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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #138
Lot #137
Lot #139

Lot 138: New York Engraved Smith & Wesson 38 Double Action Revolver

Outstanding Presentation Cased L.D. Nimschke New York Deluxe Engraved Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Lot 138: New York Engraved Smith & Wesson 38 Double Action Revolver

Outstanding Presentation Cased L.D. Nimschke New York Deluxe Engraved Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Estimated Price: $7,500 - $12,000
Price Realized:
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Outstanding Presentation Cased L.D. Nimschke New York Deluxe Engraved Gold Plated Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved Pearl Grips

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 38 Double Action
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38 S&W
Barrel: 3 1/4 inch solid rib
Finish: gold
Grip: pearl
Stock:
Item Views: 527
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 144
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bore is shiny with some light pitting at the muzzle and crisp rifling.
Description:

The factory letter states the revolver was shipped on January 17, 1881 with nickel finish, hard rubber grips, and delivered to M.W. Robinson Co. of New York City. This shipment was for 150 guns. The gold plating, engraving and pearl grips are all deluxe embellishments by the New York retailer. The New York engraving is consistent with patterns executed by world renowned 19th century Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The engraving consists mostly of broad floral scrollwork on fine beaded background along with zig-zag and scallop borders throughout. An engraved banner cuts through the scrollwork on the side plate. This distinctive banner is a common motif in Nimschke’s work as seen in his pulls published by R.W. Wilson in “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” (see, for example, pages 4, 8, 9, 12, 24, 41, 47, and 68). Additional banners are feature amongst the scrollwork on both sides of the barrel. A floral blossom is engraved at the top of the back strap. The barrel, cylinder, and frame are plated in gold. The hammer and trigger are casehardened. The trigger guard, screw heads, and barrel latch are blued. The revolver is fitted with a set of very attractive pearl grips featuring a relief carved blank inscription shield. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The period green leather bound case has floral pattern lining and an empty cartridge block for 35 rounds.

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine as a period New York highly embellished work of firearms art, retaining 98% plus gold plating, 95% plus of the case colors on the hammer and trigger, and 97% of the blue finish on the small parts. The grips are excellent with highly attractive fiery colors and crisp raised relief carved shield. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine. A standout example of 19th century New York firearms artistry.



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