LOUIS D. NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED @ 1866

This was an important revolver for S&W, it was the FIRST .32 Rim Fire Model revolver, preceding the No.2 Army. It was a small production of only @26,000 revolvers, and beyond that, ALL the parts were manufactured by King & Smith of Middletown, Ct. S&W assembled all the revolvers and sold them. This revolver Ser. No. 1358X, received top of the line embellishment. It is Engraved by Louis D. Nimschke, all surfaces receiving engraving. Further it is fitted with the ORIGINAL Factory or Nimschke shop, Pearl Grips, which remain in perfect condition. The engraving is intricate and still clear and sharp. The Pearl grips are perfect in radiance and color, with no damage. It has the standard 3-1/2 inch octagonal barrel, five shot cylinder. Regarding the finish: it has about 97-98% original nickel plate finish. What is interesting is the nickel plate, as it shows all the characteristics of the early nickel plating. It is a softer finish , the bright nickel finishes were a few years away. In material published by Robert  (Bob) Schwartz of San Antonio, Texas, it exhibits the early Boetinger process of finish.  A softer less brilliant finish, the bright nickel came later after improvements in the process. Mechanically this 1-1/2 operates 100% correctly, it “tips -up” to open, the cylinder can be loaded, replaced and the revolver closes perfectly. The cocking action is also perfect, as it cocks, indexes, locks tight and releases to fire. As I said a perfect mechanically functioning revolver. This is a splendid Engraved example, by the Master Engraver, of the First Model ( Old Model 1-1/2) suitable for all collectors.