U.S. New Jersey Remington — Model 1858 Model Army .44 Percussion Revolver

SOLD FOR: $2,026
Make: Remington
Model: 1858, New Model Army Revolver
Serial Number: 71351
Year of Manufacture: Procured in 1864 with 1,000 other Remington’s.
Caliber: .44 Percussion
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Patented Sept. 14. 1858 / E. Remington & Sons, Ilion Newark. U.S.A. / New – Model”. The left side of the barrel is marked “NJ”. The left side of the frame is marked “NJ”. The left side of the trigger guard “B”. The underside of the barrel is marked “71351”. The right side of the barrel and the frame are marked “E”. The left side of the grip frame, under the grip is marked “II 71351”. The cylinder is marked with an “E”. There is a “J” on the underside of the barrel ahead of the ramrod catch.
Barrel Length: 8″
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a screw in steel front sight and a notched top strap rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are oil finished wood, showing much age and no markings. There is an imprint on the inside of the left panel from the numbers on the frame, though both grips are “carved out” on the insides. The right panel has 6 notches cut, probably for the 6 confederate officers this gun dispatched… There is a chip at the heel of the right panel. The grips are otherwise sound, showing a lot of natural age. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: High Polish Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is rough but the rifling is pronounced and visible the entire length. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. This bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its metal finish. The blue has begun to drift to a medium patina. There is thinning at the edges and a few dings at the butt. The left side of the frame at the ramrod screw shows some battering. There is some very mild and scattered frosting especially on the right side. The brass has a natural and light patina. The Screw heads are just a bit worn and very serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine condition and is certainly one of the best Remington percussion’s we have handled.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The springs are strong and the lock up is tight. We did not fire this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: If there was ever an underappreciated gun, this is it. These were some of the primary competitors for the Colt Percussion Revolvers, only these were better. These revolvers could boast the advantages of both a top strap and a fixed rear sight. Many preferred the Remington to the others, including William F. Cody – who stated “It never Failed Me”. This is without a question, one of the best condition Remington New Model Army’s available.

This revolver was procured in 1864 as part of a 1000 piece order placed August 8 of that year by the Quartermaster General of New Jersey, at a unit cost of $12.70.

Serial Number 71371 sold at Rock Island Auction May 2012 at a pre auction estimate of $5,500 – $8,000.