Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This extraordinary Colt Single Action Army represents the pinnacle of 19th century American firearms artistry – the ultimate expression of Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke’s talent. Known as “Black Beauty,” this .44-40 revolver was shipped in 1888 to H.C. Furman, then connected to Remington Arms. What makes this revolver unique even among high-end presentation Colts is the exceptional combination of Nimschke’s signature scrollwork against a blued finish with extensive gold inlays – a treatment rarely seen in his work. The gold bands at the muzzle, cylinder, frame borders, and decorative scrollwork create stunning contrast against the deep blue background. Nimschke himself recognized this revolver’s significance, keeping pulls of its engraving in his personal scrapbook. The revolver’s journey after leaving Nimschke’s hands is equally remarkable. It was apparently presented to Mexican President Manuel Gonzalez, whose “MG” monogram appears in gold on the backstrap. Gonzalez was known to receive other presentation firearms, including an elaborate French shotgun in 1879. Nimschke’s “Black Beauty” has traveled through several major collections since returning from Mexico in the 1980s. It appeared on magazine covers and won “Best Single Weapon” at the 1992 Colt show in Hartford.
“The Black Beauty: Nimschke’s Masterpiece Colt Single Action Army.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/69/the-black-beauty-nimschkes-masterpiece-colt-single-action-army. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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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