Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation has its “Sights Set” on Protecting the Valley’s Civil War Legacy
For immediate release—September 25, 2012
Contact: Janice Hannah/SVBF: 540-740-4545 office or 540-325-2624 cell
Valley Campaign Commemorative Rifle Raising Funds for Battlefield Preservation
Special Raffle Being Held for “#1” Rifle
NEW MARKET, Va.— In honor of the 150th anniversary of Stonewall Jackson’s historic Valley Campaign, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation has partnered with Wellington, Ltd. and the Henry Rifle Company for a special fundraising opportunity, one that will support battlefield protection by offering a special commemorative rifle that will help generate funds for SVBF’s preservation work.
The “is an American-made, Henry repeating Arms, .45 Caliber Long Colt with an octagonal blued barrel. Beautifully engraved on Missouri walnut and natural brass are Civil War quotes, campaign illustrations, and battle maps, including images by Edinburg artist Keith Rocco. Portrayals of the battles of Cross Keys, Port Republic, and First Winchester are complemented by images paying tribute to Stonewall Jackson and his cavalry commander, Turner Ashby. Engravings such as “Brother against Brother” and “Deo Vindice” embellish the stock.
“The craftsmanship that went into producing this rifle is excellent,” said Frank Kobilis, a longtime collector of historic antique firearms. “This would be a desirable addition to any civil war collection.”
Only 150 of these commemorative rifles will ever be created. The rifles can be purchased for $2,795 – or you can enter a special “rifle raffle” for a chance to win the valued “#1 Rifle” of the series. Tickets for the raffle are available at a donation of $10 per ticket; only 1,000 tickets are being sold. The drawing for the #1 Rifle will be held on December 6, 2012, in Winchester.
“The raffle is a great opportunity, especially given the low cost of the ticket and the value of the rifle,” said Kobilis. “And for those collectors looking to purchase a rifle outright, the price is very reasonable, especially when compared with other firearms of this quality.”
SVBF receives a portion of the proceeds from each rifle sold. The rifle is part of the non-profit’s ongoing campaign to diversify financial support for its preservation work. Other efforts include the Foundation’s partnerships with Cabin Creek Roasters and Cave Ridge Vineyards, through which SVBF is offering custom roasted coffees and private label signature wines. Such partnerships reflect the creative ways that the Battlefields Foundation is seeking to strengthen its ability to pursue its critical preservation work.
“This rifle is a special opportunity to support our work,” said W. Denman Zirkle, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. “You can purchase or win a beautiful firearm that commemorates Jackson’s Valley Campaign, while also supporting our efforts to protect the battlefields on which that campaign was fought.”
You can see the rifle on the SVBF’s website at www.ShenandoahAtWar.org. The proof rifle is currently on display at Old Dominion Sports Center in Winchester. And the much-sought #1 Rifle – the prize in the raffle drawing – will be on display at the Mount Jackson Music and Harvest Festival on October 13 and 14.
To purchase a raffle ticket and for more information, contact Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation at 540-740-4545. To place an order for a rifle, call Wellington Ltd. at 866-895-9355.
[For images of the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign: 150th Anniversary Special Edition” commemorative rifle, contact Janice Hannah at jhannah@svbf.net.]
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As authorized by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation serves as the non-profit manager of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, partnering with local, regional, and national organizations and governments to preserve the Valley’s battlefields and interpret and promote the region’s Civil War story.
Created by Congress in 1996, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District encompasses Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties in Virginia and the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester. The legislation authorizes federal funding for the protection of ten battlefields in the District: Second Winchester, Third Winchester, Second Kernstown, Cedar Creek, Fisher’s Hill, Tom’s Brook, New Market, Cross Keys, Port Republic, and McDowell.
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ON THE WEB:
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District:
National Park Service 1992 study of the Shenandoah Valley’s Civil War battlefields:
