Manufactured from 1881-1913. This revolver is an excellent example of an extremely early, gold plated 44 DA Frontier Revolver undoubtedly engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke. The revolver features approximately 98% coverage of distinct wonderfully executed heavy flowing scroll and floral border pattern. The two line six patent date barrel address is flanked by a zig zag and entwining lines followed by a flower and more entwining lines around the notched rear sight. The sides of the barrel rib are done in a dotted wavy line. Flowing scrolls with a punch dot background and other geometric patters cover the barrel. The cylinder has scrolls and punch dots with simple wavy border. The left side of the frame displays large scrolls and a flower motif and the right side features a large flying swallow surrounded by the scroll and punch dot pattern. The backstrap has also been engraved with a star on the knuckle and simple zig zag border down the butt. The serial number "565" is stamped on the butt, barrel and cylinder. The latch is numbered "551". The barrel, cylinder and frame are nickel plated. The hammer and trigger are casehardened and the trigger guard is gold plated. Finished with mother of pearl grips.

Fine. All metal surfaces are a mottled smooth gray even patina with no original finish. The barrel displays some isolated pin prick pitting concentrated around the muzzle but in some patches down the length as well as some overall minor handling marks. The cylinder exhibits some very minor pin prick pitting and handlings marks. The frame shows a few small isolated paths of pinprick pitting and overall light handling marks. The hammer shows brilliant case colors in protected areas the balance is an even gray patina with spotting. The trigger shows some original case colors. The trigger guard retains approximately 85% gold plated finish ageing dark on a few high points. The grips are very fine with a few minor scuffs and dings. From the Will Hoffeld Collection, purchased from Marc Walz in January 1977.