This Sharps rifle bears serial number C35210 which, according to records published in “CIVIL WAR SHARPS CARBINES & RIFLES” by Earl J. Coates and John D. McAulay, was issued to Private William H. Bennett formerly of the 11^th Ohio Infantry and who, at the time of the issue of this weapon, was with the 4^th Regiment US Veteran Volunteers.

The barrel retains most of its original finish throughout its length with just some scattered areas where it has thinned a bit. The muzzle area has just the slightest pinprick pitting otherwise the barrels appearance is very pleasing. Rear sight has the long flip-up leaf with sliding appture. Forward of this is a clear strong marking that reads “SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN.” in three lines. Behind the sight is a good single line stamping of “NEW MODEL 1863.” Bore has good rifling with light dust and minor dirt from storage.

Breech, lock and triggerguard show hints of case colors but are mostly dark. All patent marks are near crisp and the lock marking is strong. Action works properly and the original nipple is present. Top of breech block and nipple area are very clean with only the slightest surface pitting.

Walnut stock has an iron patchbox in the right side of the butt that matches the rest of the iron surfaces of the rifle. This area also has a dark stain in the wood caused by some unknown substance. The surface of the stock shows light wear with the usual dings, dents and scratches associated with age. The left side of the forearm, just forward of the first barrel band, has a 1.50 x 0.75 inch nick or gouge that has been filled with wood putty. There are no visible cracks. The wrist just behind the breech has two very good cartouche marks. Both sling swivels are present as are all three barrel bands.

Overall this weapon does show signs of some use but it also shows that it was cared for. The fact that the owner was in a regiment composed entirely of proud veterans who were allowed to keep their weapons at the end of their service explains the rifles excellent condition.

The owner of this weapon was Private William H. Bennett. The published book by Coates and McAulay mentioned above comes with the rifle. On page 96 of that book can be seen the listing showing that this rifle was issued to Bennett.

William H. Bennett was born in Shelby County, Ohio in 1840. He enlisted as a Private in Company H, 11^th Ohio Infantry at Camp Dennison on June 20, 1861 for three years. While he was with the regiment it saw action at 2^nd Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Buzzards Roost and Resaca. Bennett was present until just after the battle of Chickamauga when he entered the hospital sick on September 24, 1863. He did not return to his regiment until May 16, 1864 and was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service at Camp Dennison on June 21, 1864.

Several months after his muster out Bennett went to Urbana, Ohio where he enlisted as a Private in Company K, 4^th US Veteran Volunteers on March 9, 1865 for one year. At the time he was described as being 24 years old, 5’ 8” tall, with a light complexion, blue eyes and light hair with a listed occupation as farmer.

On April 1, 1865 Bennett was appointed 4^th Corporal of his company and in June he was appointed one of the regimental guides. He was present until November 1865 when he reported to the hospital at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was back with his company on February 3, 1866 and was mustered out March 9, 1866. A notation in his military records states the he “retained (1) one sharps rifle.”

After leaving the army Bennett traveled to Indiana to make a go at farming but this failed and he moved back to the area of Columbus, Ohio. Here he married in 1872 and made a living working for the railroad until his aliments from the war returned. He collected a pension for a while and died in 1897. He is buried in Harris Creek Cemetery in Bradford, Ohio.

Full military and pension records come with the item.  [ad]

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