Original U.S. Civil War Remington New Model 1863 Army .44cal Percussion Revolver with Shortened 5 3/4" Barrel - Serial 56974

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a Remington New Model Army Percussion Revolver, which was fitted with a 5 3/4" shortened barrel at sometime during the Civil War Period. It has a lovely patina of age, still showing a good amount of the original finish on the frame, while the barrel finish is more worn. Like all New Models, it is a .44 caliber percussion, 6 shot single action revolver, with an 8-inch octagon barrel. These were often called the Model 1858 due to the patent dates, but production of this revision started in 1863, and the "New Model Army" is the correct designation from Remington.

The original markings on the top of the barrel are still present, though a bit faint towards the center:-

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

This revolver has serial number 56974 appearing on on the frame under the grip, while the number on the underside of the barrel is 52303, indicating that it was swapped out when shortened. It's possible that there were several revolvers with damaged muzzles in at the same time, and barrels were swapped The rear of the cylinder is marked with shortened number 6974 and a K inspection stamp on the ratchet, which actually matches the frame! Unlike Colt, Remington did not always number every component of their guns, especially the cylinder. Also the company sold extra cylinders, as the arbor pin was easily removable, allowing a spare loaded cylinder to be quickly fit into the revolver. For this reason finding a matching cylinder is definitely a rarity.

Overall condition is very good, with the original finish well retained on the frame and cylinder, while the replaced barrel and loading rammer are a dull gray color. There is not any major evidence of major oxidation or pitting that was removed, and there are still a good amount of the original external markings present. The revolver has a nice set of walnut grips, which show wear and damage at the bottom, and look to have been refinished at some point in the past. Just a lovely honest used revolver, modified during the Civil War period.

The front of the barrel has had a brass blade inset into the top, as it would have taken some work to keep the original front sight and mount into the dove tail. The bore is in very good condition, looking to have seen a good amount of use while in service. It shows a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves, however it does become relatively dark towards the muzzle. The action functions well, with accurate indexing, a solid cylinder lockup, and crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we usually see with revolvers of this age, though there is a bit of wobble in the lockup, and the mainspring is a bit weak. The cap nipple cones all show light use and oxidation on the exterior, and all are unfortunately clogged with dirt and grease, as Remington nipple cones have very small apertures.

Research shows that this revolver was manufactured in mid 1864, making this a true Civil War gun and perfect for any collection. Production had begun around serial number 15,000 in 1863. According to the research published in Remington Army & Navy Revolvers 1861-1868 by Donald L. Ware, Remington revolvers through serial #149,000 were accepted prior to the end of the Civil War. Guns below serial #123,000 were accepted prior to the end of 1864.

A very interesting period modified example, this revolver will make a fine addition to any U.S. Civil War collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: mid 1864
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 11 3/8 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of Remington New Model Army Revolver:

Remington, like Colt, was in business of arms making long prior to the Civil War. They had been producing handguns since 1857 when they introduced the Remington Beals Pocket Revolver. With the outbreak of the Civil War all of the company's energy became devoted to the military production of longarms and hand guns. The martial hand guns produced during the Civil War period included the Remington-Beals Army and Navy Model revolvers, the Remington Models 1861 Army and Navy Revolvers, (a.k.a. as the "Old Model Army" and "Old Model Navy") and the Remington New Model 1863 Army and Navy revolvers.

The Remington New Model 1863 Army Revolver represents Remington's highest production martial pistol. Approximately 126,000 were manufactured from 1863 to 1875. After Colt, it was the Northern government's most purchased and issued pistol. Serial numbers of the New Model Army continued from the Model 1861 Army. Reference sources estimate this change from between serial number 15000 (Flayderman) to 22000 (Reilly). This is probably due to a long transitional period in which there was a gradual change over of the design features between the two models. The earliest production models utilized the 1861 frames and had a somewhat longer grip. The stamping "New Model" on the barrel of the early models can also be noted to have been stamped with a separate die. Nearly 110, 000 New Models were purchased by the government during the Civil War, at prices between $10.82 and $15.50 each. These prices were lower than Colt's and by mid-1863, Colt was eliminated from the government contract business. The State of New Jersey also purchased several thousand for Civil War issue.

The New Model 1863 Army was the last of Remington's .44 caliber percussion revolvers. Remington Armies were used from the beginning to the end of the Civil War in all fields. They were considered to be among the finest martial handguns of the day. The Remington New Model 1863 Navy and it's forbear, the Remington-Beals Navy, also saw action during the war.

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