This is an exceptional original example of a First Model Schofield Single Action revolver. A total of 3,035 of these were manufactured in 1875 with seven inch barrels, walnut grips and blue finish as the standard finish. The distinctive features of this revolver are the barrel catch attached to the frame rather than the top strap, the gracefully shaped frame and shorter ejector housing. The U.S. Ordnance Department ordered almost the entire production. Many were issued to the 4th Cavalry and the black troops of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the Indian Wars. Some notorious outlaws and lawmen of the Old West were known to have carried a Schofield as well. The left side of the ejector housing is marked with the two-line address/patent dates and "SCHOFIELD'S PAT APR 22D 1873" on the right side. The toe of the back strap is marked "US". The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, and right grip panel. U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector mark "L" and "P" appear on the rear cylinder face, and underside of the barrel lug. The left grip panel has an Ordnance script letter cartouche.