Civilian, 2nd Model S&W Schofield Revolver with original nickel plated finish. The S&W factory letter that accompanies the revolver states that it was shipped from the factory on September 1, 1877 as part of a shipment of twenty revolvers to S&W distributor M.W. Robinson of New York City. The S&W records state that the revolver was nickel plated with smooth walnut grips and a seven-inch barrel. The revolver is accompanied by a russet leather, full flap, military pattern holster that may be original to the revolver. The revolver is fully nickel plated except for the trigger, hammer, triggerguard and barrel latch which all have a casehardened finish. Both grips are stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance inspector and sub-inspector and the date "1877" is visible on the left grip above the initials. The left side of the barrel lug is marked: "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A." and has the '65-71' patent dates in two lines. The right side of the barrel lug is marked: "SCHOFIELDS PATS JUNE 20th 71. APRIL 22nd 73" in a single line. The serial number, "8737" is located on the butt and the rear face of the cylinder. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder below the serial number, on the inside of the frame and on the bottom of the barrel lug. An "E" sub-inspector mark is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug next to the proof mark and on the inside of the frame. The holster appears to date from the 1860-70s and is constructed of medium weight russet leather and has a full military type flap secured by an iron finial at the corner of the holster. A narrow belt loop is sewn to the back of the holster body and has been reinforced by three modern rivets. The holster has no end plug and appears to have been designed fro a revolver with a seven and one half or eight-inch barrel. There are no markings on the holster . Smith & Wesson manufactured only 685 Civilian Schofield Revolvers. Most civilian Schofield revolvers saw hard use and unaltered revolvers with significant amounts of original finish (particularly nickel) are difficult to find.

Fine. The revolver retains approximately 80-85% of the original nickel plated finish and about 75% of the casehardened finish. The cylinder shows significant finish loss with moderate rust and some light pitting. The right side of the revolver has scattered surface rust particularly on the frame and top strap. The backstrap has moderate handling wear. The left side of the barrel and frame shows significantly less finish wear and retain 80% or more of the nickel plating. The grips are in fine condition with moderate handling wear. The military inspection marks on the grips are faint but mostly legible. Screw heads are battered. Markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are clear. The action is tight and fully functional. The tip of the holster is bent from being used with a shorter barrel revolver (such as this revolver). The body and flap have scattered scuff marks. Seams are generally tight. The belt loop rivets are modern replacements. This is a very desirable example of a difficult to find factory documented nickel plated S&W Schofield Revolver.