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LOT 3013
Exceptional Masterpiece L.D.
Nimschke Exhibition Engraved and Gold
Gilt Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
- Serial no. 105797, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1872, this Winchester
Model 1866 is an exceptional example of 19th century firearms art by the
renowned Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke (1832-1904). In discussions
of the preeminent engravers of the 19th and 20th centuries, Nimschke
certainly ranks towards the top, if not at the very pinnacle, and can
very easily rank among the most gifted artists of those centuries, not
just among 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. A
firearm such as this one, with engraving cut by the hand of the maestro
L.D. Nimschke, is truly a masterpiece of 19th century American art capable
of defining the most prestigious public or private collections.
The engraving on this particular example is very extensive and, as is
typical of Nimschke’s work, masterfully executed. The receiver shows near
full coverage floral scroll engraving with large circular pinwheel patterns
of scroll on the left, with one of the wheels on the sideplate featuring
some space left blank for contrast. Both sides feature distinctive vertical
borders separating the forward and rear halves of the frame, which are
often pointed to as a signature of Nimschke’s work. The right side of the
receiver features another circular pinwheel on the forward portion of the
frame, while the rear half features extensive vine-like scroll around another
large pinwheel with an screeching eagle’s head at its center. A pattern
almost identical to this featuring the eagle’s head is pictured as a smoke
pull on p. 55 of “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson, where
the distinctive vertical borders are also mentioned. The bottom of the
receiver has a small starburst pattern surrounded by floral petals, and there
is a floral bloom engraved on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The
top of the receiver ring over the breech has a fan pattern, while the rear
has some gadrooned borders and geometric knots. The lower tang has a
flourish of scrollwork at the rear and some gadrooned borders running the
length. The sides of the forearm cap feature large flourishes of floral scroll.
The upper tang of the
buttplate has a large
flourish of scrollwork
and gadrooned border.
All of these components
which are engraved are
also finished with gold plating. Like much of Nimschke’s work,
this particular piece is unsigned, but undoubtedly the work of his hand.
This “Third Model” 1866 has the serial number stamped in large block
numerals just behind the trigger on the lower tang. The top of the barrel
is marked with the standard two-line address and King’s patent marking.
The matching last four-digits of the serial number, “5797”, are stamped in
the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. An “R” is stamped on the left side
of the lower tang. It is fitted with a gold washed Beach combination globe
front sight, a blank filler in the rear sight dovetail, a long range peep sight
mounted on the upper tang, and sling swivels mounted the bottom of
both the forearm cap and the stock. It is mounted with a smooth, straight
grain walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent
buttplate.
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