E. Remington & Sons Standard New Model Army, Inspector Marked 1st Year, Blue & Brass 8” 6-Shot Civil War Era SA Revolver, MFD 1863 Antique
SOLD
LSB#: 161004RK03
Make: E. Remington & Sons
Model: Standard New Model Army
Serial Number: 19504
Year of Manufacture: According to Flayderman’s, serial numbers started in the 15000 range, putting this pistol’s DOM within the first year of production, assuming about 10,166 pistols were made each year.
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.”, the left is marked “S”, the underside is marked with the serial number, also marked on the left of the grip frame next to “R”, which is found again on the underside of the barrel near the muzzle. The right of the barrel is marked “A”, also found on both sides of the frame and on the loading lever. The rear left of the frame is marked “G”. The trigger guard is marked “S”. The inside of the grip panels have the serial number written in pencil, the inside of the left panel has another bit of pencil writing that is illegible. The exterior of the left grip has a three initial cartouche in rectangle that has faded.
Barrel Length: 8”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a conical bead, which is dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” channel cut in the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece smooth walnut set. The stocks have some rub wear around the lower butt portions, there is a small chip loss on the upper and lower edges by the frame and butt toe. The stocks show a few scattered scrape and compression marks, there are no cracks or major damages. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is surprisingly bright and the rifling shows a small amount of wear but is still highly defined. There are a few moderate depth spots of pin erosion with tiny spots of light erosion throughout the bore, please see our pictures.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. For its age, there is a lot of strong bluing found on the barrel, protected areas of the grip frame, lever and its components. Most of the losses occur on the frame and cylinder, looking to have been caused by rub wear by hand or in a holster. The metal has a beautiful plum patina with some small dings in a cluster on the left of the frame by the cylinder and right of the frame below the cylinder. There is a large chip of metal missing on the rear top of the frame by the hammer; just forward of this area shows scuffs from hand cleaning the metal, please see our pictures. The exposed grip strap surfaces have developed mellow oxidation, tending more towards dark brown patina, definitely caused by honest handling. The barrel has edge thinning from rub wear, with natural aging to the bare metal. The underside of the barrel has small marks from the cylinder pin, the lever has nice coverage with similar rubbing. The brass trigger guard has a strong mark and mellowing of the sheen from age, with hints at light patina; there are some dings on the underside of the guard which continue on to the bottom of the frame. The screw head slots show light tooling but are all serviceable. The markings are crisp and deep. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus condition and would rate higher but for the loss on the frame.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces tight full lockup in all 6 chambers, we’ve seen new in box modern revolvers come through with more play, the cylinder’s rear cuts are still sharp and the mainspring is strong, the trigger pull is crisp. 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: Included is a Xerox copy of the 1995 edition of Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S. Mawrtial Arms Volume 4, 1995 Edition, page 246 which puts the serial number to a shipment to the 4th Wisconson Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War. The copy is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: According to Flayderman’s guide to Antique Firearms, serial numbers for this model began in 1863 at about 15,000, this one is within the first 5,000 produced, out of 122,000 which spanned from 1863 to 1875. This is a first year of production Remington New Model Army with inspection marks, cartouched original stocks and about 70% of its finish remaining. This pistol has survived miraculously for its role in history and even has some interesting potential provenance; From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Wisconsin_Volunteer_Regiment “The 4th Wisconsin was raised as an infantry regiment at Camp Utley in Racine and was mustered into Federal service on July 2, 1861. It was first assigned to garrison duty in Maryland, then in February 1862 was transferred to Newport News, Virginia. It became part of the Army of the Gulf and was subsequently sent to New Orleans, Louisiana. During the following year, the 4th Wisconsin participated in several expeditions against Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Port Hudson, Louisiana. It saw action in the Siege of Port Hudson from May to July 1863. On September 1, 1863, the regiment was reorganized as the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, which it served as through the remainder of the war.” Included is a copy the 1995 edition of Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms Volume 4, 1995 Edition, page 246 which puts the serial number to a shipment to the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War. The bore is still bright with highly defined rifling and absolutely crisp mechanics that we’d put against any modern revolver. Words can’t do this one justice, please see our pictures and good luck.
