SOLD - Rare Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield - Wells Fargo Marked (040822-1)

Description

4/8/22 - This is a very rare Smith & Wesson Model 3 Schofield First Model revolver from 1875. The first model examples were numbered 1-3,000 and delivered to the U.S. Army. This is one of the last possible examples and features a 'U.S.' mark on the bottom of the grip frame. This model was phased out from military service quickly, and Wells Fargo bought many of them to be used by their express agents. The barrels were shortened to 5in when Wells Fargo would purchase them from the private dealers they had been released to. This one is marked "W.F. & CO'S.E.X" on the right side of the barrel. The gun has matching numbers on barrel, frame and cylinder. Left grip panel has sharp military cartouche, and the right panel is internally numbered and matching to the gun. The bluing is fairly nice overall, with some areas of visible patina. Slight amounts of case hardening are still visible on the hammer and trigger. Terrific bore. Pics of an S&W letter are included with the listing but the letter has been lost. A nearly identical example, down to the serial number, sold at RIA for $8625 in 2021.