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Rare Hawaiian National Guard Remington-Lee Model 1885 Bolt Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Rare Hawaiian National Guard Remington-Lee Model 1885 Bolt Action Rifle
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This is rare example of a Hawaiian National Guard Remington-Lee Model 1885 Rifle. According to Remington-Lee expert Eugene Myszkowski, approximately 350 to 380 Model 1885 rifles were purchased by the Hawaiian government in 1893. It is theorized that the Hawaiian contract was directly handled by Remington since Hartley & Graham ledgers do not show shipments to Hawaii in 1893 or 1894. The Hawaiian Guard saw major action in the Rebellion of 1895 (January 6-14) with major operations in the Diamond Head and Punch Bowl Hill areas. Afterwards the Guard participated in riot control and maintaining quarantines during disease outbreaks. In 1901, the Guard was rearmed with Krags. This rifle was issued to the Oahu Prison on November 3, 1896. The left side of the buttstock is stamped "NGH" (National Guard Hawaii) and the right side of the buttstock has a "15" marked brass oval plaque (possibly a prison identification number). It has standard Remington receiver markings with a star "H" stamped on the bolt. "U" marked barrel bands with stacking sling swivels on the front band. Buckhorn style rear sight which is marked "R" and graduated to 1,200 yards. Smooth straight grip stock and magazine with two grooves. Research conducted by Myszkowski is included with the rifle. (Note that the Hawaiian Model 1885 is not featured in Myszkowski's book. Myszkowski became aware of the Hawaiian contract rifles after the book was first published and updated.)
BBL: 32 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 53636
Condition: Good. The rifle has a mottled gray patina with minor pitting overall. The stock is very good with a number of minor pressure dents and scratches. The bolt is missing the extractor, but functions fine otherwise.