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W.H. Gough Signed Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
W.H. Gough Signed Engraved and Gold Inlaid Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change
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Estimate: $1500 - 2500
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model: 32 Hand Ejector
Manufactured in 1914 this 5th change Model of 1903 revolver was subsequently engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver William H. Gough. Gough was the factory contract engraver at Savage and is not known to have worked at the Smith & Wesson factory. Gough's work is highly prized on today's collector market and his style of leaf and vine scroll is featured on this revolver. The included factory letter states that the revolver was originally shipped to J.B. Shannon Hardware Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a plain blue finished revolver with hard rubber grips on December 16, 1914. A second letter from a previous owner states that this revolver was purchased from the estated of V.V. Dorp and that Dorp sent this revolver to Gough's shop to be embellished. The floral engraving on a matte background covers most of the frame sides and cylinder. Wedges of the floral engraving are featured on the rear barrel section, around the front sight and on the trigger guard. A zig zag border engraving is featured around the hammer and on the back strap with "V.V. DORP" inlaid in gold on the back strap. The front grip strap is signed "ENG. BY W.M. GOUGH" under the grip panel. The revolver retains the original S&W barrel markings and trade mark on the frame. The cylinder and barrel are numbered to the gun. Fitted with S&W medallion smooth pearl grips.
BBL: 4 1/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 S&W Long
Finish: blue
Grips: pearl
Serial Number: 219939
Condition:
Very fine as custom embellished. The revolver retains 99% of the blue finish with some loss at the muzzle and limited light spotting. The hammer and trigger guard retain 95% of the case colors. The grips are excellent with very limited chipping. The pearl has a very attractive color. Mechanically excellent.