{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-remington-new-model-1863-pocket-revolver-factory-converted-to-32-rimfire-serial-17706","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era Remington New Model 1863 Pocket Revolver Factory Converted to .32 Rimfire - Serial 17706","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The first Cartridge Single Action Colts and Remington revolvers came out in 1873 and 1875. Prior to that there were many different \"cartridge systems\" utilized by many different makers. However Civil War percussion Revolvers were everywhere on the market and Gunsmiths converted many of these Civil War Revolvers to the new Breech loading systems, many using factory supplied parts. Most of these early conversions were to rimfire, which required less modification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is just such a weapon, originally made during the Civil War Era, and then converted to take metallic cartridges. In sound solid condition these conversions tend to be rather rare as the window of demand was very limited and by 1873 and 1875 the new \"Cowboy\" guns were on open sale. The truth is many Desperadoes and law abiding citizens embarked ion there trek to the West Coast carrying a converted revolver like this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice example of a Remington New Model Pocket Revolver, most likely made after the U.S. Civil War, which was later factory converted to take .32 rimfire. This model was introduced by Remington in 1863 to take advantage of the lucrative \"pocket revolver\" market. Many Union officers liked to keep smaller caliber pocket revolvers as backup for when their larger revolvers ran dry. The model was quite successful, with the Ilion factory producing 25,000 revolvers between 1863 and 1873.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design is typical compared to other makers, 5 shot single action with a 3 3\/8 inch octagonal barrel. It has \"spur trigger\", and a cylinder arbor pin that pulls forward, allowing the cylinder to be removed easily, which aided in early cartridge conversions. The gun was originally case-colored on the frame, with a blued barren and cylinder. The frame now displays a lovely gray patina, while the barrel actually still retains much of the original bluing! We do not see any signs that it was refinished at any type. This revolver has matching serial number \u003cstrong\u003e17706\u003c\/strong\u003e appearing on the underside of the barrel and on the frame under the grip. The top of the octagonal barrel still shows the original markings clearly:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENTED SEPT. 14. 1858. MARCH 17 1863\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. REMINGTON \u0026amp; SONS. ILION. NEW YORK. U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MODEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver is now in .32 Rimfire caliber, having started life as a .31 Caliber PERCUSSION \"muzzle loading\" Weapon. It was then converted to a \"Breech Loader\", which looks to have been converted at the Remington factory itself. The company began these conversions in 1868, and also began producing \"kits\" that were sold to gunsmiths so they could to there own conversions. As the cylinder could easily be removed, the first conversions, called \"Type I\", were simply new cylinders for the revolvers. These had a removable backplate that allowed rimfire ammunition to be used, and did not even require modifications to the hammer or barrel to work. The cylinder and backing plate on this revolver are matching marked, with \u003cstrong\u003e3931\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped onto the back of both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very good, with a lovely patina of age, showing overall wear and light oxidation, but no major peppering or rust. Overall this has the look of a well cared for revolver. It has a very nice set of wooden grips, which show light wear from service. Both still look to have a good amount of the original \"piano varnish\" finish usually applied to pocket revolver grips, and we do not see any cracks or other damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver functions beautifully, with a strong smooth action and a strong mainspring. It indexes correctly with a solid cylinder lockup, and a crisp dry fire. We have not noticed any of the usual \"finicky\" behavior of the action on this revolver. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is some oxidation in areas, but for a revolver from the black powder era, this is definitely a great bore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very nice converted revolver will make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or \"Old West\" collection. Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1868\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .32cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 3 3\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 5\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 5 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44964678860869,"sku":"ONJR26APNS083","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/5269F575-2F8E-4BED-94AC-9605D033EDD0.jpg?v=1777922461","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-remington-new-model-1863-pocket-revolver-factory-converted-to-32-rimfire-serial-17706","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}