Scarce U.S. Navy REMINGTON-LEE M1885 .45-70 GOVT Bolt Action MAGAZINE Rifle Antique and 1 of 3400 NAVY CONTRACT Rifles

Product Description

Scarce U.S. Navy REMINGTON-LEE M1885 .45-70 GOVT Bolt Action MAGAZINE Rifle

Antique and 1 of 3400 NAVY CONTRACT Rifles

Here we present a scarce antique U.S. Navy Remington-Lee Model 1885 Bolt Action Magazine Rifle, manufactured circa 1889 in Ilion, New York. The Lee Arms Company was formed and patented in 1879 by James Paris Lee. When we think of James Paris Lee, we usually think of the British family of Lee-Enfield rifles. However, the United States Navy actually adopted this early version of Lee’s action before the British in 1879. In addition, this rifle was the first use of the detachable box magazine, a patented invention of Lee’s.

After undergoing a corporate reorganization, Remington introduced the Model 1885 Remington-Lee rifle to replace the Model 1882. The M1885 Navy rifle was chambered for the .45-70 GOVT cartridge and was similar in design to the Model 1882 Army trials rifle, including the same type of detachable box magazine.

In August, 1888, Remington received a U.S. Navy contract for 1,610 Model 1885 Remington-Lee rifles, which was soon increased to 1,650. They were shipped to the Navy in June of 1889, and they were marked with two separate serial numbers, one by Remington and another by the Navy. Rifles in this first order had Navy serial numbers between 1,001 and 2,650. The Remington factory serial numbers were in the 50,005 to 51,918 range. This example falls in this serial number range making it part of the first contract order. This contract was followed by a second order in June 1889 for 300 more Model 1885 Remington-Lee U.S. Navy rifles, which had Navy serial numbers in the 2,651 to 2,950 range. Rifles manufactured under both contracts were marked “USN” and stamped with a Navy anchor insignia on the receiver ring. The rifles were also stamped “WWK” for U.S. Navy inspector Lt. W.W. Kimball. The final U.S. Navy orders for the Model 1885 Remington-Lee rifles were placed in 1894 with approximately 3,400 rifles total being procured by the Navy. This one also has a rack number along with possible unit information on the top of the comb near the heel of the butt stock.

The overall condition is very good. Original patina. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with strong rifling. The walnut stock shows some use and remains solid. The cleaning rod has been replaced with a thin piece of steel stock.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 32-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .45-70 GOVT

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$4775
#226469