Over the years, Rock Island Auction Company has had the pleasure of offering to the public firearms linked to Elvis Presley. Today we continue that tradition with this sensational Russell Smith exhibition engraved Smith & Wesson Model 53 revolver. This is certainly one of the most well documented, elaborate and stunning pieces of S&W steel canvas of the latter half of the 20th century we have cataloged. Simply known as The King, Elvis Presley was rock & roll’s first super star and remains one of the most important cultural icons in American history since his first number one charting song hit the airways back in 1956. He was, after all, the nightmare to 1950s conservative America: the white Southerner bringing together American music from both sides of the color line and performing with natural sexual flare. He was in essence a cultural liberation icon throwing the "system" into chaos. In his personal life Elvis had a well-documented interest in firearms. When he died in 1977, The King was reported to own 37 firearms, including one machine gun. Originally manufactured in 1974, this Model 53 returned to the S&W factory in 1976 to undergo its transformation into a Russell Smith masterpiece specifically for Elvis Presley. The revolver is identified by serial number in Russell Smith’s accompanying 1988 dated signed letter. In the letter, Smith confirmed that he performed the engraving “in 1976 for a Bi-centennial Commemorative gift for Elvis Presley, factory ordered from Hiram’s of California.” Hiram’s was a gun shop in El Cajon, California, and the name of the shop is script engraved on the underside of the frame ahead of the trigger guard. Smith’s original pencil drawing of the proposed engraving is included. Among his many handwritten notes on the drawing Smith remarked that the gun was “for Hiram’s, El Cajon Calif” and “design for Model 53 (22 Magnum) commemorative for E. Presley.” This drawing provides great insight into the design process. For instance, Smith provided two different options for the left frame inlay. One was a Betsy Ross flag and the other was a minuteman. The latter design was chosen. The idea of having Elvis Presley’s signature on the trigger guard was abandoned. The “special oversize smooth grips,” the 18K gold ramp sight and the matching engraved extra cylinder are also cited in Smith’s notes. Final confirmation on the origins of this grand work of art comes from the included original “special gun job card” where the revolver is again listed for Presley, the engraving by R. Smith, front sight with 18K gold insert, and two cylinders. The delivery date posted on the job card is for November 16, 1976. In Smith & Wesson’s factory newsletter "The Gunner" the revolver is pictured and identified as “Elvis Presley’s Bicentennial Model 53 done by Russ Smith.” This issue copy is included. Finally, there are nine photos of the revolver taken by Smith before it was delivered in November 1976. Smith twice signed his masterpiece. His signature is located on the underside of the ejector shroud and at the rear of the side plate. Much of the surface is covered with Smith’s relief floral scrollwork on stippled background. The S&W barrel markings are flanked by silver inlaid five pointed stars and are surrounded by scrollwork. Each side of the barrel carries “1776-1976” in flush gold towards the muzzle. Thin double gold inlaid bands are featured at the muzzle and breech. The serrated blade front sight has a gold insert, and the adjustable square notch rear sight is outlined in gold. There are three bicentennial themed relief gold and silver inlays. The side plate features an eagle in flight grasping an enamel 13-star Betsy Ross American flag. Above the eagle is a line of stars and below is a banner reading “THE SPIRIT OF ’76.” On the left side of the frame is a minuteman flanked by five pointed stars. The Liberty Bell is featured on the back strap. Additional gold inlaid bands decorate the cylinder. The left side of the grip frame has the S&W factory June 1976 (“6 76”) return date and “R-Bi” S&W factory refinish marking. The barrel and cylinder are factory numbered to the gun. The included matching numbered .22 LR cylinder is engraved and inlaid to match. The barrel and cylinders were numbered to the gun as part of the S&W factory finishing process. Includes a custom factory walnut presentation case lined in green baize.