Whitworth rifle case

[Bountyhunter]

This months American Rifleman has an article on the use of the Whitworth rifle as a sniper rifle by the Confederacy. They show one picture of a rifle with a wooden case.

Do any of you know where I could find any more pictures of a Whitworth rifle case? I have searched quite a bit and I find references that say that a few of the rifles came in a case, but no pictures.

Sure would appreciate anymore pictures if you would have any.

Thanks
Bill

 

[ResearchPress]

There's a picture of a cased rifle on my web site: Whitworth Military Match Rifle in Oak Presentation Box

I don't have any pictures of the form of box in the article though.

David

 

[Bountyhunter]

Interesting. Thanks. Your case is different than the one in the "Rifleman" article. The case in the article leads me to believe that the rifle went in the case vertically rather than horizontally. That case appears to have a "hump back" over the lock of the rifle. I was just curious about it, and what it might look like inside.

 

[ResearchPress]

Yes, I have a copy of the article you refer to but sadly don't have any more details of the box pictured in it. Cased rifles I have seen have been as those I posted the link to, which are intended for target shooters rather than military use. Morrow in his book on 'Confederate Whitworth Sharpshooters' doesn't picture such a box.

Incidently I would not be too enthusiastic about shooting the rifle in the manner pictured in Don Troiani's painting; looks like a sure way to lose an eye given the proximity of the rifleman's head to the scope.

David

 

[paulvallandigham]

I seriously doubt that any rifle used in the Civil War was carried into the field in any wooden box. Because battle lines were " fluid ", guns were assembled and either carried in the hands, or on a sling, or in a scabbard on a horse. Because the snipers were considered by commanders to be a sort of small bore artillery, they were often keep back from the front lines on purpose so that they might not fall to a surprise ambush or attack. Most of the casualties in the Civil War were due to disease, and battle field injuries and death were the result of artillery shells, not small arms fire, or bayonet stab wounds. The reason we remember, and honor those snipers is that they did change the outcome of many battles by their ability to kill officers situated behind the front lines, where they thought they would be safe from enemy fire. As occurred in the American Revolution, Snipers killing British officers caused great confusion in the ranks of British soldiers, and contributed to several key victories for Americans. The Wars were won and lost by attrition, and the ability of the winning side to supply its troops better with food, guns and ammunition, and reinforcements to replace fallen combat units. The South had the better shooters, at least at the beginning of the war, but by the end of the War, the North had more shooters, better rifles, and some very well trained snipers. The South simply ran out of everything, from food to Generals.