Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Remington Rolling Block rifle was a breech-loading rifle produced from the mid-1860s into the early 20th century by E. Remington and Sons (later Remington Arms Company). The action was extremely strong, and could easily withstand the increased pressure of the new smokeless powders coming into use by the late 1880s. For this reason, production continued into the 1890s, chambered for the new smaller cartridges such as the 7×57mm used by the Mauser model 1895 Export Rifle.
Even though the Mauser still held a distinct advantage in firepower, due to its multi-shot capability, Remington still sold many of these based on their lower price, simplicity, and rugged reliability. Many South American countries took interest and purchased them for their militaries, including the Republic of Mexico. They were able to use the Rolling Blocks to arm rear echelon and local troops, who did not need the relatively rapid reloading capability of the Mauser. Mexico purchased nearly 15,000 rifles and carbines. They are desirable for their scarcity, their history, and their markings.
This is a very nice service used example of a Mexican Contract M1897 Remington Rolling block., which came to us a bit worse for wear, but has now been cleaned to put it in its best light. It has the correct REPUBLICA MEXICANA marking on the breech ring of the receiver, over the Mexican Coat of Arms. This was produced during the era of Mexican history known as the Porfiriato, when when General Porfirio Díaz ruled Mexico as president in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Unlike most that we see, this rifle still has much of the original REMINGTON ARMS COMPANY ILION N.Y. marking on the upper receiver tang visible, with the patent dates underneath. The bottom receiver tang is correctly marked with serial number 2777, which means that the rifle was made very early in production, during the first 20%, so it was definitely made in 1897 or 1898. As is correct, there are no other markings on the rifle.
We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, with a partly bright finish showing clear rifling. There is however some wear to the lands, and a bit of oxidation in the grooves, so this is definitely a rifle that did see some degree of use. The exterior metal finish is in a bit worse condition, showing oxidation and patination on many of the fittings, including the butt plate, barrel bands, trigger guard, and cleaning rod. The receiver has some pitting on the left side chamber ring, and also further down. We checked the action, and it does cycle correctly, with the ejector presenting, though we did not test it on actual brass.
The stock is in similar condition, showing a lot of wear from use, though it does not look to have seen any factory reconditioning. There are some chunks missing and pressure dents. There also looks to be a bit of woodworm damage on the left side of the butt stock. Both the fore stock and butt stock look to have been varnished, which has turned whitish in places due to moisture exposure. The original cleaning rod is still present, sored in a channel under the barrel.
A very interesting Remington Rolling block rifle, made in the U.S. under contract to Mexico during the very end of the 19th century.. Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: c.1897-1898
Caliber: 7×57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 Inches
Action type: Rolling Block with Rear Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
History of the Remington Rolling Block Rifle:
It was made in a variety of calibers, both rimfire and centerfire, including the 12.17x42 mm rimfire, 12.17x44 mm rimfire and 12.17x44 mm rimmed centerfire Swedish and Norwegian cartridges, .43 Spanish (11.15x58mmR), .50-70, 40-70,45-70, and later in .22 caliber. Later models were produced in .30-06 Springfield, 7×57mm Mauser, and 8×50mmR Lebel.
In 12.17x42mmRF and 12.18x44mmRF (two cartridges that were interchangeable), and towards the end of its service life also 8x58mmR Danish Krag centerfire, it served as the standard service rifle of the Swedish Army from 1867 to the mid-1890s (when it was replaced by the Swedish Mauser) and in Norway as the standard service rifle from 1867 to the mid-1880s (when it was replaced by the M1884 Jarmann). In .43 Spanish it was the chief service arm of the Spanish Army from 1870-1893, and was used by reserve and militia forces for many years thereafter. Many Rolling Block rifles were used by Argentina before being replaced in 1891 by the new 7.65mm Mauser, and were also widely used by Egypt and Mexico. The Remington rolling block also became the standard service rifle of the Danish Army. During the Franco-Prussian War, France acquired 210,000 Rolling Block rifles to make up for a shortage of the standard-issue Chassepot.
During World War I, the British Royal Navy purchased 4,500 Rolling Block rifles in 7mm Mauser from Remington's leftover stock after production had ended, issuing them to the crews of minesweepers and Q-ships. In November 1914, production of the Rolling Block was resumed, in the form of a French contract for rifles in 8×50mmR Lebel, designated by France as "Fusil Remington modèle 1914". 100,291 such rifles were delivered by 1916, and used to equip rear-line troops.
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