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

Original Item. Only One Available. Offered in excellent 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 correctly marked with the three line Remington patent information, though 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. It does look like the metalwork was arsenal refinished at some point on this rifle. This unfortunately wore away the model and date information, which originally would have read:

MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.

The E.N. abbreviation is for the Ejercito Nacional, or “National Army” in Argentina. There is also no “RA in a circle”, for República Argentina, the country’s name in Spanish, as it was probably worn away during refinishing. We had considered that it was possibly just an “export model”, but the sight, bayonet stand, and 36 inch barrel length are definitive for the Argentine contract. We measured the bore and examined the chamber, and the rifle definitely looks to be chambered for .43 Spanish (11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish). The chamber bottleneck is still present, so it is not in “Reformado”.

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 very good shape, having had an arsenal reblue at some point. Since then it has gotten just a bit of peppering on the barrel and other areas, but it still looks great. 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 little to no wear on the lands visible, so this must have only seen light service, or possibly none at all. The wood stocks are in very good condition, with a lovely red brown color, and no major damage or other issues. They show only a few dents and dings, and we expect that they were replaced when the rifle was arsenal reconditioned, explaining why they look so great.

An excellent  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.