Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 part of the original barrel address markings, which are quite faint and partly worn away. They originally would have read:

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 not have these, further verifying that it is the "Old Model" Army. It also has the correct "mortised cone" front sight, also seen on the early "New Model" Army revolvers, but soon eliminated. Also unlike the New Model, the old model cylinder axis pin and loading rammer are inlet so that the cylinder can be removed without releasing the rammer.

Overall condition is good with the original finish worn to a gray patina and light speckling around the frame and barrel area. The frame does show wear and some denting from age, indicating that this revolver was most likely in service after the war ended. It still bears original walnut grips, though unfortunately the original cartouches are worn, with only a "ghost" left on the right grip. The revolver has a strong smooth action, with a good mainspring, and good cylinder lockup. As with any revolver this age, it can be finicky. Revolver has a good bore with clear lands and grooves, though there are definitely areas of oxidation and fouling. There are some inspection and assembly marks on the revolver, though many are worn. The cap nipples are all clear, but some definitely look to be replacements.

This revolver has matching serial numbers, with 4164 appearing on the underside of the barrel and on the frame under the grip. The marking on the rear of the cylinder has worn away, but as it is the correct cylinder type for this model, we believe it to be original to the revolver. This model was only made during the year 1862, before being superseded by the next model in the line, the "New Model" 1863. This is a genuine civil war issued gun, with a great look, and a solid place in history.

Fully cleaned and ready to display, 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.