Around 1870, Smith & Wesson launched a revolver with a new loading and unloading system with a swing-out barrel and cylinder. From then on, every revolver using that system was known as a “Smith.” Having abandoned the initial plan to manufacture their own regulation weapon, a Royal Order dated October 6, 1884 stated that use of the revolver would continue to be mandatory for commanders and officers both in the Army and the Civil Guard. However, a specific model was chosen: the 11 mm (0.43") caliber, model 1884 revolver. One of the models recommended was this Orbea Hermanos one, made in Spain, with the regulation caliber, rifled bore, double-action, and capacity for six cartridges.