Description
Such a unique and interesting cavalry carbine! Originally issued to Maryland cavalry troops early in the War, this is a well used and honest as they come cavalry weapon in untouched attic brown weapon condition just as originally found in a central Virginia estate several years ago. The basic configuration is that of a M1859 Sharps Carbine with iron patchbox but it has some very interesting features, including a clearly original-as-used hand carved and fitted walnut forearm that was placed on the gun well over a century and a half ago. The top of the breech has been vented in the manner known to be used with Confederate conversions so the weapon could be used as a muzzle loader or charged with something other than the standard Sharps cartridge. The breech is frozen but perhaps can be opened by using some penetrating oil and some patience, but I prefer to leave it as it was found. The left side of the stock has deeply carved initials of “WTR”, again a common practice of Confederate soldiers in the field when using captured Union guns. The real key to at least one of the owners is inside the patchbox where, in light but visible script, “2 VA” and “W.T. Roberts” has been scratched/written in. There is only one soldier in the Civil War Database in that unit by that name:
William T. Roberts
Enlisted on 3/1/1864 at Orange CH, VA as a Private. On 3/1/1864 he mustered into “G” Co. VA 2nd Cavalry
He was listed as:
* Detailed 4/23/1864 (place not stated) (On horse detail)
* Returned 4/26/1864 (place not stated)
* Hospitalized 4/29/1864 Charlottesville, VA (With “Feb Remittens”)
* Hospitalized 5/7/1864 Lynchburg, VA
* Oath Allegiance 5/29/1865 Campbell Court House, VA
This is a weapon issued by necessity and shortage of cavalry arms as typical of those found in Virginia.
This weapon, according to the Springfield Research Database, was in the range of serial numbers originally shipped to
the 1st Regiment, Maryland Cavalry, Potomac Home Brigade which was originally organized at Cole’s (Co. “A”), Furey’s (Co. “B”), Horner’s (Co. “C”) and Currie’s (Co. “D”). The Independent Cavalry Companies organized at Frederick, Md., August 10 to November 27, 1861. The unit mustered out June 28, 1865.
Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin
Men often enlisted in a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded.
Company A – many men from Frederick County
Company B – many men from Frederick County
Company C – many men from Frederick County
Company D – many men from Frederick County
Company E – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company F – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company G – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company H – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company I – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company K – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company L – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
Company M – many men from Frederick and Baltimore counties
