Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic nickel-plated example of a Civil War Remington New Model Police Percussion Revolver, truly the best we have ever seen! It comes complete in a custom made case with some great accessories, and is even set up to use both percussion and rimfire ammunition!

This model was introduced by Remington in 1863 as a "Medium Frame" revolver based on the Remington Model 1858 Action, their answer to Colt's own "Police Model of Navy Caliber". During the 1860s, the large frame percussion revolvers were considered two unwieldy for use in the cities, while the "pocket" models did not pack enough of a punch. The "Police" models were a compromise that had more stopping power but were still smaller and relatively lightweight. The model was quite successful, with the Ilion factory producing 25,000 revolvers between 1863 and 1873.

The design was typical compared to other makers, it is a .36 caliber percussion, 5 shot single action with a number of different barrel lengths. It features the standard brass trigger guard of the full size revolvers, and a cylinder arbor pin that pulls forward, allowing the cylinder to be removed easily. It was not uncommon to keep a spare loaded cylinder, as they were easily swapped in. With the expiration of the Rollin White patent, the Remington percussion revolver design had a bit of an advantage based on the easily removable cylinder. They could be converted to use metallic rimfire cartridges by swapping out the cylinder, nothing else required. These early rimfire cylinders had a removable back plate, and the hammer from the Remington would contact the edge.

This fantastic example comes with both the original percussion cylinder, as well as an early cartridge conversion cylinder, and both are fully nickel plated, as is the revolver. We do not see any evidence that it was ever refinished, so this definitely looks to be a factory original! It still has the correct patent markings fully visible and crisp on top of the 4 1/2 inch barrel:-

It is also marked with serial number 5111 on the underside of the barrel and under the walnut grip scales. The percussion cylinder does not have any markings on it, while the rimfire cylinder is marked with 1482 on the backing plate, which matches the number on the back of the cylinder underneath. Overall condition is simply excellent, showing little to no wear on the exterior. The nickel plating is fully retained, and the figured walnut grips are lovely, with their original factory "piano varnish" finish almost completely retained.

The revolver functions perfectly, with a crisp tight action, accurate indexing, and a solid cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The cylinder arbor pin pulls out easily allowing the cylinder to be removed. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation and fouling in a few areas, and overall it's in fantastic shape for a black powder era revolver from the Civil War.

To make this excellent offering even better, it came to us with a fantastic custom wood case, which measures approximately 10 5/8" x 6 3/4" x 2", and has different compartments inside, all burgundy velvet lined. One of these is for the cylinder not currently in use, while the others are for various accessories one might use with the pistol. There is a very nice steel bullet mold with inlets for round and tipped bullets, a lovely U.S. themed brass powder flask, and a cap nipple cone wrench with a flathead screwdriver handle. There is also a carton for percussion caps, however there are also 9 inert rimfire cartridges, fit into round slots in the front of the case. This case really would have had it all at the time, allowing you to use both kinds of ammunition, as needed. The case at one time had a lock at the front, however it has been disabled.

This is a fantastic collector's opportunity, the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again. We have never seen a Remington New Model Police in such fantastic condition, and with the custom wood case and great accessories, this would be a worthy addition to any 19th century arms collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1863-1875
Caliber: .36
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball or Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/2inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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