Schofield 1st Model value

[Gibbens]

Hello and thanks for any extra information you may have. All looks original and has not been refurbished as far as I know. This is a family gun from Dodge City, KS area. There is an L and P on the cylinder face and a 3 digit number different from the # on the butt strap. I cannot see any indication of remaining cartouche on the grip, but looks original. All writing on barrel seems to say the correct things from that production time so far as I have read. Would like to know ball park value and please let me know about what info would be additionally important. Operationally the gun is in great shape. Cylinder does not have play in it and hammer retracts and locks in place for loading and ready to fire. Shell ejector works nicely as well.

 

[quinn]

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, I have no specific help to offer regarding your Schofiel... I'm just trying to dry the drool off my keyboard. There are some great experts, here, so you can count on really good info.

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum. Nice example of a 1st model that has seen use, but no abuse. the "L" is for the inspector, Lyle, and the "P" is a proof mark . The 3 digits are an assembly number and you should find the same number on the grip frame under the stocks. The are no shipping records at S&W for Schofields, so factory historical letters use the invoice date for when the factory billed the Army for the guns shipped, as the "ship date." The archives at the Springfield Armory list the serial numbers of the guns received from S&W and the crate number in which the guns were shipped. Your gun, of course, went to the Arsenal, as it is a US stamped gun, not a civilian issue sent to a S&W distributor. Where it went during it's Army service is generally unknown, however the Springfield Research Service published 4 vols. of military records for small arms, listed by serial number, in various inventories of military units. Some Schofields are listed in those vols., mostly in cavalry units active in the Indian Wars. You have a nice family heirloom gun ! Ed.

 

[Gibbens]

Does it make sense that the 3 digits #895 on the cylinder face are not the same as marked on the grip frame... #1688? I assume that will reflect in the value.

 

[Gibbens]

Thank you Ed for the insight. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Breakaway500]

Does it make sense that the 3 digits #895 on the cylinder face are not the same as marked on the grip frame... #1688? I assume that will reflect in the value.

If the part numbers are mixed,it would affect it's value as a collector.

 

[opoefc]

That would tend to indicate the cylinder is not original to the gun, not unusual with military small arms, as parts got switched for various reason during the gun's service. It would have a small effect on value, however if all parts have the same patina it would indicate the cylinder change occurred many years ago, probably during the gun's use in the field by the Army. Ed.

 

[Gibbens]

I have been looking at Gunbroker and other auction sites to gauge a value and seen 2-3k and some 4-6k. Any idea on guns value or recommendations on appraisal?

 

[Breakaway500]

"It would have a small effect on value"
I would not pay nearly as much for a Schofield with mismatched parts, as there are all matching parts examples on the market for sale. Current prices are reflected by what a buyer and seller agree on.
I recently purchased two 1st model Schofields and one of my criteria was matching numbers. I have been watching very carefully many Schofield auctions and their values when sold,(not just listed prices)
so I may not be an "expert"..but I am very aware of the current prices when they sell.(and when they do not) The numbers matching makes a difference,as does the amount of original finish and any provenance.
Just like old classic cars..numbers matching is what makes it original and desirable..and something is only original once. I'm not saying a mismatched example has no value,it just does not have the same as an all original example. This can bee seen every day on most anything collectible.

 

[sw44russ]

"It would have a small effect on value"
I would not pay nearly as much for a Schofield with mismatched parts, as there are all matching parts examples on the market for sale. Current prices are reflected by what a buyer and seller agree on.
I recently purchased two 1st model Schofields and one of my criteria was matching numbers. I have been watching very carefully many Schofield auctions and their values when sold,(not just listed prices)
so I may not be an "expert"..but I am very aware of the current prices when they sell.(and when they do not) The numbers matching makes a difference,as does the amount of original finish and any provenance.
Just like old classic cars..numbers matching is what makes it original and desirable..and something is only original once. I'm not saying a mismatched example has no value,it just does not have the same as an all original example. This can bee seen every day on most anything collectible.

I for one who has not been following the Schofield (mainly due to the prices I have seen) would be very interested to read a Standard Catalogue or Blue Book style Price Guide based on your observations Breakaway. This one would have to Grade VG-Fine.....
What would you value the Model in say 4 Grades; G, VG, Fine and Exc.....?

 

[Breakaway500]

"Low" end that I've seen/followed..(this month) 1st ed. Schofields, matching numbers,little finish left (20%),4 digit serial number,average stocks (without cartouche visible) with letter,bringing $3990 at GB style auction with multiple bidders (no reserve) I've seen a similar gun but 40% finish (with strong cartouche)bring $4600 at no reserve auction. On the top end I've seen a numbers matching 50% finish, 3 digit serial, with cartouche and all stampings visible,with letter, bring $6.5k. (at no reserve auction,so shill bidding minimal)
I use the guide as just that: a general table that should be accurate..but may not be this month. Hey..it's a guide not an invoice sheet.
It's similar to used cars. If you could buy and sell used cars by just using the NADA guide to price them,life would be SO easy as a used car salesman and a consumer. There is the price, in black and white! Problem is, I've seen guides so far off market values that it's almost funny.
Some times things can change fast,up or down.
Gun collectors also like to trade a lot.
I have also seen trades of "equal" value done.When these type of sales happen...they don't show up in auction or sales data and that is where most guides gather their info.
For proof on how important matching numbers,matching box,letters etc are to buyers/sellers/collectors,read any for sale ad,and if the gun has it,they always mention it.
Fussy buyers like originality, and will pay more for it.
Prices seem to have come down on Schofields from a few years ago on average,but not as much (percentage wise) on the collector grade stuff.
Just my humble first hand observations...

 

[Gibbens]

Thanks for the good read here guys. Really appreciate the insight. Guess it all depends on who's looking and when as well.