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LOT 1034
Historic Well-Documented L. D. Nimschke Signed Master Engraved
Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle Held Proudly by Charlton
Heston in His Last “Cold, Dead Hands” Speech at the NRA Annual Meeting
in 2003 - Serial no. 36352, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold finish,
walnut stock. Originally manufactured in 1870, this is an attractive example of a Louis
D. Nimschke (1832-1904) signed, deluxe engraved Winchester Model 1866 rifle that has
the added significance of having once been housed in the National Firearms Museum,
as well as being held aloft by the legendary Hollywood actor and former president of the
National Rifle Association Charlton Heston (1923-2008). Nimschke easily ranks among the very
top engravers in the world in the 19th century, and certainly among a very select few preeminent
American engravers. He was active from around 1850 to 1900 as an independent engraver, with a catalog
of clientele spanning over 100 gun manufacturers and gunsmiths, as well as non-firearms engraving work. This
extensive list of clients shows the widespread popularity and admiration of his work during his life, and to this
day, Nimschke engraved firearms remain some of the most highly desired among firearms collectors. To this
day, a Nimschke engraved arm can easily be considered a must-have for any elite public or private collection of
fine 19th century American arms.
The engraving on this particular rifle is signed “L.D.N.” by Nimschke on the bottom of the receiver just behind
the trigger. Additionally, there are almost identical patterns featured in smoke pulls on p. 50 of “L.D. Nimschke
Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. The engraving patterns on this page show only very slight variances from
what we see displayed on this particular Model 1866. The engraving shows extensive floral scroll engraving on
both the left and right of the receiver, with unique half-moon patterns emitting from the mouths of a dog and
eagle on the left, and the same from the mouth of an eagle on the right. The forward and rear panels of the
receiver are bisected by a vertical geometric border. There are starburst patterns on the top of the receiver ring
and the bottom of the cartridge elevator, a signature pattern of Nimschke’s work. The top of the receiver shows
a Greco-Roman column pattern, and there are fern-like fan patterns on the upper tang.
Charlton
Heston
50