Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This gold S&W .38 is what happens when a major gun company decides to flex at a world’s fair. Smith & Wesson created this showpiece for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, where it reportedly won a gold medal before being sold to someone with the initials “G.R.D.” right after the fair closed. What makes this revolver special isn’t just the gold plating and pearl grips – it’s the unexpected engraving style. Oscar Young, who took over as S&W’s master engraver from his famous father Gustave in 1895, ditched the traditional scrollwork everyone expected. Instead, he went with these bold, deeply chiseled floral patterns that stand out dramatically against the gold background. The Pan-American Expo was supposed to be America’s big coming-out party for the 20th century, though most people just remember it now as where President McKinley got shot. Companies brought their absolute A-game to these fairs – creating one-of-a-kind showpieces meant to draw crowds and demonstrate their craftsmanship. Factory records confirm this revolver went straight from the exposition to S&W’s New York distributor, who presumably sold it immediately to its first owner. That this golden showpiece survived 120+ years in such condition is remarkable – most of these exhibition guns ended up in museums or got heavily used once the fair ended.
“Oscar Young Engraved Smith & Wesson 38 M&P Revolver.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/135/oscar-young-engraved-smith-wesson-38-mp-revolver. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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