REM M1858 W/POSSIBLE USAGE BY INDIAN-MEXICAN BORDER RAIDERS

[victorio1sw]

In the mid-1960’s I acquired a Remington M1858 44 caliber percussion revolver that came off of a south Texas ranch. This ranch dates to about 1870, and being 70 miles from the border the residents had to deal with frequent raids from Mexico. After a bloody raid in 1878 cowboys from this ranch were included in a posse to pursue and punish the raiding party consisting of Indians, Mexicans, and one man with long blonde hair. Over the years a number of various makes and models of guns were accumulated at this ranch, some having been bought for self-defense and others as captured from border outlaws. This is a well-used revolver with almost no barrel address left, and many small steel tacks in the butt of the grips. When acquired, the original cylinder pin had been replaced with a short rod which may have been made from a large nail. A replacement cylinder pin (from C. H. Weiss) was the only thing needed to restore the revolver’s full functioning. The bore, nipples, and mechanism were unusually well preserved considering the hard use and overall wear. Under the left grip is the serial number 139595, with a “1” also stamped near the toe. Under the right grip is another “1” near the toe, and a large “K” on the front grip strap. No markings remain anywhere on the grips. Under the barrel is a faint 13959, with the last digit unreadable. On the rear of the cylinder may be the remnants of the last 3 digits of the serial number, plus a large “C” as deeply stamped. On front of the brass trigger guard is a “P”. Another “P” appears right above the hammer screw on the left side of the frame. No other inspection marks are apparent on this gun. In Pate’s November, 2009 Gun Report article he illustrates an identical large “C” on the rear of a M1858 cylinder, and comments that this stamping indicated a condemned part. At this point I am thinking that perhaps this revolver was condemned and possibly shipped to Mexico for civilian use. The date of manufacture and any other information would be appreciated.

[Jay Huber]

Your Gun was made at end of Civil War about March of 1865. The "C" indicates a reject and the lack of military inspection marks also indicates reject. Your Story sounds feasible.

Jay Huber RSA