April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This revolver is basically a standard factory nickel Model 1875 single action revolver in factory nickel plate with two piece walnut grips. These were made from 1875 to 1889. This revolver has mid-to-late-production features such as standard blade front, cone shaped firing pin and caliber stamped on left trigger bow. According to history, Remington at serial number 12000 reverted back to serial number 1, it is also known that in January of 1883 Remington accepted a contract and delivered approximately 639 nickel plated guns to the U.S. Interior Department for issue to Indian Police and/or Western reservations. Usual marks on this gun include the "1875" stamp on left grip indicating model not year, and left side of frame is stamped, using individual dies, "U.S.I.D.". The serial number 412 is stamped inside both grip panels, inside frame, on back of cylinder and loading gate. Thorough research could not find any other example with the "U.S.I.D." stamp nor the 1875 on grip. It is unknown if this was a prototype for the original order nor who, what, when or where these markings were applied, although they appear to be contemporary to gun's manufacture. CONDITION: The one line barrel address is strong. Gun retains 75% or better original nickel finish. Excellent condition indexes and locks up fine with strong rifling, albeit some light corrosion in grooves. With no other matching examples, it is impossible to determine when and by whom these markings were applied. The areas where nickel is not present is mixed with light grey patina. Screws still retain generous amounts of nitre blue. A beautiful and famous revolver that is associated and attributed to the Indian Reservation police. In the Flayderman book, Norm states that how these guns were marked is undetermined.