Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- Model 1855 U.S. Percussion Rifle, .58-caliber single shot muzzleloader with Maynard primer; lug on right side of barrel for saber bayonet; walnut stock, patchbox on right side of butt.
- Description
- Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, commander of the 11th New York Infantry, was killed on May 24, 1861. Ellsworth led a company of his men into Alexandria, VA where they saw a large Confederate flag flying over the roof of the Marshall House hotel on King Street. They went to the rooftop and lowered the flag. As they were descending they were surprised by the innkeeper, James W. Jackson. Jackson leveled a double-barrel shotgun at Ellsworth and killed him instantly with a shot to the chest. Pvt. Frank Brownell, of the 11th New York Infantry, used this Model 1855 Percussion Rifle and its bayonet to kill James Jackson.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- associated person; user
- Brownell, Frank E.
- associated person
- Ellsworth, Elmer E.
- patentee
- Maynard, E.
- maker
- Harpers Ferry Armory
- date made
- 1860
- associated date
- 1860
- Credit Line
- Frank E. Brownell
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- wood (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 7 in x 49 in x 2 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 124.46 cm x 6.35 cm
- overall: 48 1/2 in x 2 1/4 in; 123.19 cm x 5.715 cm
- Object Name
- rifle
- rifle, percussion
- Other Terms
- rifle; Firearms; Tape Prime; .58 In; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa
