Guns International #: 103210339

Category - Military Rifles - US - Remington Rifles - Military

Category
Military Rifles - US
Remington Rifles - Military

RAREST OF THE U.S. ISSUE ROLLING BLOCKS: A GENUINE, NOT FAKE, 1867 U.S. NAVY CARBINE

Description:
THE RAREST OF THE U.S. ISSUE ROLLING BLOCK: A GENUINE (NOT A COUNTERFEIT) 1867 U.S. NAVY CARBINE, CALIBER .50-45. The contract called for 5,000 of these carbines that were delivered to the Navy Yard in 1868-early 1869. This was the first center fire cartridge long arm contract by the U.S. Government after the Civil War that was not merely an alteration of an existing rifle. The most complete information on these comes from the excellent book Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World, by George Layman. In the section on these carbines he explains that they were issued to a number of ships and removed from service in 1879. At this point most were sold as surplus to some large arms dealers where many were altered. The Whitney company re-barreled a load of them and, here’s the important part, “returned 1497 barrels to Hartley and Graham” of New York. These barrels floated around and many found their way to Dixie Gun Works who bought tons (literally) of gun parts of all kinds in the 1950s. The Dixie catalog of 1967 lists these barrels at $10 ea and forends at $3. This is why almost all of the so-called Model 1867 U.S. Navy carbines are made-up guns. Fortunately, they are easy to spot. First, the originals have a concave breech block easily seen with the action open. Also, there is an extractor stud in the bottom center of the block with no side extractor as seen on later Rolling Blocks. Further, there is no screw in the left side of the frame that would hold this side extractor. They were also made without saddle rings (sling rings) on the frame and have swivels mounted on the barrel band and stock. The barrels have the anchor stamping on top with serial number on the left side. The right side of the receiver also has the P over FCW anchor stamping. The rear sight is a short leaf-type marked “3” and “5” for yardage. From Layman’s book: “...With its U.S. martial associations, early adoption, small numbers made and tiny numbers surviving, it shouldn’t surprise us that unscrupulous persons would try to ‘re-create’ this ultra-desirable Rolling Block rarity.” Layman also states that many of these fakes weren’t recognized because so few collectors had ever seen a real, unaltered 1867 Navy carbine. (This book is in print, contains a wealth of information, and should be on every collector’s shelf). This example is correct in the above mentioned ways and is an original, unaltered example. The metal is mostly gray with some evidence of old surface corrosion that was simply wiped off and not buffed or scoured. All the correct U.S. Navy markings and Remington address/patent markings on the tang are present. The wood shows handling and wear, but is fine with good wood to metal fit. Action is tight with strong safety half-cock. Retains the correct, original sights. Note: the .50-45 cartridge is the same case as the .50-70, just light loaded for carbine use (this was done with the .45-70 for use in the Trapdoor carbine also). The bore is bright and about excellent all the way through. Even advanced martial or Remington collections lack an “original” one of these. $2950

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .50-70 Government
Manufacturer: REMINGTON
Model: 1867 NAVY CARBINE
Serial Number: 3XXX
Barrel Length: 23 1/4
Condition: VG
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT

Price: $2,950.00