This revolver is one of 3,000 First Model Schofields purchased by the U.S. Government. Its low, three digit serial number indicates it was manufactured in the early months of production, and the factory letter confirms it was shipped to Springfield Armory on July 12, 1875 in the standard configuration. They were used by the U.S. Army for only a few years before being sold as surplus on the civilian market and used in the West by Wells Fargo express agents and many others. The Schofield had the advantage of being easier and faster to reload than Colt's venerable Single Action Army but were essentially dropped from government use because Smith & Wesson foolishly designed the revolvers around a proprietary .45 Shoefield caliber cartridge instead of the .45 Colt cartridge that was already in use and had been requested by the government. Had they been chambered in .45 Colt, the Schofields and Smith & Wesson's other No. 3 series revolvers would have likely had an even larger impact on the history of the Old West than they already did. This example has the standard first model markings and features, including matching serial numbers on the right grip panel and butt and faint cartouches.

Fine. The barrel, cylinder, and back strap mostly display gray and brown patina while the sides of the frame retain 50% plus original blue finish. This wear pattern is consistent with extended carrying in a holster and is common on guns used in the West. The grips are good with heavy handling wear, a faint outline of the cartouche still visible, and an added hole drilled above the grip screw on the left. Mechanically fine with mostly crisp markings.