I own an 1858 Remington revolver, and it is built out of two different guns. I've been told it is a field armorer's build from the Civil War. The front half of the gun is serial number 61330 and the back half is 62645. The bluing is slightly different for each half, with the front being slightly brownish and the back half blue/black. Is there any way to find out the history of this gun from the serial numbers?
Last edited by Watchsmith on Mon Mar 31, 2025 2:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I don't see the final inspectors cartouche on the left grip. Has it been refinished and is now too faint to read? It should be located right below the mounting screw.
Two explanations come to mind. First and most likely, with no Inspector's cartouche on the left grip, this could be a civilian sale assembled from parts of two revolvers that were not accepted by the Ordnance Dept.
Second, if this was accepted by the Ordnance Department, the chart in Don Ware's book estimates that revolvers in this serial number range were delivered in March, 1864. The Springfield Research Service list documents 19 revolver serial numbers from 60922 - 66540 issued to the Co. I, 1st Md Vol Cav on 02/11/65. If, and that's a big if, 61330 and 62645 were issued to the same Company, or, same Regiment, it would be practical to take two damaged revolvers and make one good one in the field. However, it seems unlikely that large, sturdy components like the frame and barrel would be damaged (as opposed to the hammer or loading lever).
What is the serial number under the tang of the trigger guard? And, is the rear of the cylinder stamped with a partial serial number?
dpg06va wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 8:41 pm
Two explanations come to mind. First and most likely, with no Inspector's cartouche on the left grip, this could be a civilian sale assembled from parts of two revolvers that were not accepted by the Ordnance Dept.
Second, if this was accepted by the Ordnance Department, the chart in Don Ware's book estimates that revolvers in this serial number range were delivered in March, 1864. The Springfield Research Service list documents 19 revolver serial numbers from 60922 - 66540 issued to the Co. I, 1st Md Vol Cav on 02/11/65. If, and that's a big if, 61330 and 62645 were issued to the same Company, or, same Regiment, it would be practical to take two damaged revolvers and make one good one in the field. However, it seems unlikely that large, sturdy components like the frame and barrel would be damaged (as opposed to the hammer or loading lever).
What is the serial number under the tang of the trigger guard? And, is the rear of the cylinder stamped with a partial serial number?
Thanks so much for that information - I didn't know there was a third serial number on the tang of the trigger guard. That number is 62645. The rear of the cylinder has a single "K" on it, with a "W" on the side of the cylinder back by one of the safety notches, no other stamps that I can see. There doesn't seem to be an inspection cartouche on either grip. There are signs that sometimes look to me like they might be the sanded-down remnants of one, but I can't be sure.
I have always shot Remington Nitro 4s out of my 870 SP with good luck. I was thinking of picking up a Carlsons Long Beard .660 choke. Anyone know how this choke works with 3" Nitro 4s?
