Category: Arms & Armament
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Some Old Guns
Rock Island Auctions has some Civil War guns up for their September auction. As usual I can’t afford any of them but it’s nice to look. Of particular interest are: A contract Henry rifle for the 1st D.C. Cavalry. This rifle is one of approximately 1000 Henry rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department in late […]
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The Volcanic Carbine
I mentioned Volcanic arms in an earlier post about Smith & Wesson. Although probably not many were used in the war, the Volcanic is very important in firearms history. Take a look at this Volcanic carbine—it’s the same basic design as the Henry and the later Winchesters. Loaded with the anemic .41 cal. “rocket ball”, […]
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Sharpshooting in the the War of 1812
Since we’ve had some comments on the War of 1812 I thought I’d take the opportunity to post an excerpt from my sharpshooter book on the US Rifle Regiment—one of the few first-class US units. Virtually the only book on this important and nearly forgotten unit is John Fredricksen’s Green Coats and Glory: The United […]
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America’s Most Significant Firearm?
Happy 4th of July everyone—hope you were able to enjoy it with family and friends like I was. This day in 1863 was one of celebration and rejoicing for the United States as Lee’s army began its retreat southward from Pennsylvania and Vicksburg surrendered. Phil Schreier of the National Firearms Museum takes a look at […]
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Civil War on the Web
“98.2% of celeb internet quotes are bogus” — Abraham Lincoln Telegraph columnist Christopher Howse checks into yet another plagiarism scandal, then notes how many historical quotes just can’t be verified and are likely false. All the more reason to be suspicious. We are not amused, and they can eat…cake. NOAA and the US Navy are […]
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Heritage Militaria Auction
Take a look at the Heritage Auctions web site even if you’re not flush with cash. Lots of Civil War arms and memorabilia if you just won the lottery. One is a “Morgan” rifle said to be a Union sharpshooter weapon and featured the Time-Life Echoes of Glory book.
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A Rifleman’s War, Then and Now.
The question of just how much rifle practice the average Civil War soldier got has been the subject of much discussion, much of it speculative. I recently came across a Federal order on the subject issued by General Dan Sickles: General Orders No. 7, Headquarters 3d Army Corps, March 9, 1863 The attention of Commanding […]