Thanks for your reply to my search question about my Berdan rifle......I hadn't been on the site for 2 yrs. and just had a current
reply and saw yours. Sorry to be so slow. No, I haven't found out anything new about my long rifle w/ double set triggers of the
Berdaon Sharps new model of 1859. Its serial is 57247 and was in my grandfather's possession since late 1890's. I have all the books
about Berdan and the sharpshooters but nothing on who it might have been used by. No Bancroft relatives were in the divisions or in
any other possible regiments that might have had them. It was totally varnished(except barrel) so is pristine. It has 12 notches cut
into side of barrel stock so assume it was active in the war. No relatives were found that I know of who might have had it in the war
so with it and the cartridges, cases, bayonet, etc. I have much civil war memorabilia with no history I can find out about. My rifle is
signed OWA and for sure it is authentic. I keep hoping someone will contact me with some facts. If I can be of help, let me know.
I will checks this site out frequently now. Maybe the fellow sent a note and has some records on serial numbers and who had been
issued the weapons might have something! One can hope.
Regards,
Richard Bancroft
brbancroft@suscom-maine.net