Moller calls these rifles the “Remington 1862 Contract Rifle,” and Flayderman, the “Model 1863 Contract Rifle.” They are best known as the “Remington Zouave,” drawing a parallel between colorful zouave uniforms and the color case-hardened locks, blued barrels and brass trim of these guns. Moller says “many arms students” think they are, “almost as attractive as the Model 1841 rifles,” (which merits an exclamation point at least.) Remington clearly used a similar design, blending it with elements of the 1855 rifle.

This one is in near excellent condition. The metal is smooth, with full barrel blue, nice mustard color to the brass mounts, showing just two stains on the patchbox door, and muted case colors on the lock, showing just darker spotting just above the lower edge. The lock markings are crisp: 1863 at rear and an eagle over U.S. with REMINGTON’S / ILION, N.Y. forward. The barrel stamps are sharp as well: inspector’s “G.P.” initials on the left flat and “STEEL,” with a crisp “1863” and “US” on the top breech, with V/P/eagle head proofs, with the eaglehead aligned below the date and the “V P” over an inspector’s “GP” as well. The bayonet lug, front and rear sights, ramrod, nose cap, bands, springs, and swivels are all in place.

The wood has an excellent finish and pleasing warm reddish-brown tone. The inspector cartouches on the left flat are crisp. We see just one short pressure dent or drag line on the left flat just forward of the upper lock screw. The edges to the wood along the barrel, the side flat, and lock apron are sharp. The left buttstock has one or two tiny dings as does the ramrod channel. The screws have lots of blue and no sign of turning.

Even in a rifle that often turns up in very good condition, this one is exceptionally nice and would rate a prominent place in a collection. [sr] [ph:L]

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