4345 STUNNING NEW YORK ENGRAVED & GOLD PLATED SMITH &

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,000.00 USD
Estimated at 12,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
WESSON 2ND MODEL RUSSIAN FORMERLY ON LOAN TO THE NRA MUSEUM. Cal. 44 S&W Russian. S# 32906. Bbl. 7". It is known that Schuyler, Hartley & Graham purchased S&W Russian model in the serial number range between 32800 and 39000. This one, like the others, is retailer marked "SH" in diamond on butt. Schuyler, Hartley & Graham is considered by many to be the largest gun wholesaler of the mid 1800s. It was common practice for the retailer to purchase firearms from Colt, Smith & Wesson & others to be later upgraded outside the factory with non factory grips, finish and/or engraving. This beautiful 2nd Model Russian appears to be one of those "New York" engraved guns commissioned at the Nimschke shop. While many engravers, masters & journeyman alike, engraved at the shop under Nimschke himself, the level of quality in this engraving leads to the possibility that the engraving may have been done by Nimschke himself. Revolver is profusely engraved with masterfully executed foliate scroll with meticulous punch dot backgrounds. Scrollwork is bordered by intricate straight line & wavy borders alike. Frame area below cyl. bears a stylized arrow motif at either side. Right side of frame bears a majestic soaring eagle, similar to other known Nimschke works. Front 2/3 of bbl. engraved in a checkerboard pattern at sides. Revolver plated in a full coverage gold finish. Two piece smooth walnut grips, right panel numbered to gun. Assembly number "35" found on Cyl., grip frame & bbl. CONDITION: very good overall. Metal retains 85-90% gold plated finish with scattered areas of flaking & light pitting. Grips show little wear with scattered light handling marks. PROVENANCE: Ex Supica collection. "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition". Formerly on loan to the NRA Museum (2013). (01-25372/BH). ANTIQUE. $12,000-20,000.