Manufactured for Remington under a sub-contract with Savage Arms Company, the Split Breech Carbine is doubly significant because it was the first Remington longarm to use metallic cartridges and the last contract arm supplied to the Federal government at the conclusion of the Civil War. These carbines were manufactured circa 1865-1866. The upper receiver tang is marked "REMINGTON'S. ILLION. N.Y. / PAT. DEC. 23. 1863. MAY 3, & NOV. 16, 1864" and the serial number is marked on the front of the frame under the forearm. Small single letter inspector markings are: an "J" on the top of the barrel at the breech and on the rear sight leaf, the left side of the rear sight base and top of the stock comb ahead of the buttplate tang, "B" on the buttplate tang, "D" on the lower tang and left upper receiver, and "C" on the ring bar base. The carbine has a blue 20 inch round barrel with a pinched blade front and folding two leaf rear sight graduated to 500 yards. The casehardened receiver has a sling bar and ring on the left side. The stock and forearm are oil-finished black walnut with two clear cartouches on the left wrist.

Very good plus. The barrel hints of blue, but is mostly a smooth plum brown patina. The receiver shows 25% original darkened case colors with a smooth brownish gray patina on the balance. The trigger guard and buttplate have a smooth mottled grayish patina with a small amount of minor oxidation on the trigger guard. The wood has been freshened with a light coat of oil and remains fine with a few overall minor dings and dents. The markings are clear and crisp. Mechanically excellent.