Lot 83

Cased Nimschke Master Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Cased Nimschke Master Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Revolver

Estimate: $15,000 - $27,500

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extraordinary Deluxe Presentation Cased L. D. Nimschke New York Master Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Spur Trigger Revolver with Panel Scene Engraved Cylinder, Ivory Grips, and Factory Letter Artistry in American arms can be traced back for centuries, both among Native Americans and European settlers. The art, much like the people who have called this land home, is a melting pot of influences and styles from all over the world, which have slowly been molded and evolved into unique and distinct styles which are truly American. Engraved art in America in particular, especially on firearms, was overwhelmingly influenced by an influx of very talented artisans from Germany during the 1700s and into the 1800s, who brought with them the age old traditions and styles from the homeland they had left behind. The 19th century in particular marked an incredible period for the artistry of American arms, transitioning from engraving being a common practice on hand-built commercial arms in the first half of the century to engraving being a rare, deluxe feature on assembly line built arms in the second half of the century, setting them apart as special amongst the mass production of the era of the industrial revolution. It is among that era of interchangeable parts and mass production on an incredible scale that some of this country's most talented artists emerged; using brass and steel as their canvases. One such artist, an immigrant himself, was Louis D. Nimschke, who would go on to become one of the most legendary and highly revered American engravers in history. Nimschke was born in Germany in 1832, emigrated to America by 1850, and is believed to have begun work as an engraver almost immediately upon his arrival. Unlike many of the talented artisans who arrived in the United States during the period and went to work for the large firearms manufacturers of the day, Nimschke remained independent, producing masterpieces for a plethora of different American companies, with his shop listed at a couple different addresses in New York from essentially 1861 until 1902, just a couple years before his death. R. L. Wilson notes in "L. D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver" that it is believed that Nimschke engraved approximately 5,000 firearms during his career, indicating his industriousness and creativity. It is also noted that many of the large American firearms manufacturers often sought out Nimschke to complete their most prestigious work, rather than their own in-house master engravers; a solid representation of the quality of his artistry. When discussing the development of the "American style" of engraving, it is often Gustave Young, the Ulrichs, and L. D. Nimschke who are cited as the forefathers of it, all of whom brought in their German influences while evolving with the tastes and desires of the American consumer. To this day, more than a century later, Nimschke remains one of the most highly respected artisans of the second half of the 19th century and is undoubtedly among a very limited, elite pantheon of American firearms engravers, with this particular revolver being an incredible example of his work. This revolver was manufactured c. late 1865 to very early 1866, just after this country emerged from our bloody Civil War. The included factory letter lists the revolver as shipped to J.W. Storrs Co. in New York on 27 January 1866 with a 6 inch barrel and rosewood grips in a shipment of 75 revolvers with mixed finishes. It further notes that the revolver was subsequently engraved and fitted with the ivory grips. It is highly likely that the Storrs Co. contracted the engraving work on this revolver with L. D. Nimschke to fulfill a special order for one of their customers. The engraving on this revolver is extensive, perfectly exhibiting Nimschke's skill, and covering more than three-quarters of the surfaces. Interestingly, it features distinctive crossed-ribbon pattern on the butt, sides of the barrel, and top of the rib, which were also found on the pair of Nimschke engraved Remington revolvers presented to Ulysses S. Grant, which were sold here at Rock Island Auction Company in our May 2022 Premier Firearms Auction for an incredible $5,170,000. The cylinder features a beautiful panel scene of a running stag, showing many design similarities for other stags pictured in the previously mentioned book by Wilson. The left of the frame shows a dog's head worked in amongst the scrollwork, a signature motif of Nimschke's, as well as Gustave Young. The remainder of the engraved surfaces show primarily stunning, vine-like scrollwork on a beaded background, as well as some intertwining line motifs. The revolver otherwise has the standard Smith & Wesson markings and features, as well as an attractive pair of period, retailer fitted, smooth ivory grips. The revolver is housed in a highly attractive rosewood presentation case with blank brass escutcheon on the lid, purple velvet lining, and containing an oil bottle, key, and partial box of cartridges.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: 2 Army

BBL: 6 inch solid rib

Gauge: 32 RF

Finish: blue

Grips: ivory

Serial Number52318

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine as a masterpiece by New York Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke, retaining 70% plus of the high polish blue finish and 50% of the original case colors on the hammer and trigger with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light pitting, and extremely crisp engraving overall. The grips are also exceptionally fine with a few faint age lines around the screws and some light handling marks. Mechanically functions. The case is very fine with some slight crazing of the varnish and some light handling/storage marks. This is a fantastic example of the stunning work of art by Louis D. Nimschke!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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