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Extraordinary Serial Number "2" Documented Presentation Quality L.D. Nimschke Engraved Remington Mod

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Serial Number  2  Documented Presentation Quality L.D. Nimschke Engraved Remington Mod
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Extraordinary Serial Number "2" Documented Presentation Quality L.D. Nimschke Engraved Remington Model 1865 Rolling Block Pistol

Introduced in 1866, this is an extremely early example of the Remington Model 1865. This pistol is unquestionably engraved by the hand of world renowned Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. Similar examples of his work on Rolling Block pistols can be seen in his pattern book L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver by Wilson on page 24. A fine wavy border is engraved on the sides of the trigger housing, the back strap up to the sides of the hammer, and the side panels of the frame, with the latter being virtually filled with densely cut punch dot backed scroll engraving, additional scroll and punch work around behind the hammer, and a leaf design extending up from the grip screw. Equipped with a set of strongly colored attractively varnished rosewood forearm and grip. Given the early production, high quality engraving and lovely wood, it is quite likely that this arm was intended as a presentation piece, one of the top-rate arms that would be given as gifts to allies of the firm and notable figures in political, diplomatic and military circles whose endorsement could go a long way towards getting an arm adopted by an Army or Navy. Formerly of the Robert Howard Collection, during which time this arm along with #1 were featured on pages 150 and 151 of Landskron's "Remington Rolling Block Pistols". The barrel is fitted with a pinched blade front sight and a notch in the top of the breechblock serves as the rear sight. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked with an anchor, the bottom of the barrel ahead of the forearm is marked with the number "2" and the lower left side of the receiver is marked with the two line address/patent dates. Blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, and mounted with a smooth rosewood forearm and one-piece grip.

Manufucture: Remington Arms Inc
Model: 1865
BBL: 8 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 50 RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: rosewood
Serial Number: 2

Extremely fine. The barrel retains 75% of the original blue finish, showing areas of smooth gray patina along high points with only scattered collector type handling marks. 60% vivid case colors are present on the receiver, especially on the sides of the trigger housing and next to the breechblock and hammer, with some silvering of the grip straps and high edges. The wood is very fine with a small chip on the heel, a small amount of varnish loss, with an attractive overall color. Mechanically excellent. A beautiful piece of Remington history, which may have played a role in both the expansion of the Rolling Block design and the firm as a whole.