This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Contract Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield revolver and is unquestionably the finest we at Rock Island auction have ever offered for sale. Smith & Wesson manufactured 5,285 Second Model Schofield revolvers under government contract. Finished with high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame. The hammer and trigger guard are casehardened. The revolver is roll-stamped with the "U.S." property mark on the rear of the butt. "E" and "P" inspector proof marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on the bottom of the barrel flat. The serial number "5989" is stamped on the bottom of the butt, the rear face of the cylinder and on the inside of the right grip. The right side of the barrel lug is roll-stamped "+ SCHOFIELD'S PAT. APR. 22D 1873 +". The left side of the barrel lug is marked "+SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A.PAT.JAN.17TH/&24TH 65. JULY 11 65. JULY 27TH 71." in two lines with a large Maltese Cross on either side of the marking. The left stock is stamped with the inspector's script initials "JRJr" in an oval above "1876". The Sub-Inspector's script initials "CW" are stamped in an oval on the right grip. These revolvers were issued to both regular Army and state militia units. The Army Schofield revolvers saw extensive use in the Indian Wars and the militia revolvers remained in government service through the Spanish American War.

Excellent. Over all the revolver retains 90% plus original and handsome high polish original factory blue. The barrel retains 70% original blue finish of which the balance was lost to time and not wear, it appears that the blue has simply fallen off the barrel. The frame including the grip straps retain 98% plus original bright blue finish with only the beginning signs of high edge wear. The screw heads still exhibit the majority of their brilliant niter blue finish. The vibrant hammer and trigger guard retain 98% of their original vibrant and deep case colors and still retain a low luster appearance as they would when they left the factory. The markings are crisp and clear. The grips are magnificent, this writer cannot recall seeing a pair of cartouches so pristine and sheltered from time. This is quite possibly a once in a life time opportunity to own a Second Model Schofield of this condition. This writer can recall only one other revolver similar to this in quality and condition, of which is already committed to a lifetime collection.