Original U.S. Civil War Era Remington .31cal New Model 1863 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial 8709

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a .31cal Remington New Model Pocket Percussion Revolver, with a lovely lightly used patina from age and use. This model was introduced by Remington in 1863 to take advantage of the lucrative "pocket revolver" market. Many Union officers liked to keep smaller caliber pocket revolvers as backup for when their larger revolvers ran dry. The model was quite successful, with the Ilion factory producing 25,000 revolvers between 1863 and 1873.

The design is typical compared to other makers, it is a .31 caliber percussion, 5 shot single action with a 3 1/2 inch octagonal barrel. It has "spur trigger", and a cylinder arbor pin that pulls forward, allowing the cylinder to be removed easily. It was not uncommon to keep a spare loaded cylinder, as they were easily swapped in.

This revolver has matching serial number 8709 appearing on the underside of the barrel and on the frame under the grip. It is also written in pencil on the inside both grip scales. The cylinder and axis pin are unmarked, but they definitely appear to be original to the revolver. Unlike Colt, Remington did not always number every component of their guns, and the cylinder serial number was on the back, where it would be worn off quickly by powder burn. We have no reason to believe that any parts have been swapped out on this revolver, and the cylinder does not show any major wear to the rear that would have removed markings.

The top of the octagonal barrel still shows the original markings clearly:

PATENTED SEPT. 14. 1858
E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. NEW YORK. U.S.A.
NEW-MODEL

Overall condition is probably the best we have seen on a Remington New Model Pocket, with the original blued finish very well retained on the barrel and cylinder, while the case coloring on the frame is also still visible in many areas. There is even still most of the bluing present on the arbor pin! The plating on the spur trigger guard is also still present, something we almost never see. There are some areas of light rust speckling on the frame, but overall this has the look of a well cared for revolver. It has a beautiful set of walnut grips, which show only light wear from use. They still have almost all of the original "piano varnish" finish present, the usual finish used on pocket revolver grips.

The revolver functions great, with good indexing and a solid cylinder lockup. It does not exhibit any of the finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There are some areas of scattered light oxidation, but nothing major, and the lands are all crisp with little wear.

In excellent display condition, this revolver will make a fine addition to any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1864
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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.