Interesting thot, Jim. It could very well have been that way since this top break was used primarily by cavalry. The non-shooting hand could have still held the horse's reins while ejecting brass. Or possibly the top of a leg could have be used as the non-shooting hand functioned to "break open" the revolver.
You'll see the gun in August. I plan to shoot the Russian when we get together. It's my go-to revolver these days.
PT7