Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of what we believe is a scarce Remington Model 1867 Carbine, from the lot of 5000 carbines manufactured for the U.S. Navy in 1868-1869. It is however a bit different than other examples we have seen, mainly in terms of the markings on the receiver. These usually have the early Remington "two line" patent markings, and will be marked with an "Anchor" marking on the right side of the action.

This example however has the tang of the receiver marked with the 1864-1874 "three line" patent information:

There are no other markings on the receiver we can see, so it is a bit of a mystery. We have considered that maybe the receiver was damaged, and it was repaired using a new receiver, as all of the "large frame" receivers were fairly identical. Otherwise, it is the correct length and chambering, has the U.S. Navy "Anchor" proof on the end of the barrel above the chamber, and also has the correct sling swivels. The breech block is an early pattern with a concave top and tab extractor, with a firing pin retractor on the top.

This interesting example bears serial number 981 on the barrel by the receiver, and is also marked 1648 on both the frame and trigger guard under the butt stock. It is equipped with the correct 23 1/2" barrel has been restored to this wonderful condition by our in house experts. Due to how few were made, they are very rare to find on the market today in any condition.

The condition of the rifle is very nice, with just some light peppering on parts of the receiver, and otherwise has a nice gray patina from aged case hardening. The barrel itself shows a lovely aged "plum" patina. The stocks are very nice, showing moderate wear from service and a dark red brown walnut color. There are no repairs we can see, however there are some small gouges on the butt stock. The barrel looks almost unfired internally, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. We can even still see the original machine cutting marks in the grooves! Truly a choice condition barrel!

In fantastic condition, a very interesting Remington Government Navy Contract Model 1867 Carbine in .50-45 caliber with later patent markings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1870s
Caliber: .50-45
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 23 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 38 1/2 Inches
Action type: Rolling Block with Rear Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Remington Rolling Block

During the U.S. Civil War, Joseph Rider experimented with several breech loading weapon designs. In 1865, he was issued the first patent for what would evolve into the Remington rolling block action. The Remingtons continued to invest in Rider's work, and met with Ordnance Department officials in the hope of interesting them in this new design. The U.S. Navy Ordnance Department became interested in the design, and purchased several different models of rifles from 1867 through 1869. Field trials of these various rifles yielded mostly positive results.

In 1869, the Navy Bureau of Ordnance tested many different weapons, and settled on the .50 caliber Remington Rolling Block for use by both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. An order was placed for 10,000 model 1870 rifles. After the rifles were produced, Navy inspectors realized that the rear sights had been positioned incorrectly, and were dangerously close to the chamber, making the weapon unsafe for use. All 10,000 rifles were rejected, and were subsequently sold to France for use in the Franco-Prussian War. The sale of the defective rifles enabled enough funds to be recovered that the Navy Ordnance Department ordered an additional 12,000 rifles.

Following the success of the model 1870, the Governor of New York ordered 15,000 Remington rolling block rifles and bayonets for his state's militia. These model 1871 rifles were very similar to the model 1870 rifles, but differed in some details. Field experience with the model 1870 showed that the mechanism jammed too easily in dusty conditions. Users also did not like loading the weapon at full cock. The model 1871 included a locking bolt in the breech mechanism. The user pulled the hammer to the full cock position, retracted the breech block spur to expose the chamber, and inserted the cartridge. When the breech block closed, the hammer automatically fell to the half cock position, and the weapon could not be fired until the hammer was once again pulled to the full cock position.

Over 20,000 model 1871 rifles were eventually purchased by the state of New York. The U.S. Army did not greet the Remingtons with much enthusiasm, despite its superiority to the standard-issue Springfield model 1870. Foreign sales of the weapon were much more successful. Denmark ordered many of the model 1870 and 1871 rifles. In 1873, Spain ordered 50,000 model 1871 rifles, which were delivered in 1875. Numerous other countries, such as France, Chile, Argentina, Cuba, Greece, and Puerto Rico also purchased this rifle

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.