1858 Remington

[Horace]

While looking through the family archives I stumbled across my great great grandfather's cap & ball Remington revolver. I believe it is a model 1858. The loading lever functions but the cylinder will not turn and I don't want to force it. I plan on removing the grips and soaking the whole thing in penetrating oil (break free) for several days. I certainly don't want to shoot it, just remove any surface rust and get the cylinder to move freely. After removing the grips I found that the frame is stamped 42xxx. Can anyone tell from the picture if it is in fact an 1858 and if so the date of manufacture judging by the serial#? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Jim K]

I can't tell much from that picture, and all the Remingtons look pretty much alike.

It would help to provide the EXACT barrel marking, and the caliber.

FWIW, if that gun cleans up and checks out as safe, I would see no reason not to fire it with black powder. I fire my antiques and they are a lot better made and more reliable than the modern repros.

Jim

 

[Horace]

There is much surface rust so the barrel markings are little hard to read. What I can make out is this: "Patented sept. 14 1858, Remington Ilion,New York". The word "Model" also appears but I can't make out the word preceding it. On the right side of the barrel the letter "D" is stamped. The bore diameter appears to be about .442". What do you think about soaking the entire gun minus grips in penetrating oil. This surely couldn't hurt anything?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

lucky you. drop it in a pan of kerosene to cover and let it set a few days. likely it will free it up.

 

[Mike OTDP]

I think it is a Model 1863 Remington New Model. Caliber is .457, and yes, they are OK shooters if in good condition.

I'd go ahead and use penetrating oil, dismantle the gun, clean off the rust, and see what you have. Do NOT go scrubbing off any patina, polishing anything, or reblueing.

 

[Horace]

Thanks for the info and tips. Does anyone know of a source to determine date of manufacture. As stated earlier in post the serial# is 42XXX. Specifically I'd like to know if the gun was produced before the end of the civil war. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Old Fuff]

Horace:

I have the information you want at home, but right now I'm not there. I will bookmark this thread, and when I get home sometime next week I'll get back to you if no one else comes up with the aswers.

Just hold on.

 

[Horace]

Okay, now I'm confused. While cleaning up this old revolver I've noticed another serial# (92XXX) on the underside of the barrel. Has this gun been rebarreled at one time?