Remington Rolling Block Model 1871 U.S. Infantry Rifle

U.S.  Minty, Excellent, U.S. Military Rolling Block

This excellently preserved Remington Model 1871 comes from, and should belong in, the higher eschelons of Firearm collecting. When people talk about investments, the only real investments are those which show high condition quality; those are the only ones which really ever show a return.  An item that is broken down and in a very bad state is never going to return a high profit financially. The only caveat to that, is provenance, and unless it can be prooved beyond all doubt, then the potential investor will not take the risk.  This item relies on condition and quality the like of which are extremely difficult to find, for this gendre, on this side of the water and thus lands firmly in the higher bracket of collecting.

Many of these military rolling blocks have not survived in their original condition, as they are a classic base for a conversion, or they have been sold off to other governments and been lost in time and conflict.  To find one of these that has remained as it was originally issued, AND in the condition is a rare thing.  Presented in fine condition and to original military specification; the rifle measures 52″ in overall length.  The round bright steel barrel is 36″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.3/4″ to centre.

Excellent two piece American Black Walnut stock with minimal damage, The action was originally case colour-hardened but has faded, except in protected areas where it is still visible. Stock fittings also finished in the white.  Barrel band springs both show the Springfield “U” laying on its side.  The steel shaped buttplate has a marking “U.S.” and the number “06” on the upper tang, indicating government issue. Top of receiver to barrel shows a simple barrel registration mark. The LHS of the action shows model designation of; “MODEL 1871.”  Adjacent to which, on the LHS of the wrist, is the final inspection mark, a beautifully clear “ESA” – Erskine, S, Allin. Chief Armourer at Springfield over that period.

The other side shows the “American Eagle / U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1872″ The eagle is slightly worn. On the upper tang the following details are marked; “REMINGTONS  PATENT /  PAT. MAY 3RD.NOV, 15TH 1864. APRIL 17TH 1868”  There is no serial number visible on the rifle .  Full length cleaning rod and sling swivels.  Checkering on the rolling block mechanisium is very strong.  Long spur to hammer.  Twin barrel bands,  Simple military ladder sight to rear, blued, with graduation to rear face when upright.

Overall the rifle is in excellent condition, where it has been? I can only guess; a museum or military college.  Imported about ten years ago and snaffled away to the back room.  Not appeared on the UK market before. The bore is extremely fine, rated at 99.9% as issued.  This is a great chance to bag a rarely seen rifle from the US and it will not be repeated.

Section 58ii, Does not require a license to hold and collect.

£ 2750.

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