Original Argentine Remington Rolling Block Model 1879 E.N. Infantry Rifle in .43 Spanish Caliber - Serial J8718

Original Item. Only One Available. Offered in very good condition, this Contract Remington Rolling Block Rifle was made for the South American State of ARGENTINA of 1879. This is quite a scarce rifle to find in today's market, and this example, unlike most we see, does not look to have undergone any major restoration in the past. The receiver tang is correctly marked with the three line Remington patent information, though as we usually see they definitely are a bit worn:-

REMINGTONS ILION N.Y. U.S.A.
PAT. MAY 3D 1860 MAY 7TH JUNE 11TH NOV. 12TH, DEC. 24TH 1872
DEC. 31ST 1872 SEPT. 9TH 1875. JAN 12TH MARCH 18TH 1874

Due to their location on the grip area, these are often completely worn away, so having this much remaining is definitely a rarity. The model and date information is listed on the barrel nocks form, and is clear, with no signs of refinishing:

MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.

The E.N. abbreviation is for the Ejercito Nacional, or "National Army" in Argentina. There is however no "RA in a circle", for República Argentina, the country's name in Spanish, as it was probably worn away during refinishing. The left side of the barrel at the woodline is marked “R”, however we do not know the significance, as the chamber is definitely bottlenecked, so it can't indicate "Reformado", which has a straight case. This rifle definitely looks to be chambered for .43 Spanish (11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish). We removed the butt stock, and the receiver is marked on the top tang and trigger guard with serial number J8718.

Around the late 1800s Argentina was a developing world power, and had one of the largest economies in the world. Like any growing power, it needed arms, and as there were not yet local producers up to the task, they contracted out for their weaponry. They would later replace the rolling blocks with the more modern Argentine Contract Mauser rifles towards the end of the 1800s.

The rifle is complete with its cleaning rod and ladder back sight (very similar to a Werndl back sight), and is in very good shape. The back sight is fully functional, even the extension to the sight leaf, though it is definitely a bit stiff. The finish on the barrel is faded to a mottled gray patina, with some of the original factory bluing still retained in the more protected areas. The receiver still shows a light gray patina, with traces of the original case hardening. The barrel bands are in really great shape, and both sling swivels are present and fully functional.

The action cycles correctly, with a crisp dry fire. The ejector presents when the breech is opened, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and past fouling visible, now cleaned away.

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 some staining from oxidation to the metalwork, and the butt stock had a large letter U carved into the right side, with a letter V on the left side next to the butt plate. There are also some rack markings on the butt stock spine.

A very good honest used example of the Argentine Model 1879 Rolling Block Rifle, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1879
Caliber: 0.43" - 11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35.5 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Rolling Breechblock External Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

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