Lot 3024

Young Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Revolver

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Young Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Revolver

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional Documented Oscar Young Factory Exhibition Engraved and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector First Model of 1896 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips Documented as Displayed at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York Manufactured c. 1900, this is an exceptional example of a rare, Oscar Young factory exhibition engraved, gold plated .32 Hand Ejector First Model of 1896 revolver that is documented as having been among the firearms Smith & Wesson displayed at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The Pan-American Exposition took place from May to November of 1901 and was the largest world's fair of its type up to that point, being attended by approximately 8 million people from around the world, making it a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson to display the very finest items they could produce, with this revolver being an excellent example. The exposition became infamously known for the assassination of President William McKinley, leading to Theodore Roosevelt becoming president. All .32 Hand Ejector First Model of 1896 frames were manufactured pre-1899. The included factory letter with this revolver lists this revolver as having a gold plated finish, pearl grips, and flower design engraving by Oscar Young when it shipped, and it was an open listing in the factory ledgers, indicating it was a factory display piece. The letter further notes that this particular revolver was one of nine guns selected to be engraved by Young that were serial numbered 1380-13809 (as listed in the letter). It notes that these revolvers were displayed at the Pan-American Exposition and that only two out of the group are recorded as being sold, those being 13805 and 13807, while 13803 is noted as still being in the Smith & Wesson factory collection when the letter was written in 2015. A copy of an included invoice lists that this revolver was among a group of guns delivered to Mr. J.C. Harvey or Worcester, Massachusetts in April of 1926. Also included is a copy of Oscar Young's pattern book which shows the floral bouquet motif that is engraved on the left side of the frame of this revolver. Oscar trained under his father, the world renowned master engraver Gustave Young, and began engraving for Smith & Wesson in the early to mid-1880s, succeeding his father as the factory’s master engraver in 1895. Along with his younger brother, Eugene, Oscar continued the family dynasty at S&W until his own untimely death in 1912. The revolver itself is a Smith & Wesson and Oscar Young masterpiece of the highest magnitude, beautifully representing the talented artistry produced by the Young family. The left side of the frame features a stunning, highly detailed floral bouquet, with similar floral patterns surrounding the Smith & Wesson trademark on the right. Similar floral motifs are also on display on the sides of the barrel, top of the back strap, and forward portions of the frame, while the borders of the frame feature small, more traditional flourishes of scrollwork. The Smith & Wesson address and patent dates are marked on the chambers of the cylinder. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel. The ejector star is marked "1308". The assembly number "15837" is marked on the frame and crane, with the "7" on the frame stamped sideways. It is fitted with a blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the cylinder stop, and a pair of highly attractive smooth pearl grips, which are both hand-scratched on the insides with the matching serial number. Included with the revolver is a copy of the book "Around the Pan with Uncle Hank. His Trip Through the Pan-American Exposition" by Thomas Fleming.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 32 Hand Ejector

BBL: 4 1/4 inch solid rib

Gauge: 32 S&W Long

Finish: gold

Grips: pearl

Serial Number13806

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: Former Peter Derose Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 98% of the bright, original gold plating with a few scattered small specks of light flaking, some scattered very light scratches, and extremely crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with some scattered light scratches. Mechanically excellent. A true turn of the century masterpiece by Oscar Young from the Smith & Wesson factory that undoubtedly turned heads when it was displayed at the 1901 Buffalo, New York Pan-American Exposition!

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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