Early Double Derringer

Topics related to Pre - 1898 Remington Pistols
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OldFotoMan
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 2:32 pm

Early Double Derringer

Post by OldFotoMan »

I had a few pics of my early DD in my post looking for help to identify a Remington revolver. It was requested that I provide the serial number, so here are some photos including the number. My understanding is that these were not given serial numbers as such, but had batch numbers instead. If anyone can provide more info on the way these were numbered or how this system worked, please share it with me. It is my understanding that the guns were numbered from 1 - 9999 and then the numbers started over again. If this is correct, then the number on this early gun would actually be the number in the order that it was produced, making it a very early gun. Any additional info or help would be appreciated.
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OldFotoMan
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 2:32 pm

Re: Early Double Derringer

Post by OldFotoMan »

Here are a few more photos. I can only get 5 to load with any post.
I thought it was interesting that the gun seems to retain about 90% of it's original bluing on the barrels, but almost none on the receiver. The grips appear to be original walnut and in very nice condition, except for the initials someone scratched into the back side of them. The box of Remington ammo contains 36 rounds of original Remington with the U stamp, and 8 rounds of Peters with their P stamp. Overall, a very nice gun that I've probably had for more than 30 years.
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aardq
Posts: 439
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:02 pm

Re: Early Double Derringer

Post by aardq »

Hello again Oldfoto,

There were 4 models of DD made, with 13 variations spread through the 4 models. A total of about 120,000 DDs were made from 1866 to 1935.

Your DD is a first model, second variation. There were about 1600 of this model and variation made. The first variation was 100 guns marked, "manufactured by E. Remington and Sons." These are commonly called "manufactured" guns. The third variation had an extractor added to the left side of the bbls. There were about 2150 first models made. Thus, your gun was the 493rd. DD made out of 120,000.

Your gun was probably made in 1866 or 67. The right hinge has a crack lessening the value.

The batch numbering system started with the third model DDs. There was never any standard number in a batch. It is believed that Rem made a batch based on orders received, or expected. Thus a batch could have 500 guns, the next batch 350 guns, and so on. We have no idea if there was only one batch a year, or if a certain number of ordered guns triggered production of another batch.

The later model 1875 revolvers were also made in batches. All other Rem pistols were sequentially numbered.

A couple of cautions on your gun. The Rem ammo was made before 1941 and it may still function properly, but why shoot collector ammo? In fact, why shoot the old gun any way. I have several DDs, but the only one that I have shot is one of the last guns made in the early 1930s. You show the gun in a case with some type of fur or fuzzy interior. That type of interior can attract moisture out of the air, and start rusting the gun, so it's best not to store any gun in that type of case.

Dan
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