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LOT 409
L. Nelly Signed, Elaborately Engraved, and Gold Inlaid U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Double Action
Revolver with Relief Carved Pearl Grips from the Famed Dr. Joseph Murphy Collection - Serial no. 84287, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/gold inlaid finish, relief carved pearl grips. Originally a U.S. inspected martial
revolver, this Model 1917 was subsequently elaborately custom embellished by L. Nelly whose signature is on
the left side of the frame under the cylinder. A beautiful floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background nearly covers the frame and cylinder. The fine scrollwork extends to the rear section of the barrel. Gold inlaid bands are featured on the barrel at the muzzle and breech, and gold inlaid scrollwork is featured on the back strap, top strap, and around the S&W
barrel legend. Additional gold inlaid entwining lines appear on the sides of the barrel towards the muzzle. The revolver retains the U.S. property markings. The pearl
grips have high relief initials “PPP” on the right panel, the Latin motto “MEMENTO/ANDAR/SEMPER” (likely the misspelling for Memento audere semper, “Remember to always dare”) on the left panel, and cowboy
iconography throughout. The revolver has a late Dr. Joseph
Murphy collection tag, number “105.” Two photo negatives of the revolver are included.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally embellished, retaining 99% of the blue/gold inlaid finish showing a small patch of
gray on the right side of the frame. The elaborate undersized replacement grips have a missing chip on the bottom of the left panel, crisp carving and attractive color. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 410
Engraved Gold Inlaid U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 192546, 45
ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue/gold finish, laminated
grips. Originally manufactured in 1917 for the U.S. military, this pistol was subsequently custom engraved with 50%
coverage floral scroll engraving with gold wire border inlays. The engraving and gold work appears to be unsigned by the artist, though their skill is apparent. Apart from the attractively executed embellishment, the pistol bears the standard two-line, two-block patent and address markings on the left of the slide, caliber marking on the right, U.S. property marking on the left of
the frame, serial number on the right, and a conjoined “HP” on the chamber of the barrel. The trigger, hammer, and grip safety are also gold washed and the pistol is fitted with a thick pair of the laminated grips with gold Colt Medallions. The furnished magazine is fully blued with matching engraving on the base. CONDITION: Very fine as custom embellished, retains 90% plus of the blue finish with some light thinning on the mainspring housing and thumb safety and 80% plus of the gold with some scattered light thinning and some loss of the wire inlay on the thumb safety. The grips are fine with minimal light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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