Introduced in 1881, this is a wonderful example of an early production S&W .44 Double Action First Model Revolver with period Nimschke-New York style engraving, gold and nickel plating, and pearl grips. The included factory letter (copy) states the revolver was shipped on June 30, 1881 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City and the "revolver was part of a large order of more than twenty of this model." No other information is provided. The revolver features profuse near full coverage period Nimschke-New York style floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background along with zig-zag line and dot borders. The 1 7/16 inch cylinder is engraved to match and is plated in gold. The front sight, barrel latch, and trigger guard are also plated in gold, the hammer and trigger are casehardened, and the barrel and frame are plated in nickel. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The revolver was displayed at the National Firearms Museum in 2008-2009 as reported in "American Rifleman and "True West" magazines, displayed at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum in 2013, and pictured and identified in "Guns of the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum" on page 232, "The Illustrated History of Firearms" (2nd edition) on page 94, "Guns West" exhibit catalog on page 13, Dean Boorman's "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" on page 110, and Kennelly's "Smith & Wesson Engraving" on page 108. In several of the publications the engraving is cited as Nimschke style. In his included 1992 dated letter, John Gangel concluded the revolver was "fully and finely engraved in Nimschke style, probably by his own hand." Provenance: The Supica Collection; National Firearms Museum 2008-2009; NRA National Sporting Arms Museum 2013

Fine. The barrel and frame retain 80% retailer applied nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. 80% gold plating remains on the front sight, barrel latch, cylinder, and trigger guard. The engraving is crisp. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are very good with a chip at the lower right panel, otherwise minimal handling evidence and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive Nimschke-New York style engraved S&W .44 Double Action First Model revolver.