Originally a U.S. inspected martial revolver, this Model 1917 was subsequently elaborately custom embellished by T. Moro whose signature is on the right side of the frame under the cylinder. The revolver was owned by Elmer Keith and his name is inscribed on the back strap. Beautiful relief floral scroll engraving on shaded background covers the frame and cylinder as well as a near 3 inch section on the barrel. A feather motif decorates the recoil shields, top strap and left side of the frame under the cylinder. The right side of the frame is signed and dated: “ENGR/BY/T. MORO/1974.” The back strap is inscribed “Elmer Keith.” The revolver is fitted with custom sights: a pinned blade front sight on the original sight base and a fixed notch rear sight attached to the rear of the top strap. These sights were likely added by Elmer Keith himself. It has standard U.S. Army Model 1917 markings, including the U.S. property barrel marking and “eagle/S9” frame proof. The right grip panel has a relief carved spread winged American eagle clutching an American shield. This revolver will letter as shipped on June 4, 1918 to the U.S. Government, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts. Elmer Merrifield Keith (1899-1984) was many things: a rancher, cowboy, big game hunter, prolific writer, shooting sports legend, and innovator in the world of magnum cartridges, responsible for the development of the iconic .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .41 Magnum cartridges. The .357 is generally credited for starting the "Magnum Era," a period of time when larger calibers dominated the firearms market. In fact, S&W historian Roy Jinks credited Keith as "the father of big bore handgunning." He was a full time writer, serving on the staff of "The Outdoorsman", "The American Rifleman", "Western Sportsman", "Guns", and "Guns and Ammo" and published several books including “Sixgun Cartridges and Loads,” “Big Game Rifles and Cartridges”, "Sixguns" and “Hell, I was There.” Provenance: Elmer Keith; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine as custom embellished by T. Moro, retaining 98% plus of the reapplied blue finish with an attractive plum appearance on the cylinder. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also very fine with typical age lines, slight wear to the overall crisp carving, some minor handling marks, and attractive color and grain. Mechanically excellent.