Page 160 - 88-BOOK3

158
LOT 3229
Extraordinary Factory Engraved, Early Production, Two-Digit Serial Number 81 “First Type, First Issue” E. Remington & Sons Model 1875 Army Single Action Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 81, 44 Remington
CF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. This revolver from c. late 1874 or early 1875 is one of the first 100 Remington Model 1875 revolvers off the line and is certainly one of the finest extant today both in terms of condition and its embellishment. These early “First Type, First Issue” revolvers were originally going to be .46 caliber rimfire but were instead released in .44 Remington Centerfire. After 1878, most of the Model 1875s were chambered for .44 Winchester Centerfire or .45 Colt. This revolver features the distinctive early production “First Type, First Issue” hammer that was factory modified from rimfire to centerfire, the First Type lanyard loop on the butt, and the First Type “pinched” blade front sight threaded into the barrel. Its matching two-digit serial number, “81,” is marked on the rear face of the cylinder, the trigger guard tail, and the left side of the frame at the heel. The barrel has “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The revolver is beautifully engraved with extensive engraving mainly consisting of flowing scroll designs. The extent of the engraving combined with the pearl 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.