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  • /Lot 208

Lot 208:Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Revolver

May 14th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 208

Lot 208:Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Revolver

May 14th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$9,000 - $14,000
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Documented Nimschke New York Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver in Rare .44 Henry Rimfire with Lion Head Cap and Relief Carved Mexican Eagle Grips

Manufactured from 1872 to 1874. This is one of approximately 3,014 very rare 6" No. 3 American 2nd Models chambered in the highly prized .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Of the 3,014 produced, only 2,157 lack a notched hammer like this example. Many Rimfire chambered American's went to Mexico through the S&W distributor Wexell & DeGress where they saw hard use. Fine condition examples like this revolver are rarely encountered. Overall this is a very rare variation of the No. 3 American that features a period New York scroll engraving on a punch dot background as well as a relief lion's head grip cap. Matching assembly numbers on the cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The revolver is pictured in John Parsons' "Smith & Wesson Revolvers" on page 128. A relief carved Mexican eagle decorates the right grip panel. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

ConditionVery fine as period New York engraved, retaining 85% nickel plating with flaking on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The slightly age shrunken grips are also very fine with some minor handling marks and a crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting and rare No. 3 American in .44 Henry with New York engraving, carved Mexican eagle grip and lion head grip cap. Truly one of the most rare short barrel examples of Smith & Wesson's earliest large frame revolvers, highly embellished and first documented and photographed -- in 1956 -- by John Parsons. A perfect addition for the S&W collector who thinks he/she has seen it all!
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
ModelAmerican
TypeRevolver
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 Henry RF
Barrel6 inch solid rib
Finishnickel
Gripantique ivory

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2954
Catalog page191
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