The Colt letter describes this Colt Single Action Army Revolver as: "Caliber: .45/c, Barrel Length: Not Listed, Finish: Blue, Shipped To: Spies Kissam and Company, Address: New York, New York, Date of Shipment: November 13, 1875" and "Number of Same Type of Guns in Shipment: 24". This revolver has a full nickel plated finish, is decorated with the equivalent of Colt "B" engraving and fitted with two-piece pearl grips. The engraving features Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background with detailed line, dot, scallop and chain borders. The engraving is very similar to the work attributed to L.D. Nimschke on Single Action number 26006 illustrated on page 187 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. Nimschke was the most famous of the New York City engravers. Nimschke's work is found on many high grade Colt Single Action Army revolvers that were engraved and finished by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and other New York retailers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style script address: "+ COLT'S P. T. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. +" with slanted crosses at either end in a panel formed by dot and scallop engraving. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early, "two-line/two-date" patent marking surrounded by double-line borders. ".45 CAL" is roll-stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard in a panel formed by checker-board and dot engraving. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, and trigger guard with "2110" on the back strap. The partial serial number, "1187" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel beneath the ejector housing. The cylinder is not serial numbered. Small "C" and "L" inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. A "C" inspection mark is stamped on the inside of the hammer well and on the bottom of the barrel beneath the ejector housing. The assembly number "3332" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The barrel has the early style ejector housing with barrel boss and bullseye ejector rod head. The hammer has elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. Early production Colt Single Action Army revolvers with factory or retailer engraving are rare. L.D. Nimschke's engraving was the equal of contemporary Colt factory engraving. Single Action Army revolvers with Nimschke New York retailer engraving are a distinct and highly desirable Single Action variation.

Very fine. The revolver retains nearly 80% of the retailer applied nickel plated finish with minor handling wear on the front and sides of the trigger guard, inside of the grip strap and sides of the hammer. The flawlessly executed Germanic scroll engraving is deep and crisp. The markings are crisp. The grips are good overall with small chips on the corners at the butt and along the inside of the back strap. There is an old and well-executed repair on the upper left corner at the junction on the frame and back strap. The action is crisp and functions well although the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a very good example of a scarce, early production Colt Single Action Army revolver with highly desirable L.D. Nimschke New York engraving.