Often referred to as the "Baby Russian", this top-break, auto ejecting revolver is chambered for the Smith & Wesson .38 centerfire cartridge and was manufactured from 1876-1877. The revolver features a highly sought after profuse factory engraving by famed Master Engraver Gustave Young. Note the near circular tips of many of the scroll patterns, an attribute strongly associated with Young. Young worked with Smith & Wesson as early as 1865 after serving as Colt's Master Engraver and was the in-house engraver for Smith & Wesson starting in 1869 until his death in 1895. His sons, Oscar, Eugene, and Robert, also worked for Smith & Wesson and used similar styles. On this revolver Young's elaborate, exhibition quality scrollwork covers nearly all of the surfaces, including the hammer. Among the scrollwork on the side plate and the right side of the frame is a highly attractive gold inlaid scroll design with a floral blossom in the center. Similar factory embellished S&Ws appear in Neal and Jinks' "Smith & Wesson 1857-1945" on 287. The barrel rib has the two-line marking ending with the reissue patent date. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. In the accompanying factory letter S&W historian Roy Jinks explains that the record is "only marked as being shipped to the Smith & Wesson office [in] 1876. There is no invoice to list any information on the handgun. The production records do list several engraved guns being produced with engraving in this time frame. The fact that it was delivered to the Companies [sic] office would indicate it was a special revolver."

Very fine, retaining 80% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. There are a couple patches of mildly cleaned spotting. The engraving is crisp. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are fine showing minimal hairline stress cracking, minimal handling marks and highly attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent. This Gustave Young engraved and gold inlaid Baby Russian will make for a great addition to any S&W collection. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.