Who made them?
I agree with Webb with one exception.
If we look at the 1874 Military Records specific to RULES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Colt Revolver we see clear evidence that the Schofield tool (Photo 1) could have been manufactured for 15 cents in 1875.
So I believe that variation was the 3000 screwdrivers that were clearly contracted "BY SMITH & WESSON" to be sent with each revolver in 1875.
I also agree that it is possible that Smith & Wesson did not fabricate these screwdrivers in the factory but all the records and documents that I have read support that they were made by Smith & Wesson.
Other photos are price comparison of basically identical tools at the exact same time in history.
One last comment about the improved tool that Webb posted. It's possible that tool was part of the 2nd Model shipment but the 1st model contained 3000 screwdrivers of an early variant and likely very close to that patent drawing.
I'm wondering also if that early tool has a patent stamped on it. That would be awesome if it does.
Murph
I agree with Webb with one exception.
If we look at the 1874 Military Records specific to RULES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Colt Revolver we see clear evidence that the Schofield tool (Photo 1) could have been manufactured for 15 cents in 1875.
So I believe that variation was the 3000 screwdrivers that were clearly contracted "BY SMITH & WESSON" to be sent with each revolver in 1875.
I also agree that it is possible that Smith & Wesson did not fabricate these screwdrivers in the factory but all the records and documents that I have read support that they were made by Smith & Wesson.
Other photos are price comparison of basically identical tools at the exact same time in history.
One last comment about the improved tool that Webb posted. It's possible that tool was part of the 2nd Model shipment but the 1st model contained 3000 screwdrivers of an early variant and likely very close to that patent drawing.
I'm wondering also if that early tool has a patent stamped on it. That would be awesome if it does.
Murph
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