Physical Description
United States Sharps rifle Model 1859, .52 caliber.
Specific History
This type of rifle was carried by the 5th New York Zouaves.
General History
The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, "Duryée's Zouaves," was one of the most renowned fighting regiments of the American Civil War. Their colorful Zouave uniforms were based on those of the elite Zouave battalion of the French Army, whose dashing appearance matched its fighting abilities. Their precise maneuvers, effectiveness in combat, and steady bearing under fire won them universal respect and recognition. "I doubt whether it had an equal," General George Sykes said of the 5th New York, "and certainly no superior among all the regiments of the Army of the Potomac." Many observers considered the 5th New York to be the best-drilled volunteer unit in the federal army.
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