Produced by Hopkins and Allen, small caliber revolvers like this were produced and sold by numerous firearm manufacturers across the world. In the United States, production of revolvers stepped up significantly during and after the Civil War, seeing use in civilian, police and military roles. The design of the revolver was a significant improvement from black powder flint and percussion lock designs, allowing the user of the gun much more ease of use, higher fire rate, and more accuracy (depending on the caliber and revolver). .38 and .32 caliber revolvers were usually small, light, compact and affordable which while sacrificing accuracy made it extremely easy to carry, store and conceal, leading revolvers like this one to become used primarily by law enforcement and civilians during the turn of the century. This revolver features a cylinder that can hold five shots, distinguishing it from other revolvers of the day which typically held six shots, like the Colt .38 Police Positive, a more common revolver used by law enforcement departments across the country. The first initials and last name of Frank S. Church can be seen engraved along the grip of the revolver.