Lot 152

Ron Smith Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum

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Ron Smith Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum

Estimate: $15,000 - $27,500

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extraordinary Relief Panel Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Pre-Model 27 Double Action Revolver Signed by Master Engraver Ron Smith This extraordinary revolver is a stunning work of art. One of the 20th century's most iconic American handguns, the Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum, was used as the steel canvas for one of the century's most gifted American engravers: Ron Smith. This particular revolver is an incredible example of the skill that made Smith such a highly respected master among the engraving community. It is noted that Smith first discovered the beauty of engraved art while stationed in Verona, Italy, during his time in the U.S. military, after which he took a job at a jewelry shop where he would perform various rolls. His time working in the jewelry shop gave him the opportunity and the time to practice and teach himself engraving on various metals, improving his skills to the level of a highly respected master. He continued working in both wholesale and retail sale of his work, focusing primarily on jewelry but also building quite a reputation as an engraver of firearms and knives. In 2005, when GRS began their "Grand Masters Program" at their training facility in Emporia, Kansas, Ron Smith was selected as one of the instructors to teach the inaugural coarse, teaching students about multi-colored inlays, shading techniques, and other advanced inlaying methods. Smith also authored two seminal works on engraving titled "Drawing and Understanding Scroll Design: For Artists, Engravers and Collectors" and "Advanced Drawing of Scrolls: For Engraving Artists, Designers, Craftsmen", both of which are highly regarded and recommended among those in the engraving community and artists in general. Sadly, in February of this year, the legendary Ron Smith passed away, making this particular masterpiece even more of a treasured piece of American firearms art as the years go on. This Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum "Pre-Model 27" was manufactured c. 1952 to 1953 and was subsequently exquisitely embellished by Master Engraver Ron Smith with a truly astounding level of scrollwork, gold inlaid accents, and relief engraved panel scenes on either side of the frame with gold inlaid animals. The work is signed "R/Smith/ENG" on the left of the grip frame under the grip along with a hand-engraved "R.R.Rettig" marking. Rettig either made the grips or was the original commissioner of this work of art. The left side of the frame features a forest scene and a gold inlaid raccoon, while the right of the frame exhibits a bugling bull elk in a mountain scene, both at least partially bordered with gold inlay. The remainder of the revolver shows essentially complete coverage, masterfully executed, flowing vine-like scrollwork on a matted background with gold inlaid vine accents amongst the scrollwork on each chamber of the cylinder, the sides of the forward portion of the frame, and both sides of the barrel at the muzzle and breech. The barrel markings are surrounded by gold inlaid banner borders, and there are gold inlaid accent borders on both sides of the ejector rod shroud. The rear sight base and screw heads of the frame and grips are also finished in gold. The left side of the barrel has the Smith & Wesson marking, while the right has the caliber marking. The right of the frame has the typical four-line Smith & Wesson marking. The matching serial number is on the butt, in the ejector rod shroud, the rear face of the cylinder, and on the forward face of the ejector star. The matching assembly number is on the frame and crane. It is fitted with a ramped blade front sight with orange insert, an adjustable notch rear sight with white outline and previously mentioned gold finished base, and a very attractive pair of goncalo alves checkered grips with "S&W" monogram medallions.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 357 Magnum

BBL: 8 3/8 inch solid rib

Gauge: 357 Magnum

Finish: blue/gold

Grips: goncalo alves

Serial NumberS101445

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent as a masterpiece exhibiting the exquisite work of the incredible artistry of Ron Smith, retaining 99% plus of the high polish blue finish, 99% of plus of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and trigger, 99% plus of the gold finish on the rear sight base and screw heads, and essentially all of the brilliant gold inlays with only the slightest handling evidence and extremely crisp, masterfully executed engraving. The grips are also excellent with a few very light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible opportunity to own an extraordinary signed piece of art by the late, great Master Engraver Ron Smith, who sadly passed on earlier this year.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000