Lot 3568: Oscar Young Engraved S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model 1899

The accompanying factory letter lists this special order revolver as a single unit shipment on April 3, 1902 to W.B. Belknap & Co. of Louisville, KY. In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks says it is his opinion that the revolver was engraved by S&W Master Engraver Oscar Young and the pearl grips were added after the revolver was delivered, and "it is interesting that on April 2, 1902 (the day before this engraved revolver was shipped) the factory shipped a large order of 25 units of this model, the .32-20 Hand Ejector, to [W.B. Belknap & Co.]…illustrat[ing] this revolver was handl[ed] in a special manner" as it was shipped as a single unit the next day. The revolver features Oscar Young's characteristic scrollwork on a punch dot background, matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder and barrel is numbered 42623, and left grip panel inscribed "H. WOODFORD HUTTON./HUTTONSVILLE. W.VA." H.W. Hutton (1876-1926) came from a prominent West Virginia family. "The town of Huttonsville was named in honor of the Hutton family," as stated by local historian A.S. Bosworth. The original family log cabin was burned by Union soldiers in retaliation for the family's Confederate sympathies. By 1898, the family home was rebuilt as the city's crowning 2 1/2 story Queen Anne Victorian home which today serves as a bed and breakfast (advertising pamphlet included) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Comes with a handwritten Hutton family genealogy record, contemporary photos related to the Hutton family including the family home and gravesites, and photos of the revolver with photo CD.

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. The engraving is crisp. 95% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are very fine with minimal handling evidence and fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. This Oscar Young engraved Model 1899 .32-20 Hand Ejector revolver inscribed to a prominent West Virginia family will make for a great addition to any S&W collection.