Something weird about my Schofield
- Thread starter Patbar
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Hi There,
The "Indian Embellishment" theory is interesting but I don't
think it is the most likely. There was a time when it was believed
that any property with a Government marking (like the "US"
stamp) was still Government property unless one had a receipt
to show they had obtained it legally. Therefore, anyone could
have defaced the markings in fear that the revolver would be
confiscated.
The "leaf and vine" carving on the grips don't look like typical
Indian embellishment to me. I think it is more typical of amateur
trying to emulate the "art nouveau" style that came about in
the late 19th and early 20th century. High end firearms were
being embellished and stocks carved with Nature oriented themes
(like oak leaves and acorns and even squirrels) and I think
someone was trying their hand at that.
Indian embellished of firearms was more geometric in style.
The Indian theory is romantic and would enhance the value if
this could be proven but there is very little likelihood that it
could. Of course, my theory cannot be proved either. It is
just how it appears to me.
Still, it is a very nice revolver with historical significance and
will enhance any collection.
Cheers!
Webb
The "Indian Embellishment" theory is interesting but I don't
think it is the most likely. There was a time when it was believed
that any property with a Government marking (like the "US"
stamp) was still Government property unless one had a receipt
to show they had obtained it legally. Therefore, anyone could
have defaced the markings in fear that the revolver would be
confiscated.
The "leaf and vine" carving on the grips don't look like typical
Indian embellishment to me. I think it is more typical of amateur
trying to emulate the "art nouveau" style that came about in
the late 19th and early 20th century. High end firearms were
being embellished and stocks carved with Nature oriented themes
(like oak leaves and acorns and even squirrels) and I think
someone was trying their hand at that.
Indian embellished of firearms was more geometric in style.
The Indian theory is romantic and would enhance the value if
this could be proven but there is very little likelihood that it
could. Of course, my theory cannot be proved either. It is
just how it appears to me.
Still, it is a very nice revolver with historical significance and
will enhance any collection.
Cheers!
Webb
Thank you Dvus. I'm going to do that.
It's hard to believe that the markings on this Colt are anything other than random scratches, but they tell a story of how it was acquired. And the name of the Chief to whom it was given is on the left grip, almost unnoticeable to those who don't know the language. Guns of History gave me a 5 page report on the story written on this Colt, as well as a historical picture and some history of the Chief that wound up with it. Good luck in your search, Patbar.
BTW, I'm jealous. My 1st series Schofield doesn't look nearly as original as yours.
BTW, I'm jealous. My 1st series Schofield doesn't look nearly as original as yours.
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If you do more research on Guns of History, I think you will find quite a bit of controversy surrounding Wendell Grangaard's theories and analysis of so-called Indian markings. A recent sale of a large portion of his collection of old west guns at auction in Las Vegas indicates that very little value was given to the associated stories for the majority of the guns sold.
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I watched some of the lots in that auction, and I'd tend to agree with you that Grandgaard's fantastical claims were largely disregarded when the bidding began. I'm sure he's an engaging and enthralling storyteller to listen to, but I wouldn't stake a red cent on his "historical" claims.
Mike
I have to agree with Bmur and the rest that this piece definitely looks to have native use all over it. I had WWI issue P08 Luger that my FIL's step dad had brought back. On the receiver bridge where a normal date was usually stamped i.e. (1918) this piece had been peened in order to completely disfigure whatever it was. Someone took their sweet time doing it as no amount of viewing from any possible angle could reveal what it was, it could have been something as hated as the Swastika or even Iron Cross, whatever it was GONE. The sad thing was other than that it was in beautiful near issue, all numbers matching, straw heat-treating Luger magnificence. Some of the old boys that really knew their way around restoration took a look at it, I took it to a number of different gun shows and no one knew of a way it could be restored with a complete reblue which took away from its originality as much as leaving it alone.
It doesn't take too much of a stretch of the imagination seeing some native son going to the effort to remove something as hated as the US symbol, using whatever tools he had at hand, I could imagine a horseshoe nail and hammer.
It doesn't take too much of a stretch of the imagination seeing some native son going to the effort to remove something as hated as the US symbol, using whatever tools he had at hand, I could imagine a horseshoe nail and hammer.
Interesting, none the less. Curious to what you come up with.
Don't worry Murph, I won't miss reporting any info I'll get, especially from Guns Of History.
Pat
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