Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! These matching pair of Smith & Wesson Police Schofields tell the story of how surplus military hardware ended up on the streets during one of America’s bloodiest labor disputes. Originally manufactured for U.S. cavalry, they were pressed into service by the San Francisco Police during the railroad riots of 1877-78. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 wasn’t just about trains – it was a nationwide eruption of labor violence that had city officials scrambling for firepower. When striking workers and their supporters clashed with authorities across the country, San Francisco found itself facing crowds that regular police equipment couldn’t handle. The solution came from Benicia Arsenal, which issued approximately 300 surplus Schofields to the San Francisco Committee of Safety.
These revolvers were perfect for the job. The Schofield’s break-top action allowed faster reloading than the military’s standard Colt Single Action Army, and the .45 S&W cartridge packed enough punch to command respect from angry crowds. The cavalry had found the Schofield’s shorter cartridge limiting, but for police work at urban distances, it was more than adequate.
Serial numbers 1481 and 1484 carry San Francisco Police Department markings “328” and “386” on their backstraps, along with the original U.S. military inspector marks. The Mexican sterling silver grips with “HLC” initials suggest these guns had quite a journey after the riots ended. No records exist of these 300 revolvers ever being returned to federal custody. These Schofields represent a forgotten chapter in American policing – when civil authorities had to arm up with military hardware just to keep the peace.
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“Two San Francisco Police Smith & Wesson Schofield.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4095/83/two-san-francisco-police-smith-wesson-schofield. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
