Remington solid-frame percussion revolvers represent a family of cap-and-ball revolvers manufactured by Eliphalet Remington & Sons in Ilion, New York, between the late 1850s and the early 1870s. These revolvers formed one of the most important competing designs to Colt’s open-top percussion revolvers and became widely used during the American Civil War and in subsequent frontier and international service (Franco-Prussian war of 1870, which account for relatively large numbers of these weapons in Europe).
The Remington percussion revolver series originated with designs associated with Fordyce Beals, whose patents introduced a robust solid-frame construction incorporating a top strap over the cylinder. This structural feature distinguished Remington revolvers from the open-frame Colt designs and provided improved rigidity, durability, and resistance to frame stretching under repeated firing.
Remington revolvers were produced primarily in three calibres: .31 calibre pocket revolvers, .36 calibre belt or “navy-size” revolvers and 44 calibre large-frame or “army-size” revolvers
The series evolved through several manufacturing stages generally referred to by collectors and historians as:
Beals Models: Early production variants reflecting the original patent design. These revolvers exhibit distinctive loading lever and frame features and represent the earliest military and commercial offerings. Old Model Variants: Transitional production models incorporating incremental improvements in lockwork and loading lever mechanisms. These revolvers demonstrate the gradual refinement of the Beals design while maintaining overall mechanical continuity. New Model Variants: Later production revolvers featuring simplified construction, improved reliability, and enhanced manufacturability. These are commonly, though incorrectly, referred to as “Model 1858” revolvers due to patent markings found on barrels. Large-scale production of these improved variants began during the American Civil War, particularly after military demand increased.
Remington percussion revolvers were procured in significant numbers by the United States government during the American Civil War. Initially issued as supplementary sidearms, their importance increased following production disruptions affecting competing manufacturers. Their solid-frame construction and removable cylinder design were widely regarded as practical advantages in field service.
The removable cylinder allowed relatively rapid reloading when spare cylinders were available, although period military doctrine rarely issued spare cylinders as standard equipment.
After the Civil War, many Remington percussion revolvers remained in service domestically and internationally. Large numbers were later converted to metallic cartridge systems during the transitional period from percussion to cartridge firearms. These conversions extended the operational life of the revolvers well into the late nineteenth century and contributed to their widespread use in frontier environments.
The designation “Model 1858” is a retrospective collector term derived from barrel patent markings. It does not correspond to an official Remington model designation and should be treated as an informal classification rather than a historically accurate model name.
Productiion: Approximately late 1850s to early 1870s, including percussion manufacture and subsequent cartridge conversions.
