Thanks so much for responding to my 'question' of several years ago. I hadn't gone to the site recently so just saw your message.
The serial # of my double trigger Berdan sharps long rifle is 57247.......my grandfather Bancroft had it somewhere about late 1890's.
I inherited it and kept it in good condition all these years. It had been totally varnished(except in barrel) so it's pristine. It was
signed by OWA, new model 1859 and has 12 notches cut in on right side of barrel stock so it must have been for more than squirrels!
I have all the books printed about Berdan in hopes of finding who it had been issued to and where he acquired it. No Bancroft was
involved in the Sharpshooter divisions or any of the other possible regiments that might have had the rifle nor is there any relative
that I know of who would have used it; all my relatives were New Englanders. It might have been a friend or maybe just items that
were given to him or he purchased.

So if you have any info that would relate, I'd be much obliged for your help. Oh, I also have the bayonet, cartridge case, cartridges
and other Civil War items to go with it plus a 1863 Springfield conversion with aa Joselyn action , cart case and ammo. I cherish the
items but would be really pleased if their origins were known.

Regards,
Richard Bancroft
brbancroft@suscom-maine.net