Smith and Wesson .44 New Model No. 3 Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 25120, sent to Tiffany’s in November of 1888
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany that would make your head spin—lighting, jewelry, furniture, stained glass landscapes—all manner of lux design with those trademark Tiffany saturated colors and organic shapes. It was a family business, and it was only after the death of his father Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1902 that Louis Comfort Tiffany start really focusing on jewelry design and more romantic pieces.
Prior to Louis’ redirection of the brand, the Tiffany name was associated with luxury glass and silver goods of a much more robust variety, like the collection of handguns you see here from the Met. There is art nouveau, distinct middle eastern and Japanese influences, and ornate engraving reminiscent of scrimshaw. Some of the pieces were displayed at exhibitions to demonstrate Tiffany’s gorgeous work, the others were commissioned for wealthy patrons. One would imagine such finery would be kept somewhere in a glass case as a conversation piece, but you’ll notice some wear and tear on some of the pieces that may be evidence of use.
Detail from the 25120
Detail from the 25120
Detail from the 25120
Smith and Wesson New Model No. 3, .44 Caliber Double-Action Navy Revolver, serial no. 23060, shown at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago,1893
Detail from the 23060
Detail from the 23060
Detail from the 23060
Smith and Wesson .32 Single-Action Revolver, Serial no. 94421, shown at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago,1893
Detail from the 94421
Detail from the 94421
Detail from the 94421
Smith and Wesson .44 Double-Action Revolver for George Jay Gould (1864–1923), serial no. 23402
Detail from 23402
Detail from 23402
Detail from 23402
Smith and Wesson .32 Single-Action Revolver, Serial no. 17156
Detail from the 17156
Detail from the 17156
Smith and Wesson .38 Double-Action Revolver, Serial no. 70002, 1883
Detail from the 70002
Detail from the 70002
Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Safety Third Model Double-Action Revolver, serial no. 83097, shown at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago,1893
Detail from the 83097
Detail from the 83097
Detail from the 83097
Via Retronaut