Name/Title
RevolverEntry/Object ID
Q2023.3.1Description
Remington-Beals 1858 Model Revolver.Context
The Remington-Beals Model Revolvers along with subsequent models and variations was a percussion revolver manufactured by Eliphalet Remington & Sons in .31 (Pocket) .36 (Navy) or .44 (Army) caliber, used during the American Civil War, and was the beginning of a successful line of medium and large frame percussion revolvers. It is commonly referred to as the Model 1858 due to the patent markings on its cylinder, "PATENTED SEPT. 14, 1858/E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NEW YORK, U.S.A./NEW MODEL." although wide scale production did not start until 1861.[1]
The Remington revolver was a secondary, supplemental issue firearm for the Union Army until the Colt factory fire of 1864. Due to the fire, the preferred Colt 1860 Army was not available for some time, and large numbers of the Remington revolver were ordered by the U.S. government as a substitute. It was more expensive, by 50 cents, than the Army Colt, but those who could afford it remarked on its durability and ability to quickly reload by switching to another pre-loaded cylinder.[2]
It saw use in the American West, both in its original percussion configuration and as a metallic cartridge conversion, as well as around the world.
(1) Bequette, Roy Marcot ; edited by James W.; Gangloff, Joel J. Hutchcroft ; foreword by Arthur W. Wheaton ; chapter introductions by Richard F. Dietz ; book design by Robert L. (1998). Remington : "America's oldest gunmaker". Peoria, IL: Primedia. ISBN 1-881657-00-0.
(2) http://www.nrvoutdoors.com/COLTREM/COLT%20OR%20REMINGTON.htmCollection
CIVIL WAR