1st U.S. Sharpshooter

[frontrank2]

Charles Maltby, of the 1st US Sharpshooters ( Berdan's ), poses with a Colt Revolving Rifle in Matthew Brady's Studio.

 

[frontrank2]

Due to supply problems, they were not immediately issued the Sharps rifle, instead they were issued the Colt five shot revolving rifle, which almost caused a mutiny in camp. Once the men became familiar with these rifles they found them reasonably accurate and reliable, though there were some gas and flash leakage causing the danger of multiple discharge (a hazard to the rifleman's extended arm). The 1st Regiment received their sharps rifles in May 1862, the 2nd regiment received the sharps in June.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Believe Pvte. Charles Maltby saw short service as a member of the 10th. Co., 1st. Battalion, NY Sharpshooters. He enlisted at age 21 years on Nov. 20, '62, and served for nine months, before being discharged on Jun. 11, '63. (See https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/application/files/9815/5421/9219/1stBnSharpShootersCW_Roster.pdf @ page 1249)