Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402, with Case and Cleaning Brush

Manufacturer Smith & Wesson American

1888–89

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372

Unlike other handguns known to have been custom-decorated by Tiffany & Co., this revolver does not appear to have been designed for display in one of the the great world's fairs, but intended for the personal use of the American railroad magnate George Jay Gould (1864–1923), whose initials may be seen on a cartouche behind the hammer, and on the lid of the companion case. The revolver is exceptional in having a grip sheathed in etched and engraved sterling silver adorned with plaques of carved ivory, as well as the exterior of its main steel parts silvered overall. It is a spectacular representative of Tiffany's "Saracenic" works in silver, the ornamentation of which was inspired by Islamic architecture and objects.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402, with Case and Cleaning Brush
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852)
Decorator: Tiffany & Co. (1837–present)
Date: 1888–89
Geography: Massachusetts; New York, New York
Culture: American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Medium: Steel, silver, ivory, wood, paper, textile, leather, gold, copper alloy, iron, silver substitute, fiber
Dimensions: Revolver (a); L. 10 7/16 in. (26.5 cm); L. of barrel 5 in. (12.7 cm); Cal. .44 in. (11.2 mm); Wt. 2 lb. 8 oz. (1134 g); case (b); H. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm); W. 12 5/16 in. (31.3 cm); D. 9 13/16 (24.9 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 2 oz. (1867 g); cleaning brush (c); L. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); Diam. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22 g)
Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Revolvers
Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Bequest, 2013
Object Number: 2013.904a–c
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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