Remington 1864 Percussion Musket

Description

Featuring Model 1863 Contract lock, stamped with eagle over “U.S.” forward of the
hammer, and “REMINGTON’S/ILION, N.Y.” under the bolster, with an “L” at the forward
end. Tapering round 34″ barrel with octagonal breech bored to .62 caliber smoothbore; the
breech stamped with view and proof marks. Walnut full stock with iron mounts, including
trigger guard, butt plate with tang stamped “US”, two barrel bands secured by screws, and
fore end cap. Stock in two pieces, joined together under the first barrel band. No sights or
sling swivels. Steel ramrod with tulip-shaped tip. Overall length 50″. Lock very good, the
markings mostly clear; some nicks and pitting. Barrel bright, with small patches of rust and
pitting; heavier pitting on the breech. Stock has been sanded and there is a 3″ crack
opposite the lock; the mounts with some rust and pitting. Mechanically very good, but the
nipple is rusted closed. This musket is somewhat of an anomaly, as it has features of
several different models, but does not match any one in its entirety. The lock is the exact
type and markings as that used on the 1863 Remington “Zouave” and the stock is about the
same shape, but that’s where the similarity ends. The barrel does not match any known
model, as it is of an intermediate smoothbore caliber and has no sights. It’s 34″ length
matches the rare Navy “Plymouth” rifle, for which Remington made barrels, but that was a
rifled .69 caliber and featured both front and rear sights. While the barrel and stock may
have been shortened at some time, all the parts fit tightly into their stock mortises. There
were many variations, both North and South, during the Civil War to meet the demand, but
how this exact musket came to its current configuration is anyone’s guess.