This S&W is an incredible example of the early American Frontier. A 1st year production 1870 and a scarce example of the civilian trade. This American, Serial No. 98X is not a Military contract specimen, as 1,000  of the first 1,500 ( all oil hole models) went to the U.S. Government, eventually in Cavalry service in the far frontier. This American .44 represented the first large frame cartridge revolver on the frontier, years ahead of Colt. Discovered in New Mexico, and it comes with a Museum/ Gallery letter detailing pertinent information as to it's rarity and Frontier value. Bear in mind there were ever only 1,500 Oil Holes made, that feature was gone by 1871. The importance of this revolver was known to the ones who most depended on one, " Buffalo" Bill, Texas Jack Omohundro, Dallas Stoudenmire, E.G . Waters, on and on.... It was FAST to load, fast to fire, excellent balance with the 8 inch barrel, and sloping curve of the grip lessened recoil and improved accuracy. This American has about 30 -35% of the original factory blue finish, the balance is a "plum" patina , all merging to a uniform appearance. It has never been cleaned or touched, all original. The hammer exhibits a high degree of the original case color hardening, somewhat less on the trigger guard. All factory applied markings are present, all parts are original, and all matching serial numbers. It is fitted with ( ORIGINAL TO 1870) a pair of Mexican style carved Ivory grips. The Snake & Eagle/ Cactus pattern seen on may early revolvers from the West/Southwest.

When the right side escutcheon was lost, it was replaced by a Silver one for the grip screw, Silver was plentiful in N.M. Ty. The grips are untouched and have an appearance only 150 years can create. !

even after 150 years, the WORKING actions still operate correctly. The star ejector rises, ejects, and returns to the cylinder, the revolver opens, locks closed, the hammer rotates the cylinder perfectly, and it indexes and locks into position for firing. As I said all correctly !! A RARE  and fine piece of the Early Frontier, and a scarce model variation. PRICE $ 4,850

The "Oil Hole" , found on the bottom of the barrel  & extractor housing. In theory it was to allow lubrication of the shell extractor mechanism.

Original Schofield revolvers are rather scarce due to their history. Issued to the U.S. Government ( Cavalry), then retired and sold as surplus in the 1890's, and were altered to 5 inch barrels. However, the most unique are the civilian models, NEVER being Military, but made for the U.S. domestic market. Only 650 2nd Models were manufactured for civilian sales, this is one of them. Although the U.S. Issue models seem to be the focus of attention, due to the Indian Wars and Cavalry association, the civilians saw much use on the Western Frontier. They were very popular with westerners, and well accepted for their ease of loading and unloading rapidly ! One westerner of notoriety carried  a Schofield, Alexander Franklin James ! This civilian, Serial No. 854X is all original and matching. All factory applied markings are present. It has about 70% of all the original factory nickel finish with just a slight amount of patina on limited areas. The grips are smooth Walnut and show only normal hand use, no damage.

Mechanically, the revolver functions 100% correctly on ALL working actions, each and every time called upon : Breaks open, ejects, closes, indexes, locks tight, and releases to fire.

In a beautiful embossed advertising piece, originally from a western arms dealer it shows the quintessential Cowboy in full gear ready to fend off a pesky rattle snake, with his trusty revolver. What is the revolver ? a Nickel Plated .45 Schofield !! This alone attests to the popularity of the Schofield out side the original military world. ( advertising piece display purposes only) An excellent addition to any western antique arms collection.

PRICE $ 3,850 SOLD/HOLD

THIS IS A CONTOUR SLIM JIM HOLSTER WITH FLAP FOR THE S&W CIVILIAN SCHOFIELD .45 REVOLVER !

This Holster has all construction characteristics of the 1870's , the same dates of the Schofield ! It remains in EXCELLENT condition, with a dark brown color, and ALL the closing straps ! This HOLSTER fits ONLY ONE revolver , a Schofield .45

PRICE $750 SOLD / HOLD

Price $ 50

**Interesting to note, on the reverse side, are the Newspaper Clippings regarding the Court Martial of a Cavalry Officer, and his "physical confrontation" with another Officer.