June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
This beautiful high condition revolver started life as a standard 7" barrel, U.S. stamped military issue according to "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" page 113 in the fourth edition: "It is estimated that several hundred Schofields with cut down 5" barrels were purchased by Wells Fargo to arm its messengers. The guns were marked by the company on the right side of the ejector housing by stamping over the Schofield patent, with the marked "W.F. & COS EX." along with restamping of the gun's serial number. Three different sizes of numerals have been reported. Most common is the small size, about the same size as the company name, medium sizes marked by the Chicago office and large side being the scarcest." This example is a medium size stamped ".2187" (serial number), but there is no "W.F. & CO" stamp. In examining the font from an example of medium size, both the number '2' and '7' are identical. One can only speculate as to why they did not stamp "W.F. & CO." but this revolver is 100% authentic. It was dealer nickel plated, most likely by Hartley & Graham of New York, and fitted with ivory grips. Remains in outstanding all original condition as altered. The barrel and frame retain approximately 95% of the never polished original nickel finish. Razor sharp lettering with no nickel in the lettering. 65% original nickel finish on cylinder with balance gun metal grey patina. Some strong case colors still evident on hammer. Excellent to near mint original aged ivory grips. Butt is stamped "US". Matching number on cylinder. Barrel has "L B T" inspector mark at base. Cylinder shows no sign of burn, nor does inside facing, indicating this gun saw little to no use. Most outer wear was probably caused by holster. One of the finest, special order, plated Wells Fargo type Schofields to ever hit the market.
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson