This pepperbox has a cluster of four .22 barrels attached to a brass frame with gutta-percha grips.

The piece is loaded by depressing a button under the barrels and sliding them forward. This procedure operates smoothly and properly on this weapon. It should also be noted that the barrels retain very little of their original bluing and are approx. 2.50 inchs long. The silver plating has worn off the frame leaving a brass finish throughout. The left side of the frame is marked “C. SHARPS PATENT 1859” while the right side is marked “C. SHARPS PHILADELPHIA, PA.” Both these markings are in a circle around the hammer screw. These markings are very readable despite some small amounts of fading. Finely engraved in script on the left side of the frame is “MARCUS M. SHEPARD.” This engraving is believed to have been done after the war by Shepard’s family. The action has no half-cock but does hold at full cock and falls properly when the trigger is depressed. The cam on the face of the hammer rotates properly. The grips are made of gutta-percha with a scrollwork design. The right grip has a crack that begins about an inch up from the heel and runs downward for 0.75 of an inch ending at the frame. The serial number stamped on the grip frame is 40386.

Marcus Morton Shepard was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on November 1, 1843. At the time of his enlistment on September 16, 1861 he was nineteen years old and working as a baker. He enlisted in Company D, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry and was mustered in on September 17, 1861. At the time of his enlistment Shepard is described as being 5’ 5” tall with blue eyes, red hair and a sandy complexion. Shepard served with his regiment in South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. He saw action at Johns Island and James Island in South Carolina, Poolesville, Snicker’s Gap, Kelly’s Ford, Rapidan Station, Brandy Station, Stevensburg and Aldie, Virginia. In the latter battle Shepard was wounded in the right thigh and was sent to Knight’s General Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut for treatment. He returned to duty on October 14, 1863.

Apparently Shepard found it impossible to do his duty upon return to his regiment and on November 11, 1863 he was transferred to the 22nd Regiment V.R.C. At some point after the turn of the year Shepard became ill with typhoid and died on March 27, 1864. His body was returned to Massachusetts where he was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton.

With the item are copies of Shepard’s military records and papers related to his mother’s pension. Included in the pension papers are copies of seven letters Shepard’s mother submitted to prove he supported her by sending money home. These letters discuss boxes received and money sent.

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