Page 157 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 285
Scarce and Desirable U.S.I.D. Marked Henry Nettleton Inspected Remington-Keene Frontier Model Magazine Bolt Action Rifle - Serial no. 180, 45-70 Government cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is one of fewer than 500 Remington-Keene Frontier Model rifles with special receiver markings and serial numbers purchased by the United States Interior Department to arm Indian Police circa 1880-1881. The rifle has a 24-inch round barrel and full length magazine with carbine style band at the muzzle, sling swivels on the lower barrel band and stock, and carbine style buttplate. The upper barrel band has a dove-tail mounted steel front sight blade and the barrel has a folding leaf rear sight graduated to 1000 yards (“10”). The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped “U.S.I.D.” followed by the serial number “180”. The top of
the bolt lug is roll-stamped: “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION N.Y.” above the 1874-1877 patent
dates in two additional lines. “HN.”
inspection initials of Henry Nettleton are marked on various parts as well as a circled script “HN” inspection cartouche marked on the left of the stock wrist. “W.W.K” (William Wirt Kimball) inspection initials marked on top of the receiver ring. The barrel, magazine, receiver, trigger guard and sling swivels have the Remington commercial blue finish. The bolt handle, hammer and loading gate are polished bright, and the barrel bands and buttplate are color casehardened. The stock is oil finished walnut. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes period leather sling. CONDITION: Very good, retaining 20% original blue finish with scattered areas of light spotting, some light pitting, and dings from period use. Stock is good with scattered scratches and dents, cracks ahead of the loading gate, a repaired split on the left of the wrist, a crack behind the receiver, and general overall wear. Mechanically excellent. Included sling is very good.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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