Manufactured c. 1880s, this exceptional example of a Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Medium Frame revolver was subsequently period New York engraved and inscribed for presentation to a very prominent business man and sheriff from Elmira, New York. The back strap is inscribed "W.J. Lormore/Sheriff, Chemung County" for William J. Lormore (1841-1918), a well-known grocery store owner, county sheriff, county treasurer, and city fire commissioner. According to an included Chemung County Historical Society letter, as well as period articles from the local Elmira Star-Gazette, Lormore was county sheriff from around 1895 to 1899, with his son William J. Lormore Jr. as deputy sheriff and dying of typhoid in 1898 at the age of 31. The standard two-line address and patent dates are marked on top of the barrel rib, with "38 CAL." on the left of the frame. The matching full serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and rear of the barrel lug. It shows about 75% coverage, very attractive, period floral scroll engraving that is much more elaborately executed than the typical factory engraving seen on these revolvers, indicating that it was the work of a local master craftsman during the period, likely for specific presentation to Lormore. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame notch rear sight, folding hammer, and a pair of smooth pearl grips. Provenance: The TTT Collection

Exceptionally fine as period retailer engraved, retains 95% plus of the period applied nickel finish, more than half of the vibrant original case colors and nitre blue, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally attractive engraved Merwin, Hulbert & Co. revolver with New York sheriff inscription!