Remington New Model Army Conversion Revolver Inscribed Fine Condition

Serial #85158, .46 RF, 8" octagon barrel with a very good, lightly freckled bore. This is an extremely handsome, Rollin White license-converted revolver that retains 75-80% of the original dark blue finish with the balance worn to a mixture of plum-brown and pewter gray. Specks of mild surface oxidation are present as well. The Rollin White patent marking on the cylinder is still sharp and crisp: "PATENTED APRIL 3D. 1855," as are the Remington markings on the top of the barrel, and conversion number on the bottom just ahead of the loading lever catch: "412." The brass trigger guard has a mostly bright yellow-ochre patina, and the walnut grips are in very good-fine shape, with scattered handling marks and minor blemishes in the oil finish. A Christmas presentation is engraved in flowing script along the backstrap: "M. Nichols from F.R. Lord, Dec. 25, 1869." Under an 1868 contract between Remington and Smith & Wesson, Remington was given the rights to convert 4,575 .44 New Model Army revolvers to .46 RF under Rollin White’s patent. Smith & Wesson was paid $1.00 per converted gun in royalties with distribution of 31 examples to M.W. Robinson of New York City, 400 to J.W. Storrs (S&W’s New York Agent), and the bulk of the run; 4,141 revolvers, to B.K. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. This example is in exceptionally fine condition, and would make a splendid addition to any collection of early American big bore cartridge revolvers. Antique