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eventually succeeded him as S&W factory engravers. Oscar became the master engraver upon his father’s death in 1895 and remained with the company until his own passing in 1912, and his engraving style closely followed his father’s motifs using tight scroll patterns as clearly seen on this example. The Grade 3 scrollwork covers half of the surface, creating a highly attractive overall form of decoration. Accented by the gold plating and pearl grips, this revolver certainly makes for a standout piece of S&W artistry at the dawning of the 20th century. As stated in the accompanying factory letter, the revolver was shipped on December 15, 1899, and delivered to E.K. Tryon Co., of Philadelphia, PA. The letter also confirms the revolver “was a special order, but there are no invoices for this time period and therefore, we cannot verify the special features.” Matching full serial number appears on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel latch, and barrel. The revolver comes with the deluxe factory white oak French-cut case lined in chamois that S&W used for their special arms of the late 19th and early 20th century period. The case contains a gold-plated twisted wire bore brush. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% bright original gold plating and crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some minor handling/storage marks and some mild staining to the lining. This Oscar Young factory engraved, gold plated S&W .32 DA 4th Model Revolver will be a most welcome addition to any S&W or firearms art collection. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3116
Superb Cased Oscar Young Factory Engraved, Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action
4th Model Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 216770, 32 S&W cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., gold finish, pearl grips. S&W manufactured their .32 Double Action 4th Model Revolver circa 1883-1909, with this example falling in the later production serial number range. The revolver has full S&W factory original gold plating, was embellished by S&W factory engraver Oscar Young, and wears a set of S&W medallion pearl grips. Oscar was the eldest 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