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.

This is a very nice service used example of the Spanish Fusil Remington Norteamericano Mo. 1870, from one of the most well-known military contracts that Remington received. When people talk about a "Spanish Remington", this is the rifle they are talking about. This is not one of the many made under license at the Spanish Oviedo Arsenal, this is definitely one of the U.S. manufactured rifles. As detailed in The Military Remington Rolling Block Rifle by George Layman, Spain ordered the Rolling Block rifles as part of three contracts: an initial order in 1868 for the delivery of 10,000 rifles to Spain’s colonial army in Cuba, a second 50,000 rifle contract in about 1871, and a third contract placed in 1873.

These three contracts exhibit somewhat different characteristics, due to when they were placed. The first contract featured some very early designs, such as the concave top to the rolling block below the breech face, and the sliding cartridge extractor. The other two contracts had the flat top breech block, but all retained the sliding cartridge extractor. As a 2nd contract example, there is a "Fleur-de-Lis" marking on the barrel breech, as well as some very faded ones on the receiver. It also features the solid barrel bands and springs, which were not seen on the later examples. The Remington patent markings on the rear receiver tang are unfortunately completely removed due to wear and cleaning.

The serial number is 62446, marked on the left side of the receiver and trigger guard tangs under the rear stock. The butt stock wood itself has a different serial number marked on the right side, 24865, but more importantly, has an arsenal cartouche indicating it was issued to Cuba:

MTZA
HABANA
1888

Maestranza Habana (Havana Arsenal) was one of the major arms depots for the Spanish Army, and was one of the areas blockaded during the Spanish-American war. This puts it there right during the period, so there is a very good chance that it saw service during the conflict! Definitely some fantastic historical research potential here!

The rifle is in very good condition, showing wear from long use in service. The finish on the metalwork has matured to a nice light gray patina, and the stock has a lovely color, showing some great grain. Both sling swivels are present, as is the original cleaning rod. The barrel bands are a bit loose, but the stocks do not appear to have been reconditioned at any time.

The action cycles well, and does not exhibit any type of finicky behavior. The firing pin moves freely, and the early design sliding ejector presents correctly. The rear sight flips up correctly as well, though unfortunately the sight cap and slider are missing. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing clear rifling with a mostly bright finish. There definitely is wear to the lands, so this is a rifle that saw a good amount of service.

The included bayonet is in very nice condition, showing the expected wear from service, which has removed much of the original finish. It is a bit loose on the muzzle area due to wear.

A very nice service used example of an early Remington rolling block design, made for Spain in the early 1870s and issued to Havana prior to the Spanish-American War. Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: .43 Spanish
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35 1/16 Inches
Overall Length: 50 1/2 Inches
Action type: Rolling Block with Rear Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade length: 17”
Blade style: Triangular Socket Style
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 20 1/2”

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.

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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre in the UK.

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.