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  • Auction Catalog #70
  • Lot #2148
Lot #2147
Lot #2149

Lot 2148: L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver

Documented L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver with Extremely Rare Short Octagonal Barrel and Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Lot 2148: L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver

Documented L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver with Extremely Rare Short Octagonal Barrel and Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Estimated Price: $6,500 - $9,500
Price Realized:
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Documented L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Model Revolver with Extremely Rare Short Octagonal Barrel and Pearl Grips

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Cloverleaf
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 41 RF
Barrel: 1 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: gold/silver
Grip: pearl
Stock:
Item Views: 5528
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 82
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured in 1871 (the first year of production) this is an extremely rare version of the Colt Cloverleaf revolver with the short 1 1/2 inch octagon barrel as well as a near full coverage engraving by Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The revolver is identified in R.L. Wilson's "The Colt Engraving" on page 216. It is one of the few known Cloverleaf revolvers engraved by Nimschke. The octagon barrel is found only on the early 1 1/2 inch barreled examples. The engraving features floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, cross hatching, wavy line and dot borders and entwining lines. The engraving is featured on the upper barrel flats, cylinder, frame sides, top strap and back strap. The top barrel flat is marked "COLT." This marking is normally on the left barrel flat, but due to the engraving the marking was moved to the top flat. The cylinder and hammer are plated in gold, and the remaining surfaces are silver plated. It is fitted with pearl grips.

Rating Definition:

Fine. The hammer retains 60% of the original gold plating. The cylinder and barrel have a crisp mottled gray patina with traces of original gold remaining in the protected areas of the cylinder. The frame has a very attractive aged patina mixed with darkened original silver plating in the protected areas. The grips are excellent with a few minor handling marks and highly attractive color. Mechanically excellent.



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