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 also RA in a circle, for República Argentina, the country’s name in 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 worn gray patina on most of the metalwork. There are just a few areas of more substantial oxidation. The patent markings on the barrel tang are quite 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 bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish showing clear lands and grooves with no oxidation spots. There is just a bit of wear on the lands, so the rifle did see some level of service, but the barrel was definitely cleaned after that. There is a bit of primer burn on the rolling block face. The wood stocks on the rifle probably show the most age and wear, with some substantial cracking and damage on the left side of the butt stock near the receiver. The forestock also shows gouges, chips, and other wear from long service, though it is overall solid, with no cracks we can see.
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: .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.