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LOT 3115
Early Production New York
Engraved E. Remington & Sons Model
1875 Single Action Army Revolver
with Ivory Grips and Holster - Serial no. 77, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, ivory grips. This revolver is one of the first 100 Remington Model 1875 revolvers off the line and is
embellished with attractive New York engraving. Approximately less than 30,000 Model 1875 Single Action Army
Revolvers were manufactured c. 1875-1889, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5E-055). The revolver features the
distinctive early production features including a provision for a First Type lanyard loop (absent) on the butt, and the First Type
“pinched” blade front sight threaded into the barrel. The revolver is beautifully engraved with extensive engraving mainly consisting of
flowing scroll designs and punchdot backgrounds. The extent of the engraving combined with the ivory grips and the low serial number
suggests this revolver was possibly selected for engraving as a factory exhibition piece to help promote Remington’s new design. The
engraving is indicative of patterns by Louis D. Nimschke. Nimschke is known to have been tasked with engraving firearms for Remington
and other leading firearms companies for exhibitions as well as important presentations such as the factory engraved Remington New Model
Army revolvers that were presented to Ulysses S. Grant and previously sold by Rock Island Auction Co. for $5.17 million in May of 2022. Also see
the Model 1875 serial number 81 in our May 2023 premier auction (lot 3229), serial number 25 in our August 2023 auction (lot 3147), serial number
57 in our December 2024 premier auction (lot 1065), and serial number 51 in our May 2025 premier auction (lot 63). Note the similarities of the engraving, especially on the
scrollwork on the frame and “Nimschke star” on the right side of the frame. Seldom are these Remington Model 1875s found engraved. The two-digit serial number “77” is
marked on the left side of the grip frame and interiors of the grips. There are no caliber markings, and it was found to properly chamber the .44-40 WCF cartridge. The top
of the barrel has the one-line address “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” reading from the breech towards the muzzle. Includes a brown leather double loop holster
maker marked by R.T. Frazier of Pueblo, Colorado. Also includes a November 12, 1967, dated letter of correspondence on a Remington Arms Company letterhead, addressed to Mr. Pemberton
from S.M. Alvis, Manager of the Ilion Research Division, in which Mr. Alvis states, “The engraving on your specimen is very similar to others we have seen and I believe that it is a factory
engraved job. Unfortunately we do not have any records to identify name of engraver, nor can we identify from the serial number as to the original purchaser.”
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% retailer nickel finish, with charming holster wear showing smooth frontier brown patina, a cylinder drag line, a few patches of light pitting, and defined
engraving. Grips are very good, with age lines, chips on the bottom inner edges, and attractive natural aged patina. Mechanically excellent. Holster is very fine. This is an attractive example of
an early production high quality engraved Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army revolver!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000 111