I’m thinning out some of my collection and I’ve decided to see what is problematic and move some of it.

Here’s a Remington Rolling Block Baby Carbine in .44-40 with a nickel finish. I’m not convinced the nickel isn’t factory, and I’m not convinced it isn’t. To not steer the responses one way or another, I’ll later explain why I think the nickel plating might be factory, and why it might not be.

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If it's a functioning gun, why would you call it "junk"?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

In the distant past, I was a fanatic American single shot collector and owned at least one of essentially every variation of Remingotn SSs. I do not recall ever learning of a factory nickled rolling block. There were quite a few nickeld RBs out there but the concensus at the time was that they nickel was aftermarket, and the use was "ceremonial" or parade application. Also, I do not recall Grant ever mentioning a factory nickel RB or Hepburn. IIRC the #2 frame carbine in 44wcf often appeared in parade mode. My SS days are some 40 years in the rear view so take my comments for what they're worth. That is a very neat gun and deserves a place in somebody's collection.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Okay, why I think the nickel plate is not factory. It just has that feel about it as being an early application, but not a factory application. Plus lack of clarity of the markings on the tang.

BUT, the nickel not being applied to the saddle ring and rear sight suggests maybe this is factory. Not sure why an individual would go to the trouble not to apply nickel to these components. It’s extra work not worth the effort.

I’m still leaning towards an early nickel application.

Value, should I sell this?

It was catchy! “Junk” meaning a deviation from factory original.

I'm thinning the herd too. I have firearms that have not been fired in 30+ years. So one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Some firearms are junk. Its just the way it is. Just a "Brand Snob" opinion.

I would sell.

Because my children would take them to a Pawn Shop and get pennies on the dollar. My grandchildren will give them away at the next "gun buy back" event.

Put a price on it that you feel it is worth and try to sell it. if it sells quickly you low-balled yourself. If it does not sell then you can always come down on the price. Make your sale price more than you originally paid for it, do not want to lose money.

If it were mine and I enjoyed it I would leave it as is and shoot it. Or denickel it and have it blued.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

If I keep it I’ll leave it just as it is.

It is fun to shoot using black powder rounds I handload from time to time.

"Value, should I sell this?"

I guess the function is good if you've shot it. What's the bore condition?

Good, crisp lands and no pitting.

Unless you need the bucks, keep it and enjoy it. At this point in life I am hanging onto stuff. Let my Wife, Daughter and Grandkids worry about it!

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

That’s sort of where I’m at, but could always use the funds to acquire something better.

I have this vague recollection that the U.S. Navy used this gun for ceremonial or parade use. Does it have any military property marks on it? They might have removed with a refinish.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

They may get pennies on the dollar.

I rather spoil myself especially firearms that have not been used or enjoyed in years.

That's the right attitude.

Now, I get enjoyment of having stuff in my collection. If it makes them feel better later on by donating it to the Salvation Army, so be it. I won't be here anyway.

That is a good option too. It is nice shooting a premium firearm just like driving a premium automobile. We worked hard our whole life so we should enjoy our Golden Years.

I'd 'choot it.

Exactly. This fine Model 19, which I've been involved with for several decades, has become my latest range toy.
I figure I deserve it, having lived close to 7 decades so fer.

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No military markings that I’m aware of.

I used to shoot all of my single shots Shaprs thru Ballards including all the Remingtons. I used 2400 loads instead of black powder, but I don't remember the specific load data as I inherited it fom other sing shot shooters. 2400 is much easier to clean up after and can be a gentle load.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Here's what the 9th edition of Flayderman's says about the Remington No. 1 Rolling Block Light Baby Carbine. This is an old edition-prices aren't current.
20" barrel standard in 44-40
nickel more common than blue
overall, a scarce rifle in any configuration- only a few thousand made

As to originality, I would need to have it in hand. I will comment based solely on the pictures-the way the nickel is flaking leads me to think it has a non-factory re-nickel. Factory nickel on these old rifles tends to wear off, not flake off. The saddle ring and bar look like replacements or more recently refinished. They're too fresh.

As to value, I can't say. I've collected numerous antique firearms but not rolling blocks.

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Yes, now that you mention it, the flaking off of the nickel vs wearing off makes this much less likely to be factory.