The included factory letter lists the gun as a "Colt Lightning Magazine Slide Action Baby Carbine" and "Medium Frame" in .44 CLMR (.44-40) with a 20 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood stock and indicates it was one of ten Baby Carbines in an order shipped to A. G. Spalding Brothers in Chicago, Illinois, on September 8, 1885. The carbine was subsequently embellished by Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke and displays highly attractive scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds. The Rampant Colt trade mark relief engraved on the left side of the frame ahead of the saddle ring, a silver plated primary finish, gold plated frame and small parts, multi-point checkered slide handle, and a deluxe, highly figured, multi-point checkered walnut buttstock. The barrel is equipped with a "barley corn" front sight along with a notch and folding ladder rear sight, and is marked with the Colt address and Elliott patent marking in two-lines on top and "44 Cal." in an oval panel on the left at the breech. The matching serial number is on the lower tang and on the underside of the barrel at the breech. This carbine's engraving, finish, and stock are extremely similar to Colt Lightning Baby Carbine 27981 sold by Rock Island Auction Co. in September 2015 and December 2022. That carbine was also finished in silver and gold plating. The engraving patterns are very similar and in many areas, essentially identical, with the main exception being the spectacular Rampant Colt relief engraved on the left side of the frame on the current carbine and the more complex entwining scrollwork on the right side of the frame. No. 27981, lettered as fitted with a "fancy wood" stock and was shipped "soft" to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York, on May 9, 1888, as part of a three gun shipment. The "soft" notation indicates that the carbine was intended to be engraved and finished by Hartley & Graham. Many Colt firearms shipped soft by Colt to Hartley & Graham were engraved by Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke. That carbine is illustrated and described on page 192 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by R. L. Wilson where it is listed as engraved by L.D. Nimschke and Wilson stated: "Engraved Baby carbines are extreme rarities."

Fine with 90% plus silver plating remaining on the barrel, magazine tube, and buttplate with darker aged patina on the buttplate; 50% of the original gold plating visible on the frame, strong gold plating on the bolt and hammer, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The wood is also fine and has attractive figure, mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, numerous scratches and dings, and most of the finish remaining. Mechanically needs work as the slide only retracts halfway. This is an extremely rare, highly embellished Colt Lightning Baby carbine very similar to another example identified as engraved by L. D. Nimschke.