This is a desirable and colorful variation of the 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. (This particular specimen is nickel with 5 inch shortened barrel). 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. This revolver was one of a number that had the barrel shortened to 5 inches and sold as government surplus to New York dealer Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, who in turn sold them to Wells Fargo. It has the standard two line address/patent dates on the left side of the ejector housing and Schofield's patent information on the right. The right side of the ejector housing below the patent info is marked in slant italic letters "W. F. & CO. EX. 165". The "165" is the Wells Fargo & Company inventory number which matched the guns serial number. The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face (with an "L" below it), barrel under the latch, inside face of the barrel latch, and right grip. There is another small "L" marked on the flat underside of the extractor housing as well as a "B". The revolver is completely nickel plated except for the hinge screw and trigger which are blue, and the casehardened hammer.

Fine. The revolver retains 70% period retailer applied nickel finish with the balance as smooth brown patina. The nickel has a slight frost appearance. The grips are very good as revarnished with some minor dings and scratches, with the bottom of the right grip appearing to have been subsequently sanded. Mechanically fine.