Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 Schofield Single Action Revolver, Late Second Model, Engraved and with Presentation
This is a Smith & Wesson Schofield Single Action Revolver known as the late Second Model because of the addition of the June 20th, 1871 patent date on right side of barrel. It is in the standard .45 S&W caliber with 7" barrel and appears to be from the original 5000 guns ordered by the US Government in 1877. There are the usual military inspector marks of "E" in the proper locations but no "US" is still visible as the gun has been nickeled and engraved. The normal "P" proofs are still visible. A number 36 has been engraved into the design on the backstrap just behind the hammer and just below is an inscription "Col. J. W. McNelley". So it appears that this gun had been a martially issued piece and later was presented to this Colonel McNelley as an engraved and nickeled trophy. The only reference I can find suggests McNelley was a California Ranger. The hammer is fully case colored, the trigger has about 75% blue, there is no lanyard hole in butt and the overall condition is like new. The walnut grips are excellent and have a fine line checkering pattern with diamond style center, unmarked inside and probably not from S&W. A factory letter has been requested on this revolver with serial number 74xx.
