This revolver from c. late 1874 or early 1875 is one of the first 100 Remington Model 1875 revolvers off the line and is certainly one of the finest extant today both in terms of condition and its embellishment. These early "First Type, First Issue" revolvers were originally going to be .46 caliber rimfire but were instead released in .44 Remington Centerfire. After 1878, most of the Model 1875s were chambered for .44 Winchester Centerfire or .45 Colt. This revolver features the distinctive early production "First Type, First Issue" hammer that was factory modified from rimfire to centerfire, the First Type lanyard loop on the butt, and the First Type "pinched" blade front sight threaded into the barrel. Its matching two-digit serial number, "57," is marked on the rear face of the cylinder, loading gate, triggerguard, both grip panels and grip frame. The barrel has "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. U.S.A." reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The revolver is beautifully engraved with extensive engraving mainly consisting of flowing scroll designs. The extent of the engraving combined with the pearl grips and the low serial number suggests this revolver was possibly selected for engraving as a factory exhibition piece to help promote Remington's new design. The engraving is indicative of patterns by Louis D. Nimschke. Nimschke is known to have been tasked with engraving firearms for Remington and other leading firearms companies for exhibitions as well as important presentations such as the factory engraved Remington New Model Army revolvers that were presented to Ulysses S. Grant and previously sold by Rock Island Auction Co. for $5.17 million in May of 2022. The scrollwork is classic Nimschke. A companion to this revolver is a Model 1890 from the Remington Museum (see Karr and Karr's "Remington Handguns," page 130). Also see the Model 1875 no. 81 in our May 2023 premier auction (lot 3229). Note the similarities of the engraving, especially on the scrollwork on the frame and "Nimschke star" on the right side of the frame. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman

Very fine, retaining 70% untouched original nickel finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with some chipping and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. An early production, factory engraved Remington Model 1875 revolver that is a testament to 19th century American firearms artistry.