The Remington Model 1865 pistols were manufactured from 1866 to 1870. Approximately 6,500 were produced. The majority were designed for the .50 caliber rimfire cartridge but some, such as this example, were either adapted for centerfire by Remington at the request of the Ordnance Department by swapping the breechblocks. Many were converted to "Model 1867s" in the 1870s by converting them for centerfire ammunition, shortening the barrels, and changing the spur trigger out for a traditional trigger and trigger guard. This example is a prototype which is a transition between the 1866 and the 1867. It retains the original spur trigger and full length barrel but is fitted with a brass trigger guard marked "PATTERN GUARD./ORDER. JANY.28.1870./ORD DEPT. U.S.N.Y.W./F.M.R." The markings indicate this alteration was done by order of the Ordnance Department at the U.S. Naval Yard in Washington, D.C., and inspected by Cdr. Francis M. Ramsey. The barrel has the anchor marking. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent information, and the right side has the "P/F.C.W" inspection mark. A matching "FCW" cartouche is on the left side of the one piece grip. According to the information discussed in "Remington Rolling Block Pistols" by Jerry Landskron, both the Naval Yards in D.C. and at Norfolk were involved in these brass trigger guard conversions. Remington was actually responsible for the alterations using guards supplied by the Ordnance Department. Examples of these scarce pistols are pictured on page 112 and 113 of the above book. The author notes that only twelve pistols with the brass trigger guard are known and most of these are not marked. This example has the serial number on the bottom of the barrel but not on the frame.

Good. The pistol has a brown patina overall with some oxidation and minor marks. The wood is good with lightly visible cartouche, mild handling wear and some small dings and chips. The action is fine. Most of the markings are clear. This Remington rolling block pistol variant is extremely rare and are missing in all but a select few U.S. martial collections. Do not miss this opportunity!