Civil War Period Federal Issued Remington M1863 New Model Army Revolver

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Civil War Period Federal Issued Remington M1863 New Model Army Revolver – This is an excellent example of the war period, Federal issued and inspected, M1863 Remington New Model Army. These pistols are commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as the Model 1858 due to the patent markings on its New Model barrels (which appears on this example): “PATENTED SEPT. 14, 1858/E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK, U.S.A./NEW MODEL.“; although wide scale production did not start until 1861. Prior to the Civil War, Remington was known for long arms, not revolvers. Beginning with their Model 1861 and continuing with the New Model Army revolver in 1863, Remington was Colt’s closest competitor, selling more than 116,000 revolvers to the Union government. The .44 caliber six-shot New Model Army was as reliable, but not as popular, as Colt’s revolvers. 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.

This M1863 remains in overall very good condition, with some original bluing remaining in some areas and an overall, plum gray finish. The firing mechanics are excellent, and the numbers match – the numbers, appearing on the underside of the barrel and on the grip frame, are both 81463; based on Remington Society records, this New Model Army was produced in July or August 1864. Impressed on the left walnut grip is the government inspector’s cartouche. Both grips appear to have had small, matching areas repaired near either side of the heel of the iron grip frame. The bore is clean and displays significant rifling.

• Production run: The New Model Army revolvers were manufactured from 1863 to 1875.
• Military contracts: Around 80,000 of these revolvers were purchased by the U.S. government between 1863 and 1865 for the Civil War.
• Specific year estimate: A serial number in the 80,000 range, such as 81463, falls squarely within the middle of the large number of government purchases made during this period. The Remington Society of America‘s serial number lookup suggests that this range was being manufactured in mid-1864.