I need your advice on this Schofield

[Dvus]

I have the opportunity to get this Schofield at what I think is a good price, but would like to know what the experts think. Here is the sellers description:
"Not a replica but an original Schofield 1st model made in 1875. Barrel has been cut down to 5" and has been reblued at some point and most markings have been buffed off however the correct military inspector markings are still on it. An L/P under the barrel near the pivot point. And a L on top of the frame under the cylinder. The only serial numbers I can find are in the latches, barrel and grips and the number is 578. And early number. Shoots .45 Schofield. Barrel is decent and has good rifling for its age. Smoothest action and trigger ever."

What kind of estimated value would I expect this to have? And what are your thoughts on it. I have inspected it, and it is solid and functionally sound.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Dvus, does the seller have a price? So #578 is or is not stamped on the butt?

 

[Inusuit]

Grips appear to be sanded as well. Not finding many originals for sale at any price. Cut barrel, buffed and reblued, I think $1200-1500 tops for a shooter.

 

[gmborkovic]

A shooter? Do you cut down 45 Long Colt?

 

[Dvus]

A shooter? Do you cut down 45 Long Colt?

No, I have Schofield brass.

 

[rct269]

A brand new shooter, perfect in every respect, can be had from, the manufacturer of replicas for how much (?)---------and you can shoot whatever they shoot without cutting down anything. Yeah, but it's not a real S&W!! So what------neither is this thing. I grant you it used to be, but I used to be young----and good looking---and could chase girls----and even catch them!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Dvus]

Grips appear to be sanded as well. Not finding many originals for sale at any price. Cut barrel, buffed and reblued, I think $1200-1500 tops for a shooter.

That's right in the range of his asking price.

 

[Dvus]

A brand new shooter, perfect in every respect, can be had from, the manufacturer of replicas for how much (?)---------and you can shoot whatever they shoot without cutting down anything. Yeah, but it's not a real S&W!! So what------neither is this thing. I grant you it used to be, but I used to be young----and good looking---and could chase girls----and even catch them!!

Ralph Tremaine

Yes, I know, I have several. BUT, even modified as it is, it is a Schofield, and it has "been there and dun that." I have several old Colts in the same condition. No, they aren't original, but at some point in time someone personalized it to fit their needs,, just like this old Smith, and just like many of us do today with our more modern guns. A hundred years from now, some future buyer is going to say, "Ugh.. why on earth would someone do THAT to that old antique?

 

[iby]

Seems like a fair asking price if in good shooting condition

 

[BMur]

Express gun?

Dvus,
I’m documenting possible EXPRESS guns.
Can you please provide the following information?

Precise barrel length measured from breach to muzzle also please provide a photo of the muzzle crown.
I know it’s a long shot but any markings on the back of grip strap. That includes grind marks. Please look close.

Also, did you obtain the barrel number from under the catch on the barrel?

Nice gun, I like it!

Thanks,

Murph

 

[LostintheOzone]

It isn't collectable having so many modifications but it's the real deal. 12-15 hundert isn't a bad price. I would be seeing that one in my dreams.

 

[Dvus]

Murph, if I get it, you'll have your info.

 

[BMur]

Get it!

Thank You.
I’d recommend purchasing it. Schofields have been undervalued for many years. They have a lot going for them on the antique market today. Some collectors refuse to update their perspective.
It’s never about what you would pay for it, it’s about what the market would pay.
I recently saw a bulged barrel,pitted, mal-functioning example sell for $1900. Blew me away.

Murph

 

[raljr1]

I recently sold a cut down, caliber modified Model 3 that was in worse shape than this one. Several collectors told me the gun was only worth $300 to $400 for parts. I listed late one evening on Guns International for $1000 and it sold overnite. The buyer calling me at 7AM eastern when he lived in Mountain time. So he got up at 5 AM to do so. He wrote me after receiving it to tell me he was thrilled to own it. My long story to the point is that the OP's gun is a 140 or so year old functioning Smith & Wesson. There will always be someone who cannot afford, or justify, the cost of a collectible piece from this era, who will pay $1000 to $2000 for the privilege of owning, and shooting, a piece of history.

Buy it.

 

[Dvus]

Considering it's age, I'm assuming that to shoot it I would want to keep it black powder only, or am I mistaken on that? I know on my old Colts that if it was made before 1905, smokeless is a very bad idea.

 

[BMur]

Shooting

If you remain historically accurate with the Schofield revolver you will note that this original( not reproduction) was only manufactured prior to 1880 and was never adapted to smokeless loads.
Any smokeless loads would be non original and never industry designed for this authentic antique.
Still not convinced?
Let’s say you damage the gun with a home made smokeless load?
Where exactly are you going to find replacement parts?

Murph

 

[Mbrgr1]

Where exactly are you going to find replacement parts?

Murph[/QUOTE]




I usually try Schofields Я Us when I blow one of mine up.

 

[merl67]

I recently sold a cut down, caliber modified Model 3 that was in worse shape than this one. Several collectors told me the gun was only worth $300 to $400 for parts. I listed late one evening on Guns International for $1000 and it sold overnite. The buyer calling me at 7AM eastern when he lived in Mountain time. So he got up at 5 AM to do so. He wrote me after receiving it to tell me he was thrilled to own it. My long story to the point is that the OP's gun is a 140 or so year old functioning Smith & Wesson. There will always be someone who cannot afford, or justify, the cost of a collectible piece from this era, who will pay $1000 to $2000 for the privilege of owning, and shooting, a piece of history.

Buy it.

This /\ /\ /\
There will always be those that will turn their noses up at any Smith that is not a safe queen, and have enough money to burn a wet mule.
Mules are very safe around me as I certainly don't have the cash to splurge on burning one. While I don't have any spectacular Smiths I think I have a collection that has a good representation of many different models. Now I could sell the ones I have, and buy said safe queens, but this would make the variety of my collection much smaller. I guess I prefer quantity over having the absolute best condition. Oh, and if anyone has any of those $300-400 functional Schofields, and you just can't bear looking at them any longer I'm your guy. I buy what I like at prices I can justify on my income with no regrets.

 

[bigwagon]

I know I would be tempted in the price range indicated. Having owned several modern replicas of classic Old West era guns, including a 73 Winchester and Colt SAA, there is something missing about them that makes it hard for me to get excited about owning or shooting them and I have ended up selling them all off. On the other hand, there is something special about shooting an original antique that is hard to put a finger on. I would much rather own a well-worn but shootable antique, even one that has been modified and has condition issues.

 

[Dvus]

I know I would be tempted in the price range indicated. Having owned several modern replicas of classic Old West era guns, including a 73 Winchester and Colt SAA, there is something missing about them that makes it hard for me to get excited about owning or shooting them and I have ended up selling them all off. On the other hand, there is something special about shooting an original antique that is hard to put a finger on. I would much rather own a well-worn but shootable antique, even one that has been modified and has condition issues.

I agree. I have an 1876 vintage Colt that I shoot from time to time and there is nothing like it in this world. It has been modified (either Indian or Mexican, I don't know which, but the gun was found in Mexico) and has a 5" barrel that used to be 7 1/2."