Handguns Civil War pistol?

[Twlunt]

Some of you know I possess my Great Great Grandfather's civil war items. I am 5th generation Lunt to own his house. He was Pvt. Ira Lunt Co. D 2nd Regt. USSS. He was transferred to the 17th Maine after they disbanded the Sharpshooters. This pistol has been in the house my whole line and has been very rusty the entire time. Due to the condition I decided to experiment with a product I found called a Metal Rescue. It's a rust remover bath that is nontoxic and earth friendly. I was shocked at the results. This is simply a 48 hour soak. Nothing else.
I am curious to learn more about the pistol. Did Privates carry revolvers? I thought only officers did. I can't make out the letters carved into the handle.

 

[Twlunt]

Is it possible this was his? Or maybe he picked it up on the field? What did they normally carve into the handle? Initials?
Based on how immaculate his other weapons were kept I can't see him letting this one get so rusty so maybe he found it that way.

 

[UCVRelics]

That stuff is magic. Nice Remington New Model. There should be markings on the top of the barrel and a serial # on the bottom of the barrel.

 

[UCVRelics]

Is it possible this was his? Or maybe he picked it up on the field? What did they normally carve into the handle? Initials?
Based on how immaculate his other weapons were kept I can't see him letting this one get so rusty so maybe he found it that way.

Enlisted Infantrymen were not issued pistols and this one is missing the load lever so it was basically useless. I'm leaning battlefield pick up.

 

[Twlunt]

Enlisted Infantrymen were not issued pistols and this one is missing the load lever so it was basically useless. I'm leaning battlefield pick up.

That is kinda what I thought. I'll check the other marking later today. How likely is it to find a replacement load lever? I'd love to complete the weapon and have a nice wall hanger. Wish the letters were easier to read. Any way of knowing if this would be union or confederate?

 

[UCVRelics]

I would leave it as found, plus if you do find a load lever the patinas will not match. Its a Union pistol

 

[Twlunt]

Aside from bore size is there another way to determine caliber? Barrel length?

 

[Twlunt]

Definitely Remington. Still can't find a serial number

 

[UCVRelics]

Just measure the barrel as the 44 Army is 8 inch and the 36 navy is 7.3 inches. The serial# should be under the barrel as the one below.

 

[byron ed]

Cool artifact.

 

[Story]

Due to the condition I decided to experiment with a product I found called a Metal Rescue. It's a rust remover bath that is nontoxic and earth friendly. I was shocked at the results. This is simply a 48 hour soak. Nothing else.

I had to look that one up.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Worksho...VhZ-zCh0M9Qw7EAQYASABEgLBafD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[sourdough]

I agree that it is a battlefield pickup.

If you want a load lever assembly for it, check out VTI. It will be an Uberti part assembly, but it can be "antiqued" with an application of vinegar. Since it will just be a wallhanger, it does not need to be fitted like one would need to do to make it a shooter, but it will make the gun look complete. Get the one for the .44 NMA. The NMN is a .36 caliber gun. The part number is UB:105013.

https://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=13&cat=Uberti+1858+New+Army

Regards,

Jim

 

[Package4]

Unless he had a stint in the cavalry or was a sergeant at some juncture, it is doubtful that this was an issue weapon. The carvings lead me to believe this was a Southern used weapon and picked up after being tossed after loading lever was lost.

 

[Twlunt]

I agree that it is a battlefield pickup.

If you want a load lever assembly for it, check out VTI. It will be an Uberti part assembly, but it can be "antiqued" with an application of vinegar. Since it will just be a wallhanger, it does not need to be fitted like one would need to do to make it a shooter, but it will make the gun look complete. Get the one for the .44 NMA. The NMN is a .36 caliber gun. The part number is UB:105013.

https://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=13&cat=Uberti+1858+New+Army

Regards,

Jim

Looks like I might need the lever and the stem. Not sure what else. If I really want to stay vintage I saw some antique levers for $200 online. Unlikely I'll go that route. The cylinder is not held in with anything at the moment.

 

[Twlunt]

Unless he had a stint in the cavalry or was a sergeant at some juncture, it is doubtful that this was an issue weapon. The carvings lead me to believe this was a Southern used weapon and picked up after being tossed after loading lever was lost.

What makes you lean southern based on the carvings?

 

[Package4]

What makes you lean southern based on the carvings?

Typically, but not always, US arms are clear of such markings as they were issued and expected to be maintained as issued. Company commanders were responsible for condition of company arms and were charged for defacing of such.

Not the same in CS, where collectors delight, in finding such carvings. Not definitive, but odds are with you.

 

[Kirk Womack]

That cleaned up great!

 

[JOHN42768]

That stuff works great

 

[S.Isaacson]

The full serial number should also be on the side of the frame under the grips. You can also find the serial number or part of the serial number on the trigger guard where there is a projection at the back that goes into the frame. You'll need to undo the screw that secures the guard and remove the guard from the frame to check.

 

[CWH1234]

That's Pretty Cool to own something like that.