REMINGTON MODEL 1863 ZOUAVE PERCUSSION CONTRACT RIFLE
Civil War-era rifle, 33" three-groove barrel, 49" overall, a Remington Model 1863 Zouave Percussion Contract Rifle, .58 caliber,with brass patchbox, buttplate, trigger guard and barrel bands. The lockplate is dated "1863", and is further marked with a national eagle over the initials "U.S.", and beside the inscription: "REMINGTON'S ILION N.Y.". The breech end of the barrel is also dated "1863", and is further marked with the initial "V" over "P" over an unknown symbol. The barrel is further inscribed "STEEL" and "H.S.L." on the left side, HSL being the proof mark of arms inspector Homer S. Lathe. The left side of the stock above the trigger guard bears two cartouches, one "B H" in a rounded rectangle, and the other very faint, possibly "H D J" in a similar rectangle. The buttplate is marked "US". The barrel bears a dark blued finish, and the stock is of walnut. The brass patchbox contains a fresh extra nipple. Condition is nearly as-new, with light patination and very light verdigris on the trigger guard. The walnut stock shows light scuffs and marks from handling. Action is crisp, bore is fine and should clean nicely.