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LOT 3119
Historic L.D. Nimschke New York Master Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with “F. Villa” Inscription Attractive Raised Relief Carved Steer Head Grip with Additional Documentation - Serial no. 88078, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1883 and features beautiful L.D. Nimschke “New York” style engraving throughout consisting mainly of classic scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds as well as wavy line and dot accents. The barrel has a blade front sight, the one-line barrel address on top, part of the etched panel visible on the left, “44” on the bottom at the breech, and an ejector rod with small divot in the button. The “black powder” frame has the three line patent marking mostly visible among the engraving on the left. “T” and “P” are marked on the back of the cylinder. The loading gate has assembly number “6605.” The trigger guard has “44. C.F.” on the left side. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The one-piece grip has a raised relief carved steer head on the left side suggesting this revolver was the left side revolver from a pair. “F. VILLA” is inscribed on the butt of the revolver. In a December 18, 1967, letter, R.L. Wilson wrote: “...the F. Villa inscribed Colt Single Action revolver, serial #88078, is an important example of engraved pistol by master engraver L.D. Nimschke...#88078 was originally shipped from the Colt factory in the ‘soft’ state.
Such shipments were rare, but when done meant that the pistol was to be engraved by the recipient dealer. By the distinctive style of the engraving,
the work is identifiable as definitely by the master L.D. Nimschke.” Wilson also notes that the grips are believed to be original and notes that it is unusual that Nimschke partially engraved over the etched panel on the barrel rather than have his scrollwork accommodate the etching. He points to the wear
at the muzzle indicating the revolver was carried in an open toe holster and that given the overall wear, “One can say without hesitation or reservation that this fine old pistol saw Frontier use on a day-in day- out basis and is a bona fide relic of the Wild West.” The revolver is also featured on page 83 of “Der Peacemaker: Colt’s 1873er Single Action” by Gunter Schmitt, and the details of the Wilson letter are also discussed as well as a Bundeswehr pilot who had been training in Mexico and informed the author that he had seen a mate to the this revolver in the Villa Museum. This revolver’s early provenance is not documented, but the inscription is consistent with other revolvers attributed to Mexican general and revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa. The inscription appears to be cut by the same hand as the factory engraved and gold plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver, sn. 335515, inscribed “FRANCISCO VILLA” in the same location on the butt as well as “Al General Francisco Villa/de/su Division del Norte” in a different style down the rear of the back strap. This revolver turning up in a German collection is interesting given the known involvement of German agents in supplying and funding Villa and his men.