16th KS Cavalry Remington New Model Army 1863

During the Civil War, the two most prominent sidearms on the Union side were the Colt Army and Remington New Model Army. Thanks to a Colt factory fire in 1864, and a cheaper price overall, the Remington took over in terms of overall purchase numbers by the end of the war.

The 6 shot .44 caliber Remington New Model Army is a fairly common Civil War sidearm to come across thanks to the massive numbers (over 100,000) that were purchased. What is not so common is finding a Remington that we know by records went to a specific unit. We might know they were US government purchased, but typically that is all we will know. 

Through Springfield Armory archival research, we know this particular New Army was in a block of guns issued to Company H of the 16th Kansas Cavalry. The revolver was issued on Sept 24th 1865, while the regiment was on what amounted to police duty on the frontier during the Powder River Expedition.

The 16th Kansas had already served for several years during the Civil War in the Western Theater, including several battles fought repelling Sterling Price’s Missouri raid in 1864. With the war winding down as Southern forces began surrendering in 1865, the 16th Kansas was likely none too pleased to be posted to the frontier instead of returning home.

The 16th served in what amounted to a police role on the frontier and this lighter duty is probably why the revolver is in as good a shape as it is. It was likely carried a lot and shot very little. It has a hint of rust and patina, but much original blue remaining, and a crisp action. Remingtons from the Civil War era with even some original finish remaining can be tough to find, but one with known regimental provenance is even more unique.