Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156

Manufacturer Smith & Wesson American
 Decorator Tiffany & Co.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199


Though this pistol’s barrel and cylinder are later replacements, the grip, made in 1889, ranks among Tiffany’s most ambitious and imaginatively decorated firearm mounts. It incorporates multiple metalworking techniques, most prominently mokume. The shapes of the inlaid mokume panels recall traditional Japanese motifs, including a stylized conch shell (hōragai) often used as a family crest (kamon) and a kojiri, the protective fitting for the end of a scabbard.

Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852), Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York

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right side (barrel facing R)

Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852), Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852), Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852), Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson (American, established 1852), Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York

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