E. Remington & Sons 1858 (1861) New Model Army, Indian War Era Inspector Marked, Octagonal Blue 8” 6-Shot SA Single Action Pistol, MFD 1870 Antique

Sold For: $882.00

LSB#: 161129LV86

Make: E. Remington & Sons

Model: These are known as the “Model 1858”, but production did not begin until 1861.

Serial Number: 95429

Year of Manufacture: c. 1870

Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Cylinder Loaded Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “PATENTED SEPT. 14, 1858 / E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK, U.S.A./ NEW MODEL”, the last line is very faded, the underside of the barrel is marked “95429”, seen again on the left of the grip frame and hook of the trigger guard. The left of the grip frame is also marked “I”. The left of the barrel is marked “D”, the right is marked with inverted “W”, seen again on the right of the frame. The cylinder is marked “R” and “W”. Mark “H” is on the rear left of the frame. The left of the loading lever is marked “R”. The underside of the frame is marked “S” twice, seen again on the underside of the barrel forward of the catch. The rear of the cylinder is marked “P”.

Barrel Length: 8″, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an aftermarket pinched post that is screwed into the barrel, there are heavier marks present. The rear sight is a “V” channel on top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth laquered walnut panels with German silver escutcheons. The edges of both have a few chip losses, the edges and flanks show dings and scuffs. The butt of both have heavy dings. A very faint cartouche is seen on the left panel. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with Brass Trigger Guard & Case Colored Hammer

Finish Originality: The surfaces have been stripped of their finish, but the markings were retained well, please see our pictures.

Bore Condition: The bore is mid gray with highly defined rifling. There are spots of dark erosion with frosting in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 0% of its metal finish. The exposed metal shows older cleaning with some areas that were re-polished within a few decades. There are some rotary tool marks present on the barrel and frame, though most of the older bruising gives a nice historic touch. There are a few heavy bruises on the barrel. The markings are highly retained. The screw heads have minor tooling. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good Plus to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the mainspring is a later replacement but produces a nice stiff pull of the hammer, which makes for mild play during full lockup in all chambers. 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_1858 “The Remington is a single-action, six-shot, percussion revolver produced by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, N.Y., based on theFordyce Beals patent of September 14, 1858 (Patent 21,478).[2] 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 an 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).[3]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.[3][4] 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.[5][6]” This revolver was made in 1870, it represents a lineage that became one of the most respected revolvers in all of history, still making a stand against cartridge firing pistols and continuing use up until the early 1900’s. The New Model had a presence throughout the world in original and replicated form. This revolver has a slew of inspector markings and even a faint cartouche on the grip panel. All serialized parts are matching, the stocks and natural metal patina make it a looker. Please see our pictures and good luck.