The Remington Model 1863 is widely considered to be one of the best made weapons of the Civil War. High condition guns such as this suggest they were not issued. This "Zouave" rifle has a blade front sight and three leaf rear. It is dated "1863" on the breech near the "V/P/eagle head" markings and has "H STEEL H.S.L." on the left flat at the breech. A bayonet stud for a saber bayonet is fitted to the right side of the barrel just ahead of the forend cap. It has a casehardened lock plate marked with "1863" behind the hammer and the "eagle motif/U.S." and "REMINGTON'S ILION. N.Y." at the front. It has a blued barrel and straight grip walnut stock with brass furniture including the brass patch box which contains a replacement nipple. The left stock flat has "HDJ" and "RH" cartouches. Some single letter inspection marks are also found on various components. It includes a tulip head ramrod.

Fine. 70% of the thinning original blue finish remains on the barrel with some brown patina forming. The lock has a mottled silver gray patina. The brass furniture has a lightly aged patina overall and some brighter and darker spots. The stock is also fine with some scratches and a few minor chips but mostly exceptionally smooth surfaces. The lock is excellent.