Original Item: Only One Available. This is great VERY early example of a Remington New Model Army Percussion Revolver, made in 1863 right after the "Old Model" was phased out. Most of the markings are quite crisp, showing very little wear compared to most examples we have seen. It does look to have been "dressed up", possibly post war, by having the metalwork entirely nickel plated, and custom curly walnut grips fitted. The plating unfortunately did not adhere well do the barrel and frame, and now is only really present on the loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin.

Like all New Models, it is a .44 caliber percussion, 6 shot single action revolver, with an 8-inch octagon barrel. These were often called the Model 1858 due to the patent dates, but production of this revision started in 1863, and the "New Model Army" is the correct designation from Remington. The top of the octagonal barrel still shows the original markings clearly:

This revolver has matching serial number 15751 appearing on the underside of the barrel and on the frame under the grip, while the back of the cylinder just has a P proof mark. Unlike Colt, Remington did not always number every component of their guns, and the cylinder serial number was on the back, where it would be worn off quickly by powder burn. The cylinders were also often replaced, so we would consider this a "Partial Matching example.

Overall condition is very good, with the metalwork showing a lovely aged steel patina overall, now almost bright due to years of polishing and cleaning. It has a fantastic broken in look that is impossible to duplicate. The revolver has a very nice set of custom curly walnut grips, which really look lovely, with a great red brown color and lots of figuring in the grain. The show only light wear, with some pressure denting but no major cracks or other other issues.

The front sight on this example was replaced, as we often see, and the bore of the barrel is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. It does show wear to the lands, as well as oxidation in areas, but for a black powder percussion barrel this is really a good example. The action also functions flawlessly, cycling crisply with great indexing and a solid cylinder lockup. The cap nipples are all in good shape, with 5 of 6 clear clear, showing oxidation and wear on the exterior.

Research shows that this revolver was manufactured in early 1863, making this a true Civil War gun and perfect for any collection. Production had begun around serial number 15,000 in 1863. According to the research published in Remington Army & Navy Revolvers 1861-1868 by Donald L. Ware, Remington revolvers through serial #149,000 were accepted prior to the end of the Civil War. Guns below serial #123,000 were accepted prior to the end of 1864. This is one of the earliest examples of a "New Model" that we have seen.

In very good condition with a great look and a very nice bore, this revolver will make a fine addition to any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: early 1863
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of Remington New Model Army Revolver:

Remington, like Colt, was in business of arms making long prior to the Civil War. They had been producing handguns since 1857 when they introduced the Remington Beals Pocket Revolver. With the outbreak of the Civil War all of the company's energy became devoted to the military production of longarms and hand guns. The martial hand guns produced during the Civil War period included the Remington-Beals Army and Navy Model revolvers, the Remington Models 1861 Army and Navy Revolvers, (a.k.a. as the "Old Model Army" and "Old Model Navy") and the Remington New Model 1863 Army and Navy revolvers.

The Remington New Model 1863 Army Revolver represents Remington's highest production martial pistol. Approximately 126,000 were manufactured from 1863 to 1875. After Colt, it was the Northern government's most purchased and issued pistol. Serial numbers of the New Model Army continued from the Model 1861 Army. Reference sources estimate this change from between serial number 15000 (Flayderman) to 22000 (Reilly). This is probably due to a long transitional period in which there was a gradual change over of the design features between the two models. The earliest production models utilized the 1861 frames and had a somewhat longer grip. The stamping "New Model" on the barrel of the early models can also be noted to have been stamped with a separate die. Nearly 110, 000 New Models were purchased by the government during the Civil War, at prices between $10.82 and $15.50 each. These prices were lower than Colt's and by mid-1863, Colt was eliminated from the government contract business. The State of New Jersey also purchased several thousand for Civil War issue.

The New Model 1863 Army was the last of Remington's .44 caliber percussion revolvers. Remington Armies were used from the beginning to the end of the Civil War in all fields. They were considered to be among the finest martial handguns of the day. The Remington New Model 1863 Navy and it's forbear, the Remington-Beals Navy, also saw action during the war.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.