E. Remington & Sons 1858 (1861) New Model Army, Octagonal Blue 8” 6-Shot SA Single Action Pistol, MFD 1868 Antique
LSB#: 161112AP24
Make: E. Remington & Sons
Model: These are known as the “Model 1858”, but production did not begin until 1861.
Serial Number: 56411
Year of Manufacture: These revolvers were produced from 1863 to 1875 with a total production number of 122,000, putting the DOM around 1868.
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./ NEW MODEL”, the underside of the barrel is marked “55786”, the left of the grip frame is marked with serial number “56411” and “P”, the obverse is marked “O”. The left of the frame is marked “P / S”, the barrel is marked “S” on the left and “W” on the right, seen again on the right of the frame. The rear of the cylinder is marked “G / P / 40 / CC”. The cylinder is marked “G” twice.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded brass blade which is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” channel on top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut panels, which look to have been sanded down at some point, showing rounded edges and some chip losses on the lower areas. The flanks have a few gouge and scuff marks as photographed. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Brass Trigger Guard & Case Colored Hammer
Finish Originality: Factory Orginal
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is highly defined. There is light to moderate depth pin prick erosion sprinkled throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 35-40% of its metal finish. The revolver looks to have seen quite a bit of holster use and general rub handling. The surfaces have a general mid to dark brown mottled patina, with areas of mild pin prick erosion and freckling. There are deep marks in the cylinder cuts, the brass has a natural light patina with a few darker spots present. Tool marks are present on the left of the frame by the screw hole, extending onto the trigger guard. The case colored hammer has turned to dark ruddy gray with spots of surface erosion. The screw head slots are generally sharp with a few examples of mild tooling, all are serviceable. The markings are fully legible, a few have rub wear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as not having the original serialized barrel.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces about 1/32” side to side play with light back play. 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: None.
Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Model_1858 “The Remington is a single-action, six-shot, percussion revolver produced by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, N.Y., based on theFordyce Beals patent of September 14, 1858 (Patent 21,478).[2] The Remington Army revolver is large-framed, in .44 caliber, with an 8 inch barrel length. The Remington Navy revolver is slightly smaller framed than the Army, and in .36 caliber with an 7.375 inch [Beals Navy 7.5 inch] barrel length. There were three progressive models made; the Remington-Beals Army & Navy (1860–1862), the 1861 Army & Navy (1862–1863), and the New Model Army & Navy (1863–1875).[3]The three models are nearly identical in size and appearance. Subtle but noticeable differences in hammers, loading levers, and cylinders help identify each model. The 1861 Remington actually transitioned into New Model appearance by late 1862, slowly transforming throughout 1862, due to continual improvement suggestions from the U. S. Ordnance Department.[3][4] Remington percussion revolvers are very accurate and capable of considerable power with muzzle velocities in the range of 550 to 1286+ feet-per-second, depending upon the charge loaded by the shooter. Combustible cartridge velocities averaged from 700 to 900 feet per second (270 m/s), depending on powder quality, charge and conical bullet weight. Combustibles were usually loaded with a special high performance sporting grade black powder, using the minimum charge required for a specified impact level, usually determined by pine penetration tests. The special powder and minimal charge reduced black powder fouling, allowing revolvers to be fired as much as possible before cleaning was necessary.[5][6]” This revolver was made sometime around 1868 and Springfield Research Service’s Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms Volume 4, Page 248 shows a serial number just 4 off from this one in a shipment to the 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry, though we cannot verify 100% if this is where the pistol ended up just years after the Civil War ended but odds are it was used in an army outfit of some sort during the Indian Wars, most likely being a cavalry unit. This item’s action still functions correctly and should make for a great addition to your collection. Please see our pictures and good luck.
