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As to why this misplaced case of ten Rifles were never returned to Hunter’s Lodge main warehouse, no one has any idea. All this author knows is that the developer of the property where they were stored in 1995 told my friend to “clean the place out and take what you wish, otherwise it will all end up in a landfill!” There truly is nothing better than good friend! (Author’s collection. Photos by Tony Matias.)

This variation should be classified as a special order affair in its entirety. The roll stamping of the Salvadoran crest is the only other smokeless powder-era Remington to have a national crest other than the Mexican Contract Model 1897. it is believed that the Salvadoran Contract variant was responsible for the unofficial title of “Model 1902.” Surviving Salvadoran defense records show that the first deliveries of the 5,550 Rifle contract (but no carbines) began in the spring of 1902. In reality, this could make El Salvador the first customers of the so called, Model 1902 Remington rolling block that featured the improved automatic rotary extractor patented in October of 1901. Collectors should note that any Model 1902 Remington rolling block Rifles displaying the aforementioned special features of the Salvadoran Model minus the national crest total no more than an estimated 800 pieces. Early documentation suggests that these Rifles were not stamped and were ultimately held back by Remington because of a default. An unknown number were later purchased by El Salvador without the crest and were perhaps therefore a bit lower in cost. Such unmarked Rifles indeed occasionally do appear and are of great interest to the rolling block specialist.