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U.S. NAVY SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1870 ROLLING BLOCK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 800.00 USD
U.S. NAVY SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1870 ROLLING BLOCK
SINGLE SHOT RIFLE. Cal. 50-70. S# NSN. Bbl. 32 5/8" w/ ladder rear sight graduated to 1,000 yds. Stud type front sight. These rifles were mfg. by Springfield Armory for the U.S. Navy. The action is marked on the right side w/ the eagle "USN SPRINGFIELD 1870". Information on these interesting rifles in the book Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World by Layman states that following a dubious transaction w/ purchasing agents for the French Government these rifles were condemned as the placement of the rear sight on the bbl. was only 1/2" in front of the receiver instead of the required 3 1/8". Most rifles went to France but some had already entered the U.S. Navy & were on board ship at distant parts of the world. There are two versions of this rifle which are the early "rejected" models & the later "accepted" models w/ correct sight placement. Sliding extractor. Receiver tang has Remington patent markings. Swivels mounted in trigger guard & upper band. Ramrod is present. Unmarked walnut stock set & forend retained by 2 solid bands secured w/ band springs. Buttplate is marked "US" at tang. CONDITION: stock set has nice appearing original finish w/ light wear & scattered handling marks throughout. Bright metal turning gray & patina. Upper band has been polished bright. Ramrod has cleaned appearance. Receiver retains traces of case colors. Very good shiny bore. Good sharp lands. (01-23454/RW). ANTIQUE. $500-800.