Info on rolling block

[tjack]

Can you give us some photos? Sounds like an early carbine. "Clip that would go thru a bandoleer...."?? A saddle ring?? May be a cut down rifle. Without photos all anyone can do is guess.

[tjack]

Photos are so helpful! You have what is know as a "Single Shot Breech-Loading Carbine" otherwise know as the "Split Breech Remington". These were developed during the Civil War. Remington was overwhelmed with orders so Savage Revolving Arms Co. (the folks who later made the M1899 lever action) was subcontracted to make them. Few were finished in time before the war ended. They were made in .50 cal Rimfire (larger action) and .46 Rimfire (smaller action. There are both military and civilian versions made. My interest (and knowledge) lies with the slightly later New Model Rolling Block. I'm sure that, if you google "split breech carbine" you will get lots of info.
By the way, I have absolutely no idea what that thing is that is hanging off the saddle ring.
Nice carbine!!!!!!

[JV Puleo]

Its the swivel and hook from a CW era over-the-shoulder carbine sling.

[tjack]

Thanks Joe!!! I'm not quite old enough to remember those.
Tom

[tjack]

The Split breech Carbines, according to Norm Flayderman, were made between c.1865 and 1866. The .50 cal was a heavier and bulkier carbine than the .46 cal. Without the two in hand this would be meaningless. The .50 took a bullet of about .512" diameter. The .46, .455" diameter. Measuring the bore at the muzzle should give you the proper caliber, even if it is worn. I have little knowledge of the Split Breech Carbines so I would have no idea what one would be worth. Without the carbine in hand, it would be difficult approximate a value. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of these will respond.