Help with Schofield info

[AJ Peacock]

I have a friend with an old 38 S&W spcl. I don't know much about Smiths and thought you guys could give me a hand with any details you might have.

The barrel is 6.5" long, it is a single action break top (Schofield?). The cylinder is about 1.44" long. It has the following 2 lines inscribed on the top of the barrel flat

Line 1:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A PAT'D JAN 17 & 25 65, JULY 11 65
Line 2:
AUG 24 69, APRIL 20 75, FEB 20 & DEC 18, 1877 REISSUE JULY 25 1871

It has a serial number stamped on the bottom of the grip frame of 23xx and the same number on the rear face of the cylinder.

My friend bought it used around 1937-1939 (he can't remember the year exactly, but knows it was before he went in the military for WWII).

Here are some pics I snapped with my phone.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u193/AJPeacock_photos/random-forum-stuff/Jimspistol/Rightsideclosed.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u193/AJPeacock_photos/random-forum-stuff/Jimspistol/Rightsideopen.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u193/AJPeacock_photos/random-forum-stuff/Jimspistol/leftsideclosed.jpg


Thanks for any help,
AJ

[Matt_G]

That looks like a Model 3 American. It was also known as the S&W Russian Model because many of them were purchased by the Russian Imperial Gov't.

Here's a thread you may find interesting. I also bet these guys could give you more info than you want. :lol:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/86917-photos-your-antique-s-w-model-top-breaks.html

Edit:
I think I'm wrong on that being called a Russian Model. I think there were unique characteristics to the Russian model and the Schofield model. I think that is a Schofield, like you said AJ.

[ddixie884]

I beleive that is a #3 3rd or 4th model, the schofield didn't have a hump on top of the grip. The gun that killed Jesse James looked a lot like your picture.

[AJ Peacock]

Matt, Thanks for the info, I've posted it on the SW forum.

Dixie, I think you are correct that it is a Model #3.

Thanks again,
AJ

[oldhickory]

I may have the terminology wrong, but it's a "New" 3rd. model target. They made them in .32/44 and .38/44. Large frame target revolvers for low recoil shooting.

Here's a link with some history on one for sale, http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/smith-and-wesson-new-model-number-three-3-target-revolver-38-44-antique.htm