Manufactured c. 1875, this is an exceptionally fine example of a U.S. contract First Model Schofield single action revolver. Of the 3,035 First Model Schofields produced, almost all of them were purchased by the U.S. government, though some reportedly ended up in civilian hands, including the notorious Frank and Jesse James, as well as George Custer's chief scout, "Lonesome Charley". Many of these Schofields purchased by the government were issued to the 4th Cavalry Regiment, seeing service in the Geronimo Campaign, as well as to the famous 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, known as the "Buffalo Soldiers" seeing service in the Southwest. The majority of these revolvers saw hard use in the hands of U.S. cavalry troopers on the American frontier, with many of those that survived purchased as surplus and altered by Wells Fargo & Co., leaving very few examples for collectors in exceptionally fine condition like this one. This example has the distinctive First Model Schofield features, which are the barrel catch attached to the frame rather than the top strap, the gracefully shaped frame, shorter ejector housing, and the "US" marking at the toe of the butt, rather than the heel like the later Second Models. The left side of the ejector housing is marked with the two-line Smith & Wesson address and patent dates ending with "71" and flanked by Maltese crosses. This early production example correctly lacks the "73" patent date which is seen on those manufactured later. The right side of the ejector housing is marked with Schofield's patent date in one line, flanked by Maltese crosses. "US" is marked on the toe of the butt. The matching serial number, "239", is marked on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and inside the right grip panel. The left grip panel has the boxed "JFEC" inspection cartouche of J.F.E. Chamberlain. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight fitted in the groove that runs the entire length of the rib and a fixed notch rear sight in the barrel latch. Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a grey-brown patina, mostly in the form of mild holster/handling wear. The grips are very fine with some scattered minor dings/scratches and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The U.S. First Model Schofields are seldom available in their original configurations and in exceptional condition like this example!