Well, the weather here in Arizona gets warmer around April 1, so I thought it would be good to get out the S&W Etherium revolver, as I do annually. The warmer air is not as heavy, so there is less chance that the gun will come out of its lockbox quite so vigorously. I only take it out once a year, mostly to see if there has been any change in its behavior over longer lengths of time. Also, because it's such an incredibly valuable collector's item, I don't like to show it off too much.
For those of you who came in late, the Etherium project began at S&W quite a number of years ago. They already had their Airweight revolvers, but objective here was to produce a small revolver that was actually lighter than air. The technique was infuse the metal with molecules of helium to the extent that the gun, under the right circumstances, would actually float in the air.
After many abortive attempts, three successful prototypes were produced. After much discussion at the higher levels at S&W, it was decided not to offer the gun to the public, on the grounds that if any of the guns got away from their rightful owners, they could fall into the wrong hands, particularly children, who would be prone to play with them.
Two of the three prototypes were placed in a kiln and melted down. The one remaining prototype was kept under wraps at the factory for years, until I discovered its existence. I eventually prevailed in my quest to acquire it, and had to promise solemnly not to let it out of my possession.
I only photographed it on one occasion, several years ago. As is my tradition, I'm presenting it here on the occasion of its annual airing out. I was pleased to find out that it still floats - its characteristics have not degraded in any way.
Hope you enjoy seeing it.
John
For those of you who came in late, the Etherium project began at S&W quite a number of years ago. They already had their Airweight revolvers, but objective here was to produce a small revolver that was actually lighter than air. The technique was infuse the metal with molecules of helium to the extent that the gun, under the right circumstances, would actually float in the air.
After many abortive attempts, three successful prototypes were produced. After much discussion at the higher levels at S&W, it was decided not to offer the gun to the public, on the grounds that if any of the guns got away from their rightful owners, they could fall into the wrong hands, particularly children, who would be prone to play with them.
Two of the three prototypes were placed in a kiln and melted down. The one remaining prototype was kept under wraps at the factory for years, until I discovered its existence. I eventually prevailed in my quest to acquire it, and had to promise solemnly not to let it out of my possession.
I only photographed it on one occasion, several years ago. As is my tradition, I'm presenting it here on the occasion of its annual airing out. I was pleased to find out that it still floats - its characteristics have not degraded in any way.
Hope you enjoy seeing it.
John
Last edited:
