Remington-Hepburn No. 3 Rifle in .45-70 Government with Heavy Octagon Barrel and Malcolm Scope The Remington-Hepburn rifles were designs by Lewis L. Hepburn, the superintendent of Remington's mechanical department and a talented marksman who was a member of the famed American Creedmoor International Shooting Team that defeated the Irish team at the first Creedmoor shoot in 1874. The design was patented on October 7, 1879, and first marketed in 1880 and were offered by Remington until around 1907. Hepburn was later an influential designer for Marlin as was his son Melvin Hepburn. William Malcolm opened his rifle scope shop in Syracuse in 1855 and was one of the early leaders in firearms optics, especially in the U.S. where Malcolm "telescopic sights" were considered the best of the period. This rifle's low serial number suggests it was manufactured around the 1890s or earlier, but no factory records for dating serial numbers are available. The barrel is marked "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y." (suggesting pre-1888 manufacture) on top and "45.70" on the bottom and is equipped with a scope in adjustable mounts with German silver fittings including a plaque reading "WM MALCOLM/SYRACUSE/-N.Y.-" The left side of the receiver has "HEPBURNS PAT/OCT 7TH 1878." It is equipped with a checkered forearm with iron forend cap, double set triggers, and checkered round knob semi-pistol grip buttstock with cheek rest and nickel Swiss buttplate. "6855" is marked on the bottom of the barrel and the lower tang. It appears the 8s were originally 3s. The buttplate is marked "6385." The back of the forearm has "6855" with 8 formed from a three and the first 5 stamped over an additional 8 (originally number "6385" like the buttplate). Manufacturer: E. Remington & Sons Model: Hepburn No. 3 BBL: 34 inch octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 45-70 Government Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: Serial Number: 6855 Class: Antique Condition: Very fine. 95% plus original nickel remains on the buttplate which has only a couple flakes. 75% plus original blue, niter blue, and casehardened finishes remain with some light thinning, slight spotting, and minor edge wear. The action displays vibrant case colors in attractive patterns. The trigger guard and forend cap have mostly silvered out. The wood is also excellent and has crisp checkering and some minor surface scratches. Mechanically excellent. The scope is very good and has the vast majority of the original finish, some lacquer, and fairly clear optics. This is very attractive Hepburn complete with a period Malcolm scope with a number of desirable features.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
December 2, 2017 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000