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

Original Item. Only One Available. Offered in very good used 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 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 in a circle”, for República Argentina, the country’s name in Spanish, so it is possible that it was never issued, or more likely that the marking was missed. 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”. This rifle is definitely chambered for .43 Spanish (11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish).

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 nice lightly speckled patina on the receiver, still showing some of the original case hardening, which was made very faint by cleaning. The barrel still has much of the original bluing present, with the areas on top faded to more of a plum patina. The patent markings on the barrel tang are mostly clear, and the rifle does not show any signs of being reblued, which was commonly done at arsenal or when sold on the private market.

The action cycles correctly, with a crisp dry fire. The ejector presents correctly, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves with just a few spots of fouling. There is only the minor wear to the lands visible, so this rifle only saw very light use during service. The wood stocks on the rifle probably show the most age and wear, but are still solid, with no cracks or repairs we can see. There are some dents, dings, and small gouges, but nothing out of line with being in service and storage for many years. There are some numbers stamped into the left side and spine of the butt stock, probably rack numbers from service.

A very good 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

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.