Scarce Civil War Remington US Contract Split-Breech Carbine 1st Type

Serial #3195, .46 RF, 20" barrel with a very good, bright bore that has mild freckling within the grooves. This is one of 5,000 breech-loading carbines ordered by the US government in March of 1864, and was one of the third batch of 2,250 carbines delivered on April 30, 1865. This example retains 90-92% of the original blue on the barrel, with the balance faded to a mellow plum-brown patina, and some gray fading at the muzzle. Additional small tool and vise marks are present on the sides of the breech, just visible above the edges of the forend. The frame retains 85-90% of the original muted color case-hardening, with a dark gray patina starting to form, as well as bright gray with brown freckling on the saddle ring and bar. The breechblock and hammer have about 50% of the original blue remaining, with a dark plum-brown patina on the balance. The walnut forend has small handling marks and blemishes throughout the original dark oil finish, as well as a narrow sliver of wood missing from the left side near the nose, and a small chip from the top edge of the right side. The buttstock also has some minor handling marks and small blemishes in the otherwise fine original oil finish, with a crisp US inspector’s mark on the left side of the wrist. These are rarely seen carbines, especially with such a high degree of original finish remaining, and this example rates fine-near excellent overall. Antique