Oscar Young engraving

[mrcvs]

Beautiful period engraving but I agree with Ed.
We get caught up in the enormity of the engraving and immediately call it "Master engraved".
Is this a 32-44 cal??? Or rare revolving rifle 320 cal? You have to look at the cylinder chambers. If it has a step in the chambers it's a 32-44.

See photos:
1st photo is a "Master engraved" Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army.
Look specifically at the curves(circles). Notice they are basically perfect circles or semi-circles?

Now look at the OP's gun engraving close up in photos 2 & 3. Notice imperfections in the semi circles of the engraving? This is common with contract engraving in bulk. It's easy to see if you look close up.

It's period and the coverage is full with a wonderful appeal. Master engraved period guns have very few imperfections in circles or semi circles. If you can't see it then lay a coin against your screen and then you can visualize the master engraver vs the shop engraver cranking out engraved guns quickly.

Murph

I agree with what you say and there is quite a difference when these are placed side by side.

Here's another example of Gustave Young factory engraving and the only words to describe it accurately are "lively" and "musical"!

 

[shawn mccarver]

I am anxious to see the results of a Factory letter request and any related documents that can be found on this beautiful revolver.

 

[deadin]

It wouldn't shock me too much if the Factory Letter comes back as shipped to M.W.Robinson or someone similar.

 

[glowe]

I have always thought that factory engraving by Young typically had a very uniform pebbled background and the OP's gun looks somewhat random and uneven. I have never seen punch dots (bubbles) around the outside of the engraving on factory guns either. I vote for New York style.

interesting that the nickel has worn off but not the gold . . .

Looks like all the nickel remains to me?? Where is it missing? I believe it is untouched nickel patina on the surface.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

crofter, The Historical Foundation is generally useless for older antiques, like your gun, as they do not have any records beyond what will show up on the factory letter's shipping information. Ed

Thanks Ed
Don