The Schofield revolvers were arguably some of the best revolvers of the period and have gained legendary status. These revolvers were based on modifications of the standard Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver by Col. George Schofield to make it easier for cavalrymen to reload while riding. The top break design allowed for much faster extraction and reloading than Colt's Single Action Army design; some tests suggest a trained cavalryman could reload the Schofield in half the time he could load a SAA. The slightly lower power .45 S&W Schofield cartridge also had more manageable recoil which allows for faster follow up shots but still proved effective in battle. However, the U.S. Ordnance Department favored Colt's slower loading solid frame design. That Smith & Wesson chambered it for their proprietary cartridge rather than .45 Colt certainly did not help. Colt's design was more durable and reliable. It was occasional supply line problems that put an end to the Army's use of the Schofield and sticking with Colt's famous revolvers; .45 Colt ammunition would only work in the Colts, but the .45 Schofield worked in both revolvers but was not always shipped to units issued Schofield revolvers. Thus, the Schofields were removed from military service by the end of the decade, and the revolvers made their way onto the commercial market. Many were altered or updated by retailers to fit their customers' tastes. Many were used by lawmen, express agents, outlaws, and pioneers in the Old West. Frank James, Jesse James, and Cole Younger are all reputed to have used Schofields at one time. Gun collectors across various genres have discovered the Schofield, and these revolvers are extremely popular. This is an exceptional original example of a First Model Schofield 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. 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 U.S. military markings include "US" stamped on the butt, "L" and "P" stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face, and script letter cartouche on the left grip panel. The matching serial number appears on the butt, right grip panel, and cylinder. Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and high edge wear. The trigger guard has faded to a very attractive gray. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also excellent with some scattered handling marks and clear cartouche. Mechanically does not rotate cylinder without manual rotation assistance. An exceptional U.S. S&W First Model Schofield revolver well deserving of the finest collection.