First post: Confederate 'sharpshooter's' rifle

[JH1961]

This rifle was in my dad's collection when he passed away last year. Some members may have known him. I'll be happy to respond to such inquiries privately. For now, I would like to share this rifle: It, and (3) others, were made by a Limestone, AL gunsmith in 1862. They were presented to the '17th Alabama Sharpshooters'. Those units were almost 100% composed of Cherokee enlistees. Comments welcomed.
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[JH1961]

I'm not sure why only 1 pic posted. My apologies. Here are 3 others (I hope!): View attachment 20231004_174520.jpgView attachment 20231004_174500.jpgView attachment 20231004_174528.jpg

 

[reddogge]

Very interesting rifle with all of the decorations and tacks. They fit with the history of it.

 

[128]

Wow, very cool.
Sorry for your loss.

 

[JH1961]

Wow, very cool.
Sorry for your loss.

Thank you. We inherited his dog, so he's 'still here'.

 

[PathfinderNC]

That is so interesting and remarkable piece of history!
Note the front sight- had it been a contemporary build, I would have said the front sight is on backwards!!!!
Very good teaching tool here.

 

[JH1961]

I'm glad I brought something 'different' to the table.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Thanks for posting the pics and also sorry to hear about your father. Those are certainly very nice arms with a fascinating history. I hope someone has documented the history of the Sharpshooter Unit also.

 

[PathfinderNC]

I'm glad I brought something 'different' to the table.

Indeed!

 

[Barry Strickland]

The most amazing thing on it is the false muzzle it still there!
If only guns could talk.
Barry

 

[springfield art]

This rifle was in my dad's collection when he passed away last year. Some members may have known him. I'll be happy to respond to such inquiries privately. For now, I would like to share this rifle: It, and (3) others, were made by a Limestone, AL gunsmith in 1862. They were presented to the '17th Alabama Sharpshooters'. Those units were almost 100% composed of Cherokee enlistees. Comments welcomed.
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Be prepared for there will be guys wanting the full specs in order to copy one!! Nice!

 

[springfield art]

If this is something Confederate, PLUS Cherokee...wow. Love the star on the butt.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Nice rifle but it appears the loading muzzle was added to a roundball rifle.

 

[springfield art]

Don't just jump at any chance to sell it; be prepared to offer research, etc., and if it's ever sold, should go thru a major auction house that often sells rare guns and Civil War items. Could be worth a goodly amount, and not in Confederate Money!

 

[JH1961]

Thanks for posting the pics and also sorry to hear about your father. Those are certainly very nice arms with a fascinating history. I hope someone has documented the history of the Sharpshooter Unit also.

The rosters of the Alabama Sharpshooters are, fortunately, well-documented, especially their Cherokee lineage.

 

[springfield art]

Good that the Ala. Sharpshooters are documented, the Cherokee is great, too! Wonder if there's any contemporary references to the rifle, to tie it in other than oral history? I believe if nothing, the copper star with the large tacks will be copied by someone; it has a certain charm to it!!

 

[JH1961]

Good that the Ala. Sharpshooters are documented, the Cherokee is great, too! Wonder if there's any contemporary references to the rifle, to tie it in other than oral history? I believe if nothing, the copper star with the large tacks will be copied by someone; it has a certain charm to it!!

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[sportster73hp]

Nice piece.
Being a man with a full beard, first thing i thought of when seeing the star was “ that will pull some hair out”.

 

[Eterry]

Here's your first questions... what bore does she carry, and who built it?

 

[JH1961]

Here's your first questions... what bore does she carry, and who built it?

Gunsmith: James G. Perry, Athens, AL, Limestone County. Caliber: NA