Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Nimschke SAA, an 1876 Colt SAA engraved by L.D. Nimschke and fitted with a gilt bronze “Tiffany” grip featuring Civil War battlefield scenes. This is documented in R.L. Wilson’s books from the Robert Sutherland collection. Factory records confirm shipment October 9, 1876 to Spies, Kissam & Company in New York City. Spies, Kissam frequently sent Colts to Louis D. Nimschke, the most famous New York City engraver.
Nimschke’s work features floral scrollwork on beaded background. Six-pointed stars decorate the topstrap and ejector rod housing. Cross-hatching panels appear on frame and trigger guard. Star bursts are engraved on frame front and trigger guard with fan motif on the loading gate. The bronze “Tiffany” grip features Zeus in relief on the butt cap. The back has a blank inscription oval with Union shield and standing arms.
Samuel Colt maintained business with Tiffany & Co. from at least 1861. Tiffany ranked among thirty Colt dealers during the Civil War period, receiving thousands of Colts according to shipping ledgers. Wilson notes Tiffany grips appear on “some factory engraved [Colts], but mostly done to order by L.D. Nimschke.” These battle-scene grips targeted affluent Civil War officers commemorating their service. The hammer, cylinder, ejector components, and trigger are gold plated. The trigger guard, frame, and barrel are silver plated.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Nimschke Engraved Colt Single Action Army with Tiffany Grip.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1115/nimschke-engraved-colt-single-action-army-with-tiffany-grip. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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