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LOT 3156
Scarce Historic Documented Egyptian Contract
Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army Revolver
with 1882 Dated Inscription to Corporal Hazzard of the 1st Life Guards Regiment - Serial
no. 12330, 44 Remington CF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured c. 1875, this is a solid representative
example of an Egyptian Army contract Remington Model 1875 revolver with a very interesting inscription and history. The Egyptian
government placed an order for 10,000 Remington Model 1875 Army Revolvers. An unknown number of these revolvers were manufactured before
Remington decided to stop production because Egypt still owed the company several hundred thousand dollars for rolling block rifles and carbines. It
has long been thought that few, if any, were actually delivered to Egypt, however this revolver and a handful of others somewhat refute that claim. The
back strap on this particular example is inscribed “Corpl. C. Hazzard. 1st Life Guards. Cairo Egypt 1882”. War broke out in Egypt between Britain and the
leader of an Egyptian coup named Ahmed Urabi in 1882. A squadron each of the 1st Life Guards, 2nd Life Guards, and Royal Horse Guards formed the Household Cavalry
Composite Regiment (HCCR) during the war. The HCCR played a pivotal role in retaking the Suez Canal with their “Moonlight Charge of Kassassin”, forcing the Urabilist forces to abandon
their positions. The charge at Kassassin was one of the opening acts of the Battle of Tel El Kebir, which proved to be the decisive battle of the war. After the battle, the HCCR took part in
pursuing the broken Urabilist forces back to Cairo which was undefended, restoring power to the khedive, essentially ending the conflict. It is likely that this revolver was captured as a
trophy by corporal Hazzard sometime during these actions. The revolver has “*R” on the left side of the barrel at the breech, an “R” on the left side of the frame at the breech, and an “J.W.R.”
cartouche on the left grip panel which are associated with the Egyptian contract Model 1875s. Matching serial number on the loading gate arm, left side of the grip frame, and the trigger
guard tang (internal). There is a British crossed scepter proof on the butt. The barrel has a “pinched” blade front sight and the one-
line address. The frame has a top strap groove rear sight and there is a swivel mounted lanyard ring on the butt. This revolver is
mentioned in the article titled “Variations in Remington Model 1875, Model 1888, and Model 1890 Revolvers” by Don Ware,
which can be found in the 1st Quarter 2004 issue of the Remington Society of America Journal (copies included).
Ware mentions this revolver and its inscription as part of his personal collection, and that it is one of a handful of
examples that proves that at least some of the Egyptian contract revolvers were delivered to Egypt.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 80% of the period applied nickel finish with some scattered patches of light flaking
and pitting showing either a grey or brown patina. The markings remain well-defined. The reoiled grips are also
very good with some scattered minor handling marks and a well-defined cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Don Ware Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3155
Fine, Scarce Egyptian Army Contract
Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army
Revolver - Serial no. 9927, 44 Remington CF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is an example of an Egyptian Army contract Remington
Model 1875 revolver. The Egyptian government placed an order for 10,000 Remington Model 1875 Army Revolvers. An unknown
number of these revolvers were manufactured before Remington decided to stop production because Egypt still owed the company several
hundred thousand dollars for rolling block rifles and carbines. Very few, if any, are believed to have been delivered to Egypt. Those encountered
generally saw hard use, unlike this example which is in well above average condition. This revolver has “*R” on the left side of the barrel at the breech,
an “R” on the left side of the frame at the breech, and an “JWR” cartouche on the left grip panel which are associated with the Egyptian contract Model
1875s. Matching serial numbers on the left side of the grip frame, both grip panels (in pencil) and loading gate arm. The barrel has a “pinched” blade
front sight and the one-line address. The frame has a top strap groove rear sight and a swivel mounted lanyard ring on the butt.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and ejector housing retain 70% original blue finish. The frame retains 30% original blue finish mostly in the sheltered areas. Both grip straps are a smooth gray patina. The
cylinder retains 40% original blue finish. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also fine with a series of dings on the bottom, some scattered minor handling marks and crisp
cartouche. Mechanically excellent. A fine representative example of an Egyptian Army contract Remington Model 1875 Revolver.
Provenance: The Elliott Burka Collection; The Milan J. Turk Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500