Smith and Wesson New Model No. 3, .44 Caliber Double-Action Navy Revolver, serial no. 23060

Manufacturer Smith & Wesson American

ca. 1891–92

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372

This opulent but functional handgun was specially decorated by Tiffany & Co. and exhibited at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, to showcase the most innovative designs and technically sophisticated works the firm could produce. The revolver is remarkable for the turquoise cabochons and lapis lazuli over its fluted and chased sterling silver grip, and for the lapis lazuli stones set at the sides of the frame hinge. The etched ornamentation of the front sight blade, barrel, and cylinder, which was also designed and executed by Tiffany's, offers a striking contrast to the standard decoration of American firearms of the period, which was normally executed by engraving.

Artwork Details

Title: Smith and Wesson New Model No. 3, .44 Caliber Double-Action Navy Revolver, serial no. 23060
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852)
Decorator: Tiffany & Co. (1837–present)
Date: ca. 1891–92
Geography: Springfield, Massachusetts; New York, New York
Culture: American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Medium: Steel, silver, turquoise, lapis lazuli
Dimensions: L. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm); barrel L. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); Cal. .44 in. (11.2 mm); Wt. 2 lb. 9 oz. (1150 g)
Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Revolvers
Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Bequest, 2013
Object Number: 2013.902
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 94421, Smith & Wesson American, Steel, silver, niello, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York — Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 94421
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Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402, with Case and Cleaning Brush, Smith & Wesson American, Steel, silver, ivory, wood, paper, textile, leather, gold, copper alloy, iron, silver substitute, fiber, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York — Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402, with Case and Cleaning Brush
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Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Double-Action Revolver, serial no. 70002, Smith & Wesson American, Steel, nickel, silver, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York — Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Double-Action Revolver, serial no. 70002
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