Original Item: Only One available. This early bolt-action design was first patented in November 1878, as marked of this rifle's receiver, by JAMES PARIS LEE. This is the same Lee who later became famous for his huge contribution to the British Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield series of rifles of WW1 and WW2.

Using the then U.S. standard caliber of ammunition, the .45-70 round, this bolt action magazine rifle was revolutionary at the time. It was accepted by the U.S. Navy on a limited basis for the Model 1879 variant, with about 1000 being ordered, and the U.S. Army subsequently ordered 750 of the Model 1882 variant for trials. The U.S. Navy would later acquire 3,400 of the Model 1885 in two contracts. Remington however saw much more success with foreign contracts, with 32,000 being produced, including about 13,000 being sent to china. It was also sold in a quantity of 500 units to New Zealand in 1887. Eventually in 1892 it was passed over by the U.S. Military in favor of the M-1892 Krag–Jørgensen Rifle in 30-40 Caliber.

This lovely example is one of the Model 1885 rifles received by the Navy after their first contract. These were fitted virtually identically to the U.S. Trapdoor rifles of the period, and this example has a Model 1879 rear sliding sight, two sling swivels with a stacking swivel, and a standard cleaning rod that threads into the receiver. It has the correct U.S. Navy contract marking stamped onto the front top of the receiver over the chamber:

U. S. N.
⚓︎
No 2933
W. W. K.

This looks like it was part of the second order for the navy, which was for 300 rifles, issued U.S. Navy serial numbers in the 2,651 to 2,950 range. It has the correct inspection marking for U.S. Navy inspector Lt. W.W. Kimball. The top and side of the receiver has the Remington address and patent information:

To the right of these the top of the receiver is stamped with serial number 52000, which is also consistent with the 2nd order placed by the Navy for these rifles.

The rifle appears totally complete including its original cleaning rod, and does not look to have been messed with or modified during its long life. The metalwork has had the original bluing wear a bit to a nice gray patina overall, and there is no major oxidation or pitting present. The stock has a lovely color and no major damage, just some cracking and old wood filler next to the butt stock. The rifle cycles correctly, with a strong dry fire, though we have no way to know if the magazine still feeds. The magazine definitely does detach from the bottom of the action when the release in front of the trigger is pulled. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing clear rifling with a mostly bright finish. There is some wear, and past oxidation in the grooves, but overall it is still very nice, especially for a black powder gun.

A wonderful example of a Navy Contract Remington-Lee rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1885-1892
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action Magazine Repeater
Feed System: 5-Round Box Magazine

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.

More on the Remington-Lee Model 1885

The M1885 Remington–Lee (also known as the M1885 Lee, and "Navy M1885") is a bolt-action, box magazine repeating rifle designed principally by James Paris Lee.

It first appeared in 1879, manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. Eventually Remington took over production and produced copies in .45-70. Arguably the most modern rifle in the world until the introduction of the 8 mm smokeless powder using Lebel M1886 rifle, the Lee utilized the first successful detachable box magazine, unlike the Lebel which still used a tube magazine.

The design was incorporated by the British into the Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield rifles, thereby becoming one of the most widely used rifle designs of the 20th century. Remington's version of the Model 1879 saw only limited use by the U.S. Navy and the Model 1882 was tested by U.S. Army and issued on a very limited scale. Ultimately, it was passed up in favor of the Krag–Jørgensen in 1892.

New Zealand purchased 500 for its militia in 1887. These were chambered in Remington's .43 Spanish (11.15×58mmR) caliber. These were quickly replaced after complaints about ammunition quality.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

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 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.