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 springs and sights are blue. The lock and hammer are casehardened. The forearm cap, barrel bands, trigger guard, patch box and buttplate are brass. 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.followed by /REMINGTON'S/ILLION N.Y." in front of it. 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.L." 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.

Good. The barrel has been reblued and the finish closely matched the original blue. Light pitting is visible on the barrel near the nipple bolster. The lock plate has been cleaned and has a silver-gray patina with some flash pitting. The brass furniture has a good-looking patina. The Federal Eagle on the lock plate is faint. The stock is in fine overall condition with clear inspection marks on the left flat.