Questions on 1875 Revolver

[brianat2000]

I think I have a model 1875…? The “E. Remington and Sons” reads from muzzle to frame. It has .44 marked on the left side of the trigger guard. There are no assembly numbers on the muzzle or ejector housing area other than the serial number which reads 932 on the bottom part of the handle. However the interesting thing is the revolver is the 5 ½” barrel. My understanding if it is a 1888 it would have a “assembly” number near the ejector housing or on the barrel which means it has been altered to the 1888’s. Thoughts on this revolver? Thanks!

[billt]

Hi Brian,
You are correct. If the revolver were an 1888 it would have an assembly number on the top of the web and one on the bottom of the barrel. It would also have a 5 & ¾ inch barrel. I believe you have a model 1875 with a cut barrel and an 1890 type web. The 44 on the trigger guard indicates it is a 44-40 caliber. Remington did make a short barrel 1875 but the barrel was 5 & ¾ inches long and there would be a 45 on the trigger guard.

Bill

[brianat2000]

Bill, thanks so much for the reply. That makes sense in what you are saying. Can't see it in the picture but it looks like the front sight was modified so maybe that means when it was cut they brought the front sight back possible and cut it into the barrel? Also, does this mean that the web was cut also? Was this a typical practice back then? Thoughts on why this would be done? Thank you again!

[billt]

The front sight had to be remounted once the barrel had been shortened. You can tell the web has been cut because it is different from the web on your 1890. I am not sure how prevalent the practice of shortening the barrel and or grinding the web was. However, I have collected data on 350 revolvers and 33 have had the barrels cut and five ejector housings have been modified. One reason to modify the web would be to lighten the gun but I am not sure how much of a difference it would make. The other would be to make the 1875 look like the rarer 1890 to deceive the unsuspecting purchaser.

Bill

[brianat2000]

Bill, that's great feedback and very interesting. Unfortunate for people that are deceiving! I am glad that you have helped me understand what I have so I have more information on them. Both revolvers are more for the display on the wall and conversation pieces than anything, but good to know what I am talking about now. Do you see a drop in value of these pieces when the barrels are cut like this? Thanks again.

[billt]

Most definitely. Anytime you alter the firearm from factory specifications it reduces the collector value. Sometimes significantly.

[admin]

Hi Brian,
You are correct. If the revolver were an 1888 it would have an assembly number on the top of the web and one on the bottom of the barrel. It would also have a 5 & ¾ inch barrel. I believe you have a model 1875 with a cut barrel and an 1890 type web. The 44 on the trigger guard indicates it is a 44-40 caliber. Remington did make a short barrel 1875 but the barrel was 5 & ¾ inches long and there would be a 45 on the trigger guard.

Bill

45 on the trigger guard?