America Remembers honors heroes of history with the Civil War Cavalry Leaders Tribute, a recreation of the legendary Henry Rifle. This Civil War firearm features portraits of the greatest Union and Confederate cavalry leaders.
Courageous, ingenious, and daring… the officers and men of the Civil War cavalries rode full gallop into glory. Racing across the battlefield on horseback and slipping behind enemy lines, returning with information, stolen supplies, and prisoners, they revolutionized battle tactics. As word of their exploits spread, even battle-hardened infantrymen looked up to the Cavalry as heroes. To this day, names like Stuart, Forrest, Mosby, Sheridan, Buford, and Custer still inspire awe. When they met on the battlefield, it was a clash of titans that shook a nation.
Civil War cavalry leaders revolutionized the role of the cavalry- they realized the tactical value of fighting with firearms, both from the saddle and on foot, and developed strategies that fully exploited the mobility and speed of their horses.
Both sides of the conflict had its champions. When brought head-to-head with their former comrades, they fought fierce contests of strategy reinventing the science of battle.
The Legendary Henry Rifle
To honor these remarkable warriors, we’ve fashioned the Civil War Cavalry Tribute in the form of the classic Henry Rifle, considered by many to be the most effective rifle in the War. The Henry Rifle represented one of the most important innovations in the history of firearms. It used self-contained, .44 caliber rimfire cartridges, fifteen of which could fit in the magazine with another in the chamber. As a result, the Henry far outclassed the ball-and-powder rifles in general use at the time, and was the forerunner of the classic Winchester rifle. The Henry was a favorite for cavalry units who were fortunate enough to obtain them during the War.
The Civil War Cavalry Leaders Tribute Rifle recreates the classic Henry Rifle in great detail. It’s been crafted by the world-renowned master craftsmen of A. Uberti, whose recreations of history’s greatest firearms for the past four decades have been acclaimed by collectors internationally. The Tribute is a fully functional, working Henry Rifle in .44-40 caliber. This Civil War firearm has beautiful artwork captured in 24-karat gold and nickel, blued 24 1/4 inch half-octagonal barrel, and the hand-polished walnut stocks. Craftsmen have been commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers.
Cavaliers In Gray
The decorations on this Civil War firearm’s receiver honor the great cavalry leaders on both sides of the war, starting on the left with a portrait of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Though he had never received military training, Forrest was intuitive and won his battles through ingenuity and imagination. His common-sense approach to strategy was summed up in the phrase, “I always make it a rule to get there first with the most men.”
Also featured on this classic Civil War firearm is General James Ewell Brown Stuart, known affectionately throughout the South as “J.E.B.”. In 1862, with Union forces camped just north of Richmond, Stuart was sent on a reconnaissance mission to determine the enemy’s weak points. He led his 1,200 men on a three day ride over 100 miles, making a complete circle around the Federal troops and keeping one step ahead of pursuing forces. History would remember this first great cavalry raid as “The Ride Around McClellan.” A hero of the Southern cause, Stuart’s fame grew with each exploit, including a hard-won victory in the all-cavalry Battle of Brandy Station and a second complete circle around Union troops at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
A portrait of Colonel John Mosby, the legendary master of guerrilla warfare, is featured too on this Civil War firearm. Only nine men were in his first command, but in a series of nighttime raids, they managed to take 22 prisoners in their first month of operations. Enraged, Union officials launched a massive manhunt for the Rebels, but Mosby responded with a night raid on Union headquarters, managing to capture a Brigadier General, two captains, and 30 soldiers in the process.
The left side of the receiver of this Civil War firearm features portraits of three famed Confederate leaders — General James Ewell Brown “JEB” Stuart, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, and Colonel John Mosby. In the center, the “Cavaliers in Gray” are featured charging into battle. Elegant scrollwork in 24-karat gold surrounds the images on both sides of the receiver.
Cavaliers in Blue
On the right side of the receiver are portraits of three heroic officers of the United States Cavalry beginning with Brigadier General John Buford. A decorated veteran of battles against Indians of Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska, Buford’s Civil War record included several major battles in Virginia. At Thorofare Gap, he and 3,000 men held off a force of 25,000 Confederate troops for six hours. Sent to locate Confederate forces in the vicinity of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania he found Robert E. Lee’s entire army of 75,000 men. Buford sent a messenger to inform his superiors, and set up a line of defense as best he could. He scattered his meager force of 2,500 men throughout the hills and managed to hold back the enemy until reinforcements arrived. The end result was a Union victory at Gettysburg, which proved to be the turning point of the war. If not for Buford’s courage and quick thinking, the war may have had a very different outcome.
To the right of Buford on this Civil War firearm is a portrait of General Philip Sheridan, the veteran of Perryville, Stones River, Chickamagua, and Missionary Ridge who was appointed commander of the Army of the Potomac’s Cavalry Corps. Sheridan was an aggressive leader who believed “A prompt and vigorous pursuit is the only means of ensuring complete success.” Sheridan’s enthusiasm and boundless energy had a profound effect on his officers and men. Sheridan found his forces defeated and driven from their camp at Cedar Creek, but was determined to turn the tables. Riding before the men and offering words of encouragement, he emboldened them to turn around and region the battle. The resulting Union victory put an end to the years-long Confederate domination of the Shenandoah Valley.
To Sheridan’s right is George Armstrong Custer who proved his valor and tactical genius at Cedar Creek, Five Forks, Cold Harbor, Falling Water, and in the Shenandoah Campaign. At Gettysburg, he faced overwhelming odds as he led his Michigan Brigade against J.E. B. Stuart’s forces, shattering the Confederate Cavalry and helping turn the tide of battle. In the last days of the war, Custer led forces that harassed the retreating army of General Robert E. Lee prior to its surrender at Appomattox.
The right side of this Civil War firearm features portraits of three famed Union leaders — General Philip Sheridan, General George Armstrong Custer, and General John Buford. The “Cavaliers in Blue” are also featured in full gallop racing into combat with the Union flag leading the way. All artwork is in 24-karat gold an nickel with a special blackened patinaed background for maximum detail and contrast.
Each side of the receiver features a dramatic image of a cavalry troop racing into combat. The life-like portraits on this Civil War firearm are wonderful in their detail, and add to the already impressive beauty of the Henry rifle. The appeal of the Civil War Cavalry and their dashing young leaders has endured for generations. They secured their place in American history forever and revolutionized the role of cavalry units for future wars. This is your opportunity to secure a lasting Tribute to the heroic leaders and soldiers of the Cavalry that will be the conversation piece in any home or office for many years to come.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Civil War Cavalry Leaders Tribute Rifle” is a working Henry rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “Civil War Cavalry Leaders Tribute Rifle,” a working Henry rifle, at the current issue price of $2,495*. Each rifle is numbered within the edition limit of 300 and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per rifle. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.