Remington Army New Model .44

[billt]

Hello Phil,
I am not sure what you mean by identifying the revolver. You have already stated it is a New Model Army with the serial number of 16411. If you wan to know the meaning of the letters and number stamped on the parts I can help. From the serial number the revolver was made in March of 1863. The various letters stamped on the parts are from the Government Sub-Inspectors who approved the parts. There should be a cartouche stamped on the left grip from the Principal Sub-Inspector indicating the revolver passed inspection. The cartouche may be very light or completely worn off due to use. The number 11 on the cylinder means the cylinder had to undergo some special fitting to properly work with the revolver. To my knowledge there are no records as to whom the revolver was issued.

I hope this helps,

Bill

[billt]

Phil,
From you picture the cylinder seems to be sleeved. My guess is that a shooter had it done in recent times. I know there are strict laws in Europe about only using original antique guns and parts so a sleeved original would be legal whereas a reproduction cylinder would not. As far as the cartouche outline being oval or a rounded rectangle, I checked several of my revolvers and found a rectangle with square corners, a rectangle with rounded corners and an oval, so I would not worry about the shape of the cartouche border. I also have a Smith carbine with an oval cartouche.

Bill