M1868 Papal States Remington.pdf - Gwmlc.org.nz

M1868 Papal States Remington (Pontificio):GENERALLY: This early Remington, basically a copy of Remington’s M1867 builtunder license by Wesley Richards in Birmingham and principally by Emile & LeonNagant in Liege, was made in small quantities for the Papal States prior to the unificationof Italy and absorption of the Papal States into Italy in 1870 after the defeat of the PapalStates in the battle at Porta Pia in Rome. The rifle has a single barrel band and nose cap.Many of the captured rifles were re-issued to the Italian Army.DISTINGUISHING CHARECTERISTICS: The M1868 Papal States Remington rifleis chambered in 12.7 x 45, very nearly the American .50-70 caliber. The butt plate is flatrather than curved as American Remingtons of the period were. Markings are distinctiveto this rifle including, on the left side of the receiver, "Brevet Remington" (Remington’spatent) Liege proof marks on the barrel, and stamped into the ,left side and, on the top ofthe knoxform, the wholly dispositive Papal States proofs of consisting of St. Peter’s two"crossed keys" under the Papal tiara. No other rifle carries these markings.MISC NOTES: The rifles are 51 inches in length but this model was also built as anArtillary Musket (40 inches) and Gendarmerie "Carbine" (44 inches!).

The famed "Crossed Keys" of St. Peter.Totally dispositive of the identity of this Rifle.