Guns International #: 100863563
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Guns International #: 100863563
Category - Civil War Rifles
- Antique Rifles - Percussion
Seller's Information
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Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc. Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State:
Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Active Listings: 41
Total Listings: 576
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods:
Money Order, Certified Check
Civil War Remington Model 1863 2 Band Rifle
Description: This is a very fine example of the Remington Model 1863 Short Rifle also known as the "Zouave Rifle" that was made in 1863. Whereas most weapons used in the Civil War retain little to no original finish due to hard use on the battlefield and having lived a soldier's life outside in the elements for extended periods, these Model 1863's are real time capsules in terms of original finish as most were never issued. Although far from Mint, for 150+ years old, it is in fantastic condition with over 90% original barrel blue but mixed with some rust spots, GREAT cartouches, and silvered-out case colors on the lockplate mixing with patina. It is uncleaned and in attic condition as there are rust spots on the outside of the barrel. Most of these look like they'll clean up but a few spots have light pitting....mainly around the muzzle, barrel lug, and top of hammer. The gun is all original with the sole exception being the ramrod which is a modern replacement. Lockplate and barrel are both dated 1863 with "STEEL" and Proofs at the left side of the breech. The mechanics are perfect with a great bore; still bright and with strong lands and grooves. Check out the fire blue on the trigger profiles. Several of the screws also exhibit traces of original blue. Features include: 3 Groove Rifling. 33" Barrel. Brass Furniture. Sling Swivels, Walnut stock, Patchbox, Two Leaf Model 1855 style rear sight, blade front, and Attachment on right side of barrel for Saber Bayonet (The bayonets for these can still be found). There is a rather enigmatic history behind this rifle but its design somewhat suggests that it might have been intended as a replacement for US Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle and/or the Model 1855 Rifle which were both produced at the Harpers Ferry Armory in West Virginia. With the Harpers Ferry Rifle works destroyed and most of its surviving equipment captured and shipped South by the Confederacy in 1861, the production of 2 band rifles at US Armories came to a halt. According to Flayderman's guide, documents have come to light referring to the Remington Model 1863 as the "Harpers Ferry Pattern". To date, nobody is sure where the "Zouave Rifle" nickname originates. The Model 1863 Remington might have been an attempt to bring back the Model 1841 Mississippi with improved Model 1855 DNA as it is a rather interesting amalgamation of the two. As Remington was one of the original five private contractors that built the Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle, that they had secured other large contracts and delivered good products that passed inspection and at reasonable prices, they would have been a logical choice for such a contract. The Remington Zouave shares several parts from the Mississippi rifle that Remington no doubt built on some of the original Model 1841 machinery. For example, the locks on the 1863 and 1841 are interchangeable. The hammer, trigger, and trigger guard bow are nearly dead ringers for those found on the Mississippi Rifle. Except for being enlarged from the original .54 caliber to .58, the barrel is also nearly identical to the Model 1841. From there, it resembles more of the Model 1855 Rifle that was produced at Harpers Ferry as stock is almost the same as the Model 1855 rifle, as are the rear sight, brass patchox, buttplate, and nose cap. The barrels were blued on these rifles were rust blued and the lockplates were case color hardened. Coupled with the brass furniture, many are of the opinionn that the Model 1863 Remington was one of the best looking rifles produced during the Civil War. For example: "The Remington "Zouave" rifle, as it is erroneously, but often referred to today, is among the handsomest of all military arms, and possibly represents the highest degree of craftmanship ever found on mass-produced martial weapons." See page 55, United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865 by Robert M. Reilly. "One of the best made and designed military arms of the Civil War era. The origin of the name "Zouave" for this rifle has yet to be revealed. In official documents and the U.S. contract it was termed "Harpers Ferry Pattern." The great majority of them found in higher grades of condition suggest they were not issued; their usage remains a mystery. Flayderman's Guide to Antique America Firearms. 9th Edition. Following the Civil War, most if not all of original 12,501 Model 1863's made were kept in storage...likely for many years until eventually being sold off as surplus. Given there condition and shorter barrel length, they were extremely popular with re-enactors in the North South Skirmish Association (NSSA) back in the 1960's. At any rate, a nice example with some minor storage issues but a lot of gun for the money for a real Civil War Rifle in this condition. SOLD Antique: Yes Manufacturer: Remington Model: Model 1863 Caliber Info: .58 Barrel Type: Round Manufacture Date: 1863 |
Guns International #: 100863563
Guns International #: 100863563