April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
Manufactured late in production Remington Model 1902 Military Rolling Block rifle, part of a 1915 order for 4500 by Great Britain, covering about 90% of the order totals for this model in this year. It is interesting why England would order an (at this point) obsolete rifle, but the answer to this is actually simple, Rolling Block rifles were available and 7x57mm Mauser was easily obtainable for mine sweeping operations (units such as Defensively Armed Merchant Ships and the Dover Patrol). The machine guns, Enfield rifles, and P17s were more difficult to acquire, as the demand was high for front line troops. Period British military packets of 7x57 are known that are labeled "For Mine Sinking Only", which were for these guns, as well as Mauser bolt action rifles for this purpose. Standard configuration throughout for a 7mm Military Rolling Block rifle. Markings are consistent with known examples, with faint "X" proof mark near buttplate tang, "N" and "H" markings near bottom tang, and "H" marking near rear barrel band. No British proofs are on this gun, but some of this contract of rifles were stored in Kenya from 1935-1954, then sold to United States importers out of a Duty Free Zone, meaning no need for British proof. Matching serial number "855" on top and bottom tang as well as inside of stock channel with stock removed. Accompanied by a Remington short export bayonet marked "391" on left grip panel. CONDITION: Excellent, with nearly all of the original bluing remaining on barrel and blued assemblies, with light handling marks and small area of finish loss around 7mm marking. Frame retains bright case colors. Stock and forearm with no major signs of distress and markings sharp. Mechanically fine. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. Bayonet is bright with minor freckling and handling marks to wooden grips.
Model
1902 British Contract