Unusual RRB No.1 Sling Swivel

[stevenjay1]

I pick up a RRB No.1 rifle which I thought was a stand 43 Spanish rolling block. When I took it apart for cleaning I found the the middle barrel band and sling swivel was different from any others I’ve seen. The swivel is attached by a hex head hollow screw. I suspect this was a specification ordered by the buyer. Does anyone know what country this rifle went to? I’ve attached some pictures. The barrel is 35 3/8’s inches.
Thanks, Steve

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

These barrel bands are not unusual. About half of the rolling
block rifles in my collection use this type. Remington started
using this type when they moved from using barrel band spring
retainers to clamping (pinching) type barrel bands. I don't know
exactly when but it started sometime in the mid 1870's

Cheers!
Webb

[stevenjay1]

Thanks Webb. I’ve looked at a lot of No1 military RRB and this is the first time I’ve seen that type of sling swivel. Learn something new everyday. Steve

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

The first Remington rolling block I collected had this type of
sling barrel band on it (which was a Spanish model) and all
the Spanish model rolling blocks I have use this type of middle
barrel band (I have three). This type was also used on the later
1897 model Remington rolling block (as the front barrel band).

Of the 11 rolling blocks in my collection, 5 have this type of
barrel band.

Cheers!
Webb

[stevenjay1]

Webb, thanks again. There are so many variations on the rolling blocks it doesn’t surprise me that I missed this. Steve