Sharps Model 1859 Rifle Identified to Member of the 6th U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry and 39th NY Wounded at Gettysburg!

Sharps Model 1859 Rifle Identified to Member of the 6th U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry - Inventory Number: RIF 236

This is a Sharps Model 1859 rifle, a breechloading, single-shot firearm renowned for its rugged design, rapid rate of fire, and accuracy. Manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, the Model 1859 features a .52 caliber bore, percussion ignition, and lever-operated falling block mechanism. It was widely used by sharpshooters, scouts, and elite infantry during the Civil War.

This particular example is historically significant, having been identified to a Private Henry Zeller of the Garibaldi guards and also of the 6th United States Veteran Volunteer Infantry (VVI) — a unit composed primarily of seasoned Union soldiers who reenlisted for post-war service. The 6th VVI was organized in 1865 and stationed on the Western frontier, where it served in garrison duty and protected settlers and infrastructure during the turbulent Reconstruction period.

The rifle retains its military markings and original patina, with clear inspector stamps and serial number corresponding to late-war government contracts. Identified rifles from veteran volunteer regiments are rare and offer a unique connection to the transition between the Civil War and the Indian Wars era.

The rifle is accompanied by copious amounts of research in a professionally designed binder containing the copies of the original document issuing the rifle to Zeller, his pension and military records, numerous other supporting documentation as well as a Horse Soldier catalogue listing from 2020 when it was sold previously.  It is also accompanied by a copy of the book "The War of the Rebellion, Vol. 52 containing history of the regiments actions.

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Inventory Number: RIF 236