Original U.S. Civil War Remington 1861 “Old Model” Army Percussion Revolver – Matching Serial 17256 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition lightly used Remington 1861 “Old Model” Army Revolver in .44 caliber percussion. It is a 6 shot single-action revolver, with an 8-inch octagon barrel, which replaced the earlier “Remington-Beals Army Model Revolver”. The top of the octagonal barrel still has the original barrel markings, which are clear:

PATENTED DEC. 17, 1861
MANUFACTURED BY REMINGTONS, ILION, N. Y.

Other versions of this revolver were often called the “Model 1858” due to the patent date on the barrel, however this version had the 1861 date listed. Only Approximately 6,000 were produced before transitioning to the “New Model 1863”, which was the result of numerous incremental improvements suggested by the Army ordnance department. One of these was the “Safety Slots” milled between chambers on the cylinder. The milled slot positively secured the hammer between chambers for safe carry by placing the hammer’s firing pin where it did not rest on a percussion cap, eliminating the risk of an accidental discharge if the gun was dropped or the hammer struck. This example does have these, as it is a later production “Old Model”, and the changes were rolled out gradually. It also has the correct “mortised” cone front sight, also seen on the early “New Model” Army revolvers, but soon eliminated.

Overall condition is very good with the the original gloss blued finish visible in many recessed areas, while others are worn to a bright patina, with some staining. There are areas of light rust, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. The frame shows very little wear and denting, and removing the grips shows very little oxidation on the frame. The grips themselves are in great shape, with wear on the shoulder, and a visible inspection cartouche, which we are unfortunately have not been able to read. There are no cracks, chips, or repairs we can see on these grips.

The revolver has a strong smooth action, with a good mainspring, and good cylinder lockup. We have not noticed any of the usual “finicky” behavior of the action on this revolver. The ratchet on the back of the cylinder is still in great shape, with minimal powder burn. All cap nipples are clear, and show only light wear. The bore is bright and the best we have seen on any civil war revolver, with just a few small spots of oxidation near the muzzle.

This revolver has crisp matching serial numbers, with 17256 appearing on the underside of the barrel, on the frame under the grip, and on the rear of the cylinder. This is definitely an “ALL MATCHING” Example, ant it’s a great example. This model was only made for a short period of time, before being superseded by the next model in the line, the “New Model” 1863. As this is a later issue “Old Model”, the only thing really separating it is the lack of the “NEW MODEL” marking on the barrel.

This is a genuine Civil War issued gun, with a great look, and a solid place in history. From the looks of it the revolver was used very little, and almost all the wear is from storage and the elements. The many areas of shiny original blued finish show that it was most likely left in store, unoiled and uncleaned, for quite some time, possibly in a holster, which left some pitting oxidation on the outside of the barrel muzzle.

This is would make a worthy addition to any civil war collection. One of only 6000 made. Ready to display!

History of Remington 1861 Army “Old Model” 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 is a single-action, six-shot, percussion revolver produced by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, N.Y., based on the Fordyce Beals patent of September 14, 1858 (Patent 21,478). The Remington Army revolver is large-framed revolver 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 a 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). 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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.