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LOT 138
Outstanding Presentation Cased L.D. Nimschke New York Deluxe
Engraved Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Revolver
with Relief Carved Pearl Grips - Serial no. 17604, 38 S&W cal., 3 1/4 inch
solid rib bbl., gold finish, pearl grips. The factory letter states the revolver
was shipped on January 17, 1881 with nickel finish, hard rubber grips,
and delivered to M.W. Robinson Co. of New York City. This shipment was
for 150 guns. The gold plating, engraving and pearl grips are all deluxe
embellishments by the New York retailer. The New York engraving is
consistent with patterns executed by world renowned 19th century Master
Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The engraving consists mostly of broad floral
scrollwork on fine beaded background along with zig-zag and scallop
borders throughout. An engraved banner cuts through the scrollwork on
the side plate. This distinctive banner is a common motif in Nimschke’s
work as seen in his pulls published by R.W. Wilson in “L.D. Nimschke
Firearms Engraver” (see, for example, pages 4, 8, 9, 12, 24, 41, 47, and 68).
Additional banners are feature amongst the scrollwork on both sides of
the barrel. A floral blossom is engraved at the top of the back strap. The
barrel, cylinder, and frame are plated in gold. The hammer and trigger are
casehardened. The trigger guard, screw heads, and barrel latch are blued.
The revolver is fitted with a set of very attractive pearl grips featuring a
relief carved blank inscription shield. Matching serial numbers appear on
the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The period green leather bound
case has floral pattern lining and an empty cartridge block for 35 rounds.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as a period New York highly embellished
work of firearms art, retaining 98% plus gold plating, 95% plus of the
case colors on the hammer and trigger, and 97% of the blue finish on the
small parts. The grips are excellent with highly attractive fiery colors and
crisp raised relief carved shield. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine. A
standout example of 19th century New York firearms artistry.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
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