U.S. Remington New Model Army Percussion Revolver….SOLD
Created on March 24th 2023
Intriguing US New Model Army Revolver in .44 Percussion
This revolver is a real anomaly in collecting terms. The finish on the exterior indicates years of active use, yet the condition on the inside is exactly the opposite. It could only ever be achieved if the weapon was hardly used! That idea could be backed up by the condition of the percussion nipples at the rear of each chamber, usually these display quite a degree of hammering, with this revolver they seem in the main, untouched. It has a remarkably clean, undamaged bore. Each chamber within the cylinder also is of an remarkable condition. Action and timing are tight and precise, once again as if little used. The majority of the exterior has lost its blueing and now sports an even grey with plum-brown minor surface colouring. High points are brighter, like the peaks of the hexagonal barrel. The loading lever has retained a stronger degree of blue and, although inspected, and marked “G”, as all other parts, just could conceivably be a period replacement looking at the contrast with the rest of the weapon.
One of the main arms of the Federal forces in the American Civil War. Extremely large numbers were produced for the government and were usually marked as inspected, by a cartouche on both grips. The cartouches on this example are indiscernible if not completely absent. This could point to private issue. This sturdy and reliable revolver had an 8″ long octagonal barrel, is chambered in .44 and has six shot cylinder. The cylinder shows a light drag mark which is not offensive to the eye. The overall finish was blued and it had a brass trigger guard. The grips are made from American black walnut which were chosen for straight grain and good finishing qualities.
Overall length is 14,” barrel 8″ long. There are numerous factory inspectors letters stamped about the revolver as follows; frame rear LHS “J”. Frame at front of the cylinder on both sides, beside the exposed thread of the barrel a “C”. On the LHS a “W”. There is also a “X” just in front of the loading lever locking stud, on the underside of the barrel. There is a clear “J” on the trigger guard. A clear “C” and a “G” appear at the rear of the cylinder. On the underside of the grip strap is “U S” the “S” being double stamped.
No pitting on the sides of the hammer but strong case-colour hardening colours, especially on the RHS still show. The sights are formed by the centralised “V” groove in the top of the frame, which acts as the rear sight. An inverted dove-tailed “V” with spot pointer at the muzzle. The top of the barrel is marked as follows; “PATENTED SEPT 14. 1858 / E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION NEW YORK USA / NEW – MODEL.”
The revolver carries the serial number “116692” which is hand stamped underneath the loading lever on the underside of the barrel. It is obvious that those numbers were applied by hand as they are not straight. Combined with the lack of martial inspectors cartouches and the unusual factory inspectors letters, this could be Civilian purchase New Model Army. They are often found in a state of lesser condition but it would also make sense that the revolver was little fired and so less corroded on the inside. It also sports a front dovetailed sight which may have been a particular request by the first owner. It still does not remove from the fact that these revolvers were the strongest competition that Colt faced with his revolvers and they were seen in everyday use right up to and including the time of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows that toured many countries around the world at turn of the century. The revolver dissembles as designed and functions perfectly well. An interesting and intriguing period piece. A trusted sidearm, popular in its day as it is now, with collectors, due to its long service through many of the conflicts that shaped the modern United States as we know it today.
No License required – Antique
£ 1995. SOLD
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