Offered here is a highly attractive L.D. Nimschke engraved, presentation S&W Baby Russian Revolver with rare 4 inch barrel (3 ½ inch was standard). Only a very small number of the Baby Russian models were engraved, this writer knows of only one other engraved 4 inch example, with the present revolver being far and away the better and more significant. The near full coverage engraving consists mostly of Nimschke’s signature American broad floral scrollwork on punch dot backgrounds along with tight zig-zag line flourishes on the barrel and a large floral blossom behind the hammer. The revolver features a presentation inscription: “From Gardners Squad L.R.W.” inside a double line and dot panel on the back strap, “To Lieut. C.T. Watkins” on the front strap, and “Sept. 6th 1877” on the butt. Research reveals a Lt. C.T. Watkins referenced in several late 1870s to early 1880s editions of the Buffalo, New York, based Buffalo "Morning Express" and "Illustrated Buffalo Express" newspapers as having participated in target shooting matches. In several of these matches he finished in the top three, further detailed research is definitely warranted. The cylinder is plated in gold, and the remaining surfaces are plated in nickel. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with the rare 4 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered black hard rubber grips when it was shipped on July 26, 1877, to M.W. Robinson of New York City, S&W’s largest distributor. This shipment was for 25 units at a price of $9.25 each.

Excellent, retaining 98% plus of the period retailer applied nickel plating and 95% of the period retailer applied gold plating. The engraving and inscription are crisp. The grips are also excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Nimschke engraved, presentation S&W Baby Russian Revolver that will be a welcome addition to any S&W collection.