Sharps Rifle

Description:

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.

Licensee: Sharps, C.Maker: Sharps

Place Made: United States

Subject: FirearmsRelated Event: Civil WarCivil War and Reconstruction

Subject:

See more items in: Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military, Military, ThinkFinity

Exhibition: Price of Freedom

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Louise Walcott Knowlton Browne

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AF.10533Catalog Number: 10533Accession Number: 45676

Object Name: rifleOther Terms: rifle; Firearms; Disc Prime; .52 In; Rifled; 14; 03

Physical Description: steel (overall material)wood (overall material)Measurements: overall: 7 in x 47 in x 2 in; 17.78 cm x 119.38 cm x 5.08 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-0cbe-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_414366

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