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LOT 109
Attractive and Desirable L.D. Nimschke Signed Deluxe Engraved, Silver
Plated Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Second Issue Spur Trigger Revolver
with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 43922, 32 RF cal., 3 1/2
inch solid rib bbl., silver finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1870, this is an
incredibly attractive and very desirable example of a factory silver plated and
master engraved Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Second Issue revolver signed by
the legendary artisan and master engraver Louis D. Nimschke. Approximately
100,800 of these prolific Smith & Wesson revolvers were made in this variation,
but relatively few show this level of masterful embellishment. L.D. Nimschke
was one of the most prolific engravers of his time, creating works of art for
almost all of the major American firearms manufacturers, and his work remains
extremely desirable on the collectors market to this day. Nimschke signed this
revolver “L.D.N.” on the bottom of the barrel, slightly hidden by the extractor
rod. The engraving features some typical hallmarks of Nimschke’s work,
including a starburst on the bottom of the frame, fanned kidney shape at the
top of the back strap, and cross hatching. In addition to those designs there is
near full-coverage scrollwork, a large flower petal on the right of the frame, and
a dog’s head on the left sideplate, similar to an example shown on p. 39 of “L.D.
Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. Many nuanced details throughout
the work on this revolver also share similar examples on various pages of the
previously mentioned book. The included factory letter with this revolver lists
the revolver by serial number and states that it had a 3 1/2 inch barrel, a plated
finish, and pearl grips when it shipped on or
around 29 March 1870 to J.P. Lovell & Sons in
Boston. The letter also notes that this revolver
was part of a shipment of four revolvers, all of
which were engraved, had plated finishes, and had
a mix of ivory and pearl grips. The top of the barrel on this example is marked
with the standard one-line address and patent dates. There is an “E” marked on
the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle, which likely is a marking denoting
the engraving. The serial number is marked on the butt, with the first digit very
slightly obscured by some engraving. The assembly marking “HH7” is marked
on the rear of the barrel lug, rear face of the cylinder, and right side of the grip
frame at the toe. The hammer shows evidence of the factory gold plated finish.
It is fitted with a silvered blade front sight, a notch rear sight on top of the
cylinder latch, and a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus of the original silver plating,
showing a mix of bright and areas of darker patina throughout, and strong
traces of the original gold plating on the hammer. The engraving and
markings remain crisp throughout, including Nimschke’s signature. The
grips are very fine with a couple light chips at the toe and otherwise only the
slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare, exceptionally
fine, “L.D.N” signed example of the L.D. Nimschke’s legendary work on a very
attractive Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Second Issue revolver!
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
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