Whats an original schofield worth?

[P95loser]

My father-in-law was talking the other day about putting a gun up for auction at some high-end auction house in new york. I asked him what gun he had that would belong in a joint like that.

He produced an original S&W schofield. The gun looks brand-freakin new.

It is a 7" model with a shiny finish (nickel?) and is custom hand engraved from head to toe. I felt in awe when I held it. He originally said it was made in 1889 but in researching it, they stopped making them in 1878.

How much is a gun like this worth?

 

[Jim Watson]

There is a well used standard S&W Schofield on Auction Arms with a buy-it-now price of $3800.

There is an engraved Russian on Armchair Gun Show for $6800

The value of your fil's gun is utterly dependent on the source of the engraving and plating. A no-name jewelry store engraving job and aftermarket nickel plating on a surplus Schofield, even if well done, will not go over well with collectors. On the other hand, if it were proven to be a factory engraved civilian Schofield, the value would be tremendous. A well done engraving job by a known engraver would be in between.

He needs a real honest expert auction house to get the best out of it.

 

[Old Fuff]

I suggest that he have S&W's in-house historian, Roy G. Jinks letter the gun. For a $30.00 search fee he will go back to the old records, and determine the original barrel length, finish, and any extra features, such as engraving. He can usually tell you the day it was shipped, and to what distributor or dealer.

The letter will substantially document the revolver beyond question. After that all he needs too do is pick an auction.

www.smith-wesson.com (information on an historical letter)

www.armchairgunshow.com (leading antique S&W dealer)

www.armsbid.com (auction specializing in antique S&W's)