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LOT 1497
Cased Factory Exhibition Gun and Only Known Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman Pre-Model 23 Double Action Revolver, Signed by Master Engraver Russ Smith - Serial no. S123187, 38 S&W special cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. Offered here is a true rarity in 20th century S&W collecting: a S&W Master Engraver Russ Smith signed, factory engraved .38/44 Outdoorsman revolver. In fact, to date this revolver is the only Pre-Model 23 .38/44 Outdoorsman known to have been engraved at the factory and, upon its completion, was held by S&W management as an exhibition display gun. The extra deluxe Class A coverage engraving consists of floral scrollwork covering nearly all of the surfaces. Master Engraver Russ Smith signed the revolver “RUSS” on the right side of the grip frame. It has a standard micrometer click rear sight, a Patridge front sight and is fitted with highly figured, smooth presentation target stocks. The matching serial number is found on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and in the ejector shroud with matching assembly number on the crane and inside the frame. The original factory mahogany case with clamshell inserts contains a screwdriver and bore rod with two attachments. One end of the case has the factory label which correctly lists the serial number, type of engraving and barrel length. The S&W historical records confirm this revolver was factory engraved in the mid-1950s and held for display in the special showcases then located in the factory rotunda. After over a decade of being presented as one of the all-time outstanding examples of the factory’s engraving department masterpieces to all who visited and worked in the S&W plant and offices, this wonderful and rare example of the firearms engraver’s art was finally sold to one of their most prominent distributors in April 1968. CONDITION: Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish showing a cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are excellent showing very limited collector-type mild handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good plus showing some minor handling/storage marks and retains most of the flocking. If you are looking for a top shelf factory engraved S&W, this is it; a true one-of-a kind Master Engraver Russ Smith embellished Pre-Model 23 Outdoorsman .38/44 revolver that will make a grand statement in any S&W collection! Provenance: The Smith & Wesson Factory Display; The Chad Gripp Collection; The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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