Page 88 - 88-BOOK2

LOT 1093
Historic L.D Nimschke-New York Relief Exhibition Engraved, Monogrammed, Silver and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson Russian 2nd Model Single Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Shoulder Stock Presented to Spanish General and Politician Buenaventura Carbo with Presentation Inscribed Deluxe Case - Serial no. 37123, 44 S&W Russian cal., 7 inch solid rib
bbl., silver/gold finish, pearl grips. This extraordinary piece of firearms artistry was presented to Spanish infantry general and politician Buenaventura Carbo (1819-1888). Son of General Jaime Carbo, Buenaventura Carbo entered the Spanish Army as an infantry cadet in 1832 and reached the rank of lieutenant general. Serving alongside his father, Carbo participated in the First Carlist War (1833-1840), the first in a series of civil wars in Spain fought over claims to the throne. For his actions, Carbo was awarded three San Fernando crosses first class. Afterwards he was sent to the Canary Islands in Spain’s effort to combat smuggling. Upon his return to Spain, Carbo participated in the Second Carlist War (1846-1849) and
the Spanish Revolution of 1854. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1857 and was the military governor of Morella and Alicante. In Granada in 1868 he presided over the Revolutionary Junta in the city following the Glorious Revolution. Carbo went on to serve as second corporal of the General Captaincy of the island of Cuba (two terms in 1872 and 1875), interim Minister of War (1872), Captain General of the Balearic Islands (1872), State Councilor (1881), Captain General of the Canary Islands (1885-1887), and Supreme Council of War and Navy (1887).
This stocked, engraved S&W Russian revolver is certainly fitting for a Spanish official of Buenaventura Carbo’s high status. 90% of the surface is engraved with L.D. Nimschke-New York style patterns mostly consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. The scrollwork, arrow on the barrel, checkerboard panels are all strong Nimschke motifs deeply cut into the steel canvas. Take special note of the engraving covering each cylinder chamber. This pattern of scrollwork and blank scroll type banner is very similar to a smoke pull of Nimschke’s as published in “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” (page 13). Similar interlaced scrollwork can be found among the smoke pulls on page 52. Buenaventura Carbo’s monogram is relief engraved on the side plate, and various monograms of similar style are found in the
smoke pulls presented on pages 62 and 63. The barrel features an engraved band at the muzzle as well as scrollwork at the muzzle and breech. The flourishes of scroll flank an
arrow and rings motif present on each side of the barrel. The sides of the ejector houses
are covered with scrollwork. Geometric line designs decorate the underside of the barrel at the muzzle and ejector housing. Near full coverage scrollwork decorates the sides of the frame. The recoil shields are untouched. Zig-zag line and dot patterns are engraved on each cylinder flute. Several engraved bands featuring various motifs decorate the rear of the cylinder. Fan and checkerboard patterns adorn the trigger guard. Engraved flourishes appear at the stock cut outs on the back strap. Additional scrollwork and checkerboard patterns cover the top strap. The barrel rib has the one-line S&W legend ending with “RUSSIAN MODEL.” Matching assembly numbers appear on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. A lanyard ring
Buenaventura Carbo
is mounted on the butt. The barrel and cylinder are silver plated, and the frame is gold plated.
The revolver wears an attractive set of pearl grips. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun.
The ultra rare shoulder stock features nickel plated attaching hardware engraved to match and a plain blued buttplate. The accompanying French cut case is lined in light blue velvet, contains a full cartridge block and cleaning rod, and has silver corner protectors. A silver presentation plaque is inlaid on the exterior of the lid and reads, “La oficialidud/del batallon/Del Orden Publico a su General/Sub-inspector Sr. Dr. Buenaventura Carbo” (“The officers of the Public Order battalion
to its General Deputy Inspector Sr. Dr. Buenaventura Carbo”). Considering S&W manufactured the Russian 2nd Model in 1873-1878, this revolver would have been made around the time Buenaventura Carbo was enjoying his positions of power following the triumph of the Glorious Revolution.
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 80% original silver plating. The frame retains 75% original gold plating with the grip straps mostly a smooth brown-gray patina. The engraving is crisp. The excellent pearl grips have highly attractive fiery colors. The cylinder does not rotate when the hammer is pulled to the half and full cock positions; however, the hand spring appears to be without tension which should be easily repaired. The stock is excellent with 95% original nickel plating remaining on the attaching hardware, 95% plus bright original polish blue finish remaining on the buttplate, and a few mild handling marks on the walnut. The case is very good with a couple cracks on the bottom, minor handling/storage marks, and faded lining with typical high spot wear. A wonderfully L.D. Nimschke-New York engraved S&W Russian 2nd Model Revolver with rare shoulder stock feature presented to a known late 19th century Spanish general and politician that will bring added dimension to any S&W or firearms art collection.
86 Estimate: 40,000 - 65,000
SIMILAR ENGRAVING AND MONOGRAMS PICTURED IN THE BOOK L.D. NIMSCHKE FIREARMS ENGRAVER BY WILSON