Author Topic: Parkerized Rolling Block? (Read 526 times)

Horsefeathers · « **on:** March 20, 2004, 05:48:56 PM »

I have an original New york State Remington Rolling block rifle 1871 or so that has been Parkerized. Anyone have a clue as to who might have done this? Private owner ,government agency? or what? I have had it for 40 years.Igot it from an in-law who said it was in the family many years before he inherited it.That might make it pre-world war2. Been curious for years. Horsefeathers.

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2004, 08:21:36 PM »

Parkerizing, or rather phosphatizing of gun steel did not happen until 1918 or 1919 when Springfield Armory first used it to finish/refinish US Military arms. Previous to this, rust bluing was the standard finish in both military production and commercial arms.

Since your NY State militia rolling block rifle is parkerized, it is a safe bet that it was done at least 50 years after Remington made it. I can't imagine that parkerizing was done by or for the military since it was long obsolete by the adoption of the M1892 Krag, and the M1903 Springfield.

I would suspect one of the surplus arms dealers, possibly Bannerman of New York City would have something to do with the refinishing.

John

marlinman93 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2004, 04:07:45 PM »

Are you sure it's been parkerized? Many of these old guns turn a dull brown patina, which in some cases looks much like a parkerized finish. Could this be the case with your RB?

Horsefeathers · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2004, 04:23:58 AM »

The rem.R.B is parkerized. I have dealt with Bannermans and Robert Abels in New York Cityin the early 50's andhave never seen anthing Parkerized in their stores. I guess some individual had it done. At that time Bannerman had allkinds of Civil War Stuff. There was a Sharps Rifle in the window Quigley style,for $75. At Robert Abels I bought a Trapdoor Springfield Ramrod style 1884 in Exc. cond. for $18. At Abels Ibought an 1863 Sharps Carbine 52 cal. in Mint Cond. for $35. He also Had a Gatling Gun All bronze Case on a stand Exc. cond. For $300. I was only making $49 a week then . But those were the days! Horsefeathers.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2004, 03:10:27 PM »

Yes, Bannerman's had some fantastic items! I have a friend who has three Bannerma's custom rifles. They are beautifully made, and very valuable now!
One in particular is a Sharps Borchardt that is made into a benchrest silhouette type rifle by Bannerman's. It has the most beautiful case colors and wood I think I've ever seen on any gun! It makes me weak in the knees every time I look at it!