Description
A superb example of one of the most rugged and reliable revolvers of the American Civil War, this Remington 1858 New Model Army stands as a testament to 19th-century firearm craftsmanship. This revolver comes from a deceased estate collection and has clearly seen very little use, presenting in excellent working order and very good to excellent overall condition.
Historical Background
The Remington 1858 New Model Army was one of the most important handguns of the American Civil War and the years that followed. Introduced in 1863 as an improvement on the earlier Remington-Beals designs, it quickly gained a reputation for strength, accuracy, and durability.
Unlike Colt percussion revolvers, which used a single frame and wedge, the Remington employed a solid-frame design with a top strap – a feature that gave it superior strength and allowed soldiers to easily swap out pre-loaded cylinders in the field. This feature, along with its reliability, made it a favourite among Union soldiers, many of whom purchased their Remingtons privately even when Colt revolvers were more commonly issued.
After the Civil War, large numbers of Remington New Model Armies were converted to cartridge firing and continued to see use on the American frontier. Original percussion examples such as this, with strong condition and finish, remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Revolver Details
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Calibre: .44 percussion
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Action: 6-shot, single action revolver
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Barrel: 8″ (203mm) octagonal barrel
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Bore: Unusually fine condition – crisp rifling, bright throughout with only light traces of superficial frosting
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Finish: Approx. 70% patchy original blued finish remains, with plum patina developed across the balance (mainly on cylinder & right-hand side of frame)
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Condition of Metalwork:
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Some light peening marks present to left-hand side of barrel breech area
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Brass trigger guard with attractive mellow finish
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Screw heads in very good condition
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Markings:
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“E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK / PATENTS” in three-line address to top of barrel
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Inspector and assembly marks: “C” to barrel & trigger guard, “M” to frame, “L” to breech, “AS” to cylinder
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Mechanical Condition:
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Action functions excellent with strong springs & crisp sears
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Cylinder indexing correctly
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Grips: Original walnut grips present well – dark, with only minor handling marks; subtle period armourer’s repair to butt of left-hand grip adds character without detracting from appearance
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Overall Condition: Excellent working order, very good to excellent overall condition for its age
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Serial Number: 46532
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Date: Pre-1900 manufacture
Collector’s Significance
The Remington New Model Army is often considered the finest percussion revolver of the Civil War era, with its robust solid-frame design influencing revolvers for decades to come.
This example, with its unusually fine bore, strong original finish, crisp mechanicals, and attractive patina, offers collectors a rare chance to acquire a Civil War-era Remington that has clearly seen very little actual service use. The period armourer’s repair to the grip adds an element of authenticity, tying it back to its working history.
For collectors of Civil War arms, percussion revolvers, or Remington history, this is an outstanding example worthy of serious consideration.
Shipping available to your closest dealer (prices start from $65 per firearm).
No shipping to WA.
Serial No.: 46532
Book Ref.: A9-4063
