Phenomenal, Extremely Rare Oscar Young Factory Chiseled, Engraved, Gold Plated, Pearl Stocked Smith & Wesson Model 1899

From the late 1880s through the early 1900s, leading American firearms manufacturers such as Winchester, Colt, and Smith & Wesson produced elaborately decorated deluxe firearms that were exhibited to audiences around the globe. These masterpieces of gunmaking artistry were admired by tens of millions of visitors at events such as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, and the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

The exceptional Smith & Wesson revolver offered here was specially handcrafted for display at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. Departing from the more traditional Gustave Young factory scroll patterns, it features bold, deeply chiseled floral motifs. The accompanying factory letter confirms: “Factory records list this revolver going to [S&W] distributor M.W. Robinson of New York City, NY from the Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, NY on October 28, 1901. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 6.5 inch barrel, gold plated finish, engraved by Oscar Young, and pearl grips.” The back strap bears the inscription “G.R.D. NOV. 7TH 1901,” likely the initials of the original purchaser, engraved by M.W. Robinson at the time of sale. The gold medallion pearl grips are numbered to the gun.

Factory engraved in a highly unusual floral pattern, this .38 Military & Police First Model Double Action revolver is regarded by collectors and engraving scholars as one of Oscar Young’s true masterpieces. Oscar Young, son of the famed master engraver Gustave Young, began engraving for Smith & Wesson in the early-to-mid 1880s and succeeded his father as the company’s master engraver in 1895. Working alongside his brother Eugene, he continued the family’s engraving legacy at S&W until his death in 1912. This revolver’s embellishment was completed in late 1900 in preparation for exhibition at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, where it was awarded the Gold Medal for Revolvers.

The exposition itself was the largest of its kind to date, showcasing modern innovations, luxury goods, and cutting-edge products from around the world in grand architectural settings. While remembered for its grandeur, the event was also the site of the tragic assassination of President William McKinley. Smith & Wesson, consistent with its tradition of exhibiting at major expositions in Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, and Paris, presented this revolver as a showcase of the company’s artistry and craftsmanship. The gold plating, gold medallion pearl grips, and deeply chiseled floral pattern made it a standout piece, sold during the event to “G.R.D.” through S&W’s New York distributor M.W. Robinson in November 1901.

The revolver went on to earn accolades more than a century later, receiving the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association’s Best Single Gun Display Award at the 2018 show in Reno, Nevada, and the Best Weapon Award at the Fall 2019 Texas Gun Collectors Association Show—both awards are included. The revolver also comes with two period Pan-American Exposition souvenirs: 1) an official brass medal depicting the Statue of Liberty with arm raised skyward, and 2) a White’s Pottery blue-gray stoneware stein featuring the exposition logo and a tavern scene in relief.