This pre-1898 revolver features highly sought after profuse engraving with gold inlay by 19th century master engraver Louis D. Nimschke. In fact research suggests this is only one of two known gold inlaid revolvers by Louis D. Nimschke, the other being the iconic "black beauty" Colt Single Action serial number 126506 as photographed on 338 and 339 of "The Colt Book of Engraving Vol. II" by Wilson. The intricate scrolls, fine punch dot background and gold work on this revolver and "126506" are virtuality identical. The front grip stamped is inscribed with the name "J. LORIMER WORDEN." The right side of the trigger guard is stamped with the number "810." The grip frame and cylinder (under the star ejector) are stamped with a factory "S" with diamond refinishing mark. The grip frame is also marked "8 22 67," the factory return date for August 22, 1967. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. The fitted presentation case contains a bore brush and cartridge block holding 35 rounds. The inlaid silver presentation plaque on the exterior of the lid is further evidence of L.D. Nimschke own hand when compared to similar case presentation referencing pages 58 & 90 in " L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver" by Wilson. The presentation on this case reads, "Presented to/J. LORIMER WORDEN/1st U.S. VOLUNTEER CAVALRY/ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS TROOP K/as a /mark of regard & esteem/from his friend MG." New York native John Lorimer Worden (1873-1938) was a Harvard University class of 1896 graduate and was a member of the New York Stock Exchange for most of his life. He is specifically mentioned in Edward Marshall’s “The Story of the Rough Riders, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry” as one of two New York stock brokers who joined Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Rough Riders on the same day (page 43-44). The Rough Riders, officially the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, are the most famous of all U.S. units from the Spanish-American War and were formed by Theodore Roosevelt after he resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The men were an eclectic bunch from around the country including athletes, wealthy gentlemen, Native Americans, cowboys, frontiersmen, professional hunters, working professionals, and lawmen, especially those in the American Southwest at the outbreak of the war. They are especially remembered for charging up Kettle Hill (Battle of San Juan Hill) on July 1, 1898, under Roosevelt's command. A Rough Riders roster based on Virgil Carrington Jones' research in “Roosevelt's Rough Riders” is posted on The Spanish-American War Centennial website and (www.spanamwar.com/rrroster.htm) confirms Worden was a private with Troop K. Captain Woodbury Kane famously led Troop K in the assault on San Juan Hill. Worden is also among the discharged service members Theodore Roosevelt listed in his book “The Rough Riders.” Roosevelt lists Worden's discharge date as August 15, 1898. Additional information is obtained from genealogy records posted on The Mariners’ Museum and Park of Newport News, Virginia, website (https://catalogs.marinersmuseum.org/media/Media/00001/MS0164-001-02-003-25.0400635822369237213070.pdf). Worden was named after his grandfather, Civil War hero Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden who, while commanding the USS Monitor, took part in the first ever engagement between ironclad steamships. Worden was discharged during the Spanish-American War because he was “sick in the line of duty.” During World War I, he served in the U.S. Department of Justice. At the age of 64, Worden drowned near Newport, Rhode Island.

Very fine, retaining 95% plus of the factory reapplied blue finish with flaking on the front strap. 95% of the case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing minor-moderate handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. A very attractive example of S&W factory artistry at the end of the 19th century with the added bonus of being presented to a known Rough Rider. This is certainly a piece that transcends "typical" collecting genres as its history and classification as only the second known gold inlaid revolver by L.D. Nimschke elevates it to a national treasure status with a great pedigree and an even more attractive price point. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.