What military enthusiast, especially those interested in the Napoleonic period, has not heard of the Sharpe series of books by author Bernard Cornwell? These are the critically acclaimed books that have generated a number of made-for-TV movies starring Sean Bean as Lt. Richard Sharpe and his “Chosen Men.”

Have you ever wanted to see some of the items used in the Sharpe series up close? How about possibly posing with a 95th Rifles uniform or with “Mr. Nock”? Maybe even chatting to, or getting your photo taken with an actor from the series?

As a very special never before event for North America, HISTORICON has managed to bring together quite a number of original items from the Sharpe Series. These items have rarely been seen (except on film!) as they belong to private collections, but will be on display at HISTORICON (see onsite program for details and times.) This may be your only chance to see uniforms and complete kit of the 95th Rifles as worn and used in the Sharpe series, the colours of the South Essex Regiment, weapons (including “Mr. Nock”, the original Nock Volley Gun used in Sharpe by Sgt. Harper), photos and more!

In addition, at press time it has been confirmed that Jason Salkey will be attending HISTORICON, offering seminars (see The Military Seminar Series link for complete seminar info), and will be available throughout the convention for “Meet & Greet” and autographs as part of The Sharpe Experience!

Jason Salkey was the actor who portrayed “Rifleman Harris” (pictured right, below) in the first twelve Sharpe films, and has went on to develop ‘The Video Diaries of Rifleman Harris’ (available for purchase).

[Note: While details are still in the works, Daragh O’Malley, who portrayed Sgt. Patrick Harper in the Sharpe series, and Richard Rutherford-Moore, the Military & Technical Advisor / Armourer may also be attending if their work schedules permit.]

Also as part of the Sharpe Experience!, there will be members of the 95th Rifles re-enactment unit in the U.S. attending on Friday through Sunday, and explaining their kit and other aspects of the 95th Rifles, as well as how to get involved in Napoleonic re-enacting. [Photo at right is of members of the 95th Rifles re-enactment unit.]

There will be a $3.00 admission fee ($1.00 for minors) for The Sharpe Experience! See the Pre-Registration Form to purchase tickets. In addition, each admission ticket purchased entitles entry into a drawing for a dozen or so really cool prizes related to the Sharpe series and the Napoleonic period. Prizes range from Napoleonic books provided by Casemate Publishing and the Sharpe’s Chef Cookbooks, to a set of the Video Diaries of Rifleman Harris, photos from the series, official Sharpe artist Garry Cartwright prints and even books signed by author Bernard Cornwell – a great treat for North America, and not to be missed – and you can also purchase extra tickets just to get more chances to win a door prize!

For more information on the Sharpe series, click on the following link for the Sharpe Appreciation Society, and also see the Related Links section at the end of this page.

SATURDAY NIGHT FILM – A SHARPE MOVIE!

At 10 PM on Saturday night there will be a free special showing of one of the Sharpe series of made-for-TV movies, with some special hosts.

As the convention winds down, what better way to enjoy a movie night plus free popcorn (while it lasts)!

For more details click on the following link (and have your speakers turned on) for A Sharpe Movie!

SHARPE’S CHEF COOKBOOKS

The Sharpe’s Chef Cookbooks have jumped on board to help promote HISTORICON and The Sharpe Experience! – since it is very unique to North America – by supplying some door prizes of their unique books.

GARRY CARTWRIGHT – SHARPE ARTIST!

Garry has become the official Sharpe artist – http://www.garrycartwright.co.uk – whose painting was used for the title credits of the films and has been commissioned by the Sharpe Appreciation Society (SAS) for additional works. A number of his prints will be on display at the convention, with some have being offered as door prizes for attendees who partake of The Sharpe Experience!

Garry has supplied a flier of his Sharpe works that are available for purchase, which can be downloaded at the following link – The Works of Garry Cartwright.