This is a fine original example of a First Model Schofield Single Action revolver. A total of 3,035 of these were manufactured in 1875 with seven inch barrels, walnut grips and blue finish as standard. The distinctive features of this revolver are the barrel catch attached to the frame rather than the top strap, the gracefully shaped frame and shorter ejector housing. The U.S. Ordnance Department ordered almost the entire production. Many were issued to the 4th Cavalry and the black troops of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the Indian Wars. Some notorious outlaws and lawmen of the Old West were known to have carried a Schofield as well. The left side of the ejector housing is marked with the two line address/patent dates and "+SCHOFIELD'S PAT APR 22D 1873+" on the right side. The toe of the back strap is marked "US". The matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, with the letter "L" below it, and on the inside of the right grip panel. The letter "L" also appears on the frame under the cylinder and the bottom of the ejector housing flat is marked "L" "P". The top of the back strap is period stamped "237". All blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard, pinned blade front sight and fitted with smooth walnut grips with a clear 4 letter boxed cartouche on the lower left grip panel. Provenance: The Gateway Collection