This is a Model 1863 ‘Zouave’ rifle produced by the Remington arms firm of Ilion New York between 1862 and 1865. Of some 12,500 such firearms produced, this .58 caliber, single shot percussion muzzleloader in good condition rates as one of the best made and designed military arms of the Civil War era even though the great majority of the rifles were never issued to the troops. The ‘Zouave’ rifle measures 48 ½” long with a 33” barrel secured to the black walnut stock with two brass barrel bands and has a brass nose cap. Bore has sharp seven-groove rifling but is dirty. Barrel exhibits a dark gray-brown coloring along with areas of light pitting overall. A two-leaf rear sight and a blade front sight rest atop the barrel while a large bayo lug is welded to the right side for the saber bayonet.

Barrel breech shows the strong proofmarks “V / P / eaglehead” in addition to the date “1863” on the top breech area. Left facet of the barrel shows sub-inspector marks “HSL” and “STEEL”. The lockplate exhibits same dark gray-brown patina with the spreadwinged eagle under the bolster and “REMINGTON’S / U.S. ILION, N.Y.” under the eagle. Date “1863” behind the hammer. All furniture is brass including the patchbox, which still has the original spare nipple inside. Brass exhibits a dark bronze patina, except the two brass bands which appear to have been artificially darkened. Stock is in very good condition with usual dings and dents from storage. Two government cartouches on the flat opposite the hammer. Original ramrod with the tulip head and threaded tip. Two steel swivels at the triggerguard and upper band. Mechanics strong. A very nice original ‘Zouave’ rifle.  [jet]

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