4184 RARE, ORIGINAL NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED FIRST PRODUCTION

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
TYPE 2 COLT OPEN TOP POCKET REVOLVER. Cal. 22 RF. S# 766. Matching numbers on butt and bbl. Bbl. 2 7/8" with ejector and German silver half moon front sight. 7 Shot cyl. First type stylized barrel key. Initial Production guns (1-6000) were rarely upgraded with expensive plating, fancy stocks or engraving, save for the type 3, most of which were full-plated nickel. Consignor notes that only a dozen engraved Initial Production models have been observed; six each of Types 1 and 4. All but one were the work of the preeminent firearms engraver of the period, Louis D Nimschke. This Revolver is pictured on page 69 of COLT- SMITH & WESSON. A CLASH OF ARMS. Featuring Colt's Battle Born Open Top .22, by Robert Swartz. Frame, bbl. & cyl bear Nimschke's trademark floral scroll engraving with punch dot background and straight line borders. Front portion of bbl. and backstrap have intertwined wavy line engraving with punch dot accents and wavy punch dot borders. Revolver is stocked with 2 piece bird's head mother of pearl grips. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Copy of "COLT- SMITH & WESSON. A CLASH OF ARMS. Featuring Colt's Battle Born Open Top 22." by Robert Swartz. CONDITION: good overall. Original gold plating is visible on frame below cyl and on face of recoil shield. Bbl. & cyl. exhibit light pin prick oxidation and staining. Brass frame has acquired a pleasing mustard patina. Right grip panel has full length horizontal crack extending through escutcheon with minor loss at right side of escutcheon. Bore retains strong rifling with an overall frosted appearance and areas of light- moderate oxidation in grooves. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally difficult revolver to come across as few were made during initial production. (01-26592/BH). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.