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LOT 122
Fine San Francisco Police Issued U.S. Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Single
Action Revolver - Serial no. 8744, 45 S&W Schofield cal., 7 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured for the U.S. military and later issued to the San Francisco Police Department by Benicia Arsenal. Approximately 300 Schofield models were issued to the San Francisco Committee of Safety during the labor riots and civil unrest of 1877-78 caused by the great railroad strikes that sprung up in many large cities across the United States. Records do exist for these 300 revolvers being issued; however, no records exist of them being returned and it is popular
belief that once the riots were put down all the revolvers were obtained by the California militia. This example is
stamped with the rack number “65” behind the hammer and on the sideplate. The butt is stamped “US,” U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector stamps “E” and “P” are on the rear of the cylinder, on the frame under the cylinder, and underside of
the barrel lug, barrel lug also has sub-inspector “W” stamp, matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and right
grip panel, “CW” script letter cartouche on the right grip panel, and the date “1877” above a double struck script letter cartouche on the left grip panel.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% plus bright original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. Trigger
guard has faded to a gray. 85% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are very fine with minor
handling marks, high edge wear, and clear cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 123
Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian 1st Model Single Action Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 8856, 44 S&W Russian cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with an 8 inch barrel, butt
swivel and blue finish when shipped on May 3, 1872 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New
York City. In the letter S&W historian states “the revolver was modified to target as soon as the Smith &
Wesson target sights became available in 1887.”The revolver lacks a factory return date marking, but the high
quality of the target conversion suggest factory work. The revolver falls into the commercial serial number
range and has the one-line address/patent dates rib marking ending with “RUSSIAN MODEL.” The right grip panel
is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, cylinder and barrel.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina mixed with limited spotting. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grip is very good with dings and scratches. The front sight is bent to the left. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
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