Original Item. Only One Available. Now this is something that we have not had before! A rare Model 1870 Remington Rolling block made in Belgium for the South American country of Uruguay, one of only 2000-3000 ever made! The Remington Rolling block design was popular around the world, and in particular the design was adopted Spain to arm its colonies in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. It also was adopted by Egypt in the same .43 Spanish chambering, and by many former parts of the Spanish colonial empire, including Mexico and Argentina.

Another country that explored the use of the design was Uruguay, officially known as the República Oriental del Uruguay. They contracted with gunmaker Belgian gun-making company Auguste Francotte of Liège to produce a 2-band short rifle measuring 42 1/2 inches in length with a 27 1/2 inch barrel. The design included the "reverse" style rear sight, and a bayonet stand on the right muzzle of the barrel. The breech block has an early "concave" style top, but also has a sliding extractor on the left side, and a firing pin retractor as with the Spanish-made Oviedo M1871 rolling block. Sling swivels are mounted on the trigger guard and upper barrel band.

This lovely example is the first example that we have seen, and it is correctly marked REPUBLICA ORIENTAL on the top of the barrel in front of the rear sight, indicating issue to Uruguay. The receiver tang has the correct Francotte address marking still legible:-

A. FRANCOTTE
A LIEGE

There are also Belgian proof markings on various components, as well as a small CROWN / AF on the right side of the barrel nocks form, the marking for Francotte. There is a 69 stamped on the right side of the receiver, and we removed the butt stock, and the receiver is marked on the top tang and trigger guard with serial number 116. There was originally a "crossed cannons" marking on the top of the chamber, but that is mostly worn away now.

The rifle is complete with its cleaning rod and reverse ladder back sight, which is fully functional. The metalwork overall shows some fading and oxidation to the original bright finish, as well as wear from use and cleaning. There is some evidence of past oxidation in areas, but no major pit rusting. The action cycles correctly, with a crisp dry fire, and the firing pin retractor is fully functional. The ejector presents when the breech is opened, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear to the lands, and a bit of past fouling in the grooves.

The wood stocks are in very good condition, with a lovely red brown color, and no major damage or other issues. There are some dents and dings, as well as some larger gouges on the fore stock and left side of the butt stock. We can see some stamped markings as well on the left side, and there is also a faded Francotte stock cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, which is difficult to read.

A very good example of a rare Uruguayan Model 1870 Rolling Block Rifle, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1871
Caliber: 0.43" - 11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 27 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 42 1/2 Inches
Action type: Rolling Breechblock External Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.