Make: E. Remington and Sons

Model: New Model Army

Serial Number: 83650

Year of Manufacture: Ca. July, 1864

Caliber: .44 Caliber Ball

Action Type: Percussion Cap and Ball Single Action Revolver

Barrel Length: 8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a mortised post fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood panels. The panels are notably shy to the backstrap. The grips have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable marks around the bottom edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue with Brass Trigger Guard

Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the condition of the hammer and cylinder pin likely indicate replacement. The barrel and frame are serial-matching. Correct "W", "J", and "F" inspector/assembler marks.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 7% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in the hammer's case color. The trigger guard has gone to a mustard patina with scattered discoloration. There is some muted color on the cylinder pin head. Other steel surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered surface erosion and light pitting. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. The action shows operational wear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: The Remington 1858 Army revolver was a sidearm used by the Union during the Civil War. The U.S. government ordered a large number of revolvers due to a fire at the Colt factory that shut down their production of the 1860 Army Revolver. By 1865 they had purchased 115,557. Not only was this type of revolver used in the Civil War but it found itself being used in the American West. This single action six-shot revolver is known for having a solid design and being very reliable due to its solid frame unlike the competing open tops. The solid frame design gave it an advantage over the competing Colt models, and it is said Civil War soldiers were known to trade their Colts for Remingtons after seeing the differences firsthand. Buffalo Bill Cody carried a New Model Army throughout the Indian Wars and his show appearances, and never converted it to cartridge use, which is a testament to the popularity of this revolver. The New Model Army is commonly called the Model 1858 because of its patent date on the barrel, but it was not actually produced until 1863, the 1861 Old Model having preceded it. This example was produced ca. July, 1864 and bears proper military inspection markings, so this one was likely used in the Civil War. Here is your chance to pick up the real thing to add to a Civil War or Remington collection. Please see our photos and good luck!