Manufactured in 1870, this is an incredibly attractive and very desirable example of a factory silver plated and master engraved Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 Second Issue revolver signed by the legendary artisan and master engraver Louis D. Nimschke. Approximately 100,800 of these prolific Smith & Wesson revolvers were made in this variation, but relatively few show this level of masterful embellishment. L.D. Nimschke was one of the most prolific engravers of his time, creating works of art for almost all of the major American firearms manufacturers, and his work remains extremely desirable on the collectors market to this day. Nimschke signed this revolver "L.D.N." on the bottom of the barrel, slightly hidden by the extractor rod. The engraving features some typical hallmarks of Nimschke's work, including a starburst on the bottom of the frame, fanned kidney shape at the top of the back strap, and cross hatching. In addition to those designs there is near full-coverage scrollwork, a large flower petal on the right of the frame, and a dog's head on the left sideplate, similar to an example shown on p. 39 of "L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver" by R.L. Wilson. Many nuanced details throughout the work on this revolver also share similar examples on various pages of the previously mentioned book. The included factory letter with this revolver lists the revolver by serial number and states that it had a 3 1/2 inch barrel, a plated finish, and pearl grips when it shipped on or around 29 March 1870 to J.P. Lovell & Sons in Boston. The letter also notes that this revolver was part of a shipment of four revolvers, all of which were engraved, had plated finishes, and had a mix of ivory and pearl grips. The top of the barrel on this example is marked with the standard one-line address and patent dates. There is an "E" marked on the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle, which likely is a marking denoting the engraving. The serial number is marked on the butt, with the first digit very slightly obscured by some engraving. The assembly marking "HH7" is marked on the rear of the barrel lug, rear face of the cylinder, and right side of the grip frame at the toe. The hammer shows evidence of the factory gold plated finish. It is fitted with a silvered blade front sight, a notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of smooth pearl grips.