Only several hundred of these scarce revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured from the late 1870s to early 1880s in several variations. The top strap is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking along with "XL NO.8". Matching serial numbers are on the right side of the grip frame, right grip panel, and barrel. The XL Army and Navy are often considered to be the finest quality handguns made by Hopkins and Allen and would have been serviceable military sidearms though no government contracts are known.