Guns International #: 103202913
Click Photo to Enlarge![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Guns International #: 103202913
Exhibition Grade Nimschke Engraved 1873 Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver 5 1/2" .44-40 Ivory Rare Unique CFSS Scroll Banner
Description: Extremely Rare & Important Exhibition Grade Nimschke Engraved Model 1873 Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Unique Engraved CFSS Scrolled Ribbon Banner & Ivory Grips, .44-40 WCF, mfg. circa 1880's with 5 ½" barrel. This is an absolutely fascinating Colt which has unfortunately lost it's identity but what we do know for sure is it's an original 1880's vintage 5 ½" which was either factory engraved or shipped soft for engraving in New York by L. D. Nimschke. What separates this gun from a typical factory or New York engraved Colt and makes it totally unique however is that the engraving is near full coverage and instead of having the standard acid etched or roll die “Colt Frontier Six Shooter” logo it is hand engraved within a scrolled ribbon centered on the side of the barrel. I have only ever seen one other engraved CFSS banner which is pictured in R. L. Wilson's book of engraving and it is not as elaborate as this one. This was obviously a very special Colt made at great expense either for exhibition or perhaps as a presentation to a very important individual. You simply do not see period engraved Single Actions with this much coverage. The engraving runs the full length of the barrel and literally on every surface of the frame. Nothing was left untouched. Even the knurling on the hammer is hand cut and longer than standard and there are two alternating scroll/banner patterns between the cylinder flutes. The engraving is undoubtedly the work of L. D. Nimschke and the scroll pattern on the frame sides is identical to Teddy Roosevelt's famous gold & silver plated New York soft-shipped Nimschke engraved Single Action which resides in the Gene Autry Museum of American The West. At some point the gun was either buried or otherwise lost to the elements and whoever conserved the gun restamped the serial numbers on the frame, triggerguard, and backstrap and apparently took a guess because number “95196” comes back from the Colt archives as a U.S. Government 7 ½" .45 which is obviously a mismatch. Below the serial number on the triggerguard is an original block letter “E” which Colt used primarily during the percussion era to denote factory engraved guns however it does rarely appear on factory engraved or soft shipped Single Action Armys as well. An illegible “E” is also stamped below the serial number on the butt and there was likely also one on the frame above the number which is now gone. Regardless the presence of this marking confirms the gun was absolutely either factory engraved or shipped soft for retailer engraving. The three-line patent dates on the frame are mostly legible and only a few small traces of the Colt barrel address are visible. Upon close examination every letter of the hand engraved “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” banner is visible. Overall the metal has a cleaned gray appearance with heavy surface pitting throughout. Original factory or retailer fitted ivory grips fit perfectly on the butt and triggerguard and are undersized along the backstrap from shrinkage and wear. They have a yellowed frontier look with natural grain checking, a small worn over chip at the right front lower corner, and rounding of the remaining lower corners. Original hammer, trigger, loading gate, blade front sight, and ejector housing. Apparently en effort was made to mechanically restore the gun when conserved. The bullseye ejector rod and spring are replacements, as well as the cylinder pin, internal components, and all screws. The action is crisp and functions properly with four clicks. The cylinder cycles and locks up on time but is very loose in all directions. The original cylinder bushing is heavily worn and frozen in the cylinder. Untouched bore is very rough with rust and pitting and only traces of rifling visible, likely an indicator of what the outside of the gun once looked like when discovered. I wish this one could talk! Bear in mind that if this gun had it's original numbers and any condition whatsoever you would be looking at $40-60,000 and in excellent condition I think it would be well into the six-figure range. The “Black Beauty” Nimschke engraved masterpiece Colt Single Action which showcased similar full coverage engraving but with the addition of extensive gold banding and near mint original condition recently sold for $1,600,000 at public . This Colt had an equally big story which has been lost to time. Any original factory or New York engraved gun is a prize but you will not see another like this. *NOTE* Due to ivory restrictions this pistol will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. No international sales. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Antique: Yes Handgun Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF) Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action Army Barrel Length: 5 1/2 Manufacture Date: Circa 1880's Engraving: Yes Grips: Ivory Price: $6,450.00 Buy Now Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 103202913
Guns International #: 103202913