Engraved Silver & Gold Plated Colt Lightning Baby Carbine

Description:
Factory lettered as a Colt Lightning Magazine Slide Action Baby Carbine, this highly embellished medium frame example was shipped to A.G. Spalding Brothers of Chicago, Illinois, on September 8, 1885, as part of a ten gun shipment. Chambered in .44 CLMR (.44-40) with a 20 inch barrel, the carbine was later expertly upgraded in the style of Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke and features extensive scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds throughout. The left side of the frame is highlighted by an exceptional relief engraved Rampant Colt ahead of the saddle ring, while the carbine is finished with striking silver plating accented by gold plated frame and small parts. Additional features include a barley corn front sight, folding ladder rear sight, multi-point checkered slide handle, and a deluxe highly figured walnut buttstock with fine checkering. Standard Colt address and Elliott patent markings remain on the barrel along with matching serial numbers on the tang and barrel.
This outstanding Baby Carbine closely resembles the famous Nimschke attributed Colt Lightning Baby Carbine No. 27981 illustrated in The Book of Colt Engraving by R.L. Wilson, sharing nearly identical engraving patterns, silver and gold finish treatment, and deluxe stock configuration. Wilson notably described engraved Baby Carbines as “extreme rarities,” placing this example among the most desirable and visually impressive Colt slide action carbines encountered today.

Condition:

Fine with 90% plus silver plating remaining on the barrel, magazine tube, and buttplate with darker aged patina on the buttplate; 50% of the original gold plating visible on the frame, strong gold plating on the bolt and hammer, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The wood is also fine and has attractive figure, mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, numerous scratches and dings, and most of the finish remaining. Mechanically needs work as the slide only retracts halfway. This is an extremely rare, highly embellished Colt Lightning Baby carbine very similar to another example identified as engraved by L. D. Nimschke.

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Lightning
Serial Number: 6208
Barrel Length: 20 3/8
Finish: Silver and Gold

Price: $65,999.99
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