Remington New Model Army revolver
Undoubtedly one of the most important firearms in American History, from its inception at the start of civil unrest to its natural habitat in settling the west, post-Civil War, the Remington New Model Army .44 caliber revolver certainly has withstood the test of time. Lot number 554 in the upcoming Americana auction is my pick of the week, retaining little to no blueing except in areas of uncommon wear, this example bears the fully legible 1858 patent stamped on top of octagonal barrel. Hence, collectors using the nomenclature of “Remington 1858” when referring to this firearm. Finely preserved walnut grips with faint notes of tiger maple stripes, bearing the inspectors cartouche, BH, Remington Inspector Benjamin Hannis. Being the second most issued revolver to Union soldiers during the Civil War, this revolver has the letter [A] carved into the grip butt, above an older carved [PHB]. Believed to have been issued to a calvary volunteer from Ohio’s 6th company, Peter Bradford(e), a farmer upon his enlistment in 1861 from Lawrenceville County, Ohio, who fought up until his death from typhoid fever in Aqua Creek, Virginia, April 21st, 1863. This small piece of history will cross the auction block early on January 17th.
By Vince Kershner
