Rock Island Auction Company is extremely pleased to be able to offer this incredibly rare and sensational example of a factory engraved New Model No. 3 Frontier Model to the collecting community. Manufactured within their own serial number range (1- 2073) from 1885-1908 the Frontier Model remains a favorite amongst both S&W collectors and investment buyers. This particular revolver was factory engraved by a member of the Young family of which the patriarch was the most prominent 19th century master engraver: Gustave Young. The revolver features the Young Family's unmistakably tight and beautifully executed scroll and vine pattern. Smith & Wesson was a known participants in many of the grand exhibitions and world's fairs throughout the 19th century. The most notable of such displays was put on by S&W at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893 (The Chicago World's Fair). Many of S&W's finest arms were commissioned for the Columbian Exposition and this revolver, serial number 661 is certainly of such quality. While at the time of writing this description we do not have a factory letter the verify, this is certainly an exhibition quality revolver. The top of the barrel rib is stamped with the two line address/patent dates marking. Pinned blade front sight and notch rear sight on the barrel latch. Matching serial number is stamped on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel and barrel latch. The revolver is complete with a beautiful pair of original mother of pearl grips which are common amongst known factory documented 1893 World's Fair guns.

Excellent retaining 92% plus original blue finish thinning on the exposed high edges, muzzle and grip straps. The barrel address and wonderfully executed factory engraving are sharp and crisp. The hammer exhibits much of its original case colors. The grips are very fine plus with a few minor pressure marks. Overall a spectacular S&W that would hard to improve upon, one of the finest we have offered.