E. Remingon & Sons 1891 Rolling Block Target Model, Rare Nickel Half-Octagonal 10” Single Shot Rimfire Pistol, MFD 1892-1898 Antique
Sold For: $1,071.00
LSB#: 161122TA09
Make: E. Remingon & Sons
Model: 1891 Rolling Block Target Pistol
Serial Number: The left of the upper grip strap is marked with both 373 and 326.
Year of Manufacture: According to Flayderman’s, only 116 were made with the note of ‘more being possible’, we believe this was a special order item, with normal examples being finished blue. The range of production was 1892-1898.
Caliber: .22 Short & Long
Action Type: Single Shot, Single Action, Rolling Block Pistol with Extractor
Markings: The left of the frame is marked “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y.”, the left of the upper grip strap is marked with both 373 and 326. The “373” mark is faint and under the finish, the other number looks to be through the finish. The front of the stock is marked “4888”, which does not correspond with the serial numbers.
Barrel Length: 10” Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large profile blue blade, dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched leaf and slide-step elevator, dovetailed onto the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol has a two piece smooth walnut set with nice fit to the metal. The forend has an old un-repaired crack on the right flank, there is rub wear and a few small compression marks but no major damages. The pistol’s grip has some deeper gouge marks and small splinter losses near the lower rim. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: We believe the finish is original, the nickel has obviously been on this pistol a very long time, natural dark patina is found in wear spots consistent with holster use, the areas suggest that this is the original finish though Flayderman’s did not have mention of nickel items. This being said, page 205 and 208 of Remington Rolling Block Pistols, by Jerry Landskron does have a nickel example.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is dull. There is moderate erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The nickel has a natural cloudy sheen, areas of rub wear show very old exposed and oxidated metal, telling us that this finish has been on the pistol a long time and is most likely its original finish. The wear pattern suggests holster use over a long period of time. The sights have strong blue remaining, with edge wear and freckling. The nickel items show scattered bruises and scratch marks. The frame shows heavy marks near the hammer area, please see our pictures. The hammer and breech block ‘wing’ checkering is still defined. The screw heads have mild tooling, there are screwdriver etch marks around some of the holes. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety, the extractor still functions well. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This pistol is somewhat of an oddity, being nickel finished with markings that do not correspond with the 1891 or 1901 Target model pistols. Instead of a two line address, the frame has a one line and outside of the serial number(s) marked on the left of the tang, there are no other markings visible on the metal. These pistols evolved from the 1865 Navy Rolling Block pistol which was in .50 Rimfire for military use. In the relatively relaxed years of the late 1800’s, people had more time and money for small caliber target variations, making the 1891 and 1901 pistols popular with sportsmen of all stripes. About 70% of the nickel finish remains, we can’t say if this item was ever refinished and shows very old un-cleaned metal on the worn areas. With all the character apparent in the metal, the stock retain nice fit to the metal and still look great. Collectors of Remington firearms should take note of this one; since an estimated 116 were produced, it is not out of the realm that this was a custom order pistol, perhaps even having been one of the later transitional 1891’s. Please see our pictures and good luck.
