The Remington-Keene Frontier Model bolt action magazine rifles were purchased by the U.S. Department of the Interior c. 1880-1881 to arm the Indian Police with a total production estimated between 500 to 800 rifles with the former more likely. This example has a full length magazine, blade front and notch/folding ladder rear sights, and is fitted with a straight wrist stock. The front sight is integral to the carbine style upper barrel band. The innovative Remington-Keene rifles feature an external hammer which acts as the cocking piece and a magazine cut-off. The rifle has sling swivels on the forend cap and stock. It has primarily a blue finish with casehardened hammer. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped "U.S.I.D." (United States Interior Department) followed by the serial number "429". The top of the bolt is roll-stamped with the E. Remington & Sons address and patent information (partially faint). A "P" proofmark is stamped behind the gas port on the top of the receiver. The "H.N." sub-inspection marks of Henry Nettleton are stamped adjacent to each other on the left side of the barrel and receiver. An unclear Ordnance final inspection mark likely of Nettleton's script initials "HN" with an oval border is stamped on the left stock wrist. Included with the rifle is a skinning knife with a snake over a line on the left side of the blade, "SNAKE BRAND/*SHEFFIELD*" on the left side just ahead of the handle, and "STANDING ROCK/INDIAN AGENCY" stamped on each side of the oil stained walnut scales. The Standing Rock Indian Agency straddles the border between North and South Dakota and was created in the late 19th century to oversee the territory set aside for the Dakota and Lakota along with closely related native people. The region was is infamous for many bloody incidents during the Sioux Wars of the late 19th century; in one incident the famous Lakota holy man and leader Sitting Bull was killed by Indian Police at Standing Rock in 1890. Also included is a copy of the article "The Indian Police Remingtons, Part I" by Slim Kohler and Don Ware from the Gun Report.

Fine. The rifle retains 25% of the original blue finish in the protected areas with primarily a mixture of gray and brown patina. There are some spots of slight pitting and patches of slight oxidation. The wood is also fine with some hairline cracks, a number of minor dings and scrapes, and a few small chips. The action requires some minor work. Most of the markings are legible. The knife is in fine shape with a well established even brown patina on the blade, crisp markings, and mildly worn grip panels. Overall, a fine set relating to a tumultuous and controversial period in the history of the American West; both of these items may have seen use during the infamous "Sioux Wars."