Lot 3103

L.D. Nimschke Master Engraved Antique Colt Single Action Army

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L.D. Nimschke Master Engraved Antique Colt Single Action Army

Estimate: $55,000 - $85,000

Starting Bid: $47,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive L.D. Nimschke Master Engraved Silver Plated and Gold Washed Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory Grip and Factory Letter This attractive silver plated and gold washed Colt Single Action Army revolver ended up in the New York shop of the 19th century's best known Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke as evidenced by the patterns seen in his high quality engraving. The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was shipped on November 1, 1876, to Spies Kissam and Company in New York City, in .45 caliber with blue finish, barrel length and grip material not listed, as part of 39 guns of the same type in the shipment. The letter further remarks, "The records also contain a second listing for this serial number that indicates a revolver of the same configuration was included in a shipment of 50 guns to H&D Folsom Arms Company in New York on November 18, 1876." The exquisite engraving consists mainly of L.D. Nimschke’s floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds. A panel of cross hatching is featured on the left side of the frame at the front, the rear of the cylinder has a band of engraving, and fan motifs are on the loading gate and top of the rear grip strap. Some other Colt Single Action Army revolvers that ended up in the hands of L.D. Nimschke for engraving are known to have been shipped to Spies Kissam and Company in 1876, including another revolver of note that shares some similarities with this example being serial number 24931 with a Tiffany type grip recently sold by Rock Island Auction Company (December 2025, lot 1115), which can be seen on page 247 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" as well as page 296 of "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" both by R.L. Wilson. Some similarities can also be seen in the Nimschke engraved serial number 24844 pictured on page xxxix of "L.D. Nimschke, Firearms Engraver" by R.L. Wilson. Numerous examples of Nimschke's engraving can be seen in "L.D. Nimschke, Firearms Engraver" by R.L. Wilson. The barrel, frame, trigger guard and grip straps are plated in silver. The cylinder, cylinder pin, trigger, and screws were gold washed above the silver plating. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent date markings. “45 CAL” is marked on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The revolver is wearing a period ivory grip. The matching visible full serial number "27182" is marked on the frame and trigger guard, with matching partial "182" on the side of the cylinder, and "27185" on the butt. Two different included letters signed by Master Engraver John J. Adams Sr. both state he inspected this engraved serial number 27182 revolver in hand in 2016 and that he believes the engraving to be the work of L.D. Nimschke, and further states the gun with serial number 27185 was included in the same two shipments as the gun in question and was then sent for New York engraving. Adams Sr. concludes that the back strap number 27185 on this gun could be a factory error or a swapped part with its matching engraved sister gun.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: silver/gold

Grips: ivory

Serial Number27182

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 97% silver finish, strong traces of gold wash on the cylinder and small parts, with crisp engraving. The grip is fine, with attractive patina, light handling marks, and age lines. Mechanically excellent. This is a wonderful example of a L. D. Nimschke New York Master Engraved, silver plated and gold washed Colt Single Action Army revolver!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000