E. Remington & Sons Model of 1875 S.A.A. SAA, Nickel 5 5/8” SA Single Action Revolver, MFD 1875-1889 Antique
Sold For: $1,705.00
LSB#: 161129LV63
Make: E. Remington & Sons
Model: 1875 Single Action Army
Serial Number: The left of the grip frame and trigger guard hook are marked “604”, according to Flayderman’s, this might have actually been a batch number instead of a serial number, as a lot of 3 digit items have been recorded, far too many for the total production range of about 25,000-30,000 (Page 170).
Year of Manufacture: 1875-1889
Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F. Black Powder
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Side-Gate Loaded, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y. U.S.A.”, the left of the grip frame is marked “604”, also seen on the rear of the loading gate and hook of the trigger guard. The rear of the cylinder is marked “D”, the marking is seen again on top of the ejector rod housing.
Barrel Length: 5 5/8″, it appears to have been cut down.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is missing, there is a small amount of slotting left on the barrel, the top of the frame is ‘pinched’ and produces a shallow “U” sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut, looking to have been sanded down a long time ago. There is decent fit to the grip frame, the flanks have ripples in the surfaces, a few scattered scratch and compression marks are noted on both panels. They rate in Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated
Finish Originality: The pistol is refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mid gray with highly defined rifling, there is surface and pitting erosion present.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The metal under the finish shows spots of pitting and sanding marks, though the overall appearance of the revolver is highly attractive. There are thin scuffs throughout the surfaces, with a few dings and scrapes. The loading gate’s spring has sheared off, the loading gate does not always stay put, the fault of a replacement “U” shaped leaf spring which is not connected to anything. The screw heads have moderately tooled slots but are highly serviceable. The markings are clear, some are still raised and crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good Plus to Very Good condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces about 1/16” side to side play with 1/32” back play in all 6 chambers. The hammer’s spring is a bit muted in strength but does the job. We do not recommend firing this pistol. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Model_1875 “Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army (a.k.a. Improved Army or Frontier Army)[2] was a revolver by E. Remington & Sons. It was based upon the successful Remington Model 1858 with both revolvers having the same size, appearance, and the removable cylinder. The new 1875 Remington differed mainly from the older 1858 percussion model by having a bored through cylinder chambered for metallic cartridges. Thus, in 1875, Remington entered the cartridge revolver market with this big-frame, army style revolver, intended to compete with the Colt Peacemaker.[3] Ordinary citizens and Old West lawmen alike recognized the sturdy quality of the new Remington revolvers.[4] This design was followed by the Model 1888 and the Model 1890.” This revolver has a beautiful nickel plated finish, the action still functions and the bore still has defined rifling. Whoever reworked this revolver knew what they were doing, it was likely an intimidating piece that would have almost certainly been accompanied by a repeating rifle of the same chambering. With many stories to tell of its own, it can now be in your safe, to admire for generations yet to come.
