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Smith & Wesson Schofield 2nd Model Revolver c.1876

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,300.00 - 2,800.00 USD
Smith & Wesson Schofield 2nd Model Revolver c.1876
This is an excellent Frontier and US Cavalry used and holstered Smith & Wesson .45 caliber Schofield 2nd Model Revolver with U.S. markings and serial number of 5727, manufactured in circa 1876. The Smith & Wesson Schofield is a top-break six-shot single action revolver taking the .45 cartridge. These historical revolvers were favorites with the U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars, but were issued in very small quantities as only 5284 2nd Model Schofield’s were issued for the Cavalry with U.S. martial markings. It has also been documented that many Schofield .45 caliber revolvers were used in Custer’s Battle of the Little Bighorn. This example was originally made with a 7 inch barrel with most of the Schofield’s being later removed from government inventories and sold as surplus to several large arms dealers of the day who shortened the barrels, refinished the guns and resold them for use on the Western Frontier. Many of these Frontiersman resold Schofield’s were nickel plated and often would have the U.S. markings on the butt removed, with this example remarkably retaining the original “U.S.” markings on the butte. The revolver shows a scarce matching serial numbered frame and cylinder. The “SCHOFIELD’S PAT. APRIL 22, 1873” marking is very clearly legible on the right side of the ejector housing on the lower part of the barrel. The grips are a very aged, yellowed and worn ivory or bone and are appearing to be solid, a wonderful addition. The piece has the correct single letter government inspection stampings on various parts. The action works with the hammer functioning properly and the indexing and extracting mechanism of the cylinder a little loose. This shows a fine, lightly border-tooled brown pouch holster and is obviously fitted to this particular revolver and is in sound condition with all stitching and belt loop intact. This is a very colorful and historical Smith 7 Wesson Schofield that saw real use with the U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars and then as a civilian arm on the Western Frontier!