NYS militia carbine info needed please.

[usrifle]

A lifelong friend has an old rolling block Remington i have now tentatively identified as a 50/70 NYS saddle ring carbine.
From what i gather it's a pre-1879 carbine with Regimental markings, but i'm wondering why the hammer doesn't fall to the "half cock" position when the block is closed.
From what i read, falling to the halfcock position when the block is closed is a hallmark of the NYC carbine so that's why i'm wondering if my ID is correct.
It has a 20.5 inch barrel with an excellent bore, though the NYC carbines were supposed to be 22.5 inches.
It appears the "halfcock" position is just short of pin contact, is that correct? I tried to get pics of anything pertinent for positive ID, any more info would be greatly appreciated.
He is also wondering about an approximate value and i don't have a clue.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
usrifle

"Click" on the pics to enlarge, then you should be able to click again to make them bigger again.

[usrifle]

Anybody??? Am i correct that that's what this carbine is? Is the 3rd regiment a NYC militia regiment?
Thanks
usrifle

[oldremguy]

You are correct, it is a New York State rolling block carbine.
As for it not falling to halfcock, some of the internal parts can
be worn or broken, preventing the hammer going to halfcock or
staying at halfcock. You would have to take the gun apart to check it.

Have a good day,
Matt

[usrifle]

You are correct, it is a New York State rolling block carbine.
As for it not falling to halfcock, some of the internal parts can
be worn or broken, preventing the hammer going to halfcock or
staying at halfcock. You would have to take the gun apart to check it.

Have a good day,
Matt

Thank you sir!!! I was hoping to hear from you. It will go to, and stay at halfcock if you pull the hammer to that position, or if you pull the trigger and ease the hammer down.
It just doesn't "fall" to half cock when the breech is closed.
I won't take it apart as it's not mine, but thank you for the information.
I just love the regimental markings, those are really neat. Is the "I33" a company marking?
So much history there, and the bore is in amazing condition too....130 years old and still sharp and shiny.
I'll let the owner know, and thanks for the info.
usrifle

[oldremguy]

The number 133, would be a rack number. New York State bought approximately 15,000 rifles and I think about 2,000 carbines ( I am at work so I can't check my books). It cost the State of New York more money for a calvary regiment (horses, feed, equipment, etc.) then to have a infantry regiment. So you would not have that high of a company number for the calvary.

Have a good day,
Matt

[usrifle]

Thank you again. I was just looking at it, (i'm home today with my sick son) and if you pull the trigger with the hammer back and the breech open, it will fall to halfcock when you close the roller.
The breech roller has "resistance" to closure then, but it does seem to operate as it should.
(drops to halfcock, somewhat disconcerting if there was a big bore cartridge in the chamber).
As you said, could be a worn part, or maybe just needs a thorough internal cleaning.
As i mentioned above, it's not mine so i don't dare take the 'ol girl apart to check.
I gave the owner a link to this thread so he could see himself what i found out, but i suspect the 'ol girl is just headed back to the "darkness" of the safe for another extended period.
He was thinking of selling it and wanted to find out what it was exactly, as well as worth, but it doesn't appear to have alot of value from what i can find.
Somewhere in the 700-1100 range sound about right? (That's still alot of value in MY book).
Thanks again for your expertise, i do appreciate your time sir.
usrifle

[oldremguy]

usrifle,

I have seen the NYS carbine at gun shows and on the web, with values of 850.00 for good and up to 1600.00 for fine condition.
Hope that helps you out.

Have a good day,
Matt

[usrifle]

Matt,
Thanks again for your help.
usrifle

[Uncle]

On EBAY, there is a carbine ring for sale. It would replace the one you are missing. You may want to take a look. Enter Rolling Block and it will come up on the list.