Offered here is an absolutely stunning work of early 20th century S&W artistry by renowned factory Master Engraver Oscar Young. This special order masterpiece features a quality of deluxe engraving that is reserved for only the finest exhibition arms. Factory shipping records indicate the revolver was delivered to C.E. Heath, whose work in the field of ballistics influenced a new generation of handgun cartridges. Along with the rare “pinto” or two-tone finish, this Triple Lock is in a class of its own, prized by collectors for its scarcity, historical significance and sheer beauty. The included factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .44 S&W Special, Paine front sight, adjustable rear sight, two-tone blue/nickel finish, factory engraving and checkered walnut grips. The letter also states the revolver was shipped on January 14, 1909, and delivered to C.E. Heath (no address available). C.E. Heath of Endicott, Massachusetts, was a prominent member of the Boston Pistol Club who designed a target bullet (Ideal 429336) for the .44 Russian cartridge prior to World War I. Heath's design was popular with target shooters, and it served as the inspiration to one of the greatest bullets of all time. In the late 1920s, renowned firearms ballistic expert Elmer Keith modified Heath’s bullet to create his famous Keith semi-wadcutter (SWC), known simply as the Keith bullet (Ideal 429421). Heath’s bullet contributed greatly to Keith’s success that forever changed the world of revolver shooting. The impact the Keith bullet had on the shooting world is perhaps best summarized by firearms author Glen Fryxell: “The result was the Ideal 429421, and it was everything that Elmer had aimed for. It delivered target grade accuracy, cut clean holes in paper and meat, killed game quickly and humanely, and was accurate over long ranges. How we think of revolver bullets was forever changed. A HP version of the 429421 soon followed, providing an expanding version of the Keith SWC for enhanced game-killing capability.” Elmer Keith went on to become an innovator in the world of magnum cartridges, responsible for the development of the iconic .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .41 Magnum cartridges, which gave rise to a new breed of big game handgun hunters. The near full coverage exhibition quality embellishment consists of Young’s floral scrollwork on matte backgrounds with borders. The left side of the frame is decorated with the initials monogram "FBC" for C. E. Heath's shooting associate, fellow competitor and close friend Fred. B. Collins. Associated included period document copies which tell quite a story, indicate that Heath, who was closely aligned with the S&W factory management and had himself received an initialed monogram two-tone .38 M&P Target Model several years earlier, apparently ordered this revolver for Collins, who nearly 20 years later would order and receive the still-only known blue-nickel, two-tone .357 Registered Magnum. There are two panel scenes: a dog chasing down a deer on the crane and a fox amongst the scrolls on the right side of the frame under the cylinder. The trigger and grip straps are checkered. The left side of the grip frame carries a July 1911 (“7.11”) S&W factory return date, most likely for the front sight change from the original Patridge blade to the type currently in place. There are no S&W factory refinish marks on the revolver. As confirmed by the factory letter, the revolver was shipped "blue-nickel finish." The sides of the hammer and trigger are polished. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder and ejector shroud. The diamond checkered grips without S&W medallions are nicely figured walnut and feature a contrasting period celluloid spacer that only adds to the overall beauty of the revolver. Also a metal weight has been expertly fitted rear of the mainspring, quite possibly by the factory. Includes an attractive custom hardwood display case.

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original factory combination blue and nickel finishes with slight muzzle, grip strap and high edge wear with limited handling marks. The engraving is crisp. The spacer modified grips (see above) are very fine with crisp checkering and polishing visible on interior grip strap. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic work of firearms artistry, this Oscar Young deluxe panel scene engraved two-tone S&W Triple Lock revolver shipped to ballistics expert C.W. Heath will be a stand out piece even in the most advanced collections. Its condition, rarity and beauty is unmatched.