This is an example of a Smith & Wesson 1st Model Schofield single action revolver that was manufactured in 1875 with a total production of only about 3000. This revolver has the "U.S." property stamp on the butt and Ordnance inspection marks on the barrel cylinder, frame and grips. The revolver has the S&W high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame and cylinder, casehardened trigger guard, hammer and frame latch and two piece oil-finished walnut grips. The barrel has a German silver half-moon front sight blade. The left side of the barrel lug is roll-stamped with the Smith & Wesson address and patent dates in two lines. The opposite side of the barrel lug is roll-stamped: "SCHOFIELD'S PAT. APR. 22D 1873" with a Maltese Cross on either end of the marking. The serial number is located on the butt and the rear face of the cylinder. The "L" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Samuel B. Lewis is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, the inside of the frame, and the rear face of the cylinder. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug and on the rear of the cylinder face. The script "SBL" initials of Samuel B. Lewis are stamped in a rectangle on the lower left grip. The right side of the frame is equipped with a Kelton type thumb safety. The safety is attached with one screws and functions as a thumb activated interlocking safety. Information on the Kelton safety is some what limited. What is known was that the ordnance department fitted approximately 25 revolvers with a safety hammer device invented by Col. John C. Kelton who was serving as Assistant Adjutant General, See Jinks and Neal Smith & Wesson book 1857-1945 page 219. Also see page 231 for pictures of an identical thumb safety also on a first model Schofield only 40 numbers apart in serial range. The factory letter states that this revolver was shipped from the factory on July 12, 1875 and delivered to the United States Armory, Springfield MA.

Good. The revolver retains traces of original blue finish which is concentrated to the entire right side of the revolver. The balance is an even gray patina. The barrel has some dark spotting and light handling marks. The barrel markings are still clear. The frame retains most of the original blue finish concentrated on the right with scattered handling marks and surface scratches. The checkering on the thumb safety appears to be finely executed. The grips are very good with some pressure marks. A ding is present on the left grip at the heel, the cartouche is faint but still visible. Overall a very unique example of a first model Schofield equipped with the Kelton thumb safety.