December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Per the 2 included factory letters, this revolver shipped as a .45 Colt with 4 - 3/4" barrel with nickel finish, unlisted stocks, and sent to Simmons Hardware, St. Louis, Missouri, on April 3rd, 1884, in a shipment of 6 guns. Also included is a letter from R.L. Wilson, opining that the gun is factory engraved and that the letter is mistaken, as it is very similar to No. 107009, and the work is factory quality; in the initial letter from Dick Burdick requesting that Larry look at the gun, he also notes that 107009 shipped within 1 month of 108272. Another letter from Dr. Harris of Magni-Scan Authentication covers the work on this gun extensively, and attributes that work to L.D. Nimschke based on the cutting technique and progression marks, comparing with museum held of Nimschke's work, and notes that it is original finish. Accompanied by Harris's supporting paperwork, including extensive statistical analysis. Classic 4 - 3/4" configuration with blade from sight, kidney shaped ejector rod head, 2-line Colt address across top of barrel, notch rear sight in strap, frame with 3-line 3-date patent information. Left side of trigger guard with "45 CAL" marking. Extremely unusual but highly attractive pearl grips are enclosed in a silver frame, designed to keep the edges from chipping, are marked in backstrap "Patd 23d/88" indicating a patent, probably for the silver frame to prevent the pearl chipping. Engraved in approximate C class engraving of nicely shaded acanthus scroll on a punch dot background, dressed at the edges with rocker engraving, and interspersed geometric designs, including starbursts on recoil shield and loading gate. Ejector rod housing engraved with rocker engraving and dots. Barrel engraved en suite. Cylider engraved with rocker engraving and dots at rear, and acanthus scroll over chambers. Housed in a Colt maroon box with Colt trade labels, top replaced and overlaid over another. CONDITION: Metal retains the vast majority of the nickel finish, with some very thin mossing spotting throughout and some flaking to sharp edges. Some minor bubbling, particularly on butt and bottom of frame. Grips are very good with some minor chips, silver frame is tarnished and has even pitting. Engraving is crisp and well cut, befitting a master of Nimschke's level. Mechnically fine, 3 Colt clicks; some internals are replaced. Bore is very good with strong rifling, and some very minor frosting. Box is very good with typical age related distress and rubs through, but is solid and complete. An extremely interesting example; Dick clearly also thought so, as the dates of letters indicate he owned this revolver for at least 40 years. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection.
Paperwork
Factory Letters, Information