Model 1863 Rifle manufactured by the Remington Arms Co. in 1863. The Model 1863 Contract Rifle was an improved version of the U.S. Model 1855 Percussion Rifle and was referred to by the Ordnance Department as the "Harpers Ferry Pattern Rifle". The Model 1863 Rifle was the last percussion rifle adopted by the Ordnance Department and is generally considered to be the best designed and highest quality percussion military longarm. The rifle has a heavy 33 inch round barrel with a lug for a sword bayonet on the right side, a dovetail mounted wide base front sight and a folding leaf rear sight graduated 500, 300 and 100 yards. The rifle is fitted with a steel straight shank tulip head ramrod. The barrel, band spring and sights are blue. The lock and hammer are casehardened. The forearm cap, barrel bands, trigger guard, patch box and buttplate are brass. The screws and band springs are niter blue. The straight grain black walnut stock has an oil finish. The lock plate is dated "1863" behind the hammer and roll stamped with a Federal Eagle and Shield over "U.S./REMINGTON'S/ILLION N.Y." The top of the barrel is dated "1863" on the center line and stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks on the left side. The left barrel flat is stamped "STEEL" followed by a "H.S.D." sub-inspection mark. "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. The left stock flat is stamped with two script Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The patch box contains the original spare percussion nipple. The rifle is complete with a M1863 Rifle Sword bayonet. The bayonet has a bright finished blade with stopped fuller and cast brass ribbed grips. The bayonet is stamped "B.H." in small letters on the handle and has single letter sub-inspection marks on the blade. The bayonet is complete with a leather scabbard with brass throat and tip.

Near new. The rifle is in as issued condition and retains at 99% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The brass furniture has a very attractive mustard yellow color. All of the markings on the barrel and lock plate are extremely sharp. The stock is near new with the original oil finish, extremely sharp edges and crisp Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks. The stock has minimal handling and storage wear. This is an outstanding example of the last percussion rifle adopted by the U.S. Army.