Lot 69: L.D. Nimschke Engraved Cased U.S. Arms Co. No 32 Pocket Revolver

Rock Island Auction Company is proud to offer for sale this fantastic L.D. Nimschke engraved U.S. Arms Co. pocket revolver. This revolver was exhibited at the Exposition Universelle d'Paris, 1878. The revolver descended in the L.D. Nimschke family for nearly 130 years before it was first sold at auction in 2003. The pistol is featured on the cover of "Man at Arms" magazine, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2003 with two other hand guns that were once a part of the Nimschke family collection, and is pictured with the case and described on page 24 of the same publication. The pistol features a near full coverage of a beautiful and finely executed floral scroll motif with cut-out backgrounds. Floral work surrounds the "U.S. ARMS CO. NY" barrel marking on the top flat and "No 32" on the top strap. The left side plate features a spectacular chiseled portrait of the Goddess of Liberty. The left top of the frame has an engraved dog's head, while the reverse has an engraved griffin's head. Geometric zig-zag line motifs are engraved on the cylinder flutes and cartridge cut-out. The scrollwork extends to the sides of the hammer. The cylinder pin has engraved and checkered accents. Nickel finish with casehardened hammer and trigger and fitted with smooth pearl bird head grips. The pistol comes with a period velvet-lined case with holding block, key, and ramrod. As a master firearms engraver of the 19th century, Nimschke is said to have engraved over 5,000 firearms from 1850 to 1904. Today the work of this world renowned master engraver is on display at museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 99% plus of the original nickel finish. The hammer retains vivid amounts of original case colors, otherwise aged to an attractive dull gray. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with a highly attractive appearance. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some minor handling/storage marks, and the lining shows wear. An extraordinary work of firearm art that showcases the best of Nimschke's scrollwork, rope, border and band motifs in a revolver that is in near mint condition with superb provenance directly linking it to the Nimschke family. Do not miss your chance to own one of the best surviving examples of Nimschke's work!