Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of a modified Civil War Era Remington New Model Police Percussion Revolver, with a lovely patina from age and use. This model was introduced by Remington in 1863 as a "Medium Frame" revolver based on the Remington Model 1858 Action, their answer to Colt's own "Police Model of Navy Caliber". During the 1860s, the large frame percussion revolvers were considered two unwieldy for use in the cities, while the "pocket" models did not pack enough of a punch. The "Police" models were a compromise that had more stopping power but were still smaller and relatively lightweight. The model was quite successful, with the Ilion factory producing 25,000 revolvers between 1863 and 1873.

The design was typical compared to other makers, it is a .36 caliber percussion, 5 shot single action with a number of different barrel lengths. It features the standard brass trigger guard of the full size revolvers, and a cylinder arbor pin that pulls forward, allowing the cylinder to be removed easily. It was not uncommon to keep a spare loaded cylinder, as they were easily swapped in. With the expiration of the Rollin White patent, the Remington percussion revolver design had a bit of an advantage based on the easily removable cylinder. They could be converted to use metallic rimfire cartridges by swapping out the cylinder, with little else required. These early rimfire cylinder had a removable back plate, and the hammer from the Remington would contact the edge.

This example is one of those early cartridge conversions, however in addition to that, it also had the barrel cut down to 1 1/4" long and the loading rammer inlet filled. Guns such as these were designed for extreme close range, and were called "Belly Busters" based on where they were usually aimed. At that range a longer barrel for accuracy became meaningless. The cylinder arbor pin is still easily removable by rotating it 180 degrees, so that the cutout for the arbor pin is in line with the channel. This modification has left this revolver with very little in the way of markings, as they were on top of the barrel, now mostly removed. It is marked with assembly number 43 under the grip scales, however no serial number is present on the bottom of the grips, and the only other marking is a 1200 on the back of the cylinder and back of the backing plate. 

Overall condition is very good, with the metalwork worn to a lovely dull gray patina overall on the steel. The brass trigger guard is in very good condition, and even still has a good amount of the original nickel plating. The walnut grips show long service, and are now stained dark, with the expected wear from age and use. The bottom of the right grip scale has five notches carved into it.

The revolver functions very well, with good indexing and a solid cylinder lockup. The trigger is however very sensitive, and can actually sometimes let go without pressing it. The bore, short as it is, still shows some rifling, but also oxidation.

In very good display condition, this very interesting modified revolver will make a great addition to any collection involving early cartridge conversions. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1863-1875
Caliber: .38 Rimfire (Possibly)
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 1/4inches
Overall Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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