Make: Remington
Model: New Model Pocket, factory cartridge conversion.
Serial Number: 25536
Year of Manufacture: ca. 1873-1880s
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action 5-Shot Revolver Factory Converted from Percussion
Barrel Length: 3 1/2", Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood. The grips have even handling wear with scattered light nicks and scratches. There are no external chips or cracks, there is minor cracking on the interior. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original to conversion. Matching serial/assembly numbers.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with deep, well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish wear, mostly on the barrel, lever and cylinder. There are scattered spots of oxidation. There is scattered surface erosion, mostly on the front of the cylinder and at the cylinder gap. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with tool marks at the cylinder pin head and most screws. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver rates in Very 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 required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Remington New Model Pocket Revolver in .31 caliber is a fascinating artifact from the mid-19th century, a period rife with innovation and change, particularly in the field of firearms. Introduced in the 1860s by E. Remington & Sons, this small but formidable revolver was a response to the growing demand for personal defense weapons that were easy to carry and conceal. Its compact size made it an ideal choice for those seeking a discreet yet effective means of protection, including civilians and off-duty officers during a time when carrying a firearm was a common necessity.
The New Model Pocket Revolver's design featured notable advancements for its time, including a five-shot cylinder and a unique mechanism that allowed for easier loading and unloading compared to its contemporaries. This made it not only a practical choice for self-defense but also a symbol of the technological progress being made in firearm design during the era. As percussion revolvers were superseded by cartridge guns, Remington converted late production Pocket models to use rimfire cartridges, using a two-piece cylinder with a back plate.
This example retains matching serial and assembly numbers, a majority of its nickel finish, and is still in good mechanical condition. The frame has interesting markings with an engraved script "N" on the left and "No. 32" on the right, though we have not found the significance of these markings. It will make a great example for a collection as one of the last of the Remington New Model Pockets. Please see our photos and good luck!
