POTD: The Tiffany S&W – When Guns Were Jewelry

Welcome to right this moment’s Photo of the Day! This .32 Security Hammerless isn’t only a gun – it’s wearable artwork from America’s premier luxurious retailer. Between the Eighteen Eighties and early 1900s, Tiffany & Co. created among the most elaborate and costly customized firearms ever made, with this S&W revolver standing as a kind of uncommon examples that survived. What makes Tiffany weapons particular is the meticulous craftsmanship. The sterling silver grip on this revolver options delicate Artwork Nouveau floral scrollwork, with the unique proprietor’s initials “P.D.O.” labored into the design. The attribute Tiffany signature mark “TIFFANY & CO./10076M7806/STERLING” verifies its authenticity, with the “M” code indicating manufacturing between 1873-1891. These luxurious firearms weren’t low cost – Tiffany charged between $50-300 for his or her “wealthy and elaborate decorations” (roughly $1,400-8,600 in right this moment’s cash). The manufacturing unit letter confirms this revolver was shipped on to Tiffany & Co. in New York Metropolis on October 30, 1889, with its authentic nickel end and black exhausting rubber grips earlier than receiving its silver makeover. S&W appears to have benefited most from Tiffany’s creative contact – extra Tiffany-embellished S&Ws are recognized to exist than comparable Colt or Winchester examples. The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork shows the most important public assortment of Tiffany firearms, many coming from Dr. Gerald Klaz, who additionally as soon as owned this very revolver. For collectors, these Tiffany weapons symbolize the head of American firearms as luxurious objects – when weapons weren’t simply instruments, however standing symbols crafted by the identical artisans making jewellery for America’s elite.

“Tiffany Smith & Wesson 32 Security Hammerless Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/1165/tiffany-smith-wesson-32-safety-hammerless-revolver. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Sam.S

Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.