Offered here is a highly attractive pair of S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolvers featuring magnificent, exhibition quality floral motif engraving by Eugene Young, son of Gustave Young, himself also a S&W master engraver. The European influenced leaf, branch and flower motifs appear on the frame, top strap, barrel sides, cylinder flats, area behind the hammer and back strap. Most of the flowers and buds are inlaid in gold. The quality of the engraving showcases the craftsmanship and an eye for beauty from a truly talented artisan, the delicacy of which Eugene Young is known for. The revolvers are furnished with highly attractive pearl grips featuring gold S&W medallions that complete this masterpiece. The left side of the barrels have the caliber marking "44 S&W CTG." Caliber marked New Model No. 3s are rarely encountered. The revolvers are fitted with target sights. The barrel ribs are stamped with the one-line address. On the "A" gun British proofs are present on the left side of the barrel, each cylinder flute and left side of the frame. The "B" gun lacks British proofs. Matching respective serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. Each revolver comes with a factory letter that states the revolvers were shipped together on April 29, 1903 and delivered to noted marksman and Olympian Walter Winans in London, England. In the letter S&W historian Roy Jinks states that, due to the invoice missing, he can say only that this special order pair was “possibly” engraved at the factory. Walter Winans (1852-1920) participated in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics and won a total of two Olympic shooting medals: a Gold in 1908 and a Silver in 1912. He authored ten books including "The Art of Revolver Shooting," "Practical Rifle Shooting" and "Automatic Pistol Shooting." Apart from his shooting successes, Winans was a noted horse breeder and sculptor who exhibited his art 14 times at the British Royal Academy and won an Olympic Gold Medal in the Arts Competition in 1912 for his statuette "An American Trotter." He is the only American to win medals in both art and sport at the Olympics. His Olympic career was not without controversy. At the 1908 Olympics, Winans' eligibility as an American competitor was questioned because he had never set foot in the United States. Winans was born to American parents in St. Petersburg, Russia where he lived for the first 18 years of his life. Before taking up residence in England, Winans took the oath of allegiance at the U.S. Embassy. He did not visit the U.S. until he was 58 years old. To compete at the Olympic Games, Winans was required to swear his allegiance to the U.S. Consul General. One of the most famous and highly esteemed handgun shooters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Excellent as exhibition quality embellished, retaining 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown (heavier on the grip straps) on the balance. The engraving is crisp. 95% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent.

See "A."

Exceptionally fine as exhibition quality embellished, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The back strap is mostly a smooth gray patina. The engraving is crisp. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. This extraordinary set of New Model No. 3s will be a welcomed addition to any S&W or firearms art collection. Simply a fabulous work of art! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.