Photos of my US Navy Bolt Rifles

[cowtownscout]

I collect US Military Long Arms and currently have about 100 pieces of history in my care. They span from Flintlocks of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War all the way to what is currently in service. They include the appropriate slings and bayonets with scabbards for most. Several are Navy black powder bolt action rifles and I was not sure which forum to post them however in the thread on W/L I asked and was told “Go for it!” So hope you enjoy the photos about 10 per arm showing both sides and ending with the open action. They all have Navy inspection markings. I tried to take photos of the martial markings on each but could not get them in focus. (This is my third thread started on Culver’s, one was a Remington Model 10-A in the Military Shotguns Forum and the other was photos of my sniper rifles in the sniper forum) Guess now I will have to work on some photos of the Krags, and Trapdoors in my care and post them. Just posted photos of my bayonets and scabbards over in knife and bayonet forum.
Scout

Navy Contract Black Powder Bolt Action Rifles

First Model Navy Winchester Hotchkiss Rifle, made 1879, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

Second Model Navy Winchester Hotchkiss Rifle, made 1881, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

[cowtownscout]

Remington – Keene Navy Rifle, made 1880, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

Remington – Lee Navy Rifle model 1879, First Contract, parts made by Sharps 1880, rifles assembled by Remington 1881 used Springfield Trapdoor barrel and sights, marked Lee Arms, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

Remington – Lee Navy Rifle model 1879, Second Purchase, actions made by Sharps 1880, rifles assembled by Remington 1882 used rolling block barrel and sights, marked Lee Arms, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

Remington – Lee Navy Rifle model 1885, made 1890, 45-70 cal.

[cowtownscout]

[madsenshooter]

An interesting lot to look at, thanks for sharing!

[rayg]

Great collection of early Navy rifles, thanks for showing them. Ray

[Kragrifle]

Could you show close up views of the receiver markings of the two 1879 Rem Lees? The early model has eluded me and I am still not sure I know what the receiver should look like. Thanks!

[jon_norstog]

I like the looks of the 1885 model. Forward locking lugs?

jn

[Fred]

Very interesting rifles!

[cowtownscout]

Close Up Receiver Photos

Could you show close up views of the receiver markings of the two 1879 Rem Lees? The early model has eluded me and I am still not sure I know what the receiver should look like. Thanks!

OK Kragrifle as promised in my PM here are additional photos of the receivers and markings of the two RL 1879 rifles. According to Eugene in his book the first contract rifles were inspected by Lt. W.W. Kimball and marked WWK as this one is, there were also sub inspector marks of H.N. marked in several places as seen in the photos. He states the 300 First Contract Navy rifles were delivered in January 1882. The serial number of this rifle is 276 marked in front of the Receiver markings that read (top line) THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT CONN. U.S.A. (bottom line) PATENTED NOV. 4th 1879 with the H.N. marked at the rear.

Remington – Lee Navy Rifle model 1879, First Contract, parts made by Sharps 1880, rifles assembled by Remington 1881 used Springfield Trapdoor barrel and sights, marked Lee Arms, 45-70 cal. The standard 1873 socket bayonet fits this rifle













According to Eugene in his book after the initial 300 rifles for the Navy Remington began work on the remaining 1,000 rifles from the initial Sharps production run. 700 of these rifles were offered to the Navy at a reduced price. The Navy took delivery of 120 rifles in August 1884 and another 580 rifles in October 1884 these rifles were inspected by Lt. William M Folger and marked WMF as this one is, there were no sub inspector marks. The serial number of this rifle is 826 and is marked behind the Receiver markings that read (top line) THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT CONN. U.S.A. (bottom line) PATENTED NOV. 4th 1879 same as the first contract Navy rifles except no H.N. sub markings.

Remington – Lee Navy Rifle model 1879, Second Purchase, actions made by Sharps 1880, rifles assembled by Remington 1882 used rolling block barrel and sights, marked Lee Arms, 45-70 cal. The standard 1873 socket bayonet will not fit this rifle because they used Remington rolling block parts to make it so it takes a Remington socket bayonet because the front sight is wider that the Springfield front sight

[jon_norstog]

The 1885 rifle - nice picture of the open bolt. Looks as if the bolt rib is the only locking lug? I wondered ..

jn