Object Details
associated person; user
Brownell, Frank E.
associated person
Ellsworth, Elmer E.
patentee
Maynard, E.
maker
Harpers Ferry Armory
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
Credit Line
Frank E. Brownell
date made
1860
associated date
1860
ID Number
AF.202729
catalog number
202729
accession number
22306
Object Name
rifle
rifle, percussion
Other Terms
rifle; Firearms; Tape Prime; .58 In; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa
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
place made
United States
See more items in
Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military
Frank E. Brownell
Military
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Firearms
related event
Civil War
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_414336