Remington Navy Model of 1870 7” .50CF Rolling Block Pistol & Holster, 1870s
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB251102MK016
Make: Remington Arms Co.
Model: 1870 Navy
Serial Number: 2937
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1870s / Antique
Caliber: .50-45 Centerfire Navy
Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked, “I / J.M.B.C” with an anchor. The bottom of the barrel is marked with a frame matched serial number. The left side of the frame has the Remington 1868 rollmark. The right side of the frame is marked, “P / F.C.W.”. The side of the tang is marked with the serial number. The trigger guard is serial matched, however the pistol grip wood is not.
Barrel Length: 7” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade staked to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch in the action block.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece walnut set with a short forend screwed to the barrel and a single piece pistol grip. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no cracks, but there are some very small chips. Overall this stock set rates in Very Good overall condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are spots of peeled nickel with patina underneath. There are spots of bubbling and frosting of the nickel. The action has light wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some lightly tooled slots, and the pins are undamaged. The markings are mostly clear with a few faded spots. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather holster.
Our Assessment: This Remington Navy Model of 1870 rolling block pistol is a scarce and historically significant martial sidearm from the early post–Civil War period, produced by Remington Arms Co. during the era when the rolling block system was gaining worldwide acceptance. The Navy pistols were built around the same robust action used in Remington’s military rifles, scaled to a handgun format for naval and auxiliary service. Anchor and inspector-style markings on the barrel and frame reinforce its martial associations, and the serial placement across multiple components reflects period production practices rather than later assembly. Condition is notably strong for an antique pistol of this type. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating an excellent 9.75 out of 10, which is uncommon for nineteenth-century rolling block pistols. The refinished nickel retains approximately 75 percent coverage, with areas of flaking, frosting, and light bubbling revealing patina beneath, consistent with age and prior restoration rather than recent work. The action shows only light wear and functions correctly, while screw heads and pins remain largely intact, supporting the pistol’s overall mechanical soundness.
The walnut stock set presents very well, showing handling marks and small chips without structural cracks, and rates Very Good overall as a refinished antique. The short forend and pistol grip configuration is correct, though the grip wood is not serial matched, a detail not uncommon on surviving examples. Included with a period-style leather holster, this Navy Model of 1870 stands as an attractive and historically grounded Remington rolling block pistol, offering strong visual appeal, an exceptional bore, and solid preservation for collectors of U.S. martial handguns and early metallic-cartridge pistols. -R.E.
