Inusuit
Member
The museum where I volunteer as a firearms historian has a unique Remington Keene carbine that was used by guards on the Deadwood Stage, more properly, the Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express Line The line was in operation from 1876 to 1887.
I am unable to make an accurate identification of the firearm. I believe that the Remington Keene was produced in six variants: Hunter (sporting rifle), Musket, Carbine, Navy, Army and Indian Carbine or Frontier Model.
Our carbine most closely resembles the Frontier/Indian Carbine. Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, 9th Edition gives this description of that model: "Made for the U.S. Department of the Interior for arming Indian Police 1880-1881. 24" barrel with carbine style barrel band at muzzle; sling swivels; carbine buttplate without flanged top and marked U.S.I.D. with serial number on left side of frame and also government inspectors' marks on frame and stock.
Our firearm has the same stock configuration as the Indian Carbine, has the two sling swivels, and barrel band at the muzzle. However the carbine buttplate does have a flanged top. It does not have the U.S.I.D. mark, serial number, or inspector's cartouche/marks. The barrel length is 20 inches, not 24. Flayderman does not list a 20 inch barrel on any variant. The barrel and magazine tube do not appear to be shortened. The E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y stamp on the rear top of the action has been partially ground off. The two line patent dates remain. The only other mark is .45 and 70 on the left rear of the action.
Any thoughts about this firearm will be appreciated.
I am unable to make an accurate identification of the firearm. I believe that the Remington Keene was produced in six variants: Hunter (sporting rifle), Musket, Carbine, Navy, Army and Indian Carbine or Frontier Model.
Our carbine most closely resembles the Frontier/Indian Carbine. Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, 9th Edition gives this description of that model: "Made for the U.S. Department of the Interior for arming Indian Police 1880-1881. 24" barrel with carbine style barrel band at muzzle; sling swivels; carbine buttplate without flanged top and marked U.S.I.D. with serial number on left side of frame and also government inspectors' marks on frame and stock.
Our firearm has the same stock configuration as the Indian Carbine, has the two sling swivels, and barrel band at the muzzle. However the carbine buttplate does have a flanged top. It does not have the U.S.I.D. mark, serial number, or inspector's cartouche/marks. The barrel length is 20 inches, not 24. Flayderman does not list a 20 inch barrel on any variant. The barrel and magazine tube do not appear to be shortened. The E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y stamp on the rear top of the action has been partially ground off. The two line patent dates remain. The only other mark is .45 and 70 on the left rear of the action.
Any thoughts about this firearm will be appreciated.
