This is one of 106,000 Remington New Model Army revolvers purchased by the U.S. government for the Civil War with continuing issue into the Indian Wars. The New Model Army was the main competitor to Colt's Model 1860 Army and the primary sidearm purchased after the fire at Colt's factory. They were also widely used in the West after the war including by Buffalo Bill Cody while he was working as a buffalo hunter, scout, and Indian fighter. He famously said, "It never failed me." in a note written to his friend when he presented his revolver as a Christmas gift. This example has mostly the standard markings and features, but it interestingly has the full serial number on the barrel and only "1" and 247" on the grip frame and "247" on the grips. The left grip also has Orville W. Ainsworth's "OWA" script cartouche. Ainsworth is well known to collectors as the earliest inspector of Colt Single Action Army Cavalry revolvers and the inspector of the Colt's issued to Custer's 7th Cavalry.

Fine. The frame retains 30% of the original blue finish, and the loading lever has traces. The balance has smooth brown patina and some minor marks and scratches. The grips are also fine and have a few minor chips and marks. The action functions fine, and the markings, including the cartouche, are crisp.