with the "REISSUE JULY 25.1871" patent date on the rib. The majority of the "Reissue" Russian production was consumed by foreign martial contracts, particularly to Imperial Japan and Turkey, with a much smaller number entering the commercial market. Accompanied by a factory letter which states that this revolver was shipped to M.W. Robinson of New York City, Smith & Wesson's largest distributor on August 5, 1877 as a 100 unit mixed order. This revolver was shipped with a 6-1/2" barrel, nickel finish, butt swivel and walnut grips, with a note from S&W Historian Roy Jinks that the grips were most likely installed by Robinson's company, which is known to have performed special order work directly for Smith & Wesson. The revolver was without question part of a store display and was more than likely one of its centerpieces as it features a more deluxe and profuse pattern. The engraving extends from the muzzle to the butt and exhibits a beautiful scroll, vine and punch dot pattern. The revolvers most unusual motifs are exhibited on the circular barrel hinge and on the barrel latch. Fitted with a beautiful pair of grips, again no question done as part of the display. Integral forged blade front sight and latch notch rear, with the large knurled takedown screw ahead of the latch and matching full serial numbers on the latch, barrel, cylinder and butt, the latter next to a boxed "1874" stamp and a small "P" inspector proof.

Excellent retaining as much esthetic beauty as it did while it was a display gun with 95% nickel finish showing flaking throughout but concentrated to the cylinder and forcing cone. The grips are very good having taken on a pleasant aged mellow patina with minor shrinkage and age cracks on the butt. All in all this revolver has aged brilliantly as it truly has a striking presence. Mechanically fine.