This is an exceptionally fine example of a U.S. contract Remington New Model Army percussion revolver that was manufactured circa 1864. The revolver has the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder and frame with brass trigger guard and casehardened hammer. The two-piece cartouched grips are oil-finished walnut. The octagon barrel is fitted with the standard steel pinch blade front sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "PATENTED. SEPT. 14. 1858/ REMINGTON & SONS. ILION, NEWYORK. U.S.A./NEW-MODEL" in three lines. Single letter, "D", "R" and "W" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The full serial number "105935" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the left side of the frame underneath the grip. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with an Ordnance final inspection mark that consists of the script initials "OWA" (Orville W. Ainsworth) in a rectangle with rounded ends. The Remington New Model Army revolver was the primary handgun purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the cavalry from mid-1863 until the end of the Civil War. The Ordnance Department purchased a total of 115,557 Remington New Model Army revolvers during the Civil War. These well made and rugged revolvers remained in service with the cavalry until they were replaced by the Colt Single Action Army revolver c. 1874-75.