Whitneyville Rolling Block for the Montreal Riot Squad

Published on February 2, 2024
Duration: 8:22

This video details the rare Whitneyville Rolling Block carbine acquired by the Montreal City Police in 1876. It explores the unique procurement history, the Whitney-Laidley action distinct from Remington's patent, and the specific markings and features of these historical police firearms. The rarity of surviving examples is highlighted, making them significant collector's items.

Quick Summary

The Whitneyville Rolling Block carbine, acquired by the Montreal City Police in 1876, is a rare firearm featuring the distinct Whitney-Laidley action. These carbines, believed to be in .43 caliber, are highly collectible due to an estimated survival rate of only one-third of the original 60 units.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Whitneyville Rolling Block
  2. 00:39Montreal Police Acquisition History
  3. 01:06Funding and Procurement Details
  4. 01:53Whitneyville Armory & Patent Information
  5. 02:46Sales and Distinctive Features
  6. 03:25Markings and Serial Numbers
  7. 04:15Evolution and Caliber Speculation
  8. 05:04Design Comparison and Bayonet
  9. 06:17Service Life and Survival Rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Whitneyville Rolling Block carbine used by the Montreal Police?

The Whitneyville Rolling Block carbine is significant due to its rarity and its historical role as a police firearm. Acquired by the Montreal City Police in 1876, these carbines feature the unique Whitney-Laidley action and are now highly sought-after collector's items due to low survival rates.

What distinguishes the Whitneyville Rolling Block action from Remington's?

The Whitneyville Rolling Block, specifically the 'Whitney-Laidley' action produced from 1871-1881, uses a different patent than Remington's more prevalent rolling block design. Visual differences include receiver construction, pin locations, and the presence of a crossbar on the Whitneyville.

What caliber were the Montreal Police Whitneyville Rolling Block carbines?

While lacking explicit caliber markings, the Whitneyville Rolling Block carbines issued to the Montreal Police are believed to be chambered in .43 caliber, most likely the .43 Remington carbine loading. This was a common caliber for military and police carbines of the era.

How rare are the Montreal Police Whitneyville Rolling Block carbines today?

These specific Whitneyville Rolling Block carbines are exceptionally rare. Of the original 60 purchased by the Montreal Police in 1876, it is estimated that only about one-third have survived to the present day, making them highly valuable to collectors.

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