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

Description:
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 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.

Condition

Excellent. The engraving and markings are crisp throughout. The revolver retains 90% of the original silver and 95% original gold plating. The only notable finish loss is some minor flaking on the trigger guard bow along with some minor cylinder drag lines and generally light handling and storage marks. The silver has an attractive aged patina. The grips are also excellent and have very minor age stress lines mainly at the screw holes, minor age and handling related wear, and attractive natural colors and grain. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly one of the finest Remington New Model cartridge conversion revolvers extant and would be near impossible to improve upon in terms of condition and artistry.

Handgun Caliber: .38 Rimfire
Manufacturer: E. Remington & Sons
Model: New Model Navy
Serial Number: 45138
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Condition: The bore is shiny with some spotting and crisp rifling.

Price: $27,499.99