*US, Civil War Era – c.1863-1870, Remington “New Model” Pocket Revolver, 5-Shot, Obsolete Calibre*
A genuine Remington New Model Pocket Revolver, five-shot, single-action percussion type, manufactured by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, New York.
The revolver retains the classic Remington solid-frame profile with octagonal barrel, under-barrel loading lever, and characteristic spur trigger without trigger guard, identifying it as the compact civilian “Pocket” size rather than the larger Navy or Army patterns intended for discreet civilian carry.
The top barrel flat is clearly marked in three lines:
“PATENTED SEPT. 14. 1858. MARCH 17. 1863
E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK, U.S.A.
NEW MODEL”
The serial number 23803 is stamped beneath the barrel. The revolver is a five-shot example in obsolete calibre, with small walnut grip panels and nickel-finished frame consistent with period production. The cylinder shows the typical safety slot cuts between nipples.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 9cm. Overall length: 19.5 cm.
Historical Note:
The Remington New Model Pocket Revolver was introduced around 1863, during the later years of the American Civil War, as the final and most refined development of Remington’s small-frame percussion revolver line that had begun with the earlier Beals and 1861 models.
While Remington’s large-frame Army and Navy revolvers were produced in huge quantities for Union military contracts, the Pocket model was primarily a civilian and officer-purchase sidearm, intended to compete directly with the hugely successful Colt Model 1849 Pocket.
The design essentially scaled down the famous Remington solid-frame percussion system into a compact five-shot .31 calibre revolver suitable for personal defence and concealed carry. Standard factory barrel lengths ranged from approximately 3 to 4½ inches, matching the proportions seen here.
Production continued into the late 1860s and early 1870s, a transitional period when metallic cartridges were rapidly replacing percussion ignition. As a result, many surviving examples were later factory-converted or produced directly as rimfire cartridge revolvers. Original percussion configuration examples, such as this, are increasingly less commonly encountered.
Serial number 23803 falls within the mid-production range of the New Model Pocket series, which is generally estimated at roughly 25,000 revolvers produced between c.1865–1873.
These revolvers represent the shift in Remington’s business from wartime military contracts to the post-war civilian market, making them historically interesting as true Civil War-era commercial sidearms.
*Condition*
An honest, untouched example showing typical age and service wear. The revolver retains a pleasing aged patina with areas of thinning nickel to the frame and natural finish wear to the barrel. Markings on the top flat remain clear and legible, and the serial number beneath the barrel is well defined. The walnut grips show handling marks consistent with age but remain structurally sound. The cylinder shows expected light surface marks and the safety slot cuts are visible. Mechanical components appear present, with the hammer, trigger, and loading lever intact, cocks and dry-fires. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Civil War-era Remington New Model Pocket Revolver, five-shot percussion example with clear barrel address and mid-range serial number.
JAQWB_HBE_1332228684
