U.S. contract Remington Model 1863 Percussion Rifle (Zouave Rifle) manufactured in 1863. Identified as "Harpers Ferry Pattern" rifle in Ordnance documents and "Zouave" rifle by collectors, the Model 1863 rifle had many of the same features as the Model 1855 Percussion rifles manufactured by the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, c. 1855-60. The Model 1863 rifle features a brass buttplate, patch box, trigger guard, barrel bands and forearm cap which are very similar to those on the limited production, brass mounted Model 1855 rifles. The heavy .58 caliber barrel has a side mounted lug for a sword bayonet that is similar to the bayonet fitted to the Model 1855 rifle and folding two-leaf rear sight that is identical to the rear sight on late production Model 1855 rifles. The lock lacks the Maynard tape primer magazine fitted to the Model 1855 rifle and has the same general configuration as the lock on the Model 1841 (Mississippi) percussion rifle. The rifle has a straight shank ramrod with tulip head. The patch box contains a spare percussion nipple. The rifle barrel and rear sight have a military blue finish, and the hammer and lock plate are color casehardened. The trigger, screws and band springs have a fire blue finish. The stock is oil finished, straight grain American walnut. The lock plate is dated "1863" behind the hammer and roll-stamped in front of the hammer with the eagle & shield motif above "U.S." followed by "REMINGTON'S/ILION N.Y." in two lines. The top of the barrel is dated "1863" on the center-line next to the nipple bolster and stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks next to the date. The left barrel flat is stamped: "STEEL" followed by an "H.S.L." Ordnance sub-inspection mark. The buttplate heel is stamped "U.S." ahead of the stock screw. "U" (Up) is stamped on the left side of both barrel bands facing the muzzle. The left stock flat is stamped with two Ordnance final inspection marks which consist of the script initials "HDJ" and "BH" in rectangles with rounded ends. Single letter "C, L, P, S" or "U" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components, and the top of the stock wrist is stamped with a small "A.B." sub-inspection mark. Includes a bayonet with 19 7/8 inch blade, brass handle and leather covered sheath. The Model 1863 rifle was the last percussion rifle purchased by the U.S. Army from Remington.

Excellent plus, as issued. The rifle retains 98% plus of the original blue, nitre blue and casehardened finish and appears to be un-fired and un-issued with only very minimal storage wear. The barrel has traces of edge wear at the muzzle; the front sight, bayonet lug, rear sight and bolster have 100% of the original blue finish. The barrel markings are extremely crisp. Nearly all of the delicate fire blue finish is present on the band springs, trigger, lock screws, patch box and buttplate screws. The lock plate and hammer retain 98% plus of the casehardened finish. The lock plate markings are sharp. The brass furniture has a good-looking, untouched patina and is free from marks. The stock is near new as the other components and retains nearly all of the original oil finish with un-handled, raised grain. The edges of the barrel channel, and the stock flats are sharp. The two Ordnance inspection marks on the left flat are crisp, deep and in perfect condition. Wear on the stock is limited to a shallow bruise on the right side between the barrel bands and several very minor storage marks. The ramrod is bright with a few spots of superficial age discoloration. The bayonet and sheath are very good. The Model 1863 Percussion rifle is considered to be one of the best made and most attractive Civil War long arms. Although Model 1863 rifles are typically found in very fine condition, this example is in exceptional condition and is one of the best U.S. Remington Model 1863 percussion rifles extant.