Rifles and Rifle Practice: An Elementary Treatise Upon the Theory of Rifle Firing

Good. First edition, published in 1859 by D. Van Nostrand, New York. Bound in the original textured brown cloth, with a gilt Zouave rifleman on the front cover and blind-stamped framing. The spine bears gilt titling, though dulled. Moderate wear is present at the corners and spine ends, and cracking is visible along the joints. The binding remains tight and secure. Collates complete: viii, 276 pages plus five folding engraved plates. Pages are generally clean with light foxing. All folding plates are present and correctly bound. The original endpapers are preserved. An ownership inscription in period ink identifies Alexander Shaler, a Union general and Medal of Honor recipient for his role at Fredericksburg. The text outlines ballistic theory and includes comparative details on European and American rifles. Topics span projectile motion, vacuum dynamics, trajectory construction, and weapon calibration. This example bears a notable provenance to a Civil War officer engaged in active command. Copies with officer ownership from this period remain uncommon. Item Number: #28679. PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.…