Remington Cap Pistol

[JeffHendricks]

Bought this at an antique mall about 25 years ago for a couple hundred. Any idea what it would be worth today if anything? Definitely not in shooting condition.

 

[scooter748driver]

Just a minimally educated guess but I would think $800-1200 would be a realistic range.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I am sure you will get questions asking if it is a .44 caliber New Model Army, or the smaller .36 caliber New Model Navy.
Are you able to measure the inside size of the barrel?

 

[bayonet]

What's the serial #, does it hold in half and full cock, does the cylinder turn correctly, what's the condition inside the barrel?

 

[Patrick H]

I have no ideal how to appraise this piece for you, but I think it's a nice find even if it's just a wall hanger. One detail I always look for is condition of the screw slots. Yours appear to be in fine shape. I'm guessing the exterior has been cleaned of minor rust at some point in its history. I'd be happy if it were my pistol, regardless of its appraised value.

 

[ConfederateCanuck]

Answer the above questions and we can all hazard a better estimate. Also, is the rifling crisp and bore shiny or pitted...how badly pitted? Why do you say its not in shooting condition?

 

[JOHN42768]

You might make out better selling as parts

 

[JeffHendricks]

Answers To Questions:
1. ID = 3/8"
2. S/N: Don't really want to take screws out, but it does half and full cock. The cylinder does turn to next round every time it is cocked fully.
3. Inside bore appears to be smooth, no pitting. The cylinder is loose and can be moved slightly but stays where it is supposed to, that is why I would not fire it. Not going to stay aligned with barrel.
BTW: The tamper is tight and works and there is a "L" stamped into the left side of the barrel as seen in the last pic.

 

[JeffHendricks]

OK, so I took the screw out of the grip. The serial number looks like a big "1" then 68 then 864. The one must not be part of it because according to Wikipedia, there were 132,000 approximately manufactured. Also, the barrel is 8" long which makes it the .44 model. The Navy .36 was 7-3/8" long.

 

[bayonet]

Answers To Questions:
1. ID = 3/8"
2. S/N: Don't really want to take screws out, but it does half and full cock. The cylinder does turn to next round every time it is cocked fully.
3. Inside bore appears to be smooth, no pitting. The cylinder is loose and can be moved slightly but stays where it is supposed to, that is why I would not fire it. Not going to stay aligned with barrel.
BTW: The tamper is tight and works and there is a "L" stamped into the left side of the barrel as seen in the last pic.

The serial # should be under the charging handle on the barrel. That is where mine is. I never removed the grips on mine but that might also be the serial # you got there of 68864.

 

[bayonet]

You might make out better selling as parts

NNNoooooooooooo

 

[ConfederateCanuck]

I think I have some information that will interest you.....Your serial number is indeed 68864 (the S/N is stamped beneath the grips, beneath the barrel, and on the back face of the cylinder (only the last 4 digits of the S/N)...offhand I don't think it's stamped anywhere else, but I'm sure someone here can comment on that). The oversized 1 is unrelated, and probably a parts assembly number.

Re the date of manufacture, there was a June 6, 1864 letter from the Office of Inspector that mentions S/N 70321 as being defective. So, clearly your gun was made prior to June 6,1864. Based on an overall assessment of serial numbers and contracts (it would take me too long to explain), I have estimated weekly production of the New Model Army to be about 1,000 per week in 1864, so that would put yours as being manufactured roughly mid-late May. Bear in mind that information about precise dates of manufacture do not exist...such records were either not kept or no longer exist. But based on the above information, I'd say it's pretty safe to assume yours was made in May 1864. With 100% certainty, it was made before June 6, 1864.

As for its value, you should be able to put together a good estimate based on online selling prices (look for guns in similar condition). Sorry, I don't have time today to do some digging for you, but I could some other day if you really feel you need the help.

 

[JeffHendricks]

Thank you for all the info ConfederateCanuck. All useful and much appreciated. I will print it out and keep it with the gun. I have no plans to sell or part it out. Was just wondering if it still had a value, since in these days, most younger people could care less and they are the ones who will carry on after us, which leads me to believe there will not be many that will put a value on history once the baby boomers are gone. Anyway, thanks again!!!

 

[ConfederateCanuck]

Thank you for all the info ConfederateCanuck. All useful and much appreciated. I will print it out and keep it with the gun. I have no plans to sell or part it out. Was just wondering if it still had a value, since in these days, most younger people could care less and they are the ones who will carry on after us, which leads me to believe there will not be many that will put a value on history once the baby boomers are gone. Anyway, thanks again!!!

Glad to be of some service...the example has been set by many others...I'm just trying to pay that back.

Re cylinder movement, how much does it move with hammer down, and with full cock? I just tested my Remington and two Colts and they all have a teeny tiny bit of motion (1/32 inch or less) with hammer in both positions.

Did you try to estimate a value?


Glad to hear you are going to keep it.

 

[ConfederateCanuck]

According to this chart (from a book that acknowledged the dates are approximate), your gun dates to late April 1864. So, that's a further bracket on the date for you.

 

[Johnny676767]

Hello- I think it's a cool gun and would keep it for sure.

I am confused regarding the explanation of the SN, though. The info I have (Flayderman) is that the Remington New Model Army was made 1863-1875 with about 122,000 produced. @Conderate Canuck: the numbers you show put entire production at the end of 1864.

I thought the ballpark figure was under 65,000 SN for Civil War attribution. It's a definite possibility that I am confused, though, as I'm no expert. Can someone clarify this?

Thanks

 

[ConfederateCanuck]

Hello- I think it's a cool gun and would keep it for sure.

I am confused regarding the explanation of the SN, though. The info I have (Flayderman) is that the Remington New Model Army was made 1863-1875 with about 122,000 produced. @Conderate Canuck: the numbers you show put entire production at the end of 1864.

I thought the ballpark figure was under 65,000 SN for Civil War attribution. It's a definite possibility that I am confused, though, as I'm no expert. Can someone clarify this?

Thanks

Approx 148,550 made to the date of March 1865. As I recall, approx 115,000 (give or take a few thousand) made for US during Civil War but I need to find a reference. Definitely not just 65,000....most definitely not.

EDIT:

College Hill Arsenal website (a great source of info on many guns) describes Civil War purchases as follows: Approximately 106,000 Remington Model 1863 New Model Army percussion revolvers were purchased by US government during the American Civil War, with a total of approximately 114,000 of all types of Remington percussion revolvers purchased during the course of the war. Approximately 80,000 of these were purchased during the last two years of the war, between 1863 and 1865.

 

[Johnny676767]

 

[JeffHendricks]

Thanks again everyone who responded. It will stay in the display case. It was bought at an antique mall in Platte City, MO. And with the stomping grounds all around of the old outlaws, like St. Joseph MO, Liberty MO, Lexington MO, Independence MO, Kansas City MO, Athchison KS and more all within a 100 mile radius, I'd like to think maybe one of them had it back in the 1860's - 1880's. Maybe one of Quantrill's boys!!! Of course all speculation!!!

 

[bayonet]

Thanks again everyone who responded. It will stay in the display case. It was bought at an antique mall in Platte City, MO. And with the stomping grounds all around of the old outlaws, like St. Joseph MO, Liberty MO, Lexington MO, Independence MO, Kansas City MO, Athchison KS and more all within a 100 mile radius, I'd like to think maybe one of them had it back in the 1860's - 1880's. Maybe one of Quantrill's boys!!! Of course all speculation!!!

nothing wrong with it display it well plus the barrel markings are clear.