Very Rare Civil War Stadia Sight Presented in 1861 by Gen. George G. Meade as a Marksmanship Award. These instruments, used ...

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Very Rare Civil War Stadia Sight Presented in 1861 by Gen. George G. Meade as a Marksmanship Award. These instruments, used to quickly calculate range to a target, were produced in very limited quantity, and were often awarded as prizes to the unit's best marksman, with brass sights awarded at the company level and silver stadias awarded at the regimental level. This all brass example is marked at the top "U. S. Stadia" and at the bottom "Frankford Arsenal", along with calibrations to an infantry target. The reverse bears the maker's mark of Geo. W. Simons & Bro./Mfrs Phila.", along with calibrations for cavalry targets. Perfect complete condition including the string/bob attachment. The sight is accompanied by a period pencil note, "Recd this of Genl Geo G. Meade our Brigade commander for the best marksman in Co. B 7 P. R. V. C. Henry H. Shuler 1861." Shuler enlisted in the 36th Penna. Infantry (7th P. R. V. C.) on July 18, 1861 and served with this hard fought unit until muster out on June 11, 1864. He was wounded during his service although the place is not stated. The sight is accompanied by the original chamois storage case, with a few tears but complete. A very rare piece of Civil War regulation equipment with a great history.