THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED.
Honoring the Greatest Battle of the Civil War with the Artwork of an American Master
A Spectacular New Issue Honoring A Battle That Changed America
More than 150 years ago, our nation’s fate hung in the balance. In the war, both the Union and Confederate forces had experienced victory in battle. At the start of 1863, Confederate forces had been victorious at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. General Lee and his leaders believed the men in gray were ready to advance further north. By summer, the fighting was heading up the East Coast. The only thing powerful enough to slow it down would be a massive storm created by the collision of two powerful fronts. That storm was the Battle of Gettysburg. General Robert E. Lee wanted to destroy the Union Army and continue north and General George Meade’s Army of the Potomac, a command he had received only a few days earlier, was determined to stop them. Few conflicts in American history carry as much significance as what happened in Pennsylvania when those two armies met during the first three days of July in 1863. The Battle of Gettysburg tested the resolve of every single soldier and their leaders. It transformed a once-peaceful farm town into an epic battleground of shattered fences, splintered trees, and broken soldiers. It was a fight that would shape the future of the United States of America. We must be certain that future generations never forget our nation’s history.
That’s why America Remembers is extremely proud to introduce the Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle, issued exclusively by America Remembers. Our partnership with Mort Künstler has produced some of our most popular presentation firearms. This handsome Tribute is issued on a working recreation of the legendary 1860 Henry rifle in caliber .44-40, one of the most legendary long arms of the war. Each Tribute is a meticulously-detailed working recreation of the Henry rifle in caliber .44-40, crafted by the incomparable artisans of A. Uberti. We’ve immortalized a collection of Mort Künstler’s most unforgettable images of Gettysburg and translated them into lustrous 24-karat gold artwork on a brushed nickel canvas on a classic firearm of the Civil War era, a firearm that would revolutionize military tactics and make single-shot rifles a weapon of the past. The Civil War Tribute firearms we have issued with Mort Künstler have been very popular with collectors for good reason. Historians have called Mort Künstler “America’s foremost historical artist and chronicler of the Civil War.” Over the last three decades, his artistic vision has literally changed how we see the Civil War. This Tribute represents an exciting opportunity for fans of Civil War history, fine art, and firearms.
The Henry Rifle – A Civil War Legend
The 1860 Henry rifle was a classic, lever-action firearm regarded by many as the most technologically advanced rifle available during the Civil War. The exceptional Henry was often purchased by Union soldiers at their own expense and this rarity made the revolutionary repeaters that much more of a treasure when obtained by Confederate forces. It was a repeater that used a .44 caliber metal-cased rimfire cartridge at a time when unreliable single-shot, ball and powder guns were still the norm. Each Henry rifle held up to fifteen cartridges in the magazine, with room for another in the chamber. That kind of firepower made the Henry an engineering achievement in firearms efficiency and a powerful ally on the front lines.
“…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom…”
– Abraham Lincoln
A Civil War Masterpiece
Mort Künstler has captured the Civil War from all angles. From the chaos of an infantry battlefield charge to the gentle beauty of a Southern Belle, he has crafted a body of artwork with impressive scope. In Künstler’s paintings, he does not choose sides. His work encompasses both Union and Confederate battles, soldiers, and leaders. There are no villains, only American soldiers. Each of them earns the respect of the master’s brush. Take a close look at the artwork and you’ll see that the genius of this great American artist shines through, even in steel. The Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle is a museum-quality masterpiece. In every phase of its conception, design and execution, and in every detail of its finish, we have held fast to the goal of creating a handsome and powerful tribute to Mort Künstler’s talent and the legacy of Gettysburg.
In addition, the ornate scrollwork recalls the great design traditions of classic presentation firearms. You’ll find the Tribute’s title on the tang, next to the artist’s stylish signature, which distinguishes this rifle as an authentic and officially authorized Mort Künstler Tribute. The Tribute also features a handsome, richly polished stock of walnut. Mort Künstler has painted Gettysburg dozens of times, and you’ll find a selection of scenes from some of his most important Gettysburg paintings on the receiver of this magnificent Tribute. Each working rifle features artwork in brushed nickel and gleaming 24-karat gold, with a special blackened patina background to highlight every detail.
On the left of the receiver, you’ll find a recreation of “The Enemy is There!”, depicting General Lee and his staff arriving on horseback during the first day of fighting at Gettysburg. Lee was confident that his army would make short work of the Union soldiers and open a clear path to the North. Their offensive did break the Union lines and send the Federal troops running for the hills, but the decision by Confederates not to continue the attack gave Union troops a chance to fortify and regroup for the next day’s fighting.
Framed in the center oval is a striking detail from The High Water Mark showing the bold charge of Confederate troops against the Union lines. Waves of rebels marched across the open field in what would forever be known as “Pickett’s Charge.” You can see the determination on the faces of the Confederate soldiers as they charge headlong into the barrage of musket and cannon fire from the Union regiment. The main Confederate Army never advanced any further north than during the Gettysburg fighting. Therefore, Pickett’s Charge is considered the “high water mark” for the Confederate military.
Completing the trio on the left of the receiver is a selection from Longstreet at Gettysburg. The scene shows Confederate General James Longstreet approaching the battlefield with a group of his officers on horseback. Recognized as one of the most effective commanders of the war, Longstreet served alongside Lee during some of the South’s most important victories.
The right side highlights three additional Mort Künstler Gettysburg masterpieces. To the far left is a portion of Dilger at Gettysburg. The original painting captures the brave actions of Captain John Hubert Dilger, one of the most famous artillerists of the war. During the first day of fighting at Gettysburg, he ordered two of his big guns forward of the main battle line without infantry support, a daring and risky maneuver. Künstler’s expert touch brings the tense moment to life, depicting the bold captain and his men charging across open farmland pulling two big guns and the caisson with ammunition to obtain an advantageous position against Confederate guns on Oak Hill. At the center is a section of the epic, “Follow Me Boys!”, which shows Confederate General Lewis Armistead leading his brigade over the stone wall at “The Angle” on Cemetery Ridge. Reportedly, Armistead fixed his hat on the end of his sword and roused his troops by shouting, “remember what you are fighting for – your homes, your friends, your sweethearts!” The general was mortally wounded, but became an iconic figure of the Confederacy.
The final scene on the right receiver is from Hero of Little Round Top. At its center is the unmistakable figure of Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain, standing with his saber raised, among the men of the 20th Maine. His troops were ordered to hold the left flank of the Union line “at all costs”. As the Confederates massed for a final assault on Little Round Top, Chamberlain gathered his troops for a bold counter-offensive. As the Southern soldiers marched up the incline, the last thing they expected was a wave of dark blue uniforms with fixed bayonets. The boys from Maine shattered the Confederate assault and helped turn the tide of the entire war. Künstler’s painting captures the instant when troops are ordered to fix bayonets. “I realized that the moment before Chamberlain’s famous charge was as dramatic as the charge itself,” he said.
Only 500 Tributes Available
Nothing captures the drama, history, and heroism of the Civil War like the artwork of Mort Künstler. As we remember the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, we’re honored to mark such an important milestone with this American master. Right now there is much interest in the Civil War and demand for this special presentation firearm is expected to be high. The Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle is issued in a limited-edition of only 500 Tributes, which are available exclusively from America Remembers.
The story of Gettysburg is a story of soldiers who sacrificed everything for their beliefs. They came from the North, they came from the South, and when they clashed at Gettysburg, they made history. Together, with Mort Künstler, we have crafted a masterpiece dedicated to the memory of this great battle fought on American soil. This Tribute ensures that our past is not forgotten. The Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle will surely stand as a reminder for future generations of a battle that played a major role in America’s history. Gettysburg was a turning point in a war that would eventually unite the country and lead the USA to become the greatest nation on earth.
The Tribute rifle is issued under license from Künstler Enterprises, Ltd. ©2020 Mort Künstler, Inc.
Shipping Procedures
Since “The Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle” is a working rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “The Mort Künstler Gettysburg Tribute Rifle,” a working 1860 Henry Repeating Rifle, at the current issue price of $2,495*. Each rifle is numbered within the edition limit of 500 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.