This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Contract Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Revolver, one of the signature sidearms of the United States Army during the Westward Expansion. Of the 5,285 Second Model Revolvers procured by the government, few can be found in this sort of condition today. 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 proofmarks 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. Widely issued during the Indian Wars, the Schofield was an important stepping stone in American arms development, marking the transition from the percussion revolver to center-fire fixed cartridges. Used roughly and in primitive conditions, many of the Schofields were declared surplus after the full adoption of Colt's Single Action Army and either sold on the civilian marked via firms like Bannermans or relegated to Militia units; in civilian hands they continued to be carried Westward into the harsh frontier, and many Schofields rode on the belts of Militia soldiers called up for fighting in the Spanish-American War, performing hard service in the hot climate of Cuba. While the Schofield performed admirably, virtually none were treated gently, and many were used and abused to the point of destruction, making examples such as this one vanishingly rare on the market today.

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. A Second Model Schofield of this quality can be a centerpiece of a top shelf collection of Smith & Wesson or American Military arms, and after the hammer falls it may be a generation or more before it will be seen on the open market again.