Model 1 Third Issue - Engraving Question

[DrBay]

Good morning:

Do I have a "New York," a Nimschke, or other? I've not seen a New York with this barrel pattern and detail. The scroll quality does not look quite "Nimschke." Any other observations about this Model 1 are requested.

Second, does anyone recommend cleaning the tarnish, age or powder discoloration from the cylinder and barrel and perhaps polishing this one? If so, what are the best and safest methods?

Thanks, all!

 

[wordsmith]

Definitely 'Nimschke style' New York engraved..... a classic pattern in heavy coverage. Congrats!!

I would clean the powder residue carefully and leave the finish as is, the patina aging is part of the gun's life and history. Don't change the originality.

DC

 

[iby]

Your pistol has very nice high quality engraving that is very attractive IMO
Only a Letter would help identify the engraver positively
Congrats.
P.S. I would polish it with a soft cotton cloth ...

 

[opoefc]

Definitely quality New York style engraving, and could be from Nimschke's shop. I doubt if a factory letter will indicate any thing other than a plain gun shipment to a distributor. Ed

 

[DrBay]

Thanks, everyone. Good info and good advice. As for grip removal, the grip screw is "frozen" in place. Tried a little Kroil. Has not budged. Any good stuck screw remedies?

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello DrBay, best advice on the grips, leave them alone. Nothing to be gained.

 

[mmaher94087]

Patience and more Kroil. That screw probably hasn't moved in 140 years. Don't rush it now.

 

[BMur]

Contract engraved

Lovely gun. I'm with the other members. Leave it alone! You crack those wonderful Pearl grips trying to get that screw loose and you're gonna take a ride you'll never forget to regretville!

The 1-3's are probably the most commonly found engraved of the tip ups. I found another one very close to yours that was cased and engraved by M. Robinson on contract.

Murph

 

[DrBay]

I'm going to leave the grips alone. Maybe it has matching serial numbers but that wouldn't change anything. I'm taking a pass on a ride on the last train to regretville!

Thanks!

 

[first-model]

Pretty gun!

It looks like New York engraving to me, but my guess is that it came from one of Nimschke's understudies (or from one of the other lesser-known shops that were cutting in that style). There's a bit of a heaviness to the engraving that just doesn't strike me as having come from Nimschke's hand, but the swirl on the frame is nicely proportioned and well executed.

Is your serial number fairly high (six digits)? Near the end of Model 1 production there were a lot of these guns being engraved as presentation pieces. I track Model 1 serial numbers and the majority of the engraved 1-3's that I come across are in the 110,000 to 130,000 range.

In terms of polishing it -- don't even think about it. Polishing will round the crisp edges of the engraving and give it a "watered down" look, and that will devalue it considerably. The best thing you can do is to give it a wipe down with a clean cotton rag and some light machine oil.

Mike

 

[DrBay]

S/N

Serial number photo…

 

[danalex]

Engraving

The same engraver ?

 

[first-model]

Serial number photo…

I'd estimate that at early 1874.

Best,
Mike

 

[altbrewer]

Here is a Nimschke engraved model 1-3

Mike

 

[nutsforsmiths]

The blued tip-up on the bottom is an engraved 1, 3rd made in 1872. Mine lettered as being engraved when it left the factory. But I agree with Ed that most left the factory as a plain pistol and were then engraved by the distributor.

And I too would leave your pistol alone! It looks nice as it is!

 

[DrBay]

Mike's Nimschke

Hi Mike:
Did it letter as a Nimschke? Is it signed?
Very nice work. Enjoyed seeing and comparing!
Thanks!

Here is a Nimschke engraved model 1-3

Mike

 

[altbrewer]

DrBay, I have stopped getting letters on my Model 1s, but I doubt this would letter to confirm Nimschke as I don't think the engraving was done at the factory. However, this revolver is shown on page 31 of Michael Kennelly's book, Smith & Wesson Engraving, where is is attributed to Nimschke.

Mike

 

[DrBay]

As good as if not better than a letter!

That attribution must really boost the value!

DrBay, I have stopped getting letters on my Model 1s, but I doubt this would letter to confirm Nimschke as I don't think the engraving was done at the factory. However, this revolver is shown on page 31 of Michael Kennelly's book, Smith & Wesson Engraving, where is is attributed to Nimschke.

Mike

 

[JSR III]

For those interested in Nimschke's work, I found a link to the Metropolitan Museum where his workbook is held. Apparently if I am reading the article correctly, Nimschke made impressions of his work and compiled them in this workbook. They refer to them as "pulls". Here is the link.

Louis Daniel Nimschke | Workbook Recording the Engraved Firearms Ornament of Louis D. Nimschke (1832–1904) | American, New York | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This may help collectors compare their firearm to these "pulls" to compare the style. Apparently Young and he both studied under another German master so their styles may appear similar.

Please forgive me if this is old news as I have just recently become interested in S&W antiques and many were engraved by these masters as well as other lesser known names that were located in NYC near several of the larger gun companies east coast reps.

PS: I decided to look for a Young link to add and found the following.

2002.233.2–24, .26: Gustave Young | Twenty-Five Inked Impressions (or "Pulls") of Engraved Firearms Ornament | American and German | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

[DrBay]

Nimschke and Yound workbooks

Great resources. Thanks for sharing!