Manufactured in 1878 with nickel-plated finish, pearl, bird's head grips, and New York engraving by Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke. It is described and illustrated on pages 124 and 125 of "Fine Colts, The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection" by R.L. Wilson. The revolver features Nimschke's American style engraving with flowing foliate scrollwork on a punch-dot background, entwining lines and dots, star bursts, crossed ribbon bands, and wavy line borders. The revolver has an unusual dragon motif engraved on the right side of the frame and a Mexican Eagle and Serpent engraved on the recoil shield. The trigger, top of the hammer, cylinder pin, and screws have a fire blue finish. "COLT D.A. 38" is acid etched in a oblong panel on the left side of the barrel. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The bottom of the barrel is stamped with the caliber designation "38" and "P" just ahead of the frame. The left side of the frame is stamped with Colt's three-date/three-line patent marking. "38 CAL" is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The assembly number "992" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The serial number "7364" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. In "The Book of Colt Firearms" author R.L. Wilson states that approximately 250 .38 caliber Model 1877 revolvers were factory engraved. L.D. Nimschke, New York engraved Model 1877 revolvers are even more rare. The distinctive engraving decorating the frame and recoil shield on this revolver certainly make it a one-of-a-kind piece as these motifs are more traditionally associated with Nimschke’s work on Winchester Model 1866 rifles. Similar motifs are well documented in the collection of Nimshke’s smoke pulls published in Wilson’s “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” on pages 54 and 55.

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% plus of the original nickel-plated finish with small areas of flaking on the barrel frame, trigger guard, and cylinder. At least 80% of the fire blue finish remains on the trigger, cylinder pin, and hammer. Most of the fire blue finish is present on the screws. The engraving is deep and sharp. The grips are in very fine overall condition with traces of age discoloration, some shrinkage, and scattered chips along the edges. The action is tight, but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a well-documented example of a Colt Model 1877 Lighting DA revolver with unique engraving by L.D. Nimschke that was formerly part of one of the finest modern collections of high grade Colt revolvers.