Manufactured from 1868 to 1881 with this example featuring a fine exhibition quality embellishment by renowned Master Engraver Gustave Young. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 3 3/16 inch barrel, blue finish, factory engraving and gold inlay, and pearl grips when shipped on September 8, 1868 and delivered to C.W. May, Paris, France. S&W historian Roy Jinks states in the letter that the revolver was engraved by Gustave 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. The near full coverage engraving consists of Young's masterful floral scrollwork along with the panel scenes of a gentleman shooter taking aim with a revolver on the left side of the frame, a dog head behind the hammer, and a dog on the right side of the frame. Note the near circular tips of many of the scroll patterns, an attribute strongly associated with Young. Amongst the scrollwork on the barrel sides is a grape vine pattern exquisitely inlaid in gold. A similar gold inlaid grape vine pattern is found on a Young embellished Model 1 1/2 2nd Issue displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1867 that became the personal firearm of Horace Smith, co-founder of Smith & Wesson (see Roy Jinks' "Artistry in Arms: The Guns of Smith & Wesson," page 63). The elaborate, high quality craftsmanship demonstrated on this revolver coupled with it being shipped to Paris would certainly make it a contender for an international exhibit. The borders consists of the typical scalloped pattern so often used by Young. The serial number is inside a banner on the butt. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, barrel and cylinder. The revolver is fitted with pearl grips.

Very fine. 90% original blue finish remains on the barrel and frame and 50% original blue finish remain on the cylinder with the balance a smooth gray patina. The engraving is crisp. All of the gold remains. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and attractive colors. Mechanically excellent. This highly attractive Gustave Young exhibition quality engraved and inlaid Model No. 1 is a fine example of 19th century S&W artistry and would make a great addition to any S&W collection. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.