Make: Remington

Model: 1867 Navy Cadet

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1867-1869 (Frank C. Warner Inspector Mark.) Reworked, 1895-1904

Caliber: .50-45 Black Powder

Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a 1868 patent date roll mark. The right side is marked, “P F.C.W”. The buttplate is marked with a New York banner and, “65”. The stock has “KMC” scratched into the right side. The barrel bands are marked, “U”.

Barrel Length: 28”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barelycorn blade post integral to a raised base. The rear sight is an adjustable peep hole escalator/ladder sight. The slider is missing.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a full length capped forend, two barrel bands w/ sling loop, sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, and semi-crescent buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are several cracks at the forend, buttplate and wrist. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued.

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rework

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is mostly strong with small chunks missing. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with moderate pitting concentrated in the upper barrel. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 as an Antique.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most all the bluing has turned to patina with some spots remaining on the receiver. The action is moderately worn. There are small spots of rust throughout. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Remington M1870 .50-45 Navy Cadet Rolling Block Rifle, also referred to as the Model 1867 Cadet Rifle, is a fascinating and rare piece of American military history, especially in this scarce configuration. Built on the pistol-frame variant of the rolling block action, this example was part of a contract issued specifically for the U.S. Navy Cadet program and is one of only 1,000 rifles produced in this configuration, making it exceptionally collectible. While the receiver bears the inspection mark “P F.C.W.” for Frank C. Warner, it’s important to note that Warner only inspected rifles from 1867 to 1869, confirming that the core of this rifle was manufactured during that period and later reassembled or updated for cadet use—likely during the 1890s to 1900s—using remaining Navy parts and refinished stocks. This rifle features a 28-inch barrel and is chambered in .50-45 Government, a black powder cartridge designed specifically for the Navy. The action remains functional and mechanically sound, and the bore, while showing moderate pitting and erosion in the upper section, still retains mostly strong rifling, rating a 7/10 for an antique. The stock shows wear consistent with age and use, including pressure dents, scattered chips, and several cracks, particularly near the buttplate and wrist. The ladder rear sight is missing its slider, but the bayonet-style front blade sight remains intact. The buttplate is marked with a New York Navy rack number, and the barrel bands are marked with "U", indicating government property.

For collectors of U.S. martial arms, Remington rolling blocks, or naval military history, this M1870 Navy Cadet rifle is a seldom-seen and historically significant artifact. Its pistol frame, unique chambering, and limited production of only 1,000 rifles make it a highly desirable addition to any advanced collection. While it shows its age, this rifle is a tangible link to post-Civil War naval training and the evolution of American black powder military firearms, and an excellent example of Remington’s durable and globally adopted rolling block action.