For Sale: Remington Small-Frame Split Breech Carbine

Remington Small-Frame Split Breech carbine, aka Old Model Carbine or Split-Breech Carbine Type I, are the first design produced in Remington’s long line of rolling block actioned arms. They were also the first metallic cartridge longarms from Remington and among the last of new arms designs delivered to the Union at the close of the Civil War. All manufacturing of these arms (both Type I and larger frame Type II) was subcontracted to the Savage Revolving Arms Co. in Middletown, Connecticut; none were produced by Remington factories. Production of around 5000 Type I carbines, all in .46 caliber rimfire, occurred under Union Government contracts from 1864 to 1865, with the last shipment dating to April 30, 1865. After the war the government surplussed these arms (as well as their Type II descendants) and approximately 3600 were then sold back to Remington in 1870 (who then resold them to France during the Franco-Prussian War).

The Remington Small-Frame Split Breech carbine offered here appears to be among the small group of 1400 or so carbines not sold to France and retains its original government inspection markings. Overall, the condition is as expected for the age of the arm. The bluing that remains is thin and has become brown with age. The case color has faded and been replaced by an aged, brown patina. Patches of light frosting and pitting are found throughout the metal surfaces. The walnut stock and forearm are in excellent shape with some service handling marks and no cracks. Saddle ring is correct. The action is strong, tight and operates as designed. Bore condition is good, with an overall semi-bright bore, well-defined rifling, and some darker patches of frosting throughout.

Markings include the ‘REMINGTON’S, ILION, N.Y./PAT DE. 23, 1863, MAY 3, & NOV 16, 1864’ address on the upper tang, along with a capital ‘D’ just behind the hammer. A ‘B’ is found marked behind the trigger on the trigger guard, the letters ‘PB’ stamped into the forearm just in front of the trigger guard, a ‘J’ is located forward of the receiver on the left side of the barrel, and ‘D’s are stamped on both the left side of the receiver and on the upper butt plate tang. Government inspector’s marks of a script CGC inside a rounded box are clearly seen on the left side of the stock, near the wrist as are the letters ‘C.G.C.’ stamped on the comb, just forward of the butt plate tang. Underneath the buttstock the upper tang is marked ‘3499’ and the lower tang is marked ‘2058’, both on the left side.

Our Remington Small-Frame Split Breech carbine is also a part of rolling block research history as it was photographed for and published on page 14 of George Layman’s book The All New Collector’s Guide to Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World. This carbine is perfect for any collector interested in the development of Remington’s rolling block line or late arms of the Civil War.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.