Introduced in 1878. The elaborate engraving pattern on this S&W New Model No. 3 was done by the 19th century's best known Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke, who signed his work "LDN" on the left side of the frame. Nimschke's masterful signature floral scrollwork on a fine punch dot background covers nearly all of the surfaces. Fine zig-zag line and dot motifs are featured on the barrel and cylinder flutes. The side plate features a wonderful dog head vignette. Nimschke's "LDN" signature is inside a banner amongst the scrollwork on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. It is rare that we catalog work actually signed by Nimschke and that rarity is further compounded by identifying the particular smoke pull of said dog and signature from R.L. Wilson's book "L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver" on page 4. This is simply an awesome example of 19th century firearms art! Pictures speak louder than words! The trigger guard, cylinder, and hammer are plated in gold over sliver, and the remaining surfaces are plated in silver. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun, and each panel has a different relief carving. An American eagle/shield pattern appears on the left panel, and an oak leaf and acorn pattern appears on the right panel. Note that the oak leaf motif extends to the bottom. The cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch are also numbered to the gun.

Very fine, retaining 97% original silver plating with some mild flaking mostly on the grip straps. The cylinder retains 95% original gold plating with the exposed silver taking on an age darkened appearance. 85% original gold plating remains on the hammer and trigger guard. The front blade sight and base pin are period replacements. The engraving is crisp. The very fine grips show limited hairline age cracking, some minor handling evidence and crisp carving overall. Mechanically excellent. It is not often that we catalog Nimschke signed engraved S&Ws. A truly one-of-a-kind rarity in S&W collecting that even the most advanced collections almost never see. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.