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March 4, 2026
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Hello all,
I’m hoping to connect with anyone who has deep experience studying the engraving work of L.D. Nimschke.
I was recently gifted a small collection of antique firearms and am working to document provenance and historical context for several of the pieces. One of them is a Winchester Model 1866 deluxe rifle with extensive scroll engraving and what appears to be an “LDN” signature on the Bottom of the receiver.
From what I understand, that mark is sometimes associated with Louis Daniel Nimschke, but I also know that attribution of his work can be complex and that some pieces were engraved “in the Nimschke style” by other hands.
A few details about the rifle:
• Winchester Model 1866 deluxe configuration
• Full receiver scroll engraving with punch-dot background
• Engraving also present on tang and forearm cap
• High-figure walnut stock
• “LDN” engraved on the top tang within scrollwork
I have attached several photographs of the engraving and signature area.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts from members who have studied Nimschke’s work closely, particularly regarding:
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Whether the engraving style appears consistent with documented Nimschke work
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Whether the “LDN” signature placement and letter form look period-correct
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Any recommended experts or references for further attribution work
Thank you in advance for any insights.
May 2, 2009
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The first person I would ask about it is Pauline Muerrle who was a Winchester engraver. As a engraver she would have a good knowledge of the early Winchester engravers and does authentication of engraving. She authenticated a engraved 94 for me.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 23, 2009
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Do you have any pictures of the rifle in question that you’d like to share?
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
October 29, 2011
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Benjamin–What is the SN? It may be in the RL Wilson book I own, and you can buy online at the following.
if you supply SN, I will check in my book–Bill
Winchester engraving rl wilson
March 4, 2026
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Thank you for this, these are all really helpful already!
1) Thank you for Pauline, that is a stellar start!
2) pictures added to the original post (thanks for pointing that out, forgot to hit “upload”)
3) SN is easy 117528 -Winchester Model 66 Deluxe
March 4, 2026
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Thank you for this, these are all really helpful already!
1) Thank you for Pauline, that is a stellar start!
2) pictures added to the original post (thanks for pointing that out, forgot to hit “upload”)
3) SN is easy 117528 -Winchester Model 66 Deluxe
May 23, 2009
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Thanks for uploading the pictures. It looks like a very well done and engraved piece. I’m no engraving expert, but it most certainly looks correct. That said, I would wait to see what Pauline’s opinion of the piece is.
If it is not a genuine engraving Pauline will certainly tell you. Nimschke’s work has been and/or is often faked as his original engravings are highly saught after.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
October 29, 2011
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Went thru the Wilson book he lists SN 72133 then SN 118353 but not your gun. It sure looks correct to me..Bill
December 9, 2002
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I’m looking forward as the others are I’m sure what Pauline has to say.
It sure looks good to me!
Thanks for sharing! 
Anthony
November 13, 2008
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I can tell you, this is trying to appear to be Nimschke.
The design is close to a known plate, but has discrepancies.
The initials are not correct.
I would want this one in my hands for too many reasons to mention here.
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
May 2, 2009
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Your gun was in a Butterfield auction in April of 1993.
You will need to take many high resolution pictures so Pauline can zoom in and see the engraving detail.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 4, 2026
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1837man, how did you zero in on the Butterfield auction? I’m extremely curious.
And thanks for the early validation. It’s one of those pieces that when you hold it it “feels” like something special but I’ll let Pauline tell me the truth of the matter. Fortunately, I’m a professional photographer and used to take pictures of guns, so I should be able to get into the smallest detail on this one. I’ll upload here what I share with her and then also share her response.
Thanks to 426crown for examining the Wilson book, that’s helpful and will save me some pennies as I build the “story” out on this gun.
I love holding this thing…nothing like it.
May 2, 2009
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I have a old survey that a old collector started and he tracked the 66’s like I’m doing with the 73’s and probably saw it in the auction catalog.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 4, 2026
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Reply from Pauline: “This gun was not engraved or signed by Nimschke”
So my question from here, what to do next? Is it worth spending any more time or money on it, or do I have her try to look up the serial number and just authenticate it’s date of manufacture, at which point, it’s just a nice old Winchester with some very cool engraving on it. Maybe it was done of someone with the initials LDN?
Otherwise, I’m considering exploring it in the book “Butterfield & Butterfield April 1993 Antique & Modern Firearms Estete of K. C. M“. Curious if anyone has access to this relic…
May 2, 2009
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There is no records for that serial number with Cody.
https://centerofthewest.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SerialNumberRanges2024-all.pdf
It looks like you found the catalog on Abebooks. The only thing I should add about the old survey is I can’t guaranty the accuracy of the information so you could buy a catalog and it may not be in there but $45 is not a lot to gamble with today.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 21, 2006
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It’s just like Jeremy said, I would want to have it in My hands, plus a couple of others more knowledgable than I, to verify originality. Just by yhe pictures it certainly looks “to pristine” to be an original gun from 1873. It is a gun that would be in the value range where it entices “enhancment” by someone with that kind of ability. I am not offering any thing but My humble opinion here.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 15, 2005
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Brodg88 said
Reply from Pauline: “This gun was not engraved or signed by Nimschke”
So my question from here, what to do next? Is it worth spending any more time or money on it, or do I have her try to look up the serial number and just authenticate it’s date of manufacture, at which point, it’s just a nice old Winchester with some very cool engraving on it. Maybe it was done of someone with the initials LDN?
Otherwise, I’m considering exploring it in the book “Butterfield & Butterfield April 1993 Antique & Modern Firearms Estete of K. C. M”. Curious if anyone has access to this relic…
I think that at this point, you have your answer… it is a nice old aftermarket engraved gun. “Who did it” is quite probably not worth the time and effort.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 4, 2017
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You stated you were gifted this gun so no money lost. It’s an upgraded gun that will display nicely in a man cave, gun room, or the office wall. I would if it was mine do just that.
You can figure out what’s it’s worth by checking out last weeks Poulin’s auction, Feb. 28th. They sold several upgraded 1866s, several engraved. They keep past auctions up on their web page so anyone can see. The descriptions were very honest.
Now if you go to buy a collectable firearm in the future post it just like you did this one . You will get answers and information. It goes without saying do this before you buy. It’s a fun hobby. T/R
March 4, 2026
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I just wanted to say thanks to TR for the Poulin’s Auction lead. It turns out they sold a gun that is nearly identical in style, quality and finish to what I have in my hands.
https://www.auctionzip.com/auction-lot/impressive-custom-extended-barrel-engraved-early_c7299d36d1
It would have been amazing if it was a real Nimschke, but hey, for a free gun, it’s not worth “nothing” and its a gorgeous piece to look at!
Next up I’ll post pics in a new thread of the Henry Brass Frame rifle with SN 7516 and the henry “Bump” still intact..
November 19, 2006
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Brodg88 said
I just wanted to say thanks to TR for the Poulin’s Auction lead. It turns out they sold a gun that is nearly identical in style, quality and finish to what I have in my hands.
https://www.auctionzip.com/auction-lot/impressive-custom-extended-barrel-engraved-early_c7299d36d1
It would have been amazing if it was a real Nimschke, but hey, for a free gun, it’s not worth “nothing” and its a gorgeous piece to look at!
Next up I’ll post pics in a new thread of the Henry Brass Frame rifle with SN 7516 and the henry “Bump” still intact..
I think the comparison is a bit of an apples and oranges scenario. Your rifle presumably has the original barrel and the Poulin rifle has a custom after-market barrel added. If the only alteration to your rifle is the added engraving, that may make a difference in what it’s worth.
