Collector Firearms Retailer Issues Civil War Sesquicentennial Designs

ASHLAND, VA - Beginning with the American Revolution, fundamental ideals like liberty and freedom in this country have been tied to battles and firearms. One of the most significant events in American history – the Civil War, lasting four years beginning in 1861 – has come upon its 150th anniversary, and collector firearms producer, America Remembers, has issued three sesquicentennial designs that commemorate the memory of all who were affected by the war.

Beginning in April of 1861 with the Attack on Fort Sumter, the American Civil War was a war between the states that lasted four years and claimed the lives of approximately 620,000 soldiers and 50,000 civilians – three percent of the American population. Just months after the war began, Confederates found victory at the First Battle of Bull Run in July of 1861, but nearly a year later at the Battle of Shiloh the Union eventually won the battle on day two of what became the bloodiest battle in United States history to that point. Later that year, the Battle of Antietam was the first major battle of the Civil War to take place on Union land, and it was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with a total of approximately 22,700 dead, missing, or wounded.

Ten months later the Confederacy surrendered Vicksburg following the Siege of Vicksburg. Also in July, 1863, Gen. Robert E. Lee's forces were defeated at Gettysburg. This was a major turning point in the Civil War, and Confederate forces were never again able to mount a major attack in the North. About 50,000 soldiers from both the North and the South died in the three-day battle at Gettysburg. In November, 1863 at the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery, President Lincoln made his legendary Gettysburg Address to honor the fallen and redefine the purpose of the Civil War. In April of 1865 in Appomattox, General Lee surrendered his forces to General Grant.

The first sesquicentennial firearm issued by America Remembers is the Civil War Sesquicentennial Tribute Revolver, a historically appropriate 1851 Navy Revolver. A popular sidearm of the day for both Union and Confederate soldiers, the Tribute features a 7.5 inch octagonal barrel and 24-karat gold decorated artwork on blued steel. The artwork includes both North and South tributes as well as Lincoln's famous words: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Included with this Tribute, limited to only 1,865 revolvers, is a display case and replica belt buckles for Union and Confederate soldiers.

America Remembers' second sesquicentennial firearm is the Civil War Sesquicentennial Tribute Rifle, a replica of the 1860 Henry Repeating Rifle in caliber .44-40. This lever-action Civil War rifle revolutionized firearms history since it was easy to load and could fire up to fifteen shots in rapid succession, a fantastic engineering achievement in firearms efficiency and a powerful ally on the front lines, especially when most soldiers were equipped with much less efficient rifled muskets. This edition is limited to only 500 Tributes and is decorated in 24-karat gold and nickel with artwork that honors major battles, ordinary soldiers, and pivotal moments – including the Attack on Fort Sumter, which was the first battle of the Civil War.

The third firearm from America Remembers commemorating the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War is the Mort Künstler Civil War Sesquicentennial Tribute Rifle. Featuring art from the legendary Civil War artist, Mort Künstler, this lever-action Henry Rifle in caliber .44-40 features some of Künstler's most memorable images. Limited to only 500 Tributes, the rifle's octagonal barrel features hand-polished American walnut stocks and 24-karat gold decorations.

About America Remembers:
America Remembers produces unique, handsomely designed collector firearms that commemorate notable Americans and historic American events. America Remembers has worked with museums and legendary American heroes to create firearms honoring America's history and heritage starting with our Founding Fathers through the Civil War, the Old West, the major 20th century wars, many patriotic themes, and many of our favorite personalities of the recent era. Capturing the highlights of history on a steel canvas, each edition issued by America Remembers is produced with the utmost attention to detail. For more information, visit www.americaremembers.com.