Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
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WONDERFUL S&W No. 2 REVOLVER; CASED AND NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED
01-26859
Cal. 32 RF Long
S# 36365
Bbl. 6″ octagon with integral rib having brass blade half moon sight; notch in top mounted cylinder stop serves as the rear sight. Mfg. 1861-1874 (77,155 units) with unfluted 6 rd. cylinder having patent dates around its circumference at the midpoint. Referred to as No. 2 Old Army, yet none were for military contract. History notes one owned by President Hayes, Wild Bill Hickock (on his person when he died) and 2 by Gen. George Custer; very popular during the Civil War. Matching numbered Rosewood grips plus “GG8” on cylinder, barrel and lower left side of back strap under grips. Later production model as evidenced by 3 pins in top strap. Although engraving is not signed (Nimschke only signed 15% of handguns that he engraved), it is certainly of the Nimschke “New York” style having foliate scrollwork with rounded terminals. Louis D. Nimschke (1832-1904) trained in Germany under masters Ernst Moritz and Gustav Ernst before coming to America in 1853 where he began his prolific career in New York City. It is referenced that he engraved about 5,000 firearms and other pieces from 1850 to 1900 (about 2 per week!). His work is even recognized by the Smithsonian Institute. He created many “pulls” from his engravings as well as from other engravers which are compiled in a work book given to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on its 150th Anniversary (2018) by the Robert M. Lee Foundation.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: good presentation case of nicely grained wood that appears to be Rosewood; light weather checks following the grain plus very light scratches throughout. Interior is compartmentalized with a roughly relieved semi-circle between 2 compartments (purpose unknown). Lining is a faded maroon velvet with padding in the lid. Simple brass hinges and 2 post lock (no key). Top of lid has shaped German silver inlaid plaque for engraving. An empty 2-piece cartridge box by Smith, Hall & Farmer fills one compartment having spectacular conditioned label that lists “Fifty No. 2 or 32-100”.
STATUS: ANTIQUE
