I have an all original Rolling Block which could best be described as a Long Range Target Riffle. Its in immaculate condition as can be seen from the pictures. The very few references I have found in Roy Marcot's book are in the pictures of old ads. On page 146 the ad for Creedmore rifles lists a "B" grade with a plain stock as differentiated from the "A" pistol grip Creedmore. If any of you that might have more information about this gun I would sure appreciate it.
Also its in 44-77 caliber and weighs right at 10lbs with a 34" barrel.

Quite a first post. More more more!

Welcome, to the forum.

westerner wrote on Dec 13^th, 2024 at 4:43pm:

Thanks, I'll be posting a few more of my single shots in the near future.

The only number under the forearm is the serial number 2498
There are several other things that set this gun apart from anything in Marcot's book. It has a full octagon barrel which Marcot says there are only 3 Creedmores known to exist; the Fulton rifle and Custer's Creedmore plus one other. It also has a checkered forearm and buttstok where as the only "B" grade rifle shown in Marcot's book on page 167 has no checkering. Since it has such an early serial number as compared with any of the other rifles in the book I can only assume that it was some sort of special order at the time.

Gorgeous rifle, and some neat options. I would guess the reason it is different from the typical Creedmoor models is because it's an early one. Those used in the 1874 Creedmoor long-range matches were built after Remington had cataloged this model and decided on standard features. That happened around serial number 3000 range, so yours is earlier.
The full octagon and straight grip are both unusual for the typical Creedmoor model. I've wondered if the B grade with plain stock meant plain wood, or plain wood and straight grip?
I own one of the few full round barreled Creedmoor Rolling Blocks, and mine is a full year before these rifles were introduced in the catalog. Mine is in the 1500 serial range, and like yours is different likely because they hadn't settled on half octagon barrels yet. Mine is a pistol grip model with deluxe wood, but not nearly as nice a condition as yours!

Oleblacksmith wrote on Dec 13^th, 2024 at 7:45pm:


Does yours have two screws holding the forearm to the barrel? Looks like it might, but can't quite see for sure.

I have never owned a Rolling Block, but that rifle sure would make me doubt my 'other' choices. Spectacular first post, like Joe says. Wow!

Oldblacksmith

What is the last patent date located on on the left side of the frame?

Tom Klinger

TomKlinger wrote on Dec 14^th, 2024 at 7:07am:

Tom-
My early round top #1 RB and neither of my two early square top RB's have patent dates on the left side of the receiver which was true on all very early receivers up until serial number 3131. They had roll stamped patient dates on the upper tang. If you look at the pictures in Marcot's book you'll see that to be the case.

BTW the Patent date is 1866 on the tangs.

Joe Do... wrote on Dec 14^th, 2024 at 1:27pm:


Joe it appears you also have one fo the full round barreled Creedmoor rifles too!

This mine.
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It has two of these strange little dovetails on the barrel. One over the chamber, and another in front of the globe sight. I guess maybe some little spirit level at the rear, and up front I've seen tiny scales that fit in front of the globe sight to indicate windage adjustment?

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Thanks all for sharing pictures and comments, I really appreciate it! Now if I could find a RB #1 in 50-70

Looks like what he has is the No. 1 EXTRA. It fits his details.

marlinguy wrote on Dec 15^th, 2024 at 4:58pm:

But the oleblacksmith's rifle is a straight grip. That's why I thought it might be a military rolling block. In the early days of the 74 Sharps Creedmoors, some of them were straight grips too. Guess it's just going to be one of those mysteries. Fascinating rifle.

I agree Bill, I think were it a "Military" model it would have both a full length forearm, and military style buttplate. I think it's simply a Deluxe or Extra grade No.1 Creedmoor with straight grip.

I have never seen a rolling block with a raised area on the receiver. It is somewhat like a Rigby flat.




JMH

Knox or Nock's form is part of a barrel, not a receiver

jhm wrote on Dec 16^th, 2024 at 4:17pm:


I took this picture of a Rolling Block Tony Maddox had on display in Kansas city last summer.  I found the extension of the Rigby flats on the receiver interesting.
Bob

That is one heck of a feat of machining...




JMH

Oleblacksmith, have you looked for additional markings on the sides of the receiver tangs? You'd have to remove the buttstock to view them.

Makes you want to find a nice 1000 yd range.