This is an example of an extremely early production, U.S. Army S&W Schofield Revolver. The First Model was manufactured in 1875 with a total production of 3,035. The revolver has a high polish blue finish, casehardened hammer and trigger guard, and oil-finished walnut grips. The matching serial number is located on the bottom of the grip strap and the rear of the cylinder face. The left side of the ejector housing is marked with the two line address/early 1865-1871 patent dates and the right side is marked "+SCHOFIELD'S PAT. APR. 22D 1873+". "U.S." is marked on the toe of the butt. Ordnance sub-inspector "L" and "P" markings are stamped on the flat below the ejector housing and rear face of the cylinder. Pinned blade front sight and notch rear sight on the frame mounted barrel latch. There is a faint boxed cartouche on the lower left grip panel. The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver was shipped to the U.S. Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts on July 12, 1875. Many Schofields were issued to active military units in the 1870s and early 1880s and were the handgun of choice to many famous Wild West outlaws such as the James Gang and Cole Younger, and lawmen Bill Tilghman and Frank Lowery of O.K. Corral fame.