November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Remington M1896 Rolling Block rifle manufactured in 1896 for issue to the USS Niagara during the Spanish-American War. The USS Niagara was built in 1877 and purchased by the US Navy in 1898 for use as a distillery (water purification) and supply ship. Each of the 35 crew members was supplied by William Randolf Hearst a Remington Model 1896 rolling block rifle specially engraved "Niagara" on the top of the receiver. 30" round barrel chambered in 7mm Mauser with M1896 rear sight and blade front. 2-piece plain walnut stock and military style forearm in 2 barrel band configuration with flat buttplate. Remington assembly number "2051" can be found on upper and lower tangs of action. Serial number "1" can be found on the upper and lower tangs to the right of Remington's assembly number, on the left side of the barrel under the wooden forearm, and on the upper tang cut out of the buttstock when the wood stock is removed. This specific rifle can be found on page 61 of "Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World" by George Layman. CONDITION: Excellent plus, with virtually all of the original bluing remaining with minor handling marks throughout. Action is in matching condition with bright case colors. Stock and forearm are very good with dents and dings throughout but retain a vast majority of their original finish. Action is crisp and tight. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. A high condition example of an extremely rare Remington Rolling Block rifle with an interesting backstory. TON