This is an exceptional example of a Remington Model 1863 rifle that was manufactured in 1863. The rifle has a blue "STEEL" marked barrel, casehardened lock and hammer, brass mountings, including the patch box on the right side of the buttstock and an iron tulip head ramrod. The barrel is equipped with a three leaf rear sight graduated to 500 yards. The lock is dated "1863" behind the hammer and stamped with the Eagle and Shield motif over "U.S." followed by "REMINGTON'S/ILION, N.Y." ahead of it. The barrel is also dated "1863" and is stamped with "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks and "R.K.A." sub-inspector initials. Major components are stamped with single letter sub-inspection marks. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance inspector's and sub-inspector's script cartouches. The Model 1863 Rifle has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading rifle manufactured for the U.S. Army. It is generally considered to be one of the best made and designed Civil War era military arms. The Model 1863 rifle is a key piece in any U.S. martial arm collection.