Stunning L.D. Nimschke Master Engraved Gold and Silver Plated Remington "Improved" New Model Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver with Ivory Grips

A remarkable Remington special-order “Improved New Model” rimfire revolver, manufactured circa 1869–1875, this highly embellished piece represents one of the earliest full-sized metallic cartridge revolvers and an important bridge between the percussion era and the later centerfire revolver era. With classic L.D. Nimschke-style engraving, precious-metal plating, and all matching numbers, it stands out as a serious collector-grade revolver with exceptional historical and artistic appeal.

• Manufactured circa 1869–1875 by Remington and finished through Remington’s special order department
• “Improved New Model” rimfire metallic cartridge revolver—part of the important transitional period from percussion arms to cartridge revolvers
• Historically significant as one of the earliest full-sized metallic cartridge revolver types
• Although often called “conversions,” many of these revolvers left the factory originally as cartridge revolvers rather than being altered from percussion models
• This example appears to have been factory-made as a cartridge revolver rather than converted from an existing percussion revolver
• Likely made for special presentation or exhibition use, and clearly designed to attract attention as a showpiece
• Exceptional engraving attributed in style to master firearms engraver Louis D. Nimschke
• Engraving includes:
  • Elaborate scrollwork with beaded backgrounds
  • Wavy line and dot borders
  • Attractive floral or snowflake-style design on top of the frame at the breech area
  • Intertwining line motifs
  • Crosshatching with dots at the top of the back strap
  • Shell accents
• The engraving shows strong comparisons to famous Nimschke-engraved Remington New Model Army presentation revolvers, including:
  • The Ulysses S. Grant presentation revolver
  • The Imperial Russian presentation revolvers
  • Examples sold by Rock Island Auction in recent years
• Several engraving patterns compare closely to designs reproduced from Nimschke’s scrapbook in “L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson
• The entwining line and dot motifs on the barrel are especially associated with Nimschke-engraved firearms
• The crosshatching and dot patterns are also frequently seen in Nimschke’s work
• The scrollwork itself is classic Nimschke style, adding major desirability for advanced collectors of engraved American arms
• Striking mixed precious-metal finish:
  • Loading lever is gold plated
  • Cylinder is gold plated
  • Hammer is gold plated
  • Remaining metal surfaces are silver plated
• Barrel features a “pinched” blade front sight
• Top of barrel is marked:
  • “PATENTED SEPT. 14. 1858. MARCH 17. 1865”
  • “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. NEWYORK U.S.A.”
  • “NEW MODEL”
• Matching-number details include:
  • Bottom of barrel marked “14” and “45138”
  • Rear of cylinder marked “14”
  • Breech plate marked “14”
  • Trigger guard spur marked “45/138”
  • Back of each grip marked “14/45138”
  • Left side of butt marked “45138” at the toe
  • Left side of butt marked “14” at the heel
• All numbers match, an important collector feature that supports originality and integrity
• A visually stunning and historically meaningful Remington revolver that combines early metallic cartridge development, special-order craftsmanship, Nimschke-style artistry, precious-metal finishes, and fully matching numbers in one highly desirable collectible package.