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Not All Art
R efinement bears its own rewards. Regardless of the form it takes – the bouquet of a well-aged wine, the precision movements of a fine timepiece, or the wind-slipping lines of a sports car – there is an undeniable satisfaction in both creating and savoring objects of quality. The effect can be visceral, evoking the slow sigh of satisfaction or a nod of acknowledgment from those who create and those who appreciate such excellence. This quiet recognition of the exceptional is nearly as old as mankind’s capacity to create it; inextricably bound through millennia.
It is no small coincidence that when one chooses to acknowledge their own successes and efforts, they seek those kindred spirits with a respect not just for a job well done, but for refinement. Your hard work and pursuit of quality draws you toward those
who also make that same investment. Excellence celebrates excellence.
This becomes apparent when examining some of history’s most valued creations. Symphonies,
monuments, cathedrals, and all manner of art have been created to celebrate success. Military victories and alliances were often consecrated with presentations of lavish arms & armor, and when
technology evolved to include firearms, it was no surprise they too were brought to bear in this ancient practice.
The recognition of fine arms extends far beyond their role as refined objects. They frequently represent the peak technology of
the day, symbolized power, could be embellished with precious metals and jewels or even personalized. The gift of a
firearm was one of luxury, strength, wealth, trust, social status, industry, science, and honor. Many
of these qualities made the collecting of fine arms, swords, and armor the “hobby of kings,” and
contributes to their collectability today. Thankfully, the same qualities
that made fine arms appealing to the social elite of eras past, today allows the passion
for arms collecting to extend far beyond aristocracy. Anyone who enjoys art, engineering, craftsmanship, history, or the evolution of technology through the
LOT 3118
Magnificent, Exceptionally Rare, Historically Significant, NRA Silver Medal Award Winning, Well-Documented Gustave Young Exhibition Factory Panel Scene Engraved Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Target Revolver Exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and Shipped to Champion Target Shooter Oscar Olson with Factory Letter