Outstanding Deluxe Cased L.D. Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 1/2 Second Issue Revolver

Manufactured circa 1868–1875, this is an exceptionally fine example of a Smith & Wesson No. 1½ Second Issue revolver engraved by the renowned master L.D. Nimschke. The revolver features near full-coverage embellishment, including exquisitely executed floral scroll with punch-dot backgrounds, rows of diamonds ending in scroll flourishes along the sides of the barrel, and small areas of basket-weave patterning on the barrel lug and top of the frame. Similar motifs are illustrated as smoke pulls in L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver by Wilson (pages 42 and 95).

The top of the barrel rib is marked with the standard one-line address and patent marking. Matching serial numbers are present on the butt and inside the right grip panel. The right side of the grip frame is stamped with a star and “F6,” repeated on the rear face of the barrel lug, likely assembler’s marks rather than the later Smith & Wesson factory “rework” star.

The revolver is fitted with a blade front sight and a notch rear sight in the cylinder stop, along with an attractive pair of smooth rosewood grips. It comes complete with a hardwood case featuring a blank brass presentation plaque on the lid, red baize interior, two keys, and an extra hammer and cylinder stop.