I also made this comment about the Cyrillic engraving on the top strap:
I don't know if this is connected or not. Today I polished my revolver with Renaissance Wax. After I buffed the gun, I had angled the top strap in the outside light to see if I had any leftover wax in the engraving. Hurrah! The engraving showed up extremely clear! So I did "keep on trying" to get a photo of the engraving.Uberti engraved something totally unexpected on the top of the barrel. I've not been able to take a photo because the dark engraving easily gets lost in the blued barrel. But I'll keep on trying. This is what they put there, very tiny letters, but beautiful engraving:
3-я русская оружейная фабрика А. Уберти Италия
Another reason I love this 1874 Russian; for me, this extra identification in Russian language is great.
The engraving translates to "3rd Russian weapon factory of A. Uberti Italy."
I propped the gun upright, and again found the same splash of light bringing out the lettering. Wow...I was successful in getting a quite clear picture. Was able to hold the camera steady, grabbed the auto-focus just fine, and took 4 shots. Yes, I know that's a small group to shoot! OK, I got two very good photos, and following is the best one. Just wanted to show off this "extra" I got with my revolver!
And while I'm in the "showing off" mood, also posting two gun photos after the Renaissance application. Think both the wood (I love the wood grip) and metal all perked up quite nicely. Renaissance is good stuff, and did my revolver proud!
PT7