Remington Model 1863 “ZOUAVE” Percussion Rifle 58 (Pre-Owned)

Here we present an antique US Model 1863 Remington “Zouave” Rifle-Musket manufactured by the Remington Arms Co., circa 1863, in Ilion, New York. Only 12,501 were made. The “Zouave” rifle was quite similar to the Harpers Ferry Model 1841 “Mississippi Rifle” of Mexican War fame, so-called for its endearment to the Mississippi troops under then-Colonel Jefferson Davis (1808-1889). Both had brass hardware with a patchbox set into the right side of the butt stock (the Remington’s is smaller in comparison), both had 33-inch barrels secured by 2 barrel bands. One of the primary differences was the Model 1841’s .54 caliber rather than the Zouave’s .58 caliber, however, there was enough material in the barrel that many were re-bored later to .58 as that became the standard. Remington made some of the Model 1841s on contract from 1846-1854. Both are excellent in design, quality, and aesthetic. Their shorter barrels in comparison to the Models 1861/1863 would have been advantageous in closer confines.

Two cartouches remain legible on the left wrist: “HDL” for Henry D. Jennings and “BH” for Benjamin Hannis. The left side of the barrel is initialed “H.S.L.” for Homer S. Lathe. “US” is stamped on the buttplate tang and lock. This example is dated “1863”. Inside of the patch box “E.G.P.” is hand engraved.

The overall condition is very good+. The action is strong. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The stock is solid and smooth. This is a fantastic example of one of the scarcest government contract rifle-muskets of the American Civil War and a handsome devil to boot!