CIVIL WAR RELICS
CIVIL WAR AND HISTORICAL MEMORABILIA
M-172
M-174
M-175
CIVIL WAR 'SEGARS' - You always see tobacco plugs and twists, when did
you last see a period cigar? These vary in size but are approx. 1/2" in dia. x 4
1/4" in length. Tightly wrapped and a rich deep brown color of leaves that
are 150 years old. Previous owner had taken information from a label on the
container they were taken from: "Grown and Made in Richmond by Noah
Merrill - 1864". These are being sold as antique and curiosity items and not
as usable tobacco products for human use.
ACTUAL PERIOD 'CARPET BAG' WITH LOCK AND KEY - Nearly
identical in every way to the period example shown in Lord's Encyclopedia of
the Civil War. Approx. 14" wide by 10" in height (without the flap and
strap). It has the round lock and best of all the key which works. Short top
flap and what looks to be a sewn in pocket. Strap has been repaired (ages ago
with thread). Some worn areas but otherwise in darn good condition. Have
only owned two period carpet bags in the past 36 years.
CIVIL WAR METAL BACKED PERIOD EMBROIDERED
CAVALRY HAT INSIGNIA - Approx. 2 3/16" x 3 5/16". Front
typical bullion in very good condition. Reverse has one of two type
backings you like to see on period insignia - the brown polished
cotton backing, all there. These don't show up much anymore
and this is about as good as they come.
$ 950.
$ 275.
$ 115. each
M-177
TRAVELING ROSEWOOD INKWELL - Approx. 1 1/8" dia x 2" high.
Rosewood with screw off top that contains a glass vial for the ink. Many a
soldier would carry these to compose letters home. VGC.
$ 48.
SOLDIER'S HAND CARVED BONE RING - Carved bone ring
usually made by soldiers to pass the time in camp or as prisoners
of war. This ring has the initials W.U.S., with a heart carved on
both sides. Not sure if this could be meant for the corps badge of
the 23rd Army Corps or just meant as a romantic gesture.
M-184
$ 245.
M-190
DECK OF PERIOD MINIATURE PLAYING CARDS - Full deck
of 52 cards, each measuring approx. 1.3" x 1.7". All of the high
face cards are watercolored, the reverse are all dark brown. No
box - all are loose and in very good condition. Probably date
c-1850. Favorite camp activity for the soldiers.
$ 225.
M-194
CIVIL WAR PERIOD 'SHARPSHOOTERS' GLASSES - The
jury is still somewhat out on these. Francis Lord in the
Encyclopedia of the Civil War' and the antique spectacle
collectors on their sites list them as sharpshooter's glasses due to
the frosted amber lenses with a round clear amber center. Many
believe these were developed for a medical eye condition. Either
way it seems every Civil War collection has a pair. Good
condition.
$ 78.
M-203
CIRCA 1880-90's NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD JACKET
- 107th INFANTRY ID'd - Nice National Guard jacket with
honest light amount of wear (mainly to piping and collar
areas), inside very much intact and good condition. Some
small repairs. Label inside identifies it to Company C of the
107th New York National Guard. That label is stitched over
the manufacturer's label. There are also three names in period
ink (one on the tag and three more in the lining - one the
same as on the tag). Buttons are marked Scovill Mfg. Co. -
Waterbury, Conn. 7th Regt - Standard. Jacket is missing only
one button, that being on the collar. There are 49 buttons on
the jacket, all the same Excelsior National Guard New York
State Artillery. Epaulette tabs are still intact.
$ 295.
M-205
SUGAR CANE NIPPERS - c-1800 Approx. 7 1/2" in height - back in
the late 1700's - early 1800's sugar was sold in cone shaped sugar loafs
and sold by weight. In order to then use it in the kitchen, sugar cane or
loaf nippers were used to cut off the needed amount. These nippers are
rather early, crude and a very interesting item for the early Colonial and
American household. Very good condition but missing a wire that would
normally be attached to the end of the handle to keep them closed.
$ 110.
M-209
CORPS BADGE (20th CORPS) OF WILLIAM C. CAMPBELL OF THE
2nd MICHIGAN CAVALRY. - Badge is made of sheet silver approx. .047"
in thickness and no sign of a pin having been attached. This was probably
sewn on if it was worn on clothing. 1 1/2"(H) x 1 1/2"(W) and has black
tarnishing in places. Inscribed with his initials "WCC". Campbell was
bugler in the 2nd Cavalry from Sept. 11, 1861 till October 22, 1864..
During that time the regiment took part in the battles of New Madrid, Mo.,
Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Franklin, Chicamauga, Resaca along with close
to 150 other engagements. This was purchased in a large collection from
western Michigan where the owner had made a notation of who it belonged
to.
$ 675.
M-210
SIGNED 3 PULL TELESCOPE - WHEELING, WV - Brass
body telescope signed 'H. Sheff / Wheeling, W. Va". Best I
have found was that the Sheff Brothers had a retail store in
Wheeling in the 1870's. Closed, the length is 9 3/4" and
completely pulled is approx. 29 1/4". Diameter of the body is
approx. 1.8". The optics are extremely good.
$ 195.
M-211
EARLY SET OF BALANCE SCALES - Brass scales in a wood box,
includes 5 weights. Box is approx. 3 1/8" x 6 1/2" x 1" in height. It
is lined with red felt and has a compartment for the weights. Box is
covered in a textured paper that has signs of a maker on the top
when viewed closely but can not make it out. Judging by the
construction of the box, locking hooks & loops and scales, I would
say this was c-1830-40's at the latest. Good condition.
$ 135.
M-213
PRE-CIVIL WAR MISSISSIPPI JUG - SIGNED - Approx. 10 1/2" high x 4
5/8"in diameter. Glazed jug signed by F.A. MEYER. Francois A. Meyer is
listed as a potter in Biloxi, Mississippi from approx. 1857-60. Rim of spout has
chips and is a bit rough and there are several areas where the glaze has been
worn off and has stained areas which you often see with these type of
containers. "F A MEYER" is struck deep on the upper cone portion of the
jug. Has it's flaws, but a good pre-Civil War item.
$ 245.
M-218
9TH CORPS - PERIOD CORPS BADGE - Heavy gauge stamped
brass badge , high relief, approx. 1 5/8" x 1 3/4". This badge can
be seen on page 51 of the Stanley Phillips' "CIVIL WAR CORPS
BADGES". There are no loops or pin on reverse - may not have
been issued (or purchased). The 9th Corps fought not only with the
Army of the Potomac but also in the Western Theatre. The 2nd
Division contained such Regiments as 6th & 9th NH Inf., 48th,
50th & 51st Pa Inf., 7th & 12th RI Inf, 2nd MD Inf., 21st, 29th &
35th Mass Inf., 46th & 51st NY Inf., 86th & 129th Ohio Inf., 116th
& 118th Ind. Inf., as well as Batteries L & M of the 1st Mich. Lt.
Art., along with Batteries from the 2nd NY Art., 2nd U.S. Art., 15th
Ind. Art. as well as others. Very good condition just a few dark spots.
$ 175.
M-215
CIVIL WAR STYLE COFFEE POT - Heavy gauge tin approx 9" in
diameter at the bottom and 10" in height, soldered construction and
has the typical flat bottom. They made this style for a long period of
time so it's hard to say if it is as old as the Civil War. I did come
across a photo of 3 soldiers who had a pot very similar that included
the rolled 'stripes' (for lack of a better word) as are on this pot. I had
felt that these were of a slightly later period but I guess I stand
corrected. There are soldered remnants on side of where a plaque
was at one time.
$ 110.
M-220
TEXAS STAR STICK PIN - DALLAS 1906 - Not sure what may have
taken place in Dallas in 1906 but this Texas Star stickpin or perhaps a
hat pin was meant for something. White metal, star approx. 13/16"
across points. Has TEXAS letters on each point and 'DALLAS 1906'
in center. Comes with a postcard (in not such great shape) with a
poem 'HELL IN TEXAS' and if you've ever spent time there,
especially in the summer you will be able to relate with this poem.
Postcard has nothing to do with the pin (other than relating to Texas)
but it was included when I purchased it so it goes too.
$ 58.
M-221
FULL SIZE (OR VERY CLOSE TO) NAPOLEON 12 POUNDER
WOOD REPRODUCTION CANNON TUBE - From a distance of 10
feet you would think you're looking at an original cannon tube. Was
either made for something like a GAR Hall or perhaps a movie prop,
this is something for the artillery fan that wants one in the house for a
display (perhaps to mount upright like you see at the Gettysburg
National Museum). The body of the tube is about the size of a 12
pounder but the bore is more the size of a six pounder. The tube is
approximately 66" in total length, weighs approx. 65 pounds, 16"
from end of one trunion to the end of the other with each trunion
being 3 5/8" in diameter. The tube has an approx. diameter of 10 1/4"
on the 'breech' end and 8" diameter on the muzzle end and has a 3
5/8" bore that goes 5 3/4" deep. The only marking on it is '1828' on
the end of one of the trunions. One side up looks very displayable but
there are several long cracks (these can be filed and pained over if
desired), the bottom side displayed has a little bit of damage as can be
seen in the photos (there is a larger crack also on this side). One of the
trunions has a crack along the intersecting edge to the tube but mainly
on the 'bad side'. There are also paint scuffs and scrapes in various
spots throughout. The two block stands shown are included. I will not
ship this but will either deliver within 200 miles of Utica, Mi (or can
otherwise work out other arrangements). Great looking indoor display
piece!
$ 1595.
GA-6
1858 PATENT GUTTA PERCHA GROOMING SET - This is
one of the more attractive grooming sets I have seen for the
period. The brush has Patent dates of Sep. 8, '58, Jul 19, '66 and
Oc 1869. The Mirror has the Patent date of June 19, '66. Below
the patent dates is the name 'Florence'. I don't know if this was
the company or the pattern. The pattern on all pieces is identical.
Condition is very good though there is one tiny chip in the gutta
percha of the brush. There is one small crack in the gutta percha
of the mirror and several in the handle of the hair brush. This is
due much to the material. None of the cracks look to have ever
been through to the point that a repair was necessary yet I
wouldn't place a lot of stress on them. Perfect for a woman's
personal Civil War period display.
$ 245.
M-225
SOLDIER'S PERIOD FOLDING PEWTER CUP WITH CASE-
The japanned tin case is approx. 2 3/4" in diameter and 1 1/4"
in height. The pewter cup extends to a height of approx. 3 1/4".
Many soldiers carried these with them in addition to the tin cups
they used for meals. Top section of cup has a little distortion and
the case soldering has come loose through the years but has no
real problem keeping together.
$ 95.
M-228
C-1840's TEMPERANCE TOKEN - Approx. 15/16" in diameter,
brass token of 'THE COLD WATER ARMY', a young man's
organization that preached abstaining the use of alcohol. The motto
on one side "We are pledged to abstain from all that can
intoxicate". Shows wear on high reliefs.
M-237
1860's GOODYEAR PATENT VULCANIZED RUBBER
(GUTTA PERCHA) SOLED CAVALRY PATERNED
BOOTS - Rare boots in spectacular condition! Goodyear,
who had patented the vulcanized rubber process in 1851 was
using his discovery on all kinds of items. An entire book has
been written on it. One of the ideas born from this hard
rubber was to make boots with the hard rubber soles. From
what I have been reading in the book on gutta percha,
Goodyear had worked out a way to sew the leather to the
hard rubber and came up with the idea of the boots. How he
ever thought this would work I don't know (and may have
been partly responsible for his poverty later in life). For
anyone familiar with the vulcanized rubber, you know it's
rather fragile. I'm sure that a century's worth of time has
helped a lot for that. But you would have to believe that even
freshly made they would have little 'give'. They are tall and
surprisingly thin, measuring approx. 20" from sole to top
(15" from sole to top of the back), 11" from toe to heel and
3 1/4" in width. The top looks to be a thin rubber or tarred
layer over material, soles are hard rubber that look to be
perhaps 3/16" thick (viewed from one cracked area at the toe
of one boot). Pull straps are mounted on the inside of the
boot (consistent with Civil War boots). There is an eagle &
makers logo molded into the bottom of each boot. Can't
really make out if the logo is Goodyears or perhaps another
manufacturer. Overall condition is very good especially
considering the rarity. The complaints with these boots were
that in the winter the cold made them crack and in the
summer the soles melted - not good qualities for a boot. One
boot had a hole in it that has been filled with a cork as can
be seen in the photos.

M-236
SILVER 7TH CORPS BADGE - Approx. 15/16" in diameter, made from
a thin gauge silver and meant to be suspended either by an eagle type pin
or chain. Definitely looks to have been made by a jeweler and not a
sutler's type of ware. Has the initials MD engraved. There is a nice view
of General J.J. Reynolds, commander of the 7th Corps wearing a similar
badge but as a pin, not a suspended style.
M-238
LARGE 21 STAR EXCLUSIONARY GRAND LUMINARY
CIVIL WAR FLAG - Flag is dated 1861 very faintly on the
lower white stripe on the reverse side with other writing. This
massive 65" x 134" (5.4' x 11.1') is impressive. These
exclusionary flags in the grand luminary pattern of a large
star surrounding a single large star are considered among
the rarest of Civil War flags. This flag also has the white
stripes on top and bottom (not often seen). Early, just after
secession many in the Northern States felt that the South
had abandoned the Union and a few made 'exclusionary'
flags. These varied based on the view of the maker. Some
from Illinois (as Illinois was the 21st State) took the total
number of states (34) and subtracted the seceeded states and
the border states coming up with the total of 21 and made
flags to suit. This flag is made of cotton with painted stars
on both sides (a common practice of the time). The stripes
of the flag for the most part are solid with several repairs
that have been made (patches or extra red sewn on the back
side for strength. The real issue is the canton. With the
painted stars hardening over time and the improper storage
of the flag, the stars have cracked (along with them the
material) having major damage to two of them. All hand
sewn, a hoist rope sewn on the hoist and small rope sewn
into the outer edge around the stripes. The two strikes
against this rare flag is the condition of the canton and the
size. Will need restoration which I may send out for in
several months if it has not sold by then.
M-241
C-1850-60's CIVILIAN VEST WITH PERIOD STAFF
OFFICERS BUTTONS - Mid -1800's civilian small size vest,
3 pocket (typical of 1850-60's vests), polished cotton back
and beautiful pattern front, period unmarked tightening
buckle on the straps on the back, 6 button which are all
period military staff buttons "D. Evans & Co. * Extra *"
cuff or vest size (15mm). All the buttons have the same back
mark but some have different die patterns on front and the
back marks. My thought is these buttons were added at a
later period. The vest is common to those used for formal
wear. There are several stained areas which can be seen on
the 'Additional Images' link.
M-243
CONFEDERATE WOOD DRUM CANTEEN - Approx. 7"
diameter x 2 1/4" wide - typical Confederate wood drum
canteen, missing spout (which is usually the case). Metal
bands that also contain three tin strap loop bars. You can
make out the circular lathe tool marks on the side, though
very light. There are very light scratching in the sides, some
resembling letters but I can't make out anything with them.
Bands are loose due to the shrinkage of the wood through
the years. One might think of placing just a tad of glue
under one of the bands and on one or two of the wood slats
just to avoid it slipping off if the right conditions line up for
that 'perfect storm'. Good solid canteen although its water
holding days are far behind it. Does have one spot where
white paint (?) has dripped as can be seen in photos.
M-245
POSSIBLE CONFEDERATE ASSOCIATED TELESCOPE -
SPENCER & BROWNING - Single pull telescope (approx.
20 1/2" when closed, approx. 35" extended and approx. 2
3/8" in diameter on the main body), marked 'Spencer
Browning & Co. / London / Day or Night'. Spencer,
Browning & Co., according to the Tim Prince book 'The
English Connection' was a supplier of telescopes to the
Confederacy. The book states that a telescope from this
maker were found on board the CS ironclad Albemarle and
also one used by Commander Waddell of the CSS
Shenandoah. It goes on to state that according to Federal
prize records, a number of optics by this company were
included in the captured cargos of attempted blockade
runners. The book shows several examples with different
body styles and marking variations. Brass body has a
pleasing patina, optics are very good.
M-248
ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSASSINATION MOURNING RIBBON - Approx. 3"
x 5 1/4" silk ribbon from the City Councils of Philadelphia with a nice bust
view of Lincoln. Unfortunately someone had at one time glued this (in 5
places) to red felt and some of that is still on reverse side as can be seen in
photos. There are also several holes, the largest in the lower right corner,
second in the upper left corner and several small places in the vicinity of
Lincoln's head. There is archival tape on the back side stabilizing the ribbon
behind Lincoln's head which cannot be seen from the front - see photos on
'Additional Images' link.
M-250
45 STAR US PARADE FLAG - SPANISH-AMERICAN
WAR PERIOD - Approx. 7 3/4" x 12 1/2" - Nice size
for display. This flag was valid from 1896 to 1908
recognizing the admission of Utah into the Union. This
was the version of the US flag during the
Spanish-American War and flew during the
administrations of Grover Cleveland, William McKinley
and Teddy Roosevelt. It is made of cotton, only one very
tiny hole (can't see it unless it's held up to a light).
There is vivid color on the staff end where it was once
protected by the split stick that held it. There are four
small staple holes in this area that pierced the stick and
flag.
M-249
COLOR BEARER CHEVRONS - INDIAN WAR PERIOD - To be
perfectly honest on these chevrons, I am assuming Indian War
period due to the construction. I don't believe them to be as early
as Civil War. There are just not enough of this style of the color
bearer's chevrons around with known origins to pinpoint much
better. The staff of the flag is metal bullion. Both chevrons are
heavily filled with holes as can be seen on the 'Additional Images'
link. There is a dark blue/black cloth behind on the one photo
that masks the holes for display. Insignia that's hard to get.
M-252
CIVIL WAR PERIOD FIFE - MARKED 4TH VT. INF.
- Approx. 16" in length placing it in between the keys
of C and Bb -so can't promise the key accuracy. It is
unsigned as far as maker but is marked with '4 / VT. /
INF'. Unfortunately these markings are considered to
be post-War, placed on the fife by a surplus dealer to
increase sales. Has straight short ferrules, one of
German silver, the other looks to be a possible
replacement.
M-254
EARLY 1800'S PATRIOTIC WALLET - EAGLE ON
GLOBE DESIGN - Pressed leather wallet, darkened and
worn on the outside and as you get into the inner layers it
gets lighter and shows less wear. There are 10 embossed
eagle on globe designs throughout the wallet - outside
being more worn. No identification or other markings.
M-255
LATE 1800'S MILITARY SHAKO - William H.
Horstmann Company - Philadelphia. Brown felt body
with pressed leather top and bill. This style shako was used
during the latter half of the century and even, but rarely
into the 1900's. the tag on the inside is that of the
Horstmann Company which under this name was in
business from 1894 into the 1947. The shako is very solid
and is basically the body only, missing the side buttons,
chin strap and pompom. Would look great in a display.
Tag on inside identifies it to a Lieut. J.E. Griffin.
M-256
MINOR'S 1865 PATENT FOLDING CAMP LANTERN -
Nifty camp accessory for the soldier where the less space
taken the better. This is the japanned tin Minor's Patent
folding lantern (folded dimension 5 1/8" x 3 1/8" x 1").
When unfolded in operating position, the lantern has two
mica lenses which are still intact, a compartment in the
rear that has provisions for matches, a swing out candle
holder which still retains a candle and a fold out
handle.Some of the decorative stenciling can still be seen
but the name and patent date are basically worn off the
side. In the right light and angle a portion of it can be
made out.
M-257
M-1858 SMOOTH SIDE CANTEEN - Nice, solid M-1858
canteen issued to Company 'F' of the 71st Regiment -
which state is a mystery but there weren't that many states
with that many regiments. Canteen is not signed by
maker. Sewn seam is still very tight. Strap may have been
re-sewn at the ends but hard to say. Brown cloth cover has
a few holes as can be seen on the 'Additional Images' link
but a good looking piece.
M-258

83RD ILLINOIS INF. ASST. SURGEON - Effects of
Assistant Surgeon William L. Cuthbert of the 83rd Illinois
Infantry. Included in this grouping is a CDV of Cuthbert
as well as a gem sized tintype of his wife with the caption
on reverse in ink 'Chloe Cuthbert / taken in 1862 / I think
this was taken at Fort Donelson, Tenn', an extremely
hard to find Medical Staff embroidered hat insignia,
metal 'M' & 'S' letters (lead filled) for shoulder straps and
two Rush Medical College course cards for the session
years 1861&2. The images are a bit worse for wear as can
be seen on the 'Additional Images' link.The course cards
are in good condition though one has paper pasted to the
back (was perhaps in an old scrap book?). The metal MS
letters are in very good condition as is the embroidered
Medical Staff hat insignia. On Jan. 2, 1863 Cuthbert
mustered in to the Field & Staff of the 83rd Illinois as
Second Asst. Surgeon. It states he was on detached service
and promoted to Assistant Surgeon on May 5, 1865.
Judging by the inscription on his wife's image they were
at Fort Donelson during that time.
M-259
GOODYEAR CHILDREN'S SHOES - Approx. 6 1/2" in length pair of
leather shoes with Goodyear patent rubber soles. Each shoe has stamp in
sole of 'Goodyear's / I.R Co. / Mfg. Co. / New York'. There is no patent
date in the mark so hard to say when this may have been produced but
believe it c-1860-70's. They are in good condition with very small tears in
several places but overall in solid condition.
M-260
1849 METHODIST HYMN BOOK - Approx. 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" X 1 1/8"
thick Methodist Hymn book printed in 1849 (the year after the Mexican
War ended) and is in very good condition, tight binding with exception of
one small area, gold edged pages and nice text on spine. Hymn verse (no
music) on inside, marbled cover paper and some wear to edges of cover as
can be seen in photos.
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