Remington Model 1891 .22 Short, Long Rolling Block Target Pistol, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025
WOA#: WY240318RU093
Make: Remington Arms Co.
Model: 1891 Rolling Block Target Pistol
Serial Number: 238
Year of Manufacture: All frames were produced in or before 1876, the pistol was originally assembled ca. 1892-1898.
Caliber: .22 Short & Long
Action Type: Single Shot, Single Action, Rolling Block Pistol with Extractor
Markings: The left of the frame is marked “REMINGTONS ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. / PAT. MAY 3d NOV. 15th 1864 APRIL 17th 1866”, the top of the barrel is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.”. The left of each grip strap is marked “238”, the left of the backstrap is marked “245”, found again stamped in the frontstrap inlet of the grip.
Barrel Length: 10” Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a metal blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch elevator sigh dovetailed to the octagonal portion of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a forend under the octagonal portion of the barrel and a one-piece grip. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some small losses at edges with one more notable at the bottom of the backstrap. There is a crack in the left-front of the forend and another in the top of the grip which is not visible when assembled. There is some scattered discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, there is some original case color still visible on the grip straps under the grip.
Bore Condition: The bore has been re-lined. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered light finish wear with more notable handling wear in the grip areas. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish. There are some polish marks under the finish. There is infrequent surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a notable firing-pin mark at the base of the chamber. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety, the extractor still functions well. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A brass tag is stapled to the trigger guard, indicating that this pistol came from the J.M. Davis collection.
Our Assessment: The Remington Rolling Block is a widely known rifle that was used extensively by militaries around the world as well as hunters and target shooters. There were also pistol variants of the rolling block produced for both military and commercial purposes. These pistols evolved from the 1865 Navy Rolling Block pistol which was in .50 Rimfire for military use. In the relatively relaxed years of the late 1800’s, people had more time and money for small caliber target variations, making the 1891 and 1901 pistols a useful way for Remington to use up existing receivers. Some were made on commercial receivers while others were assembled on overruns from the 1871 Army pistol.
This Model 1891 was produced on a commercial frame and it appears it was someone’s favorite. Not only has the pistol been refinished, but it has also had the bore re-lined, so someone was intent on keeping it in good working order. It also has a tag indicating that it came from the famous J.M. Davis collection in Claremore, Oklahoma. Collectors of Remington firearms should take note of this one; an estimated 116 were produced in total. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
