Smith and Wesson .44 New Model No. 3 Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 25120 1863 - 1913

Editor: Here we have a Smith and Wesson .44 New Model No. 3 Single-Action Revolver, dating anywhere from 1863 to 1913. It's quite ornate; the handle is covered in engravings. It’s a beautiful object, but obviously meant for violence. What do you see when you look at it? Curator: I see a complicated dialogue about American identity. On one hand, the intricate carvings evoke a sense of artistry, elevating it beyond mere utility. On the other hand, it's undeniably a tool of force, a symbol often linked with the expansion westward and the conflicts inherent in that era. Do you think the decoration celebrates that violent history, or tries to obscure it? Editor: I hadn’t thought of that tension. It’s difficult to say! I initially saw it as decorative art. Almost like it was designed for some sort of powerful wealthy person, some sort of statement of power and wealth... Curator: That's certainly a valid interpretation. Wealthy ownership, access to advanced technology and arms – these things were undeniably social signifiers. Now consider its function not just as a weapon, but also a commodity. Its circulation reveals distribution networks, technological advancements, labor practices. Its decorative element, intended for consumer appeal, intersects with both economic and social histories. Does knowing this complicate your perception? Editor: Yes, definitely. Thinking about the economic impact opens my eyes. The details on the revolver – the labor, the material, its movement from the factory to a potential owner – become clearer now. It forces a certain degree of accountability that might otherwise have remained in the distant background. Thank you for drawing attention to it. Curator: My pleasure. Examining the multiple contexts transforms a seemingly straightforward artifact into a reflection on complex historical narratives. It demonstrates how we project meanings onto objects and also how material things shaped our lived experiences and values.