Page 84 - 87-BOOK3

LOT 3109
Oscar Young Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Target Revolver with Documented Desirable 4 Inch Barrel, Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 3533, 38-44 cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. This highly attractive, highly sought after New Model No. 3 Target revolver features fine scroll engraving by noted S&W Master Engraver Oscar Young as well as a documented special order 4 inch barrel. In the accompanying factory letter S&W historian Roy Jinks identifies the style 2 engraving as by Oscar Young which at the time cost an extra $5.00. In the letter the “special 4 inch barrel” and S&W pearl grips are also confirmed as factory by Jinks. As indicated by the factory records, the revolver was shipped on September 6, 1900, and delivered to Eben C. Sodentown (no address listed). It is not often that we catalog 19th-early 20th century S&Ws shipped to an individual, as it was standard factory practice to ship to an official S&W
distributor. At this time, Eben C. Sodentown unfortunately remains unidentified. Oscar Young was one of three sons of S&W Master Engraver Gustave Young who created some of S&W’s most extravagant embellished pieces. Gustave’s sons worked at his side and eventually succeeded him as S&W factory engravers. Oscar remained with the company until his death in 1912, and his engraving style typical followed his father’s motifs using tight scroll patterns as clearly seen on this example. The scrollwork covers 75% of the surface. The inscribed “HR” is a non-factory inscription that appears on the underside of the partially replated frame in the immediate area of the frame. The 4 inch barrel is rare on any New Model No. 3 as the standard length was 6 1/2 inches. The revolver also features target sights, the one- line barrel rib address, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. The barrel latch is unnumbered. The New Model No. 3 Target Model is found in the serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, only 1,413 were chambered in .38-44 caliber. The revolver is pictured in Dean Boorman’s “The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms” on page 108 and on the cover of the 3rd edition of Supica and Nahas’“Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.” CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% plus original nickel plating with spots of frosting and surface oxidation visible overall. The engraving is crisp. 40% of faded original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. This Oscar Young S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver will make a great addition to any S&W or firearms art collection. Provenance: The William Scott Collection; The Supica Collection. Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 3110
Very Scarce, Documented Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Wesson Favorite Revolver with Pearl Grips and Holster - Serial no. 10008, 44 S&W Russian cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. One of only around 1,000 manufactured circa 1882-1883, the Smith & Wesson Favorite is rarely found on the American market; while hard details are scarce, it is recorded that many of the Favorites were sold and shipped overseas, with only a very limited number held by domestic collectors. The signature feature of the Favorite is a series of steps taken by Smith & Wesson to reduce the weight and alter the balance of the revolver, as compared to other .44 Top Breaks, including a groove cut into the top of the rib, a slight rebating of the cylinder just ahead of the stop notches, and a groove cut into each side of the frame below the cylinder. “DWF” is stamped over the serial number on the butt (possibly for “Daniel Wesson Favorite”). Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. With a period open top/toe leather holster with tooled border motif. The revolver is pictured in Supica and Nahas’“Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” on page 122 in the 4th edition, page 110 in the 3rd edition and page 71 in the 2nd edition and David Chicoine’s “Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West” on page 159. CONDITION: Good with a classic well-traveled appearance to a very scarce 19th century firearm, exhibiting polished surfaces with slight traces of original nickel in the protected areas and cracked and chipped grips with good fire colors. Mechanically fine. With only around 1,000 manufactured, this rarely encountered S&W .44 DA Wesson Favorite is missing from even the most advanced collections. Hard to find in any condition, the .44 DA Wesson Favorite is a must have for the serious collector looking to complete his/her collection. Provenance: The Supica Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE HISTORY OF SMITH & WESSON FIREARMS BY BOORMAN
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON BY SUPICA
82