From the late 1880s to the early 1900s, American gun makers such as Winchester, Colt and Smith & Wesson produced highly embellished deluxe handguns and rifles showcased around the world. These masterworks in firearms artistry were viewed by tens of millions of people attending the likes of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, the Exposition Universelle in Paris of 1900, and the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY in 1901. This wondrous S&W piece was specifically handcrafted for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, and the bold chiseled floral motifs break from the traditional factory scrollwork patterns established by Gustave Young. As confirmed by the accompanying factory letter, “factory records list this revolver going to [S&W] distributor M.W. Robinson of New York City, NY from the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, NY on October 28, 1901. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 6.5 inch barrel, gold plated finish, engraved by Oscar Young, and pearl grips.” The back strap is inscribed “G.R.D. NOV. 7TH 1901,” likely the initials of the original owner added by M.W. Robinson at the time it was purchased. The gold S&W medallion pearl grips are numbered to the gun. Factory engraved in a most unusual floral pattern, this .38 Military & Police First Model Double Action revolver is regarded by knowledgeable collectors and students of firearms engraving as one of Oscar Young’s true masterpieces. Oscar trained under his father, the world renowned master engraver Gustave Young, and began engraving for S&W in the early-mid 1880s, succeeding his father as the factory’s master engraver in 1895. Along with his younger brother, Eugene, Oscar continued the family dynasty at S&W until his own untimely death in 1912. He executed the special embellishments seen on this revolver in late 1900 for exhibition at the then upcoming 1901 Pan-American Exposition. At the expo the revolver was awarded the Gold Medal for Revolvers. The expo was the largest of its kind to date and featured the finest and most modern convenience items, fashionable clothing, and new products of all types, as well as palace-like buildings and structures unimaginable in earlier times. International manufacturers from nearly every product endeavor showcased their finest offerings to the public and touted their companies as “the best of the best” and “leaders without equal”. On a more somber note, the exposition served as the location where U.S. President William McKinley was assassinated by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. S&W, as in past expositions held in Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, and Paris, was again in Buffalo at the forefront of the firearms industry’s efforts to leave lasting impression in the minds of both their established and future customers. This revolver certainly did not disappoint. Decorated in a most unique and seldom seen, deeply chiseled floral pattern, this Model 1899 is fully gold plated and fitted with gold medallion pearl grips. Sold at the Pan-American Exposition to an obviously very discriminating client, a one “G.R.D.”, this revolver was delivered via the factory’s New York City distributor M.W. Robinson at the close of the exposition in November 1901. It is a truly outstanding example of Oscar Young’s amazing artistic abilities. The revolver received the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association’s Best Single Gun Display Award at the 2018 show held in Reno, Nevada. At the Fall 2019 Texas Gun Collectors Association Show the revolver received the Best Weapon award. Both aforementioned awards are included. Period Pan-American Exposition survivors also accompany the revolver: 1) official brass medal featuring the Statue of Liberty stretched skyward; and White’s Pottery blue gray stoneware stein featuring the expo logo and tavern scene in relief. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman; Smith & Wesson Collectors Association’s Best Single Gun Display 2018; Fall 2019 Texas Gun Collectors Association Show Best Weapon

Excellent, retaining 97% plus untouched original gold plating with some extremely minor flaking visible on the grip straps. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A tour de force in S&W early 20th century exposition artistry, this Pan-American Exposition Oscar Young chiseled engraved, gold plated S&W Model 1899 revolver will be a standout piece to any firearms art collection. A must have for the S&W collector.