Rolling block 1871? Help identify

[Boneyard]

I bought a Rolling block from a neighbor who said he bought it from an antique dealer in CT in the 60s. It needs a mainspring to get it back up and running (hopefully) but there is not much on the rifle to identify the model.

It has a 36" barrel, .503 at the muzzle. The three rings have "B" stamped on the right side. The barrel has a "B" stamped on the left side at the rear. The sight has "PB" and the number 1,2,3,4 stamped on the right side. There is an "H" stamped on the top of the butt plate. The stock has a rectangular proof mark and the number 32 on the left side, the letters in the proof mark are not readable. On the bottom of the stock is another triangular proof mark and the number 16. Behind the hammer is the Remington address and patent dates ending with November 7th, 1871.

Can anyone help with the history of this piece?

[rudybolla]

Looks to be a pretty nice example of a New York state militia .50-70 rifle. You might be able to get the correct spring here:

http://www.rollingblockparts.com/

[Boneyard]

I read the article on the Dr. Kaye display page about the Rolling Block and the description of the New York State Militia model fits mine to a T. It also has the shield shaped crosshatch on the hammer and the block.

Thanks for the link to parts supplier. After I replace the spring I will let you know if it is still functional.

[ozarkeod]

Very nice NYS RR. Could you do me a favor and measure your barrel thickness at the muzzle? Mine has had some drawfiling done from the muzzle back to 6" or so and I need to know how much metal is missing. Thanks very much, Tom Yancey