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

Original Item. Only One Available. Offered in excellent cosmetic 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. The receiver tang is marked E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y., U.S.A, along with both lines of patent information still mostly legible, which is quite rare due to the location on the grip area. The model and date information is listed on the barrel nocks form, and is clear:

MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.

The E.N. abbreviation is for the Ejercito Nacional, or “National Army” in Argentina. There is however no “RA” for República Argentina, the country’s name in Spanish, so it may not have been officially issued. This may explain the excellent condition of the finish, though it may have been arsenal reblued at some point.

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 ramrod and ladder back sight (very similar to a Werndl back sight), and is in good shape, with a lovely glued finish on the receiver and action. The barrel still has much of the original bluing present as well. The patent markings on the barrel tang are mostly clear, though they are missing some crispness, which does point to a reblue at some point.

The action cycles correctly, with the trigger releasing the hammer onto the back of the rolling block. The ejector presents correctly, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves with no oxidation spots we can see. There is only the tiniest bit of wear visible, so this rifle only saw very light use during service. The wood stocks are in great shape, and look to have been refinished and varnished at some point in the past, so they look lovely.

A beautiful example of the Argentine Model 1879 Rolling Block Rifle, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1879
Caliber: .43 Spanish
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35.5 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Rolling Breechblock External Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

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.