Lot 1234

New York Engraved Colt Model 1889 Navy Double Action Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

New York Engraved Colt Model 1889 Navy Double Action Revolver

Estimate: $2,500 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $2,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive New York Engraved Colt Model 1889 Navy Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips Manufactured in 1890, this is a highly attractive example of a New York engraved and period inscribed Colt Model 1889 Navy revolver, the first model of swing-out cylinder double action revolver the company offered. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, approximately 31,000 of these revolvers were manufactured in total, with approximately 8,000 being purchased by the U.S. Navy. The same book lists only approximately 80 of these Model 1889s being factory engraved, with those engraved outside the factory like this example also being relatively rare. The engraving on this revolver is in the typical New York style, very much in line with the work of the legendary L.D. Nimschke. It covers approximately three-quarters of the surfaces and exhibits primarily floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds, as well as "Nimschke stars" on the front right of the frame and the crane. The back strap is inscribed "JOHN DOUGHTY" in block letters. Many men by that name are listed in period newspapers from various states and no positive identification could be made at this time. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates ending with 1888, while the caliber marking on the left has been mostly obscured by the engraving. The serial number is on the butt, while the matching assembly number "394" is on the frame, crane, bottom of the barrel, rear face of the cylinder, and the cylinder latch. It is fitted with the standard blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth pearl grips.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1889

BBL: 6 inch round

Gauge: 38 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number6521

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retaining 60% of the period, retailer applied, nickel and traces of the original nitre blue on the hammer and trigger with the balance mostly grey patina, a few scattered patches of very light pitting, and crisp engraving. The grips are very good with a filled chip at the heel of each panel and a few light edge chips. There is some play in the cylinder at full cock, otherwise mechanically functions. A highly attractive example of Colt's first swing-out cylinder double action revolver!

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