This outstanding S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver features splendid, highly sought after factory engraving by Master Engraver 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. His sons, Oscar, Eugene, and Robert, also worked for Smith & Wesson and used similar styles. On this revolver Young's elaborate, exhibition quality scrollwork on a punch dot background covers 80% the surface. This revolver falls into a very special serial number range of exhibition quality S&W New Model No. 3s. This revolver's mates, nos. 27855, which is also in this auction and only 30 numbers away, and 27856 are a consecutively numbered pair of factory highly embellished New Model No. 3s that were delivered to famed late 19th/early 20th century marksman Professor John Loris in 1891. The accompanying factory letter for this revolver confirms the 6 1/2 inch barrel, adjustable rear target sight, gold plated finished, type 5 S&W engraving, and pearl grips when shipped to noted marksman and Olympian Walter Winans on July 4, 1895. The factory records state that the revolver was supplied with a fancy case with accessories. Research conducted by Peter DeRose and presented in his article “Smith & Wesson at the World’s Columbian Exposition” indicates that this Winans’ owned revolver was displayed at the famed Chicago exposition: “The famous competitive shooter and artist Walter Winans bought two Columbian engraved revolvers from Smith & Wesson. He bought an engraved, gold-plated New Model Number 3 revolver, serial number 27885, in 1895.” At the time the article was written the whereabouts of the revolver were known only to Dr. Gerald Klaz. At the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition S&W exhibited some of the finest revolvers in the history of the factory with Gustave Young engraving most of them such as this revolver. The two-line barrel rib legend ends with the reissue patent date. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder and barrel. The barrel latch is unnumbered. British proofs are present on the cylinder, frame and barrel, and the right side of the frame is stamped "NOT ENGLISH MAKE." Comes with a blue velvet bound French cut case containing a pearl handle bore rod and S&W hollow handle brass screwdriver with four heads. The exterior of the case has an imprint of a "Crown/P." 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, retaining 95% original gold plating with flaking on the balance. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with a worn exterior and typical high spot wear on the lining. An absolute must have for the serious S&W collector! This stellar Gustave Young Columbian Exposition masterpiece owned by renowned marksman Walter Winans will bring added dimension to any S&W or firearms art collection. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.