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LOT 3099
Remington Model 1875 Single Action “Frontier” Army Revolver with Very Scarce Blue Finish - Serial
no. 465, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1875-1889, the Model 1875 Single
Action revolver was Remington’s attempt to compete with the Colt Single Action Army and were also known as the Improved Army
and Frontier Army. Although this model of revolver was arguably a better, more durable design than Colt’s Single Action Army, the lack of
government contracts and a slightly later start limited sales. Despite this, Remington’s Model 1875 remained a desirable sidearm on the
western frontier to those not caught up in the hype of Colt’s revolver. The revolver has a rare factory blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and
frame. Most of this model, if not nearly all, were nickel plated. The hammer is casehardened with knurled spur. The trigger is nitre blue. The top of the barrel is marked “E.
REMINGTON & SONS. ILLION. N.Y. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame on the front flat is marked “44” for the caliber designation .44-40 WCF. The matching three digit serial number
is stamped on the left side of the frame and the back of both grip panels in pencil. The grip panels are nicely figured varnished walnut.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance and some minor pitting. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also
very fine with some wear on the bottom right panel and scattered minor handling marks and retain much of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. A high condition representative
example of Remington’s iconic Model 1875 with scarce original blue finish. A must have for the serious Remington or American frontier collector.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 3100
Attractive Remington Model 1875 Single Action “Frontier” Army Revolver in Desirable .44-40 W.C.F. - Serial no. 21, 44-40
WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufacture from 1875 to 1889, Remington’s Model 1875 Single Action Army
revolver was also known as the “Improved Army” or “Frontier Army”. A large number of these revolvers saw hard use in the American West as a
frontier sidearm and are often encountered with very little or no finish, making high condition examples like this one incredibly desirable. These
Remington 1875s were one of the strongest competitors for Colt’s Single Action Army, however, their sales suffered due to Colt’s two year head
start and receipt of government contracts. While never as prolific as the iconic “Peacemaker”, these 1875 revolvers seem to have been preferred by at least some frontier
outlaws, including Frank and Jesse James. Because of this, they remain one of the legendary sidearms of the American West and a must-have for the serious collector of “Wild West”
sidearms. Handling one of these revolvers, it is easy to see that a gunslinger in the American West that truly knew their firearms might prefer one of these over the hype and reputation of the Colt Single
Action Army. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line E. Remington & Sons address. The matching serial/batch number is marked on the left of the grip frame, trigger guard tang, loading
gate, and stamped inside both grip panels. Inside the left panel has some faint hand markings which appear to be “Armstrong” and “21”. The left front flat of the frame is stamped “44”, signifying the caliber
is .44-40 W.C.F., as opposed to Remington’s proprietary .44 Remington CF. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame-
top groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth walnut grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel finish with some scattered light dings and bright
polish marks on both sides of the barrel, as well as a few small patches of light flaking, typical of a very well-cared
for frontier sidearm. The grip shows much of the original varnish, mild handling wear, some scattered minor
handling marks, and a small patch of old filler at the bottom edge of the right panel. Mechanically excellent. An
exceptional representative example of one of the more difficult to acquire “Wild West” sidearms!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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