U.S. Contract Smith & Wesson Second Model SChofield revolver with high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame. The hammer and trigger guard are color casehardened. The revolver is roll-stamped with the "U.S." property mark on the rear of the butt. "P" proof marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on the bottom of the barrel flat. An "E" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the bottom of the barrel flat next to the proof mark and a "W" is stamped on the inside of the frame and on the rear face of the cylinder. The serial number, "4388" is stamped on the bottom of the butt, the rear face of the cylinder and on the inside of the right grip. The right side of the barrel lug is roll-stamped: "+ SCHOFIELD'S PAT. APR. 22D 1873 +". The left side of the barrel lug is marked: "+SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A.PAT.JAN.17TH/&24TH 65. JULY 11 65. JULY 27TH 71." in two lines with a large Maltese Cross on either side of the marking. The original half-moon front sight blade has been replaced with a sporting type front sight blade with white face and the rear sight notch. The face of the trigger has been grooved and the two-piece, oil-finished, walnut grips have fine checkering with a single line border. All of the modifications are period, professionally executed and may be Smith & Wesson factory work. This U.S. contract Schofield revolver may have been purchased by an officer (officers were authorized to purchase government small arms for personal use) that was subsequently customized to meet the owner's personal requirements.
BBL: 7 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 S&W
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 4388

Very fine. The revolver retains approximately 90% of the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame and cylinder and the case colors on the hammer and trigger guard. There is light holster wear on the barrel at the muzzle and on the edges of the cylinder. The blue finish is thinning slightly on the sides and top of the barrel. There is light handling wear on the back strap. The case colors on the hammer and sides of the trigger guard are vivid. All of the markings on the barrel, cylinder and frame are crisp. The custom checkered grips are in very fine condition with sharp checkering and minimal handling wear. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is an attractive example of a U.S. Contract Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Revolver with period target modifications.