The engraved panel scene of two dogs attacking a stag and the surrounding scroll engraving on the side plate is shown on the upper left of page 60 of "L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver" by Wilson, and similar scenes are seen on other Nimschke engraved firearms. Similar dog heads to the design on the right side of the frame can be also found intertwined among the scrollwork on other Nimschke engraved revolvers. On this revolver, the scrolls are within the dog's mouth, and the ears are flowing behind the dog's head like its running. The scroll engraving patterns cover a significant portion of the surfaces including on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger. The scrollwork consists of more complex patterns than are often seen on many revolvers from the era. Nimschke's signed serifed initials "L.D. N" are found on the rear underside of the barrel beneath the ejector rod. Original signed examples of L.D. Nimschke's work are seldom found. The bottom of the barrel ""F/*/A" marked among an intertwining line motif. The back strap has a shield below a shell motif. The grips are attractive panels of mother of pearl. The finish was a combination of gold and silver plating.

Fine with crisp engraving and markings, traces of original gold and silver plating in the protected areas, flashes of bright original case colors on the hammer, mostly smooth gray patina, some minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The grips are very fine and have attractive natural colorations, a few scratches and marks, a few minor chips at the edge on the leading edge of the left panel, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent. This is an extremely rare chance to get your hands on a Smith & Wesson engraved and signed by 19th century master engraver L.D. Nimschke, and documented from a smoke pull in the Nimschke book. A perfect example of why Nimschke remains one of the most well-respected 19th century firearms engravers. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.