U.S. Smith & Wesson 2nd Model Schofield .45 S&W 7″ Revolver 1876 Antique

SOLD FOR: $8,050

LSB#: 231108DM025

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Schofield 2nd Model

Serial Number: 5738

Year of Manufacture: 1876

Caliber: .45 S&W (Schofield), Black Powder Only

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Top-Break, Self-Ejecting Revolver

Barrel Length: 7″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a “U” notch in the barrel latch. The rib has a “V” groove that runs the length of the rib and top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut panels. The right panel is stamped with the serial number. Each panel has a cartouche and the left panel is marked “1876”. There are a couple compressions and draglines. The heaviest marks are on the bottom faces. There is wear on the edges. The grips rate in about Fine Plus overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is strong. There are some small spots of light erosion and oxidation in the bore. In my opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10. Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The frame, barrel, cylinder, barrel latch, barrel latch block, and rear barrel latch block screw are marked with the serial number. The bluing is strongest and most noticeable on the frame. There are scattered areas of oxidation and some scattered areas of patina. There are a few small spots of light scabbing. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are areas of patina. There are scattered handling marks. The screwheads are lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some minor side-to-side movement. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This revolver comes to us from 1876 as a 2nd Model Schofield in .45 S&W, with inspector marks and a “US” marking on the heel. The U.S. Army adopted the .44 S&W American caliber Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver in 1870, making the Model 3 revolver the first standard-issue cartridge-firing revolver in US service. Most military pistols until that point were black powder cap and ball revolvers, which were (by comparison) slow, complicated, and susceptible to the effects of wet weather. In 1875 the US Ordnance Board granted Smith & Wesson a contract to outfit the military with Model 3 revolvers incorporating the design improvements of Major George W. Schofield (known as the “Schofield revolver”), providing that they could make the revolvers fire the .45 Colt (AKA “.45 Long Colt”) ammunition already in use by the US military. Smith & Wesson instead developed their own, slightly shorter .45 caliber round, the .45 Schofield, otherwise known as the .45 S&W. This item still has some of its bluing left, good markings, and a very very impressive bore for an Antique. If you are a collector of Smith & Wesson or martially marked firearms, your collection is not complete without a US Schofield, especially one that has survived this nicely….this one is a beauty!! Please see our pictures and good luck!