Tam, via The Arms Room, brings us an interesting post about the Smith & Wesson’s small frame top break revolvers …

Although Smith & Wesson introduced their centerfire top-break revolvers, complete with automatic simultaneous extraction and ejection, in 1870, they were only available as bulky holster pistols for over half a decade. It wasn’t until 1876 that they brought a smaller model, suitable for concealed carry, to the market.