U.S. Navy Contract Remington Lee 1885 .45-70 GOVT 32″ Bolt Rifle Antique

Sold for 2525.00

LSB#: 220316CA286

Make: Remington

Model: 1885 Lee U.S. Navy Contract

Serial Number: The Remington serial number is 51500 and the Navy serial number is 2009.

Year of Manufacture: 1885

Caliber: .45-70 Government (Black Powder Only)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Removable Magazine Fed Rifle

Markings: The right side of the barrel bands are marked “U”. The top of the receiver is marked “REMINGTON ARMS COMPANY, ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. / SOLE MANUFACTURERS AND AGENTS” and “51500” parallel to the bore. The chamber ring is marked “U.S.N.” above an anchor above “No. 2009 / W.W.K.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “PATENTED NOV. 4TH 1879”. The right side of the receiver at the rear, bolt lug, and left side of the chamber are all marked with a five-pointed star marked “H” (Naval inspection mark). The top of the comb is stamped “349 / L C”.

Barrel Length: 32”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade, pinned in a slotted base, which is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a 1879 Trapdoor sight. The sight has a “U” notch in both the down and up position.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The full-length wood stock has two barrel bands, the forward band has a sling swivel, and carbine style buttplate. There is a second sling loop mounted on the bottom metal. The stacking loop is missing from the front barrel band. There is a little chip loss on the left side of the heel. There is a thin hairline crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered scratches and a few light scrapes. There are some scattered nicks and dings into the wood. There are compressions scattered throughout. Some of the defects have colored with age. There are scattered handling marks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the carbine-style butt plate. The plate has patina, scabbing, erosion, and some finish loss. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There area few areas of light surface erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. The majority of the remaining finish has gone to a deep patina. The barrel has mostly worn bright. There are scattered spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation and erosion. There are small spots of scabbing scattered throughout. There are some scattered little nicks and dings, some of the most noticeable are on the receiver. There are some scattered areas of erosion. There are some scattered scuffs and light handling marks. There are a few scratches and dings that have mostly colored with age. The screw head slots range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The magazine must be very firmly put in place, otherwise it may fall out. With the magazine fully inserted the bolt travel is a bit rough. The action functions correctly. The bolt features a half-cock safety. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one 5-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Remington Model 1885 Lee rifle which was made for the U.S. Navy. The 1885 is the last of the Lee rifles which were designed by James Paris Lee. Mr. Lee had originally began production of his Model 1879 and contracted with the Sharps Rifle Company to produce the rifles but they discontinued all operations in 1881 and Remington got the tooling and licensing to produce rifles. The 1885 has numerous improvements over the old models including a relocated bolt handle, improved bolt head, and a magazine that could now hold cartridges securely without the use of a sliding catch at the nose. The rifles were made in .45-70 Government for Army and Navy contracts and .43 Spanish for export sales. In 1892 the U.S. Government chose to adopt the Krag and the Remington-Lee fell by the wayside. Only 1,500 were made for the Navy and this is a great opportunity to add one to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!