U.S. Model 1863 Percussion Rifle ('Zouave Rifle') manufactured by the Remington Arms Company in 1863. The Model 1863 Rifle was a refined version of the U.S. Model 1855 or 'Harpers Ferry' rifle and was the last muzzle-loading percussion rifle purchased by the U.S. Army. The rifle features a heavy, .58 caliber, seven-groove barrel with a lug for a sword bayonet on the right side, triangular steel front sight blade and two-leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300, and 500 yards. The rifle has a tulip head steel ramrod, color casehardened lock-plate and hammer, with brass furniture and patch box. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is dated "1863" behind the hammer, and roll-stamped with the Federal eagle and shield motif above "U.S." followed by "REMINGTON'S/ILION N.Y." in two lines ahead of the hammer. The top of the barrel is dated "1863" and stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. The left barrel flat is stamped "STEEL" followed by the Ordnance sub-inspection mark "H.S.L.". "U.S." is stamped on the buttplate heel. Ordnance script sub-inspection and final inspection marks are stamped on the left stock flat. Most of the rifle components are stamped with single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks. The patchbox contains a spare percussion nipple and ball screw. The Model 1863 Percussion Rifle is considered by experts to be one of the best made and best designed military arms of the Civil War era. Total production of the Model 1863 Rifle was 12,501 pieces manufactured between 1862 and 1865.

Excellent. The rifle retains 95% of the original blue and color case-hardened finish and appears to be un-fired. Wear is limited to some edge wear on the barrel at the muzzle from contact with a bayonet socket. There is no flash pitting on the percussion nipple, bolster, hammer or adjacent portions of the barrel. The lockplate and hammer have strong case colors and retain 98% of the original finish. The brass furniture is in excellent condition with an attractive patina. The stock is in excellent condition with lightly oiled, raised grain perfect edges and minimal handling and storage wear. The lock and barrel marking and the Ordnance inspection marks on the stock and other components are sharp. This is an excellent example of a key U.S. muzzle loading rifle.