Gustave Young is generally considered to be the best Master Arms Engraver operating in the United States during the 1800s.¹

Gustave Young came to the United States in the 1840s. He was Colt’s primary engraving contractor from 1852 to 1869. His shop also served other clients in the area during this period. In the late 1860s, he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts where he began taking in work primarily from Smith & Wesson. He also continued to service his previous clients. There are examples of Gustave Young’s hand on Colts, Smith & Wessons, Sharps, Bullards, Peabody and Martinis, and even some Winchesters.  He practiced his craft until his death in 1895.²

His last known work is a Smith & Wesson Third Model Russian. This gun is also the only known work to bear his signature.^{3 4}

related:

• • • Eugene Young (Gustave’s son)
    • Oscar Young (Gustave’s son)

1. Wilson, R. L. “Firearms Engraving in Nineteenth Century America.” ⇒ The American Society of Arms Collectors.
2. Wilson, R. L. “Firearms Engraving in Nineteenth Century America.” ⇒ The American Society of Arms Collectors.
3. Wilson, R. L. “Firearms Engraving in Nineteenth Century America.” ⇒ The American Society of Arms Collectors.
4. This gun, I believe, is in the Smith & Wesson Factory Museum Collection which was donated to the Smith & Wesson Gallery of Firearms History ⇒ which is on the second floor of the Wood Museum of Springfield History ⇒.