Historians - Want To Trace Antique Revolver History
I found an antique weapons dealer in the Yellow Pages and went to see him today.
He verified what the gun is and also said there's absolutely no way to trace the original purchase location since detailed records weren't kept back then and so many businesses sold guns. He also confirmed the front sight on my gun is an outstanding example of a "German Silver" blade front sight that was made and installed by a local gunsmith. His exact words were, "That front sight proves that this gun was used by someone who knew how to use it and planned to use it. It's a fine example of the work that was done west of the Rocky Mountains". He said this type of front sight was the "Micro Sights" of its day.
I also found out the holster is a "California-style" holster and was originally for a Colt. Unfortunately, no markings on the holster as any markings would have greatly increased the holster value.
So, there's the story of my family heirloom Remington 1861 Old Army .44 cal. revolver that belonged to my great-great-grandfather. If you would like to see him, he was the model for the Trapper on the "This Is The Place" monument at the mouth of Emigration Canyon just outside of Salt Lake City, UT. The bronze statue was made by his nephew.