S&W Schofield Model 2 or 3 revolver

[bapawba]

I need some help in determining the collectability and value of a firearm I inhearited. It is a S&W Schofield, top break six shot revolver. It has serial number 62 and takes a 38 Winchester cartridge. It is in fairly good condition. I am told it's a fairly rare revolver.

Regards
bapawba

 

[deadin]

First off, it's not a Schofield as they weren't made in that chambering. (Unless it's a conversion.)
There are only three S&W top-break models chambered in 38/40. They are the New Model #3, the New Model #3 .38 Winchester (same as the former but in their own serial range). Both of these are single action. Then there is the .38 Winchester Double Action. Regardless of which one of these it turns out to be, they are all a rare/scarce gun.
If it is a "regular" NM#3, it probably was a special order. If a NM#3 .38 Winchester, it is 1 of 74. (very scarce!)
Finally, if it's the double action, it is 1 of around 2000. (Still scarce). Any one of these is very desirable. You will definitely need to get a factory history letter to authenticate what you have.

Nice inheritance!!

 

[mmaher94087]

To quote Deadin, "Finally, if it's the double action, it is 1 of around 2000. (Still scarce)." You can take a zero off the 2000. Only 276 were made in the Double Action series. Very scarce. Mike #283

 

[deadin]

OOPS!!!
I knew that. I don't know where I came up with that number.
Guess that's what I get for not proofreading.

(38/40 was one of the few that eluded me when I was trying to get one of each chambering of S&W revolvers.)

 

[opoefc]

bapawba, Are you sure it's a Smith & Wesson revolver and not a Spanish copy? (I had on once that said "Scofield" on top of the barrel rib and in .44 Russian caliber, but made in Spain, sold it to His Honor Jim Supica, Esq.! .) Post some pictures and we can pin it down for you. Ed.