Lot 3097

Nimschke Engraved Silver Plated Smith & Wesson No. 2 Revolver

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Nimschke Engraved Silver Plated Smith & Wesson No. 2 Revolver

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(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 New York Engraved Silver Plated Smith & Wesson No. 2 Spur Trigger Revolver with Pearl Grips and Case Manufactured c. 1863 to 1864, this is a stunning and highly desirable Civil War era example of Smith & Wesson's No. 2 Army revolver that received extensive and magnificent engraving from the New York Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke. One of the most prolific engravers of his time, Nimschke carried out engraving work for essentially all the major American firearms manufacturers of the period and is widely regarded as not only one of the finest engravers of his era but of all time. This particular example is unsigned but shows Nimschke's signature scrollwork as well as distinct crossed-ribbon patterns on the top of the barrel rib and the butt, which are very similar to patterns found on the incredible Nimschke engraved Remington revolvers presented to Ulysses S. Grant which we sold in our May 2022 Premier Firearms Auction. The engraving on this revolver is nearly full coverage, with the frame and barrel lug featuring primarily masterfully executed floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds, the sides of the barrel having twisted ribbon motifs, and a kidney shaped fan at the top of the back strap, another signature design of Nimschke's. The revolver has standard Smith & Wesson markings as well as the serial number on the butt and hand-scratched inside both grip panels, and the matching assembly marking "A1" on the left of the grip frame, front face of the cylinder, and rear face of the barrel lug. There is a "D" marked on the bottom of the barrel at the muzzle, a marking that is typically believed to indicate some form of embellishment. It is fitted with a blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the cylinder stop, and a pair of highly attractive smooth pearl grips. Includes a very finely figured, deluxe, hardwood presentation case with blank brass escutcheon on the lid, deep purple velvet lined fitted interior, a cleaning rod, oiler, key, partial box of cartridges, and a few loose cartridges.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 2

BBL: 6 inch solid rib

Gauge: 32 Rimfire

Finish: silver/gold

Grips: pearl

Serial Number20796

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retaining 95% plus of the period retailer applied silver plating on the frame and barrel, thick plated gold cylinder with some mild bubbling/flaking and slightly obscured engraving, while the remainder of the engraving remains extremely crisp. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically functions. The case is exceptionally fine with some scattered light scratches. A stunning work of art by L.D. Nimschke!

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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