You are viewing an archived auction. Click here to view the current one.
| SPECTACULAR & CASED PAIR OF ENGRAVED Smith & Wesson, Number 2 ...
|
|
Item # 4009 |
|
Guns
|
|
This
lot has ended.
|
| Item Price: |
$9118
(excludes shipping)
|
| |
|
Winner will be contacted shortly by Ward's Auctions
|
|
|
|
| Winning Bid
|
US $9118 |
|
First bid
|
$7500 |
| Quantity |
1 |
|
# of bids |
5
|
| Time left |
Auction has ended
|
|
|
| Started |
2025-07-29 00:00:00 |
|
|
| Ended |
2025-11-21 22:35:25 |
|
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
| Seller assumes all responsibility for listing
this item. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.
Auction currency is U.S. dollars (US $) unless otherwise noted. |
SPECTACULAR & CASED PAIR OF ENGRAVED Smith & Wesson, Number 2 Old Army Revolvers, CAL: 32 S&W Long, MFG: 1864, SN: 24156 & 25997, Tip-up Single Action Spur Trigger Revolvers, 6'' Octagon barrels. Herbert G. Houze, one time Curator of the Cody Winchester Firearms Museum & current Curator Emeritus of the Cody Firearms Museum authored a letter in 2004 regarding this set, which accompanies this auction. In it he states that; ''in his professional opinion they were engraved, plated & boxed in New York City circa 1865. Construction & form of the engraved scrollwork is consistent with that produced in New York City between 1860 & 1870. Similar decoration is frequently encountered on arms retailed by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham (see attached), John P. Moore & Son, as well as other New York concerns. While the work resembles that of Louis D. Nimschke, it lacks the refinements normally encountered in that engraver's work (in particular shading; subsidiary ornaments; intertwined scrolls; etc.).
As the engraving is not cut through the plating, the pistols were finished or re-finished after being decorated. This was quite common for American arms makers to ship pistols to New York retailers in the ''soft state'' (i.e., without bluing or plating), so that they could be embellished & given their final finish there.
The pistol case is of particular note since it is of a type identified primarily with New York City. Velvet or cloth lined cases with form fitted recesses, as well as corner compartments having textile covered lids, were used with some frequency by New York retailers from approximately 1845 to 1870. Among the New York makers & retailers who used boxes of this type were August Genez; William Marston; Patrick Mullin; Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. Joseph Grubb of Philadelphia also is known to have used cases of this type.''
The nickel-plated pistols are excellent. As Houze indicated, they feature New York style engraving attributed to the engraving house of Louise D. Nimschke, likely executed by one of his in-house engravers rather than he personally. They have a fixed ejector stud underneath the 6 barrels & feature round blade front sight & a V notch rear sight cut into the cylinder stop leaf. Also , non-fluted six shot cylinder with roll stamped patent dates, smooth spur trigger, knurled hammer spur, large square butt frame & two-piece smooth rosewood grips. Both revolvers have matching assembly numbers on the barrel, cylinder & frame, & matching SNs stamped in the right grip panel & rear straps . The rosewood grips are excellent, with minor nick, blemishes & thinning wear to the original finish. The bores rate very good, with some cleaned roughness amongst solid rifling. The finish of the metal is excellent, with a very few tiny pin pricks. Actions are in good working order. Barrel markings, stampings & other markings are all clear & excellent. The presentation case is constructed of figured walnut & has a blank inlayed plaque in the top of the lid, green & brown velvet lined French fitted interior, with 26 round cartridge block (full) & lidded corner compartments.
Houze indicates that at the time of his letter(2004), similarly cased revolvers in excellent+ condition, have sold for over $10,000 & given the condition of this pair (again, back in 2004) they would fetch a similar & possibly greater amount at auction. Today, this fantastic case set appraises at $15,000 to $20,000.* Antique, No FFL Req. - Value: 15000 to 20000
(Move around the image by clicking and dragging. Zoom with your scroll wheel)
| See Payment Instructions
and item description, or contact seller for more information. |
|
|
See item description or
contact seller for more information.
|
|
|
|
| |
How to Pay
If you would like to expedite your payment, please send us an email or give us a call informing us that you would like your invoice emailed to you.
If we do not hear from you one of two things will happen:
A.) If you signed up and asked us to bill your credit card & ship all items ASAP then that is what we will do. No further notice will be sent.
B.) If you signed up and wanted to send us a check, then your invoice will be mailed to you after we figure the shipping. (Please note: If you want to speed this up just send us an email after the auction)
|
|
| |
|
|
