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LOT 3148
Exceptional Remington Model 1875
Single Action Revolver in Desirable .44-40
W.C.F. with Display Case - Serial no. 263, 44
WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish,
walnut grips. While limited in production to
approximately 25,000 revolvers in 1875-1889, many of these “Improved
Army” or “Frontier Army” revolvers saw hard use in the hands of Native
Americans, settlers, and lawmen in the West making high condition
examples like this one very scarce and collectable. The Model 1875
was Remington’s answer to the Colt Single Action Army and is a solid
firearm with fewer main components than Colt’s revolver, but it simply
suffered in the famous “Peacemaker’s” shadow. The top of the barrel
has the one-line address, and the left side of the frame is marked “44,”
indicating .44-40 caliber. Both grip panels are numbered to gun. Comes
with a contemporary wooden display case containing a cartridge block
holding 32 rounds of .44 WCF.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original nickel finish showing some scattered mild flaking and some loss on the loading gate. The
grips are also excellent with some minor handling/storage evidence and retaining most of the original finish. Mechanically excellent. The case
is very fine showing minimal handling/storage wear on the exterior and some high spot wear on the lining.
Provenance: The Howard “Skip” Quade Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 3149
Citizens Association of Chicago
Marked E. Remington & Sons “Improved” New Model
Army Cartridge Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 124730, 46 RF cal., 8 inch octagon
bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Approximately 122,000 New Model Army revolvers were manufactured between 1863-1875,
per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, pages 162-163). In 1868, Remington began converting percussion revolvers for use with metallic
cartridges, skirting by the Rollin White patent issue through a partnership with Benjamin Kittredge who paid Smith & Wesson $1 for each converted
revolver. These “Improved” New Model conversions were some of the earliest full-sized metallic cartridge revolvers and are significant links connecting
the percussion era to the metallic cartridge era. “C.A. 377” stamped on the right of the frame ahead of the cylinder, indicating this is reportedly one
of a small amount of these revolvers marked for the “Citizens Association” of Chicago, which was a council formed in 1874 after the second Chicago
fire to enforce reforms demanded by insurance underwriters for fire protection in the city. These markings are further explained in the second quarter of 2017
Remington Collectors Journal. Bordered script inspection cartouche “OWA” stamped on the left grip. Matching full and partial serial numbers along with the
number “796” marked on the bottom of the barrel, inside of the trigger guard, left of the grip frame, and faintly handwritten on the interiors of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus original high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame, and loading lever, 50% plus original blue finish on the cylinder with
some flaking to smooth brown patina, a few patches of light oxidation, and sharp edges in the metal overall. The brass trigger guard retains an attractive golden
bright patina. Grips are fine as sanded and re-oiled, with a legible cartouche, some light scratches and dents, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Howard “Skip” Quade Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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