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03-20-2011, 05:45 PM
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Help appraising and figuring this piece out
Can anyone give me any advice on exactly what this piece is and any thoughts on its value?
It's marked "US" on the butt with "3327"
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03-20-2011, 06:39 PM
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ocguns,
What you have there is a Early Martially Marked 2nd Model Schofield judging by the Serial Number! If you look at the stampings on the Barrel Sides you will see the Schofield Patent Information. The 2nd Model Schofield's were produced from 1876 thru 1877. It has the potential of having considerable value if it is "Correct"!! Have you had a chance to remove the Grips yet? If not,very carefully remove them & see if there is a Serial Number stamped inside the Right Grip that matches the Number on the Butt. Also a couple more close-up photos would be helpful. Especially of the Lower Half of Both Grips below the Grip Screw to see if there are any traces of the Inspector Cartouches still existing. Alot of times these are hard to see because of dirt,grease & grime getting imbedded into them over the years,but "Please" don't make any attempt to clean them off for a better photo!! Also,could you give us a Barrel Length? There are quite a few other markings on the Cylinder & other Major Parts that need to match to make sure it's correct,but let's just start with the one's I've mentioned. Also where,when & how did you run across the Revolver? The reason I ask is it looks like it hasn't been handled in some time.
Masterpiece
Last edited by Masterpiece; 03-20-2011 at 06:57 PM.
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03-20-2011, 06:44 PM
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Welcome to the forum with a most interesting first post. You have a early 2nd model Schofield that is worth some serious cash. I wish I had some "extra" scratch as I would love to have it. All that said the 'EXPERTS' will soon be along to discredit my estimation of its value.It looks too me to be in pretty nice shape and I should think some $4000 plus(auction might bring $6000) is in the works. Thanks for sharing a most interesting first post. Kyle
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03-20-2011, 06:58 PM
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Thanks and some more info
Guys...thanks so much for the help. I removed the grips as you suggested and the serial numbers match (see attached photos). It's a 7" barrel. I've had it in my safe for about a decade and got it from a relative many years ago. What else can you suggest?
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03-20-2011, 07:02 PM
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ocguns,
Yes,Welcome to the Forum!! Please excuse me for not welcoming you in my Original Post. And yes,this is a "Doosy" of a First-Time Post!!!
Masterpiece
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03-20-2011, 07:04 PM
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Close ups of lower half of the grips
Here are some closeup photos of the lower part of the grips
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03-20-2011, 07:15 PM
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ocguns,
That was fast!! What were you doing taking photos while I was typing?? That's a great start having the Grips match and a Full-Length Barrel!! Did you catch my edit I made regarding some photos of the Outside Lower Section of the Grips? I got a litte better glimpse of the Finish in the one new photo you posted can you get a couple closer Full Side Shotos also?
Has this Revolver been in your family for quite some time? You mentioned a relative,but you didn't say how close of one. Do have any idea how long it was in their posession?
You'rr building value as I'm typing!! So far things are looking pretty good as to it's correctness. Do you have a plan in mind for the Revolver or are you looking to insure it? Talk to you soon!!
Masterpiece
Last edited by Masterpiece; 03-20-2011 at 07:44 PM.
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03-20-2011, 07:21 PM
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ocguns,
You're a faster picture taker than I am a typist. I'm old you know. I'll wait a bit to see if you post some better side shots. While you have the Grips off could you take a couple of the Left & Right Inside Grip Frame & Face of the Cylinder where the Cartridges go in.
Thanks
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03-20-2011, 07:40 PM
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While you have those grips off, wipe everything down with some oil to stop the rust and protect. Welcome to the Forum, I am waiting to hear about the history of this. Was it a family heirloom passed down? Or, something a relative took in lieu of payment for some work done.
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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
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03-20-2011, 07:53 PM
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Some more closeup photos
Here are some more closeup. It's from a Great Uncle. I can find out how long he had it. I'm planning to sell it, as I suppose there are some people who will get more joy from it than me. I have other collectible guns that I can't part with.
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03-20-2011, 07:54 PM
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One more closeup
One more closeup picture
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03-20-2011, 07:57 PM
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Pics a little fuzzy. Is that 9 or 10 notches on the right grip? What are the letters on the inside of the left? Looks like there might be some history to this gun.
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03-20-2011, 08:04 PM
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Few more pictures
Here are few more pictures
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03-20-2011, 08:11 PM
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OK now for the fun...initials T R G
On the inside of the grips the initials T R G are carved. Have to do some family research on those.
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03-20-2011, 08:35 PM
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ocguns,
I see a "W" stamped on the Cyl. Face do you see any other letters? Possibly an "E" or "C"? These Letters will also be stamped on a Small Flat Pad on the Underside of the Barrel just ahead of the Barrel Pivot & also some Letters should be stamped into the Frame directly under the Cylinder. Also on the Underside of the Barrel Catch. Just see what Letters you can find & I'll figure out if they're correct. I see no reason,so far,that they shouldn't. Everything else seems to be checking out just fine with the exception of the Cartouches being worn away which is not uncommon on a Revolver that spent most of it's life in it's Service Holster!! They didn't find a Holster lying around anywhere did they?? Also like "H Richard" mentioned this needs a real good oil rubdown just about everywhere I can see. It won't necessarily do much with it's pre-existing condition,but it will stop it from spreading!!
I'm getting pretty interested in it's history background myself now as this came from a direct desendant of your family!! Does the G in TRG have a direct connection to your family name? I mention it because the first three letters of your membership name are "ocg".
Masterpiece
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03-20-2011, 09:25 PM
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The serial number is right next to the "W" on the Cyl. face. I can't find any other letters on it. On the underside of the barrel, just ahead of the barrel pivot on the small flat pad, there's a W and a P.
The G is the first letter of my last name also (and the family name from the relative that had it).
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03-20-2011, 09:26 PM
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I sure appreciate the interest and help everyone.
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03-20-2011, 09:53 PM
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ocguns,
All the Letters you have found so far are legit!! I take it that the Serial Number on the Cylinder matches as well. Are you sure you don't see a Letter on the Frame Cutout under the Cylinder?? I hate to ask,but do you think you could post a photo of that area also??
I also hope you can find some more family background relating to your Revolver. By the way,what state are you from?? Is it in the Mid or Southwest Area by chance? See ya' in a bit!!
Masterpiece
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03-20-2011, 10:04 PM
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Frame Cutout under the Cylinder has a W also
Masterpiece,
Thanks a ton for the interest and help. There's a W on the Frame Cutout under the Cylinder as well. Pictures attached. Yes the serial number on the cylinder matches. I'm in southern California.
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03-22-2011, 10:40 AM
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Getting in on this thread a little late, but just found it. All I can say is, if you would dispose of a Schofield in preference to other collectible guns you have, they must really be something. I suggest you take your time. The Schofield has amazing historical significance and family provenance would make it even more rewarding as a collector find. I add my welcome to the others.
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03-23-2011, 11:56 PM
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Very, very nice Schofield!
Should you definitively put it up for sale, please give us forum members a shot at it!
Welcome.
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04-05-2020, 07:18 PM
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I am again considering selling this.Can anyone suggest a good way to go about figuring the value and best way to sell it?
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04-05-2020, 07:31 PM
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Welcome back. You can consign it to a reputable dealer, who will charge a percentage of the sales price. The more roundabout way is to do your own research, or have it appraised, and setting your own sales price. Several dealers will put a consignment gun on auction starting at a penny opening bid, and let enlightened self-interest of buyers set the price.
Did you ever find out how long it has been in your family? Personally I would have a hard time selling a long-term heirloom (20 years with you and longer with your great-uncle). Good luck in your decision.
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SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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04-05-2020, 07:34 PM
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Alan,
Thanks. Can you point me towards any dealers that you consider reputable or a good way to navigate towards them? Again, thanks, Rick
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04-05-2020, 07:47 PM
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I could recommend David Carroll of Woodlawn Boys. He lists on Gunbroker, and is very respected as a dealer. His contact is [email protected]
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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
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04-05-2020, 10:08 PM
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ocguns, If you want to sell the gun, whether privately or in an online auction, I would suggest you get a factory historical letter from the Smith& Wesson Historical Foundation ( there's a link on the Forum to the letter application form ) as the letter will add to the gun's provenance as to whether it is a military issued gun or a civilian model. I see no indication on the stocks of ever having a cartouche ( military acceptance stamp ) Granted, over time these cartouches can were off, but usually you can see a remnant. A small number of 2nd model Schofields are listed in the shipping records, by serial number, as civilian sales. Should your gun letter as a civilian model it's many times rarer than a military model and more valuable. Civilian models were stamped with the US on the butt, so the US stamp, which was applied on all frames early in production before some guns were diverted to civilian production, does not guarantee the gun as military. Likewise for various inspectors stamps on the parts, as civilian shipped guns were made from military parts to start, but did not receive the final inspector's stamp - the grip cartouches. The current auction market on these guns is weaker than it has been, as are all antique firearms, but recent sales are in the hammer price of $3000 -$3500 range for specimens in the condition of yours (Add about 20% for out the door cost ) If the gun letters as a civilian, add 25%. Also, if you list it with an auction, be very specific in the written listing contract as to how you want the gun priced and described. Insist on a reserve minimum of at least $3,000, and a description written by a Schofield expert. If it were my gun, I would not agree to more than a 15% seller's commission. Ed.
Last edited by opoefc; 04-05-2020 at 10:17 PM.
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04-05-2020, 10:34 PM
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You have a cool gun.
But, Don't think that it is worth 5/6K
Pics are not great but it appears to be rusty
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04-05-2020, 11:29 PM
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And here is the link to the letter request Ed mentioned:
http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/swhf_letter.pdf
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Alan
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04-06-2020, 08:26 AM
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Guys...thank you very much. I really appreciate all the counsel.
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04-06-2020, 10:00 AM
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Oh baby! That will cover the mortgage payment for a few months!! What a great find. And what a way to get our attention with your first post!
If it belonged to a family member you can't really set a value, that fact makes it priceless. Keep in mind, the other "collector" guns in your possession you may prize more can always be replaced, you cannot replace something like this with family history.
You are receiving sound advice in this thread, a S&W letter should be first and foremost in your quest to gain knowledge and ascertain value. I would thoroughly educate myself as to the history of the pistol and your family history before making the decision to sell.
Good luck.
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04-06-2020, 10:15 AM
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Ditto on the suggestion for David Carroll. He's a top-notch guy and will always give a fair and honest appraisal.
I wish there had been a Schofield revolver in my family.
mike
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