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Very Scarce U.S. Contract Remington Type II "Split" Single Shot Breech-Loading Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,750.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Very Scarce U.S. Contract Remington Type II  Split  Single Shot Breech-Loading Carbine
Manufactured for Remington under a sub-contract with Savage Arms Company, the Split Breech Carbine is doubly significant because it was the first Remington longarm to use metallic cartridges and the last contract arm supplied to the Federal government at the conclusion of the Civil War. Virtually all of these carbines were resold back from the Ordnance Department to Remington in 1870. Remington promptly sold the carbines to France for use in the Franco-Prussian War. Examples of Type II Split Breech carbines are scarce. The upper receiver tang is marked "REMINGTON'S. ILLION. N.Y./PAT. DEC. 23. 1863. MAY 3, & NOV. 16, 1864" and the serial number is marked on the front of the frame under the forearm. Small single letter inspector markings are: an "S" on the top of the barrel at the breech, the right side of the rear sight base and on the buttstock tang below the screw, "M" on the upper left side of the frame and on the lower tang, "C" on the ring bar base, "J" on the rear sight blade, and "P" on the left stock wrist. The carbine has a blue 20 inch round barrel chambered for the .50 caliber rimfire cartridge. The barrel is fitted with a double leaf, folding rear sight graduated to 500 yards. The casehardened receiver has a sling bar and ring on the left side. The stock and forearm are oil-finished black walnut with two clear cartouches on the left wrist, "662" stamped on the left side at the butt and the buttplate tang is marked "US' above the screw. There is a sling swivel mounted on the toe of the stock and on the barrel band.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50 RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 6341


Very fine. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some minor wear at the muzzle. The receiver retains approximately 60% of the original case colors with the balance a smooth gray. The trigger guard has a smooth gray patina. The barrel band, breechblock and hammer retain most of the original blue finish. The wood is very fine with overall scattered minor scuffs, dents and dings. The cartouches and markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. One does not encounter these very often as they are absent in most collections.