Research question

[Old Dave]

I expect that all that is to be learned from an S&W "letter" on a U.S. marked gun would be how many units shipped when to the military. I have recently messaged the National Archives History Hub, asking if it is possible to learn the actual unit that the gun was issued to. Wondering if anyone has had any success with that. Thanks!

 

[BMur]

Military records

Unlike the Single Action Army Colt for some reason the Schofields are not found listed by serial number issued to Company’s/Cavalry Units.

I have reviewed a lot of records so far only general numbers of amount of guns issued is noted in the records.
For some reason when the Colts were issued they were often listed between example: 4500- 6700 serial number.
Once the Schofields were issued the 45 caliber revolver took over as the identifier so often there really is some discrepancy as to what make revolver the records are referring to.
Some researchers obviously have embellished some of the information.

The issuance records are very clear as to how many 45 Colts, 45 Schofields, and 44 Smith & Wesson revolvers were issued yearly and where they were sent. Primarily to Military units but often to Militia as well. Not much has been published on that subject.

Schofields were primarily sent to the 9th and 10th Cavalry Units with significant sales to officers and issuance to NCO’s in many infantry units ( sergeants).

Also well over 1000 were sent to various State Militias during the Railroad Riots.

Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

Dave, I suspect that you might be thinking of lettering your Schofield. If so, the letter will tell you that it shipped to the Springfield Armory in 1875.

Civilian units most likely went to Smith & Wesson's distributor, MW Robinson, NY.

 

[callawayted]

I feel fortunate to have Schofield SN #791 in my collection. Like most others the barrel has been shortened (this one to 6"). Condition rating is probably VG to Fine with over 80 % of the original blue finish. S&W factory letter states it was in the original shipment of 3000 revolvers shipped to the U.S. Armory in Springfield July 12, 1875. My info is that most of the guns in this shipment were subsequently issued to the 9th & 10th U.S. Cavalry units.

I am interested in establishing communication with other owners who can help me with researching additional info on this gun and determining a realistic value range...sorry, don't know how to post pics.

 

[iby]

If you desire commnication, then you better learn to post pics