Schofield 45

[Robolock]

My father recently passed away. Among his belongings was a Smith and Wesson "Schofield's" 45. The gun appears to be a first run from the little bit of reading I have done. It has no U.S. stamp. There is a wells fargo stamp with the number 283 and the eight is double stamped. There is a corresponding 283 (smaller) stamped on the butt. I have not found a serial #, but only patent #'s. The barrel is 5 inches. There is also a well worn leather laced holster, belt and shells (6). The shells are centerfire "Peters". I would like some help with authenticating the gun as I understand there are many fakes circulating. There is also a letter dated 1933 regarding a transaction in San Fran. Ca. and another communication regarding value in 1963.

 

[feralmerril]

The gun sounds very interesting to me and if authentic must be worth a lot especialy being wells fargo. Of course condition will be the biggest factor behind being WF. Can you post pictures? I dont claim to be a expert. You need to put this in the antique section.

 

[DGT]

Robolock, welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here and very nice folks that are anxious to share their knowledge. I was lucky enough to acquire a first model Schofield about a year ago and the help I got from the experts here was amazing.

The old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, was never truer than when evaluating a gun. If you need help in posting a picture, I'd be glad to help.

 

[Robolock]

First time on a forum so any help posting pictures would be appreciated.

 

[s&wchad]

I've already moved this to the Antiques forum.

This link should help with photos: Attachments and Images

 

[Robolock]

Thank-you.

 

[DGT]

Looks like s&wchad beat me to it. See, I told you folks here are anxious to help

 

[opoefc]

The number 283 on the butt is the serial number. Wells Fargo used the S&W serial number as their inventory number also and had the barrels cut to 5 in. from the original 7 in. The US mark on the butt was there when S&W shipped the gun to Springfield Armory, but it has either worn off or been removed subsequently. There are two styles of Well Fargo stampings that are authentic and used on these Schofields, and fake stamps go back to well before WW2. If you can post good pictures of the stampings, we can give you an opinion on them. Does the 1933 letter indicate any connection to the Far West Hobby Shop in San Francisco? They were the leading dealer in antique S&Ws of that era. Ed.

 

[Robolock]

Schofield pictures

Let me know if you all need more pictures for authentication.

 

[Thuer]

At first my deepest respect with the dead of your father.

What I can see is a cut down first model Schofield in a very good condition.

I do think this revolver is good and no fake. Especially when there are letters around from 1933.

The revolver looks that good that I do know for sure that your father loved this Schofield and kept it in a good condition.

Regardless if you like guns I would keep it in the family and pass it down to the next generation.
It is for sure a nice piece of American History.

I sure like the revolver.

 

[Robolock]

Thank-you for the condolences from some of the members. The gun has no history with our family and I do not believe my father had it long. If authentic, who should I go to for possible auction value.

 

[opoefc]

In my opinion the WF&Co stamp is 100% genuine. You have a nice example. Ed

 

[HPaugh]

My father recently passed away. Among his belongings was a Smith and Wesson "Schofield's" 45. The gun appears to be a first run from the little bit of reading I have done. It has no U.S. stamp. There is a wells fargo stamp with the number 283 and the eight is double stamped. There is a corresponding 283 (smaller) stamped on the butt. I have not found a serial #, but only patent #'s. The barrel is 5 inches. There is also a well worn leather laced holster, belt and shells (6). The shells are centerfire "Peters". I would like some help with authenticating the gun as I understand there are many fakes circulating. There is also a letter dated 1933 regarding a transaction in San Fran. Ca. and another communication regarding value in 1963.

Have you been able to find anything else out yet concerning your schofield. I have an excellent book that I purchased this year and is full of info. It is helping me with my schofield.

 

[L. Williams]

Hello Robolock, you have one of the better S&W Schofield Wells Fargo models I've seen. I believe the markings are authentic also. Littlejohn's auction service in Orange, CA Would be a good source for an auction value range. Their phone # is 714-939-1170. L. Williams