Remington / Lee Arms Model 1882 M1882 U.S. Army Contract, Refinished 32” — Bolt Action Military Rifle, MFD C. 1884 Antique
Sold For: $1,405.00
LSB#: 160720JF09
Make: Remington / Lee Arms
Model: 1882 U.S. Army Contract
Serial Number: 9005
Year of Manufacture: c. 1884
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Bolt Action, Removable Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel bands are marked “U”. The left side of the receiver is marked “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. / SOLE MANUFACTURERS AND AGENTS / U.S.”, the top of the receiver bridge is marked “THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. U.S.A. / PATENTED NOV. 4TH 1879 / 9005” with “*” in triangle and “D.F.C.” (inspector mark David F. Clark, also found on the bolt body). The barrel is marked “U.S. / V / P”. The roll-over portion of the butt plate is marked “U.S.”
Barrel Length: 32”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade, pinned fore to aft in a slotted base, which is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a standard Army configuration sliding leaf that presents a low “U” notch when in the downward position; when flipped up, the sliding leaf has a circular aperture; the right side is marked from 2 to 14 (00 yards), the right is marked from 15 to 20 (00 yards). The base is adjustable for windage, with hash marks for precise adjustment.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The full length walnut stock has two barrel bands, the forward band has a sling swivel, found again on the magazine floorplate. The stock does not bear any inspector marks and is most likely a later replacement; this being said, the grain is very nice and the smooth finished wood has nice fit to the metal components. There is a chip loss in the cleaning rod channel, the surfaces exhibit light handling marks, please see our pictures. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the carbine-style butt plate; the plate has been refinished and shows scattered compression and scuff marks as photographed, rating in about Very Good condition as refinished. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is still highly defined. There are spots of pitting and some light pin prick erosion the length of the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered handling marks, with a few areas of scuffing wear. The surfaces under the metal show marks from refinishing and cleaned erosion, please see our pictures. The current finish is a high gloss chemical bluing but overall the job was done very well. The screw head slots range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt features a half-cock safety, the rifle has a removable magazine and the trigger pull is smooth. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one refinished blue 5-round magazine that shows some marks from refinishing under the finish, along with scattered handling marks. The spring is strong, the magazine is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: In 1882, a U.S. Army contract for Lee’s patent bolt action, magazine fed was initiated and completed by 1884, from serial numbers 8,800 to 9,800 . This Army contract Lee, made by Remington circa 1884 towards the end of the contract, sporting a one piece walnut stock, two barrel bands and David F. Clark inspector marks. The bore still has defined rifling and the action functions correctly. Someone put a lot of time into refinishing this rifle and it should serve as a nice addition to your collection or become your next head turning display item. Please see our pictures and good luck.
