Originally a U.S. inspected martial revolver, this Model 1917 was subsequently elaborately custom embellished by L. Nelly whose signature is on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. A beautiful floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background nearly covers the frame and cylinder. The fine scrollwork extends to the rear section of the barrel. Gold inlaid bands are featured on the barrel at the muzzle and breech, and gold inlaid scrollwork is featured on the back strap, top strap, and around the S&W barrel legend. Additional gold inlaid entwining lines appear on the sides of the barrel towards the muzzle. The revolver retains the U.S. property markings. The pearl grips have high relief initials "PPP" on the right panel, the Latin motto "MEMENTO/ANDAR/SEMPER" (likely the misspelling for Memento audere semper, "Remember to always dare") on the left panel, and cowboy iconography throughout. The revolver has a late Dr. Joseph Murphy collection tag, number "105." Two photo negatives of the revolver are included.

Very fine as professionally embellished, retaining 99% of the blue/gold inlaid finish showing a small patch of gray on the right side of the frame. The elaborate undersized replacement grips have a missing chip on the bottom of the left panel, crisp carving and attractive color. Mechanically excellent.