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LOT 1150
Deluxe New York Engraved Smith & Wesson Third Model Number Three
Russian Revolver with “REISSUE” Markings, Ivory Grips and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 955, 44 S&W cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, ivory grips. Manufactured circa 1874-
1878, as one of the 9,000 Russians (both Second and Third models) produced with the “REISSUE JULY 25.1871”
patent date on the rib. The majority of the “Reissue” Russian production was consumed by foreign martial
contracts, particularly to Imperial Japan and Turkey, with a much smaller number entering the commercial market.
Accompanied by a factory letter which states that this revolver was shipped to M.W. Robinson of New York City,
Smith & Wesson’s largest distributor on August 5, 1877, as a 100 unit mixed order. This revolver was shipped with a 6-1/2”
barrel, nickel finish, butt swivel and walnut grips, with a note from S&W Historian Roy Jinks that the engraving and ivory grips were most
likely handled by Robinson’s company, which is known to have performed special order work directly for Smith & Wesson. The revolver was
with out question part of a store display and was more than likely one of its centerpieces as it features a more deluxe and profuse pattern.
The engraving extends from the muzzle to the butt and exhibits a beautiful scroll, vine and punch dot pattern. The revolvers most unusual
motifs are exhibited on the circular barrel hinge and on the barrel latch. Fitted with a beautiful pair of ivory grips, again no question done
as part of the display. Integral forged blade front sight and latch notch rear, with the large knurled takedown screw ahead of the latch and
matching full serial numbers on the latch, barrel, cylinder and butt, the latter next to a boxed “1874” stamp and a small “P” inspector proof.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine retaining as much esthetic beauty as it did while it was a display gun with 95% untouched nickel finish
showing flaking throughout but concentrated to the cylinder and forcing cone. The ivory grips are very good having taken on a pleasant
aged mellow patina with minor shrinkage and age cracks on the butt. All in all this revolver has aged brilliantly as it truly has a striking
presence. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1151
Attractive Nimschke Attributed New York Engraved
Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 Second Issue Spur Trigger
Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 119263, 32 RF cal., 3 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel/blue
finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1875, this is a very attractive example of a New
York shipped and engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 Second Issue revolver. The
included factory letter states that this revolver was is listed with a 3 1/2 inch barrel, nickel
finish, and rosewood grips when it was shipped on 30 January 1875 as part of a 250 unit shipment
to M.W. Robinson Co. in New York, a shipment which included 100 blued revolvers and 150 nickel.
The letter goes on to state that this revolver was subsequently engraved and fitted with pearl grips,
probably by M.W. Robinson to fulfill a special order. The engraving encompasses about three-quarters
of the surfaces and shows a fairly typical New York style, much of which was either done by the shop
of L.D. Nimschke. It is possible, though unconfirmed, that the engraving on this revolver was done by
Nimschke himself. There are a few of Nimschke’s typical hallmarks on this specific revolver including
an eagle’s head amongst the scroll on the sideplate on the left and starbursts on the left and right of
the barrel lug. The serial number is marked on the butt and “N” is on the rear face of the barrel lug. The
assembly marking “Y7” is marked on the rear face of the barrel lug, rear face of the cylinder (“Y” faint but
visible), and on the right of the grip frame near the toe. The inside of the grip panels are hand scratched
with “F116416”. It is fitted with blade front sight, a notch rear sight on the cylinder latch, and a pair of
smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the period, retailer applied nickel with some scattered very
light flaking and faint traces of blue finish on the cylinder and ejector rod. The engraving remains crisp
overall. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. The cylinder does not
rotate; otherwise, mechanically functions.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
Notice both of these Smith & Wesson revolvers
were shipped to M.W. Robinson of New York
City, Smith & Wesson's largest distributor.