Back in the late 60s and early 70s, Lyman and others produced a rifle they called a 'Zouave'. In advertiseing for these, I often read claims how these rifles were "used by Union troops, and highly prized by Confederates when captured". At the time, few - if any - replica Springfield rifle/muskets were available to a public eager for any Civil War buffs.
I've owned a few of these, and still own a Navy Arms "Zouave". They are very fine shooting rifles, but after diving more deeply into the facts, I found that only a few thousand were made by Remington, and those were never issued to front line - or any troops. Most were destroyed or sold off after the war having never been issued.
Another item that was sold by the thousands were the "Peace Flasks" that were supposedly issued with the "Zouave". I later learned that nearlly all of the ammunition used by both sides were manufactured paper cartridges, and just about the only flasks used during that time period were either pistol flasks or flasks carried by 'Home Guard' troops for non-military caliber weapons. I also learned that very few .58 round balls were ever used in battle, mostly the .58 Minies.
My Great, Great Grandfather was a Union soldier (1st Sgt, Co A, 56th Enrolled Missouri Militia) and I have a replica 1861 Springfield, kepi, belt, bayonet and cartridge box hanging on my wall in his honor. Have the "Zouave" hanging on the other wall to keep it company.
I've owned a few of these, and still own a Navy Arms "Zouave". They are very fine shooting rifles, but after diving more deeply into the facts, I found that only a few thousand were made by Remington, and those were never issued to front line - or any troops. Most were destroyed or sold off after the war having never been issued.
Another item that was sold by the thousands were the "Peace Flasks" that were supposedly issued with the "Zouave". I later learned that nearlly all of the ammunition used by both sides were manufactured paper cartridges, and just about the only flasks used during that time period were either pistol flasks or flasks carried by 'Home Guard' troops for non-military caliber weapons. I also learned that very few .58 round balls were ever used in battle, mostly the .58 Minies.
My Great, Great Grandfather was a Union soldier (1st Sgt, Co A, 56th Enrolled Missouri Militia) and I have a replica 1861 Springfield, kepi, belt, bayonet and cartridge box hanging on my wall in his honor. Have the "Zouave" hanging on the other wall to keep it company.