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LOT 102
San Francisco Police Marked U.S. Smith & Wesson First Model
Schofield Single Action Revolver with U.S. Holster
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 5379, 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 “279” behind the hammer. The butt is stamped
“US,” U.S. Ordnance sub-inspector stamps “E” and “P” are on the rear of the cylinder and underside of the barrel lug, and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel and cylinder. Each grip panel has a script letter cartouche
while the left panel is also dated “1876.” The accompanying factory letter confirms the 7 inch barrel, blue finish and
smooth walnut grips. The revolver was originally part of a shipment for 3,000 units that left the factory on October 12, 1876 and
delivered to the National Armory, Springfield, MA. Includes a Lanz, Owen & Co. leather U.S. flap holster. This revolver is from the collection of world famous American country singer
and song writer Hank Williams Jr. and includes a certificate of authenticity confirming his ownership as well as the aforementioned factory letter, which is addressed to him. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also fine with
minor dings and scratches and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with minor flex wear and handling/storage marks and overall tight stitching. An attractive U.S./San Francisco Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Revolver.
Provenance: The Hank Williams Jr.’s Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
LOT 103
Rare Smith &
Wesson No. 3 American Transitional Model Revolver - Serial
no. 7079, 44 S&W American cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Transitional Model serial number ranges are from approximately 3,200-3,700 and 6,800-8,000 with this example falling in the latter. Transitional models are distinguished by a shorter 1.423-inch cylinder and a notch in the hammer for the interlocking barrel
catch. The rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking, and there is star on the extractor housing. See Charles Pate’s “Smith
& Wesson American Model” for details on star stamped American Models. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, right grip
panel, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. Full serial numbered No. 3 First Model American transitionals are characteristic of the Russian contract
revolvers. This star stamped example was a Russian contract reject and was finished and sold through Smith & Wesson’s large New York distributor M.W. Robinson.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine with a small chip near the bottom, some
high edge wear and minor handling marks. The cylinder does not lock,
otherwise the action cycles properly.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000