Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402, with Case and Cleaning Brush

Smith & Wesson|Tiffany & Co.

1888–89 · Steel, silver, ivory, wood, paper, textile, leather, gold, copper alloy, iron, silver substitute, fiber · Arms and Armor

Unlike other handguns known to have been custom-decorated by Tiffany & Co., this revolver does not appear to have been designed for display in one of the the great world's fairs, but intended for the personal use of the American railroad magnate George Jay Gould (1864–1923), whose initials may be seen on a cartouche behind the hammer, and on the lid of the companion case. The revolver is exceptional in having a grip sheathed in etched and engraved sterling silver adorned with plaques of carved ivory, as well as the exterior of its main steel parts silvered overall. It is a spectacular representative of Tiffany's "Saracenic" works in silver, the ornamentation of which was inspired by Islamic architecture and objects.

Artist

Smith & Wesson|Tiffany & Co.

Date

1888–89

Medium

Steel, silver, ivory, wood, paper, textile, leather, gold, copper alloy, iron, silver substitute, fiber

Culture

American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Bequest, 2013