Help ID Foreign Contract Military Roller

[rudybolla]

I am looking at buying a military roller that seems to be early. Here is how the seller described it:


Remington Rolling Block rifle for sale. Not sure what cartridge it takes as it is a .50 rimfire. A U.S. 50/70 cartridge fits though from which I have read means it not one of the Swedish Rolling blocks. It could be a Papal States M1868 Papal States Remington (Pontificio).

It is lacking the stampings, which is not unheard of in these licensed European contracts with Remington. It is only 47 inches long so I believe that it is an Artillery Musketoon, which is a short rifle. It is in very good condition for a rifle that is 140 years old. The bore is very clean with strong rifling and it shows only a Very light spotty pitting that could possibly be cleaned. The wood is nice with no major scars. The end cap is brass, as is the butt plate. Metal seems to be turning into a plum color patina.

Just a four digit serial # 6625 and the number78 on the tang under the butt stock, also 78 and 8 marked on the bottom of the barrel and also on the forearm.If it was Belgian made wouldn't it have Liege markings? The
pin retaining plate looks like Belgian guns I have seen. Attaching some pics.

[OK. Pics did not attach] ???

Any help appreciated.

[tjack]

Good find!! If it has a bayo lug it sounds very similar to one I have. Mine has an OAL of 47 1/4" and a bbl length of 33". Mine has a brass (bronze) forend cap and butt plate. The # on my bayo lug is 7556 which we assume is the serial #. Mine has #'s in the same places as yours. Mine is chambered for a .52-70RF ctg. Mine was made in China in approx. 1877.
Try to post some photos if you can and I'll tell you if it is just like mine. If you can't, no big deal. I'm still trying to find cartridge film for my Kodak Hawkeye instamatic camera. Why buy a digital when I could be buying another rolling block!

[rudybolla]

Got pics to load this time. Had an email from George Layman and he confirmed it was a Chinese roller. Said scarce here in states, but more common in Australia. Man, I truly love the well of knowledge we have available here!