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Iconic, Historic & Fresh
Serial Number 1 Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver
LOT 3117
Historically Significant, NRA Silver Medal Award Winning, Well-Documented First Production Serial Number 1 Smith & Wesson U.S./Wells Fargo First Model Schofield Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 1, 45 S&W Schofield cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Rarely do we catalog serial number 1 of any
model of firearm, especially those that have gained legendary status like the S&W Schofield. The Schofield revolvers were arguably some of the best revolvers of the period. 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. Many were used by lawmen, express agents, outlaws, and pioneers in the Old West. Frank James, Jesse James, and Cole Younger are all reputed to have used Schofields at one time.
Rock Island auction Co. is extremely honored to present serial number 1, the revolver that initiated the S&W Schofield legacy. This well-documented, NRA Silver Medal award winning Schofield serial no.1 is certainly worthy of the finest S&W, U.S. martial or Old West collections. Gun collectors across various genres have discovered the Schofield, and these revolvers are extremely popular. Why not own the first?! Its historical significance cannot be understated. No. 1 saw military service during the Indian Wars as well as civilian service with the famed Western express and banking enterprise Wells Fargo. It was among the 3,000 First Models purchased by the U.S. Government in 1875. They were used by the U.S. Army for a few years, with many being issued to the 4th Cavalry which saw service in the “Geronimo Campaign” and the famous 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry comprised of the “Buffalo Soldiers” stationed in the American Southwest, and then sold as surplus on the civilian market and used
in the West by Wells Fargo express agents and many others. Wells Fargo purchased several hundred, including no. 1. The barrel has been shortened during its period of use with Wells Fargo, as was common with 19th century revolvers purchased by the various express companies. The right side of the ejector rod shroud has the Wells Fargo marking: “W.F.&CO. EX. 1”. The U.S. military markings include “US” stamped on the butt and “L” and “P” stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face. The back of the right grip panel has the number “702.” The matching serial number “1” appears on the butt and rear cylinder face.
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