Lot 63:Cased Pair of L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt 1861 Navy Revolvers

September 11th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Lot 63:Cased Pair of L.D. Nimschke Engraved Colt 1861 Navy Revolvers

September 11th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$30,000 - $50,000

A) Engraved Colt 1861 Navy Revolver

This cased pair of deluxe New York engraved and cased Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers was manufactured in 1864. The revolvers are decorated with the distinctive American style engraving of L.D. Nimschke which features bold scrollwork on a punchdot background, wavy line and wavy line and dot borders. The forward portion of the hammer on each revolver is engraved with a wolf or hound head motif. Both revolvers are engraved with the monogram "MFR" on the back strap. "MRF" is also engraved on the brass shield inlaid on the top of the case lid. The engraving on the revolvers is similar but not identical; Pistol No. 17302 has a star engraved on the top of the barrel between the Colt legend and the front sight but there is no engraving on the barrel of No. 17383 in the same location. The Colt legend: "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW_YORK U.S. AMERICA" is roll-stamped on the top of both revolvers. Both revolvers are roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene with hand-engraved wavy line and dot borders. The roll-stamped "COLTS/PATENT" markings on the left side of the frames of these revolvers are enclosed in panels formed by scrollwork. The "36 CAL" markings on the left sides of the trigger guards are enclosed in rectangles with rounded ends. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, trigger guard and back strap of each revolver. The cylinder of each revolver is stamped with the partial serial number 383 and 302 respectively. All of the visible serial numbers match on both revolvers. Both revolvers have one-piece full-checkered grips. The revolvers are silver-plated and highlighted with a gold wash. The mahogany American style case has brass bound corners on the lid and brass reinforcements on the sides. The case has seven compartments and is lined with a burgundy colored velvet interior. The case contains: (1) 250 count tin of Eley percussion caps with blue paper label, (2) silver-plated belt pistol size powder flask with fixed charger embossed on both sides of the body with the American Eagle and Shield motif above crossed banners and a cannon, (3) two silver-plated oil bottles, (4) silver plated cleaning rod with flared top, (5) straight leg, double cavity, .36 caliber bullet mold marked: "COLT'S/PATENT" across the top of the sprue cutter and "36H" on the right block, (6) silver-plated, L-shaped, combination screw-driver and nipple wrench, (7) two spare, silver-plated, percussion nipples and mainspring and (9) key. This set of revolvers was formerly part of the Johnny Bassett and Ron Deane collections.

Condition Fine with 50% of the period silver-plated finish with significant amounts of the delicate gold washed finish in protected areas. The silver-plated finish is flaking on the bottom of the barrel lug, loading lever and lower half of the barrel. The cylinder retains most of the Texas Navy battle scene; the safety pins are battered but intact and the percussion nipples show light flash pitting. The flash pitting is minimal on the hammers and in the hammer well. The flawlessly executed American style engraving on both revolvers is sharp and deep. The grip has sharp checkering and has aged to a mellow yellow patina, with several minor age cracks in the left heel. The action is tight and functions well. The case exterior has been revarnished overall and is in very good condition. There is a repaired crack across the bottom of the case. The case lining has faded slightly. Wear is limited to compression marks and oil stains from contact with the revolver cylinders and grips and a bulge in the lining from the crack in the bottom of the case. The accessories are all in very good condition and the silver-plated powder flask, cleaning rod and bullet mold are original to the casing.

Details

ManufacturerColt

Model1861 Navy

TypeRevolver

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge36 percussion

Barrel7 1/2 inch round

Finishsilver/gold-plated

Gripantique ivory

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page81

B) Engraved Colt 1861 Navy Revolver

As described in "A".

ConditionFine with 40% plus of the period silver-plated finish with significant amounts of the delicate gold washed finish in protected areas. The silver-plated finish is flaking on the bottom of the barrel lug, loading lever and lower half of the barrel. The cylinder retains most of the Texas Navy battle scene; the safety pins are battered but intact, and the percussion nipples show light flash pitting. The flash pitting is minimal on the hammers and in the hammer well. The flawlessly executed American style engraving on both revolvers is sharp and deep. The grip has sharp checkering and has aged to a mellow yellow patina with a repaired hairline crack on the right side that runs the length of the grip and splits at the heel; the left heel of the grip has several minor age cracks. The action is tight and functions well. This is a fine pair of New York cased and L.D. Nimschke engraved Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers with the original case and accessories. Cased examples of the Model 1861 Navy are scarce and this pair of Nimschke engraved, silver-plated, gold washed represents one of the best double cased sets of these revolvers available.