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LOT 40
Outstanding U.S. Smith & Wesson
First Model Schofield Revolver
- Serial no. 1643, 45 S&W Schofield
cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. The Schofield revolvers were arguably some of the best revolvers of the period and have
gained legendary status. These revolvers were based on modifications of the standard Smith & Wesson
Model 3 revolver by Col. George Schofield to make it easier for cavalrymen to reload while riding. The top break
design allowed for much faster extraction and reloading than Colt’s Single Action Army design; some tests suggest a
trained cavalryman could reload the Schofield in half the time he could load a SAA. The slightly lower power .45 S&W Schofield cartridge also had more
manageable recoil which allows for faster follow up shots but still proved effective in battle. However, the U.S. Ordnance Department favored Colt’s
slower loading solid frame design. That Smith & Wesson chambered it for their proprietary cartridge rather than .45 Colt certainly did not help. Colt’s
design was more durable and reliable. It was occasional supply line problems that put an end to the Army’s use of the Schofield and sticking with Colt’s
famous revolvers; .45 Colt ammunition would only work in the Colts, but the .45 Schofield worked in both revolvers but was not always shipped to units
issued Schofield revolvers. Thus, the Schofields were removed from military service by the end of the decade, and the revolvers made their way onto the
commercial market. Many were altered or updated by retailers to fit their
customers’ tastes.
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