Item:
ON7427

Original U.S. Civil War Remington-Beals Army Model Percussion Revolver with Holster - Serial 1686

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the rare Civil War Remington-Beals Army Model Percussion Revolver in .44 caliber, complete with original holster. It is a 6 shot single action revolver, with an 8-inch octagon barrel. This is the first .44 Army Model that Remington produced, before the 1861 Army Revolver (Old Model Army) and 1863 New Model Army Revolver. All of these were often called the Model 1858 due to the patent dates, but production of this revision started in 1861, and ended in 1862, with only approximately 1900 being made. This example, serial 1686, is towards the end of that run.

The top of the octagonal barrel still has part of the original barrel markings, which would normally read:

BEALS' PATENT SEPT.14.1858
MANUFACTURED [BY REMINGTONS' ILION. N.Y.]

Overall condition is good with original finish and light pitting around the frame area. The peppering on the finish would indicate that this revolver definitely saw use. It still bears original walnut grips, though unfortunately the original cartouches are worn off. Revolver has a tight cylinder lock, strong smooth action, though like any gun of this age, it can be finicky. The bore has clear lands and grooves, though it definitely has some degree of corrosion. There are some inspection and assembly marks on the revolver, though many are worn. All of the cap nipples on the cylinder are intact in clear, though they may be post war replacements.

This revolver has matching serial numbers, with 1686 appearing on the underside of the barrel, and on the frame under the grip. The rear of the cylinder no longer has any visible markings. Compared to the other models of Remington Army, only a handful of this variation was made. The 1861 "Old Model" Army had an estimated 6,000 made, while the 1863 New Model Army had a MASSIVE production of 132,000 units. This means that less than 1.5% of the Civil War production were the earliest model.

The original holster included is a modified long flap holster, which had the top flap and retaining stud removed, for more easy access to the pistol. The belt loop is intact, however the holster itself has had the stitching repaired several times with various materials. A good honest field-modified and repaired holster.

An honest rare model Civil War percussion revolver with an original holster, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1862
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:

The Remington-Beals Model Revolvers along with subsequent models and variations were percussion revolvers manufactured by Eliphalet Remington & Sons in .31 (Pocket) .36 (Navy) or .44 (Army) caliber, used during the American Civil War, and was the beginning of a successful line of medium and large frame pistols. It is commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as the Model 1858 due to the patent markings on its cylinder, "PATENTED SEPT. 14, 1858/E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK, U.S.A./NEW MODEL."; although wide scale production did not start until 1861.

The Remington revolver was a secondary, supplemental issue firearm for the Union Army until the Colt factory fire of 1864. Due to the fire the Colt 1860 Army was not available for some time, subsequently large numbers of the Remington revolver were ordered by the U.S. government. It was more expensive, by "50 cents" (a difference of more than US$12 in 2013 dollars), than the Colt, but those who could afford it remarked on its durability.

It saw use in the American West, both in its original percussion configuration and as a metallic cartridge conversion, as well as around the world.

The Remington is a single-action, six-shot, percussion revolver produced by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, N.Y., based on the Fordyce Beals' patent of September 14, 1858 (Patent 21,478). The Remington Army revolver is large-framed, in .44 caliber, with an 8-inch barrel length. The Remington Navy revolver is slightly smaller framed than the Army, and in .36 caliber with a 7.375 inch [Beals Navy 7.5 inch] barrel length. There were three progressive models made; the Remington-Beals Army & Navy (1860–1862), the 1861 Army & Navy (1862–1863), and the New Model Army & Navy (1863–1875). The three models are nearly identical in size and appearance. Subtle but noticeable differences in hammers, loading levers, and cylinders help identify each model. The 1861 Remington actually transitioned into New Model appearance by late 1862, slowly transforming throughout 1862, due to continual improvement suggestions from the U. S. Ordnance Department.

Remington percussion revolvers are very accurate and capable of considerable power with muzzle velocities in the range of 550 to 1286+ feet-per-second, depending upon the charge loaded by the shooter. Combustible cartridge velocities averaged from 700 to 900 feet per second (270 m/s), depending on powder quality, charge and conical bullet weight. Combustibles were usually loaded with a special high performance sporting grade black powder, using the minimum charge required for a specified impact level, usually determined by pine penetration tests. The special powder and minimal charge reduced black powder fouling, allowing revolvers to be fired as much as possible before cleaning was necessary.

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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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