Sharps New Model 1859 full stock .52 caliber percussion rifle carried by regimental sharpshooter Dem Youngers of the 151st New York Infantry during the Civil War. The rifle measures 53″ long with a 36″ barrel configured for a saber bayonet. It is stamped on the top with the early serial number 37402 and bears a plaque on the left side of the butt handsomely engraved, “Dem Youngers, 1st Brig. Sharpshooters, 3rd Div. 6th Corps.” Matching the plaque are pairs of diamond-shaped inlays decorating both sides of the forestock. In fine condition, with normal usage and a smooth patina, and minor pitting primarily on front of lock around hammer and on breech. Accompanied by an extensive packet of photocopies of Youngers’s war records. Provenance: Heritage Auctions.
Enlisting in the Union army on September 10, 1862, the German-born Youngers was commissioned as an 18-year-old soldier in the 151st NY Infantry until June 26, 1864. During the infantry’s assignment with the 6th Corps, Youngers participated in all fights following the crossing of Virginia’s Rapidan River, engaging in conflicts at the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Although Youngers miraculously survived each contest, he would succumb to an ongoing war-related disease on August 11, 1872. Augmented by its comprehensive documentation, this is an exceptionally rare sharpshooter’s rifle employed during several of the Civil War’s most infamous battles. Oversized.
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