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LOT 1075
Rare Documented Gustave Young Factory Engraved and Gold Plated “Persian Special” Smith &
Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver with Factory Monogram Pearl Grips and Factory Letter
- Serial no. 18208, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., gold finish, pearl grips. Offered here is a stunning
rarity in S&W collecting: A Persian Special .44 DA First Model Revolver. As noted S&W historian Roy Jinks explained
in the accompanying factory letter, “The Persian Specials were a very small select group of identically configured
.44 Double Action First Model’s, all shipped in February 1888. They were engraved by Gustave Young and plated in either a silver or gold finish.”
As confirmed by the factory letter, the revolver was shipped on February 11, 1888, as a Persian Special Model with a 6 inch barrel and gold shield
monogram pearl grips. This was a single unit shipment, and the purchaser’s name and address were not listed in the records. Gustave Young’s
distinctive floral scroll engraving covers 75% of the factory gold plated surface. The scrollwork decorates the sides of the frame and barrel, flank
the two-line barrel rib S&W legend, top strap, back strap, and butt. The embellishment is indicative of S&W’s rich quality and style established
by Gustave Young that was continued on by his sons Oscar and Eugene, arguably creating the greatest family dynasty in the 19th century
American engraving. As confirmed by the factory letter, the pearl grips are original and feature a gold monogram inlay on the left panel, S&W gold
medallions at the top, and both panels are numbered to the gun. Additional matching serial numbers appear on the cylinder, barrel,
and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% factory replated gold finish with crisp Gustave Young engraving. The grips are also very fine with
highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A superb example of a rare Gustave Young Persian Special .44 DA revolver that
is missing from even the most advanced S&W collections.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
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