I need just 1 Schofeild in my collection to say I have one … UGHHHHH! really wanted a 4 5/8 SAA in 45 and 38
I came across this nickel plated Smith and Wesson Top Break revolver in a local shop about twenty years ago. I asked how much for the Schofield? The shop owner corrected me, saying that is not a Schofield,, it is a New Model Number Three.
Notice how radically different the shape of the New Model Number Three is from a Schofield. Also, notice the distinctive serpentine shape of the barrel latch.
A few years ago Roy Jinks wrote that when the movie 3:10 to Yuma came out in 2007, suddenly folks thought that every Top Break #3 Smith and Wesson was a Schofield. Hence my mistake.
There were FIVE separate large, #3 sized Top Break revolvers that Smith and Wesson made at the middle and end of the 19th Century.
I have already posted photos of the New Model Number Three and the Schofield models.
This is the Russian model, specifically a 2nd Model Russian. Notice the big, pointy hump on the grip that I mentioned in an earlier post. Notice too the spur on the bottom of the trigger guard, although it was sometimes sawed off. And a few New Model Number Threes had the spur on the trigger guard. The identifying feature is the big hump on the grip.
The first of the S&W Top Breaks was the American Model. This is actually a 1st Model Russian, but it is identical in shape to the American Model. The only difference is this one is chambered for 44 Russian, instead of the original 44 Smith & Wesson cartridge with the heeled bullet. Notice how straight up and down the grip is.
Finally, there was the 44 Double Action, the only double action #3 Top Break S&W made.