260. Unique Prototype Remington-Lee Model 1882 Military Rifle

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serial #NSN, 45-70, 32" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some very light freckling within the grooves. This is an interesting rifle, basically a stock 1882 Remington-Lee devoid of markings that has had the provision for the removable box magazine removed and an interesting top-loading port added to the left side of the receiver. The port has a spring-loaded two-piece cover that springs open when the front section is lifted and allows for the feeding of a single cartridge into the action. The purpose of this rather complicated arrangement eludes us, especially since there does not appear to be any way to attach a top-loading hopper or magazine to the mechanism. The walnut stock has been modified by the filling of the magazine clearance cut on the bottom, the addition of a narrow "shelf" of wood to the left side supporting the loading mechanism, and the addition of a new triggerguard. The barrel retains about 70% of the original blue finish mixing with lightly freckled gray on the balance and the receiver/loading port assembly was cleaned to bright long ago and now has a speckled bright gray patina. The walnut stock has an excellent added varnish finish that has scattered minor handling marks and blemishes and the cleaning rod is missing. This is a very intriguing rifle that has every appearance of a factory job and is in fine condition; certainly a worthy candidate for further research. (74959-10) {ANTIQUE} (4000/6000) SOLD FOR $4600.00