Original Danish M1867/96 Remington Rolling Block Infantry Rifle dated 1874 – Serial 45318 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Danes elected to license the Remington design for manufacture in Denmark at the Copenhagen arsenal, which they did in a fairly large quantity. The Danish model first utilized a rimfire cartridge and that stayed in service well into the smokeless era. However, with the adoption of the 8mm M1889 Krag-Jorgensen the need to update or abandon the Remington became acute. In 1896 they were withdrawn from infantry service, converted to centerfire cartridge and issued to coast and fortress artillerymen. At that time a new much longer rear ladder sight was also fitted to the rifles.

After World War II a large quantity were sold surplus back to the US where these type first entered civilian hands, being misleadingly sold in large quantity as .45-70 Rolling blocks!

This rifle features a 3.25″ long backsight leaf. Left receiver flat is stamped with a Crown over the Royal Cypher over the mark M-1867. The right receiver wall is bare and the upper tang is marked KJØBENHAVNS TOIHUUS 1874 (Copenhagen Arsenal) with serial number 45318 on the barrel. The same serial number is faintly stamped into the rear stock between the trigger guard and rear swivel. The rifle bears the Danish Crown on the barrel, barrel bands, rear and front stock, and other components. There is also a rear stock disk, where it is regimentally marked 3AB / 89.

Condition of the rifle is very good, showing a nice patina of age typical of a well cared-for rifle. The metal finish overall has faded to a peppery gray patina on most parts, as shown in the photographs. The wood does have some scratches, chips, and dents as shown, but still presents very nicely. There is also a crack on the left side just by the nose cap, apparently caused by the band spring. The bore is excellent, with a bright finish and very clear lands and grooves. This rifle was used very little, if at all.

Centerfire converted rifles chamber a cartridge near to the US Govt. .45-70, the 11.7x51R, a bit shorter and a bit larger. A .45-70 will function but will expand at the base and may overcrimp at the neck, not safe conditions. The rimfire cartridge was somewhat shorter but usable in the converted rifles. In fact, after conversion, the rifle could fire either rimfire or centerfire ammunition.

The Danish model first utilized a rimfire cartridge which stayed in service well into the smokeless era. This created a potential compatibility problem, rimfire cartridges won’t fire in a central fire rifle, and center-fire cartridges won’t operate in a rimfire rifle. However, if you look carefully, you will see that the breech block of the Danish Remington Rolling Block has two firing pin holes, one for center fire and one at the bottom of the breech block face for rimfire. The firing pin is fairly easily reversible, for use of the rifle with whatever (rimfire or central fire) ammunition is available.

The first 30,000 Danish Rolling Blocks were Danish built on Remington made actions. Thereafter they were constructed under license in Copenhagen, Denmark, as this one was.

A fine rifle worthy of any Remington or Scandinavian collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1874
Caliber: 11×41.5mmRF or 11.7x51R
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge or Centerfire
Barrel Length: 35 Inches
Overall Length: 50.5 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.