Closer inspection of the Remington Lee discloses a broken extractor. The tip and hook are broken off. Does anyone have a one for an 1885 Navy model they are willing to part with?
Failing that, it may be worth attempting a weld repair and re-hardening the piece. Any advice from anyone who has done it would be greatly appreciated. Pictures are of the broken extractor, its failure to engage the rim of .45-70 brass. Last is a picture of an unbroken one with the missing bit highlighted in red.