Exteremley Fine Remington percussion 1863 “Zouave” Rifle…

Remington 1863 Zouave percussion rifle from the US Civil War.

Perfect condition Zouave Rifle by Remington for the American Civil war with its bayonet and scabbard.  This must have been one of the famously not issued weapons of the conflict. At first glimpse one can be forgiven for thinking it is a reproduction but close examination prooves otherwise. Remington stepped forward and produced approximately 12,500 these destinctive short percussion rifles, amoungst others but, these are the most easily recognised of the long rifles, because of their bright brass fittings and patch-box.  Chambered in .58′ caliber, a single shot rifled musket with brass patch-box. This example has the sought after seven groove rifling which is very good condition.

Overall, without bayonet fixed, the rifle is 49″ long.  The round blued barrel is 33″ and the trigger Pull is 13.3/4″ to centre.  Once the bayonet is fixed it becomes a full 69″ long.  The bayonet fixes with a typical side lug one normally finds on sword bayonet weapons.  This example of the 1863 Zouave rifle is hard to fault and appears to be in perfect working order, as does its brass handled yataghan type bayonet.  The weapon retains its full length, tupil ended cleaning and loading rod and a very old leather sling with single brass hook buckle, complete with verdigris.

The stock is produced in fine American Black Walnut and has a pleasing high grade original finish to it.  There are few marks to indicate a hard military life and some fantastically clear boxed cartouches on the reverse side. “H.D.J.” for Henry. D. Jennings and “B.H.” for Benjamin Hannis. The LHS flat of the breech is marked “H”  “STEEL   R.K.A.”  for Remick Knowles Arnold.  All inspectors at the Remington plant, responsible for passing different stages of the rifles production.  The bevel edged lock is clearly marked “1863” behind the hammer and has an excellent clear American Eagle with Shield, clutching arrows / U.S. Design, adjacent to “REMINGTON’S ILION, N.Y.”  Correct rear sight on top of barrel.

The LHS top of the breech is marked with the “V/P/ Eagles Head” proof mark.  Other components also carry single leter inspection stamps and the brass butt-plate tang is clearly marked “U.S.” infront of the fixing screw.  The RHS of the butt has a brass, hinged patch box fitted which contains the original replacement nipple and auger to attach to the cleaing rod.  Brass barrel bands, marked with the open Springfield “U” marking with springs,  hold in position.  The same are also stamped with a “C” on the underside.  Steel sling swivels.  It is possible, if you look in a sympathetic light, to see the remanents of the case colour hardening to the lock and hammer.

The story goes that these rifles were never actually issued, but rather, at the end of the conflict sold in total, out through Bannermans; this explains their fantastic condition.  The bayonet is also in wonderful condition with an excellent leather stitched scabbard with brass mounts.  Small inspection letter stamps appear on the hilt and other parts.  The steel sprung fixing catch is in full working order and the handle is of solid brass.  The yataghan blade is nothing short of remarkable, with a good point, a high polish and only one patch of corrosion on one side.  Once again hard to improve upon.  The action of the rifle is strong with definite clear clicks as the hammer is moved to the rear, and trigger release is positive.

In short, this is the best 161 year old rifle I have ever seen! and if I were a richman it wouldn’t have even made it to this web page! A fantastic oportunity to purchase a real sleeper in top condition from a violent turbulent part of America’s history.

No License required – Antique

 £ 2650.

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