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LOT 69
Extraordinary, Extensively Documented, Finest Known
L.D. Nimschke Signed, Master Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and
Monogrammed Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Known as “Black Beauty” - Serial no. 126506, 44-40 cal., 7 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue/gold finish, hard rubber grips. The Colt Single Action
Army revolver is the most iconic of all American firearms. Its silhouette
is instantly recognizable around the world as the western cowboy’s
trusty sidearm. The hardest men in the world packed the legendary Colt
six-shooter from its adoption by the U.S. Army in 1873 until well-into
the 20th century. It saw widespread use on the American frontier with
the U.S. Cavalry in the Indian Wars as well as by legendary Old West
lawmen, outlaws, and gunfighters. Custer’s men made their last stand
with Single Actions in 1876. A smoking barrel of a Colt Single Action
was in Pat Garrett’s hand while Billy the Kid lay on the floor in 1881.
In 1898, as Roosevelt’s Rough Riders geared up in San Antonio for the
fight in Cuba, they chose the Colt as their sidearms. Well into the 20th
century, the Colt remained a powerful symbol of the American fighting
man. Frank Hamer and other Texas Rangers continued to carry Colt
Single Actions. During World War II, General George Patton famously
carried his ivory handled Colt as he led Americans to victory in Europe,
and other Americans are documented as carrying their Colt Single
Actions into combat in the Pacific.
Beyond being a reliable, accurate handgun trusted by American
fighting men and famous around the world, the Colt Single Action Army
has always been a classic work of American art, with Colts engraved
by the renowned master engravers of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries reigning supreme as the most coveted of all American fine
arms. These extraordinary revolvers often originated as presentation
pieces, including examples presented to powerful statesmen at home
and abroad as exemplified by this revolver engraved and gold inlaid by
Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke in 1888 for Mexican President Jose
Manuel del Refugio Gonzalez Flores, Nimschke’s masterpiece: the Black
Beauty Colt Single Action Army.
It is difficult to overstate the beauty of this incredible Colt engraved
while Nimschke’s skill and artistry were at their peak. The engraving
is extraordinary and unique, even for Nimschke, and the blued finish
accented by gold inlaid bands and borders provides beautiful contrast
both up close and at a distance. The revolver truly is a masterpiece and
remains arguably the finest Colt Single Action Army revolver in private
hands. The elegance and condition combined with the history make
it truly exceptional. It ranks alongside Nimschke’s earlier masterpieces
such Ulysses S. Grant’s Remington New Model Army revolvers. The
evolution of Nimschke’s engraving between the 1860s and 1880s is
evident. Grant’s revolvers did not feature gold inlays, one of the most
notable and rarest features on the “Black Beauty.” Gold inlays are rarely
seen on Nimschke engraved firearms with few exceptions, including
other masterpieces such as the stunning Manhattan Navy and the
George L. Holmes buggy rifle. Additional noteworthy masterpieces
for comparison include the solid silver frame Winchester Model 1866
presented to the president of Bolivia. This revolver is the last of the
great Nimschke masterpieces.
L.D. Nimschke's Masterpiece
"Black Beauty"
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