I bid on these two guns and a Beretta 84B, via online bidding, for the most recent Hessney Auction Company's Sportsman's Auction (formerly Rid & Gun Auction). The Beretta has to go through an FFL but the Uberti 1851 London Navy Revolver in 36 caliber and the Remington Model 10, 12 gauge slide action shotgun arrived at my apartment today via UPS. The 1851 London Navy Revolver, being a black powder revolver, did not require a transfer through an FFL and the Remington Model 10 shotgun was good to go on my Curios & relics FFL since it is more than 50 ears old. In fact it's way more than 50; I'll need to check the date codes on the Remington but I believe these were made only from 1911 - 1929, so it may be over 100 years old! They arrived in undamaged condition and that was a relief; they certainly had ample padding to assure such a condition.
The Uberti has its original cardboard box with what passes for a manual (really a pamphlet of instructions); also has its serialized (by way of a sticker) walnut presentation case with name plate showing make, model and serial number; and accessories including: a powder flask, a bullet mold, a tin of percussion caps and a nipple wrench (ouch). It is a nice looking gun. I am as certain as I can be that it is new old stock and unfired, except maybe for a test shot at the factory. At first glance, I can say that the only thing that is a bit disappointing is that the case color, on the frame over the trigger, appears to me to be chemically applied instead of being actually case hardened but I surely am not a gunsmith so am not certain of that. Anyway - it is a very nice BP revolver and I am quite happy to have gotten it since Uberti is known for high quality BP replicas.
The Remington Model 10 is in very good to excellent shape. I'd estimate the metal finish to be at least 80-85%. The wood of the slide/fore-end looks original finish and is excellent. The wood of the stock seems to have been shellacked or varnished right over the old finish. I am not 100 percent sure of that, it could just be the age of the original finish that makes it look that way - hard to tell on this old of a gun but I am fairly certain it was given a coat of shellac or varnish at some point. It seemed to function well during a function check - although a trip to the range well tell all about how well it works.
I eagerly am awaiting a nice day to go to an outdoor range with my two recently acquired Zastava M70 pistols and with this Remington shotgun. The Beretta 84B is scheduled to be delivered to my local dealer on Saturday. If it is dropped off early enough, I may be able to pick it up and if the day is nice enough then head to the range with all four guns. I am not taking the Uberti 1851 because I do not shoot black powder, at least not yet. That revolver is nice enough to keep for a showpiece or as an item to sell or trade later on in still unfired condition.
All the best,
Glenn B
