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LOT 1147
Spectacular L. D. Nimschke New York Master Engraved Nickel and Gold Plated Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 23641, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, antique ivory grips. The revolver features beautiful period New York floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background accented with cross hatching, star burst, double line and fan motifs. The elaborate engraving pattern on this Colt Single Action Army revolver strongly resembles
the style and quality of the “New York” engraving executed by the 19th
century’s best known Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke for Hartley &
Graham and other New York City Colt retailers. Two very similar engraved
examples wearing the same style of grips, including one close in serial number, attributed to the work of L. D. Nimschke are pictured on pages 186 and 187 of “The Book of Colt Engraving” by R. L. Wilson. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line “-COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.-” address surrounded by an engraved, double-line, panel with a flourish at one end and scallop and punch-dot accents. The left of the frame is marked with the two-line patent date markings. “45 CAL.” marked on the left of the trigger guard. The ejector has a “bullseye” head, the cylinder has the small rectangular stops, and the hammer has elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. Matching serial number “23641” on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and barrel (hidden under the ejector housing). Partial non-matching serial number “3541” marked on the cylinder, likely a factory error with the “5” in place of what should be a “6”. Assembly number “2455” marked on the loading gate. Detailed examples of Nimschke’s engraving patterns can be found in the book “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson.
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