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LOT 133
Attractive Pair of
Nickel and Gold Plated
Nimschke Style New
York Engraved Smith
& Wesson New Model
No. 3 Single Action
Revolvers with
Factory Letters
-A) Smith & Wesson
New Model No. 3
Revolver - Serial no.
12394, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel/gold finish, antique ivory grips. As documented by the
accompanying respective factory letters, these two revolvers were delivered to M.W. Robinson Co. of New York City, the
largest S&W distributor at that time, in 1879 in two separate shipments. Gun “A”, serial number 12394, was
shipped on December 12, 1879, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered hard rubber grips. This
was an order for 20 guns all in blue. Gun “B”, serial number 12538, was shipped on August 22, 1879, with a 6
1/2 inch barrel and checkered hard rubber grips. This was an order for 20 guns in blue and 20 guns in nickel.
Both revolvers subsequently received New York scroll engraving, likely of the shop of L. D. Nimschke, with
each revolver decorated with a nearly identical coverage with slight variations to the patterns as seen with
the bordering and flourishes on the cylinder and underside of the frame and butt, as well as a patriotic motif
at the top of the backstrap behind the hammer(s). The overall scrollwork also takes on different styling. Gun
“A” has an additional flourish on the underside of the barrel. Coverage is around 80% of the surface. These
Nimschke-New York style engraved revolvers make for a stunning pair with each revolver having their own
distinctive character. Each revolver is plated in nickel with gold plated cylinder, barrel latch, pins, and screws.
Matching respective serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Very fine as period New York engraved, retaining 97% of the period re-applied nickel and gold
plating with crisp engraving. The slightly age shrunken grips are very fine with highly attractive color and grain pattern.
Mechanically excellent. B) Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver - Serial no. 12538, 44 S&W Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid
rib bbl., nickel/gold finish, antique ivory grips. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine as period New York engraved, retaining 97% of the period re-applied nickel and gold plating with crisp
engraving. The slightly age shrunken grips are very fine with highly attractive color and grain pattern. Mechanically excellent. A
striking pair of New York engraved S&W New Model No. 3 revolver that will enhance any collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 10,000
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