Manufactured in 1958 and subsequently embellished by Master Engraved Alvin White, who has signed his masterpiece with his cartouche on the left side of the grip frame. As indicated by the included June 19, 1958, dated S&W invoice (photocopy) and factory letter, this special order revolver was sold to FBI Special Agent Harvey Foster and shipped to William Sweet in the white on June 19, 1958 who in turn delivered it to his close friend and neighbor, Alvin White, for engraving in the style of the famed J. Edgar Hoover gun. This revolver was purchased by Foster just before he became the head of the FBI's New York division when he was still stationed in Indianapolis, Indiana. Foster was head of the bureau's New York division from 1958 to 1962. After retiring from the FBI in 1962, he went on to become a vice president at American Airlines. Foster presented the revolver to William Sweet, who was longtime friend of Foster. On several occasions Foster worked with Sweet to acquire special factory built presentation guns. Sweet was no stranger to the FBI. Only a month prior to Foster's presentation to Sweet, for instance, Sweet presented FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover with an extensively engraved special serial numbered Model 19 (K333333), which is also in this auction. Sweet was also heir to Sweet Manufacturing Company, longtime jewelry chain manufacturer in Attleboro, Massachusetts, established in 1904. At the factory Sweet housed his western firearms collection, which included about 45 Native American related guns and rivaled even the best museums. The revolver features near full coverage engraved floral scrollwork accented with gold inlaid scrolls. The rear of the cylinder has a gold inlaid wavy line. The frame has a jewel studded raised Sweet Manufacturing Co. crest in gold on the left side and a gold inlaid pioneer cabin scene on the right side. The top of the back strap has a raised dog head in gold. The flush gold serial number is inside panel outlined in gold. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, ejector shroud and cylinder. The smooth rosewood round Magna grips are stamped with the number "31" on the back and have S&W medallions. Provenance: William Sweet and Chad Gripp collections.