Presented here is a remarkable and very rare pocket kit of solid-silver, English-made artillery instruments circa 1750. This extraordinary grouping of eleven, high-quality 'gunner's mathematical instruments' are in very excellent condition and come housed in their original wooden and leather-wrapped hinged case. Still in 100% complete original condition, this stunningly attractive gunner's set of instruments was the product of Benjamin Scott, one of England's premier instrument makers of the 1740s and 1750s. Cursory records reveal that Scott was the scientific instrument maker for the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, as well as the official compass maker for the Russian Navy Ministry from 1733 to 1747.

This set of gunner's tools consist of eleven, extremely well-made, solid silver calculating (drafting) instruments that appear to have been little used and are in excellent plus condition. The instruments, all executed in solid silver with ornate engraved numerics and decorations include a large folding 'gunner's caliper' with a integral protractor and two silver extenders; a military folding 'proportional compass' or sector; a folding 5" long 'parallel rule'; one 5" long 'calibrated measuring scale'; a thin, hollow, 'tubular shaft' with slide-in cap; one 'drawing pen' with an ink point; one set of 'dividers' or compass with two attachable brass bows and attachable steel point. Most of the individual instruments are engraved with the maker "B:Scott fecit" along with numerals and notations. One such notation is found on the gunner's caliper and reads "The Weight in the / Decimal parts of / a Pound Aueroupa (?) / of a Globe whose / Diameter is one / Inch English & / of a Cube / whose side / is one Inch." Other inscriptions on the caliper read "Names of Guns" / "Weight of Shot" / Powder of Service".

Instruments all fit into their original, black leather, veneer covered, single-hinged, tapered wooden carrying case which measures 2¾" wide at the top, 2¼" wide at the base and stands 5½" tall. The two-section case opens via a spring-loaded push button opener that releases the hinged upper portion of the case. The case top has a silver hinge with a tooled silver border edge. Bottom of the case interior holds a wooden block that has been drilled and hollowed out to conform to and receive lengthwise the various shapes of the silver instruments. When closed, deep narrow slits, holes and indentations safely and snuggly accommodate the multitude of measuring instruments within the case. One hole remains empty, most likely for a missing brass divider bow. The instrument case body is strong and tight with a fine leather exterior wrap. Lid portion of the case exhibits a faded piece of red velvet glued to the top interior.

This spectacular French and Indian War-era English-made gunner's instrument set is in original condition and would make a truly impressive focus to any early heavy artillery display theme or military collection.

(30-1447) $18,000.00

Here, in excellent overall condition, is an extremely rare and original 'Whitworth' artillery cannon with its original wooden split-trail carriage produced by the world-famous English armament firm…The Whitworth Company Limited, Manchester, England. This firm was widely known for its high-quality and extremely accurate armaments, especially in the area of shoulder arms and field artillery cannon. Whitworth rifled cannon were invented by Englishman Sir Joseph Whitworth of Manchester in 1855. His patent design featured a hinged breech-loading 'screw' mechanism, a spiral-hexagonal 2.75" bore, used a machined 12 pound, hexagonal projectile and at that time, had an effective range of almost six miles (over 10,000 yards). The firm's lesser known and less-documented artillery piece included the 6 pound Whitworth Rifle with a 2.17" bore that fired a solid bolt or a fused shell. Rejected for use by the British Army, the Southern Confederacy imported some Whitworth cannon in the early part of the Civil War before the Northern blockade became effective. Documented battlefield finds of Whitworth 2.17" bolts and Whitworth shells have come from the earthen remains and surrounding area of Fort Fisher, the Civil War fort guarding the C.S seaport of Wilmington, N.C. Reference From Cape Charles to Cape Fear: The North Atlantic Blockading Squadron During the Civil War, Univ of Ala Press, 1993, page 229, gives an account of C.S. Colonel Lamb, commanding Fort Fisher, that "in order to compel the blockaders to lie further off shore, Lamb used his imported Whitworths, when hitched to mules could be pulled to various points along the beach. The Whitworths could fire their rifled projectile a distance of five miles." Some seven breechloader and five muzzleloader Whitworth cannon were in the U.S. during the Civil War and were used by the Confederates at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Fredericksburg and at Fort Fisher, NC.

The 'Whitworth patent' artillery specimen we have is an anomaly. It is a smoothbore, muzzleloading, 6 pounder cannon with a 2.53" bore and identified by a circular stamping / marking on both trunnions that read "MANCHESTER ORDNANCE & RIFLE Co. / CWT / 4 QRS / 2 / WHITWORTH PATENT / No. 187 / 1864". Tube, which has been repainted black, is made of cast iron and measures approximately 70" in length from the muzzle tip to the end of breech. Piece weighs approximately 600 pounds. Top breech area has a lined touch hole and exhibits a stout iron reinforcing band some 16" long and ½" thick wrapped around the tube behind the trunnions. Rear of breech exhibits a thick brass collar fitted with a cylindrical-hole that mounted a hex bar (rod) for adjusting the rear sight. Bar is missing. The maker-marked trunnions are 3½" diameter and measure 13" from end to end. With the dearth of actual line drawings and photographs on this particular Whitworth specimen, there is, unfortunately, little known about the artillery tube.

The heavy split-trail carriage is original and has two wooden 'cheeks', each of which extends for the full length of almost 83" long from tip to tip. Both cheeks have traces of original gray paint on them, scuffed and flaking, as well as original, heavy, black-painted wrought iron furniture on the carriage. This style of carriage was considered 'obsolete' before the Civil War. The heavy, original iron axle appears to have been modified at one time to accommodate different size wheels and then re-modified back to the proper sizing. The two large reproduction wheels that now come with the carriage are made in the heavy English style. These wooden wheels, 95% identical to the original 50" diameter, 12-spoke extra-heavy English wheels, were designed and made by carriage builder Tom Bailey of Woodstock, GA based on records and photos of a similar cannon at the Charleston Arsenal in 1865. The Whitworth cannon was discovered in up state New York near the Canadian border a number of years ago.

After much research and observation, experts in the field of Civil War artillery cannot render a consensus on this Whitworth specimen. Unresolved issues such as: was the gun a factory-produced smoothbore imported from England; was the tube originally rifled and later converted; or is it a post Civil War-converted artillery piece, still baffle researchers. One subject matter expert speculated that this English-made Whitworth could very well be one of the four Confederate Whitworth rifled cannon reportedly captured at the fall of Fort Fisher in January 1865.

All available drawings, research notes, photos, and like documentation accompany this artillery piece. Special shipping is required on this weapon and arrangements can made to have the muzzleloader picked up at one of the Civil War shows we attend. This remarkable Whitworth-made cannon with its accompanying split-trail carriage demands more extensive investigation. If the collecting community seeks an extremely rare artillery specimen with historic military significance, this 'Whitworth' cannon is definitely the item to consider.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS AT LEFT ARE THE DISASSEMBLED COMPONENTS OF THE BARREL AND CARRIAGE.

$29,500.00

The rarest of artillery artifacts of the American Civil War. From the estate of William Foskit of Monson, MA, Company G, 46th Massachusetts Infantry. Foskit's estate contained three examples of this rare artillery artifact. Only three Whitworth cartridge cases wre know to exist before these were purchased - one in a museum in Georgia, one in a museum in Virginia, and an excavated example in private hands, found many years ago by Stanley Phillips.

The Whitworth cannon cartridges were loaded with rifle powder and sealed with beeswax lubricating wads. The cartridge case was inserted into the breech behind the hexagonal projectile and provided an effective gas seal. Made of sheet iron, the catridge was shaped to fit the hexagonal bore. After firing it was extricated with a special tool. If used as a muzzle-loader, the case was enclosed in a cloth bag.

The cartridge was handmade on an anvil with the hammer marks visible. Measures 9 1/4" tall, and 2 7/8" in diameter at the base. Excellent condition. Comes with a small container of the original rifle powder.

(M18439) $5,500.00

Measures 9" in height, 9.5" in diameter, with red company stamp, "Goodyear's Rubber Mfg. Co. New York", across the bottom. Two iron handle loops with rubber handle. "1st /Battery" markings in 1-1.5" lettering on side, originally red faded to orange-yellow. Rubber with canvas covering black in color. Slight wear & soiling with a handful of insignificant tears along top bucket edge. Else VG plus. Extremely rare. A magnificent artillery collectible!

(M19494) ORIGINALLY $3,500.00
REDUCED TO $1,295.00

Here is a very nice Artillery Gunner's level. With provenance to the Mack Mason collection of Civil War items, this level is an artilleryman's implement and one was used with up to six guns. It is made of heavy brass plate and was used to determine the high point of the gun's base ring. That high point was then marked on the gun with chalk for use in aiming the gun with a breech sight or tangent scale. This level measures approximately 6-inches high and 6-inches across. It has a vertical sliding steel pointer, which easily moves up and down in the keepers. The horizontal spirit level is firmly attached with four old screws and is defect free; the leveling bubble shows plainly in the glass viewer. There are two firmly attached steel rollers, one on each end of the resting arch. This level is plainly marked on the reverse with an eagle similar to that found on Springfield products centered above the heavily stamped words "U.S. / WATERVLIET / ARSENAL / 1856". It is damage free, has an attractive green patina, and has never been cleaned. This gunner's level is very attractive and would make an outstanding addition and excellent display item for an artillery or Civil War collection.

(M17265) $3,500.00

Blade measures 19.75" in length, 1 1/16" wide and 5/16" thick. Unstopped fuller measuring 13.5". 4.875" brass hilt of flat bird's head pommel pattern. No markings. [See Hardin, AMERICAN BAYONET, p. 97, variation 3] Bayonet adapter, designed to fit over front sight of 1841 "Mississippi" & "Fayetteville" rifles, measuring 1" in diameter, w/ following side marking: "BG & M/ Richmond, VA/ Sept. 2, 1861" [See Hardin, p. 95]. Leather scabbard cut from naval cutlass scabbard, measuring 21", fitted w/brass stud and drag. Leather belt frog, w/buckled lea. strap, fitted to scabbard stud.

Bayonet blade exhibits a splotchy dark gray blade w/medium pitting, & traces of grime. Brass hilt displays a dark coppery patina, as does bayonet "adapter", which exhibits numerous nicks on the spring-release side of the bird's head pommel. Scabbard is intact, though fragile, displaying much cracking and some flaking, along w/one "struck" spot four inches from drag. The stud and drag exhibit medium coppery patina, with the latter somewhat dinged. Else VG.

With its B, G & M-marked adapter, this is one scarce, highly desirable Confederate bayonet.

(169-111) $8,500.00

By William Gilham, Colonel of Volunteers, Intructor of Tactics, and Commandant of Cadets, Virginia Military Institute. Richmond, VA: West & Johnson; Printed by Evans & Cogswell, No. 3 Broad Street, Charleston, S.C., 1861. 12mo. Decorative Cloth. Good. 559pp; 5 folding plates. Age-toned and scattered spotting; spine frayed at head and foot; edges worn through; gilt lettering on spine and front cover worn and faded; still, a very presentable example of this work. Preface dateliness "December, 1860." At pp. 534-559 is "Articles of War/An Act for Establishing Rules and Articles for the Government of the Armies of the confederate States." With contemp. Ms. Signature inside front cover, "Jas. H. Tompkins/Co. E 2nd Tenn'e." Harwell, Confederate Hundred, 36. Crandall 2418. Parrish & Willingham 4836.

(337-104) Originally $2,450.00

Lock surface is mostly smooth with mixed light and dark gray color. A few small patches of very fine pitting are present. Markings "Eagle with U.S. in shield" and "Harpers/Ferry/1815" are clear. Good mechanics. Barrel surface is semi-bright with scattered light peppery pitting and some tool marks visible along flats at rear. "Oval U.S." and "Oval Eagle/P" proof marks are sharp and clear. Bore is strong and bright. Brass mountings have a light patina with some spots showing bright. The patchbox door has some very minor denting to the surface though it does not detract. The number "16" is inscribed near the foward mounting screw. The stock surface is mostly smooth with very few light handling marks. A few tight age cracks are present along with a small old repair at the forward edge of the lockplate area and along barrel channel approx. 4" forward of breech. Both are old and very minor and hardly visible. Some typical chipping is visible at the right side of forend at barrel tennon wedge. For the most part, the stock is sound and smooth with good edges, attractive grain and the classic reddish black walnut color. The proper Harpers Ferry cartouches and sub-inspector marks are clear. This is one of the are early versions of the second production (1814-1820) that retained the under 36" barrel length of the pre-1814 production M1803 arms. This piece has a 33 1/4" barrel. This is a good example of a rear early American military flintlock rifle.

(406-05) $17,500.00

Issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War, this .54 caliber, breech-loading percussion Starr carbine is a true battle relic from the three days of fighting at Gettysburg. Once a part of collection of battlefield relics from Gettysburg's well-renowned Danner Museum, this cavalry weapon was recovered from near the battlefield's Peach Orchard some months after the conflict ended.

By the carbine's overall condition, this specimen appears to have eluded relic hunters and battlefield pickers for months during the fall and winter of 1863 before it was found. Reverse side of the buttstock surface shows evidence of weather cracking and insect damage. Obverse side of buttstock surface is in wonderful condition for a relic, smooth and hard and it still retains a period Danner Museum paper tag, ½" high x 3½" long glued to its side. Tag exhibits a handwritten note in black ink, now a brown color, which reads "Cross road near Peach Orchard". Location is currently known as the Emmitsburg Road / Millerstown Road intersection at the Peach Orchard and during the 2nd day at Gettysburg was the scene of heavy and intense fighting.

Carbine is in relic condition and suffers from a broken stock, completely missing forend stock, brass band, and metal parts that wear a heavily rusted surface from exposure and time on the ground. Walnut butt stock has cracked at the neck area and has separated completely from the weapon, but the iron lockplate, brass buttplate, hammer, trigger and dropping breech lever are all intact, albeit frozen in place with rust. A 2" long by 1" wide, thin sliver of wood has chipped away from the stock bottom at point of contact with the brass buttplate. Barrel retains its original rear and front sights but no forend stock. Faint maker stampings are visible on the lockplate behind the hammer, and on the tang at the breech chamber. Buttplate tang still bears the sub-inspector's mark "S".

Starr cavalry carbines, produced by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York resembled the more famous 'Sharps' breechloader carbine of the time. Unfortunately, many Union cavalrymen did not think as high of the Starr model as they did of the Sharps carbine. The first shipment of 1,000 Starr percussion carbines was delivered to the Ordnance Dept in September 1863, and over 20,000 such weapons were purchased in total by the US government. Manufactured between 1862 and 1865, the Starr percussion carbines were all .54 caliber breechloaders fitted with 21" long round barrels. The carbine employed a split breech dropping block mechanism that allowed the trooper to insert a linen cased cartridge into the barrel breech chamber for loading. Upward motion of the operating lever / trigger closed the breech, and ignition was activated with the striking of the percussion cap by the external hammer. The weapon measured 37½" long and weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. with the iron lockplate and frame casehardened and the barrel blued. Carbine featured a two-piece black walnut stock, an 8½" long fore-end held in place by a single brass barrel band and a 14½" long buttstock with a sub-inspector marked brass buttplate.

This same Starr percussion carbine, just recently made available on the market, was sold by The Horse Soldier many years ago and appeared in our early, single-digit mailing catalogs of the time. If one seeks a remarkable and original veteran battle arm used and lost by Union cavalry in the fighting at the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg, look no further. This wonderful and unique Danner Museum relic specimen is sure to enhance any Civil War arms display or military collection.

(R13958) $5,500.00

One of only three complete albums known to be in existence, this album of salt prints includes images of college faculty, staff & students (with each individual's signature below their photo) taken by photographer Charles Tyson in the Spring of 1862. Also includes the earliest known outdoor photograph recorded in Gettysburg, a campus view taken from a roof of a warehouse. Buildings in the image include the President's House, Linnaean Hall, & Pennsylvania Hall. The album measures 8"x9.75", & is 1.5" thick. The cloth & leather cover shows moderate staining, & little of the binding over the spine remains. The front cover is separated from the rest of the album. Ornate gold latches still work to fasten the book together. There are 12 gold gilt edged pages inside containing 24 identified images, which along w/the outdoor image of the college makes a total of 25 images. Each page measures 7.5"x9.5", w/oval images measuring 3.5"x4.5".

Individuals included in the album are: 1. Claudius Galen Treicher, student, 1840-1912, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. This album most likely belonged to Treicher, as it contains a clipping of his obituary along with his photo; also, next to each signature in period pencil is "dec", for those who died before Treicher; none are marked which post-date his death in 1912. 2. H.L. Baugher, President of the College from 1850-68; 3. Michael Jacobs, math & science professor, who during the battle of Gettysburg guided Union officers to the cupola of Pennsylvania Hall, & his meteorological notes have provided us w/the weather conditions which existed at the time of the battle; 4. John Hopkins, an African American who was a popular college janitor from 1847 to 1868; 5. Student Frank Echols Baltzhoover, 1841-1923, lawyer & politician. His copy of this album had previously been one of two known complete copies; 6. Frederick Klinefelter, also a student, who enlisted in the 26th PA Emergency Volunteers, serving as Captain of Co. A.; 7. Rufus Weaver (1841-1936), student & Gettysburg native, who became a medical doctor & taught at Hahnemann Medical College. During the summers of 1871-73, he returned to Gettysburg to disinter Confederate dead from unmarked graves on the battlefield, shipping their bodies south for re-burial. Other individuals in the album are professors Martin L. Stoever, Frederick A. Muhlenburg, Charles F. Schaeffer; as well as students John W. Croll, Martin L. Culler, Albert Ebling, Samuel A.K. Francis, Henry Eyster Jacobs, Henry W. Keedy, Jacob B. Keller, Duncan M. Kermerer, Charles Van Swearingen Levey, Alexander M. Miller, Johnathan Sahm, Johnathon Sarver, Augustus D. Schaeffer, & Mason Weidman. This item is a rare & fascinating piece of Gettysburg history.

ORIGINALLY (P10926) $3,500.00

Offered is a chasseur style kepi made of gray wool and cotton material. The gray wool weft is a cadet gray color and the cotton is white. The material is woven in a 2/1 twill with a thread count of about 40 threads per inch, wrap and weft. The wool covers the cotton completely and the cotton threads are only seen in worn places. The kepi measures 3 inches high overall in the front and 5 ½ inches high in the back. The top is 5 inches in diameter. The band is 1 inch high in front and 1 ¼ inches in the rear. It is seamed at the rear only, while the body is seamed in the front and rear. Some professional restoration has been done to the rear area of the kepi where it had heavy moth damage.

The pasteboard stiffener in the top appears to have been folded on itself, leaving a slightly raised seam. The cab lining is unbleached cotton osnaburg, tabby weave, with a thread count of 48 x 48. The band is also stiffed by pasteboard. The sweatband is made of black oilcloth with the cloth itself of tabby weave and 48 x 56. It's approximately 1 inch wide.

The 2-inch deep visor is made of a single thickness of pasteboard, with oilcloth on top and bottom. The edge has an oilcloth binding, sewn in place by machine. There is no chinstrap but it shows evidence of having buttons at one time.

Robert C. Rowan, the owner of the kepi enlisted as a Captain on November 11, 1862 at Sweetwater, Tenn. His enlistment was for three years with Co D of the 62nd Tenn. Infantry, also know as Rowan's Regiment, 80th Tenn. Infantry. It was raised in the counties of Bradley, Polk, Monroe, Roane, and Cocke. Immediately after being mustered into Confederate service, it was placed in General Vaughn's Brigade. Serving in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, the regiment fought at Chickasaw Bayou and had many captured at Big Black River Bridge. The remaining men, including Capt. Rowen, were captured at Vicksburg, exchanged and reorganized as mounted infantry. The unit was active in the Knoxville campaign and the operations in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The unit surrendered at Washington, Georgia on May 9, 1865. Rowan died in 1898 at Cartersville, Georgia.

Accompanying the kepi is a Confederate muster roll of Captain R. C. Rowan, Company "D", 62nd Tennessee Regiment of Confederate States……from 30 April to 30 June 1863. Signed on the reverse by "R.C. Rowan, Capt/ Vicksburg, Miss, July 1, 1863". [Three days before the surrender of Vicksburg to Gen. Grant's besieging Yankees.] Pre-printed form measuring 28 x 22". Obverse contains list of 71 enlisted men w/pay periods and dates of enlistment, each name signed off in the right margin by Capt. Rowan. Reverse contains a "Record of Events", in Capt. Rowan's handwriting, which reads as follows:

"Was in the Battle of Big Black May 17, 1863……..position south flank until the regiment on Big Black left gave way and we had orders to fall back across the Big Black River and rallied and fell back to Vicksburg where we have been in the siege ever since."

Condition of Muster Roll: Entire sheet is thin and fragile, exhibiting considerable mildew, along w/ fold-marks, medium soiling, and water-staining. Most ink entries, however, are mostly legible and can be read with the aid of a low-power magnifying glass.

This is one of only three known cadet gray enlisted pattern kepis that are probably a Quartermaster depot product that have survived. Included with the Kepi are Rowan's military records, a letter of authenticity from Civil War cloth expert Les Jensen and a notarized letter from the great great granddaughter stating it is from the family.

(282-82) $35,000.00

This 36 star flag, which had one star added post-war, is identified to Sgt. Charles Hunter, a resident of Spencer, MA and a boot maker by occupation, who enlisted on 6/19/62 as a Private. On 7/31/62 he mustered into Co. E, 34th Mass. Infantry. Promoted to Corporal; to Sgt. on 4/30/65; and to 2nd Lt. on 6/18/65 (not mustered). He mustered out on 6/16/85. Hunter died on 12/31/1912 & is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Spencer, MA.

Hunter was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 4/2/65 at Fort Gregg, VA, the citation reading that he bore the regimental flag bravely and was among the foremost to enter the work.

The 34th Massachusetts was a 3 year regiment organized at Camp Wool in Worcester, MA. It served in the defenses of Washington until July 1863, when it was sent to Harper's Ferry. Saw action at Ripon, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, & Snicker's Gap. Participated in Sheridan's Valley campaign, being in action at Fisher's Hill, Stickley's Hill, & Cedar Creek. After spending the winter of 1864-65 at Petersburg, the regiment was engaged at Hatcher's Run, March 31, and at Fort Gregg near Petersburg, with heavy loss, April 2, 1865.

Simultaneously with the battle at Five Forks, there was a bombardment of the enemy's fortifications around Petersburg, followed by a general assault the next day, April 2. The works were a strong line of rifle pits with deep ditches and abatis & fraise, interspersed with forts & batteries. The Confederates yielded the entire line after a brief but sharp conflict. The 24th Corps carried Fort Gregg, and Sgt. Hunter reported that the men fought for 27 minutes before the enemy surrendered. Hunter was the first color-bearer to enter Fort Gregg and plant his flag there. His exceptionally brave conduct throughout the campaign and at Fort Gregg in particular earned him the Medal of Honor in June 1865.

This 36 star US National flag is constructed of one layer of silk. The canton measures 31" on the hoist & 32" on the fly. It is decorated on both sides with 36 5-pointed gold colored stars arranged in 6 rows of 6, each measuring 2 ¾" from point to point. There are 13 red & white stripes which measure 4 ¾" to 5" in width. The flag is intact except for areas of damage along the fold lines caused by prolonged folding. The materials & construction of the flag support an 1864-65 date indicated by the star pattern. A 37th star was added to the flag post-war to represent the addition of Nebraska to state hood on March 1, 1867, which became official on July 4, 1867. The additional star is in an awkward position and of identical material composition of the other stars, suggesting that the 37th star was likely added by the same maker using the same materials.

The flag has now been archivally framed, as can be seen at right.

Accompanied by Analysis Report and Addendum from a leading textile conservator.

(M15859) $7,950.00

The engraved and dated powder horn of Simeon Stearns, 1766. A beautiful caramel-colored horn with rich engravings and bearing the names Simeon Stearns and John Stearns and Made 1766. It also has engraved IN Woburn. The name John Stearns was engraved by a different hand. Engraved images include a deer, dog, birds, turkey and head of a horse. The wooden base is fastened by six wood pins.

(30-1448) $6,950.00

This wonderful grouping of Civil War military artifacts once belonged to Lemuel Frank Liscom, First Sergeant, 14th Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. Items include Liscom's wooden field trunk, his leather cartridge box complete with shoulder sling, two Federal M1858 smoothside canteens and an identified CDV of Liscom in uniform.

L. Frank Liscom was a 21 year old resident of Hinsdale, NH when he enlisted on August 11, 1862 in Co A, 14th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. One month later he was mustered into service at Concord. In February 1863, the regiment moved to Washington DC for picket and patrol duty in the Department of Washington and remained until February 1864 when it relocated to New Orleans, LA for duty at Camp Parapet, Carrolton and Lake Ponchartrain. Assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah in July 1864, the 14th came north and served in Sheridan's Valley Campaign with participation at Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Kernstown before returning to Washington in January 1865. Unit moved to Savannah, GA for provost duty until May and mustered out of service July 3, 1865. Liscom saw service at the Seige of Petersburg; 2nd Malvern Hill, in the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign, and even assisted General Jefferson Davis on board a US gunboat at Augusta, GA. After the war, Liscom returned to Hinsdale, New Hampshire, married and had a family. He became a respected, local businessman and was instrumental in iron bridge construction in the area. Liscom also went on to serve in the State legislature as a Senator and died in Hinsdale on July 20, 1916.

Liscom's light blue-greenish colored wooden trunk or chest in original, strong condition measures some 20¾" long x 17" wide x 11½" deep and exhibits a faintly painted identification on one side that reads "14 NH Vols / 1 Brig / 2 Div / 19". The metal-banded, reinforced lid has completely detached from the two iron hinge straps attached the trunk proper but is included with the grouping. Portions of the original hinges remain. The trunk is secured with an original, large door-type hinge featuring a slotted latching tab that mates with a ring attached to the face of trunk. Underside of the wooden lid exhibits the original color and hue of the blue paint used on the overall trunk.

Along with the trunk is a CDV that shows Private Liscom at his enlistment standing in uniform with his rifle, waist belt, cartridge box and shoulder sling. Backside of card has a written pencil note that reads, "Frank Liscom / Taken at Concord / NH on his / enlistment in / Co A 14 NH Vols".

A "C.S. Storms" maker-marked, regulation pattern of 1861 leather cartridge box complete with both tins and original shoulder sling is included and is likely the same one pictured in the CDV. Box is in original, untouched, attic condition with the leather on box very good overall, strong but stiff and exhibits surface cracking with minor insect damage on one side. Outer flap has the original, Model 1839 oval, brass US box plate attached. Inner flap is strong but reflects areas of insect damage and surface mold. Outer tab is strong and supple while the implement pouch is stiff and brittle. Shoulder sling is a bit stiff but in good condition with just scattered areas of surface cracking. Sling has two wonderful stampings on it, one by the maker "W.H. WILKINSON / MAKER / SPRINGFIELD MASS / (large) U.S." and a second stamp of subinspector "T.L. SHEPARD". Sling retains its original Model 1826 circular Eagle breastplate in excellent condition.

Listed last are two original, M1858 'smoothside' canteens. One wears a dull, dirty gray wool cover and has Liscom's name lightly engraved on the pewter spout. Canteen is undented and is complete with its cork stopper, chain and woven linen strap. Second canteen has been personalized by Liscom and is covered in a red felt material on one side and draped diagonally across with a wide, dark maroon colored ribbon with Liscom's initials "L.F.L." ornately painted on it. Backside of canteen is covered in the same maroon velvet material. Retains its cork stopper and chain but no strap.

Liscom's military and pension records from the National Archives accompany the remarkable grouping. This is a fine lot of artifacts identified to a New Hampshire soldier and would nicely complement any military collection or Civil War soldier's personal display.

(154-412) ORIGINALLY $6,500.00
REDUCED TO $5,250.00

This is a standard Federal issue blanket that has been cut down by the soldier and decorated with corps badges, his name and where he was at the time he applied the decoration. There is a lot to cover on this item so lets start with the basics. The blanket is made of brown wool with dark end stripes. It meas. approx. 6 feet in length x 5 feet 7 in. in width. The top end stripe is approx. 2 in. wide while the bottom one is approx. 3.75 in. wide. For some reason the soldier trimmed a little off of each end of the blanket, hence the difference in stripe width. At the center is a chain stitched "US" done in three rows of stitching with closed ends. Each letter meas. approx. 4.50 in. high x 3.0 in. wide.

Now for the design. Across the length of the top edge is "BRANDY STATION MARCH 1864" and across the length of the bottom edge is "CHARLES A. FEYHL." The capital letters are approx. 4.50 in. high x 3.50 in. wide. The small letters are approx. 2.50 in. high x 2.0 in. wide. The numbers "1864" are each approx. 4.50 in. high x 3.75 in. wide. In the upper left corner is a First Corps badge and across from it in the right corner is a Second Corps badge. Likewise, on the bottom left corner is a Fifth Corps badge and the bottom right has a Sixth Corps badge. The badges vary in size and are the following ; 1st Corps - 4.0 in. high x 4.0 in. wide, 2nd Corps -4.25 in. high x 4.25 in. wide, 5th Corps -4.0 in. high x 4.0 in. wide and 6th Corps - 5.25 in. high x 5.25 in. wide. All the lettering and design on the blanket are done in sky blue thread. Even the "US" at center is outlined in the same color thread.

The whole thing is beautiful and very pleasing to the eye. The soldier who did the design, Charles A. Feyhl, listed his pre-war occupation as a jeweler. His attention to detail and eye for fine work shows here. The blanket itself is in fine condition with raw edges at top and bottom and finished side edges. There are four or five wear holes scattered over the blanket but none are larger than a quarter and do not interfere with the lettering. The letters "B" and "Y" in "Brandy" show moderate wear with minor amounts of thread missing. The same can be said for the "S" in "Station" and the "M" in "March." Also the letters "C" and "R" in the soldiers name show the same wear.

Charles A. Feyhl started his military service when he enlisted as a private in Company D, 1st Mass. Vol. Inf. His records from the National Archives show him listed as Charles A. Field but by May of 1862 they realized their mistake and changed to the correct name of Feyhl. The records show that Charles was a 20 year old jeweler when he enlisted on June 14, 1861 at Cambridge, Mass.

The 1st Mass. served at 1st Bull Run in Richardson's Brigade of Tyler's Division With the organization of The Army of the Potomac the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps. Private Feyhl and the 1st Mass. fought with the 3rd Corps through many of the major campaigns in the East in 1862, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, The Seven Days and 2nd Bull Run. After 2nd Bull Run the regiment was assigned to the Defenses of Washington until November when they returned to the 3rd Corps and took part in the battles at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In March 1864 while the 1st Mass. was at Brandy Station, the 3rd Corps was dissolved and the regiment was transferred to the 1st Brigade, 4th Division 2nd Corps. It was at this time that Feyhl decorated his blanket. The 11th and 12th Corps had been transferred West and the 1st and 3rd Corps were dissolved leaving only the 2nd, 5th and 6th Corps. At the time the blanket was decorated Feyhl must not have known of the dissolution of the 1st Corps. Since the General Order dissolving both Corps' was published on March 24th 1864 it is a mystery why Feyhl would not have known. For whatever reason, he decided to include the 1st Corps badge on his blanket. Private Feyhl and his regiment continued its service and fought at The Wilderness and Spottsylvania. Its last action was the attack on The Bloody Angle on May 12, 1864. On May 20th the regiment left the front and returned to Boston, Mass where it, along with Private Feyhl, was mustered out on May 25, 1864.

Feyhl no doubt kept his blanket as a prized souvenir of his hard and faithful service. The whole time of his enlistment Feyhl was present for duty except for a short span in September and October 1861. This blanket is an outstanding relic of one man's service in the toughest battles of the war. It must have kept Private Feyhl warm on many a cold night and his constant companion on many a long march.

(M18946) $11,500.00

A truly superb example of a handsome, key wound pocket watch in its original and ornately engraved German silver hunting case used by Sgt. Solomon H. Woods of the 27th CT Volunteer Infantry.

This fine Swiss-made timepiece, ca. 1840-1885, features a 13-jewel movement & is in excellent condition. The 2" diameter dial is white porcelain enamel applied to a copper base and is in near perfect condition. Maker's name "Terret H. Muller / Geneva" is finely handwritten in black paint on the dial's face, as are the painted roman numerals and time marks that adorn the chapter ring. Delicate minute and hour hands of finely crafted metal sets off the dial face and the 1/5 second timer is detailed on the single sunk dial. Glass crystal is in near perfect condition with no cracks or chips. The timepiece was wound by means of a key but it was necessary to open up the watchcase and the key method of winding proved unpopular, as they key was often lost. The watch used a lever in conjunction with the key to set the time. The Swiss movement is encased in a large box jointed case that exhibits a pleasing, dusky-gray patina overall with a few areas of movement. Exterior front of the case is ornately engraved with the scene of a mounted horseman on the road with buildings in the background together with fancy scrollwork along the entire circumference of the case. Exterior back side has an engraving that depicts two sailing ships at anchor in a harbor with scroll work along the outer case edge. Inside of the front cover is beautifully engraved with "L.H. Woods / Co. G 27th C.V. / 1st Div 2nd Corps / Fredericksburg Dec 13th, 62 / Chancellorsville May 1-2-3-, 63 / Gettysburg July 2-3-4 / 1863". Inside of back cover is shiny bright with serial number 19314 stamped in tiny numerals into silver surface. Cuvette is finely engraved with 'Patent Lever / hands / 13 / Jewels", as is a small floral design next to "hands". Attached to the fenial-like pendant or neck of the watch is the bow, which has a coiled spring ring, looped to it. Attached to the spring ring is a 9 1/2 long, five-strand watch chain of finely woven silver wire, while the opposite end of the chain has a collar and ring that holds a small silver wind key.

On May 12, 1861 at age 33, Solomon H. Woods, a native of Vermont, enlisted at Hartford, CT as sergeant in the 3rd Connecticut Infantry, a 90 day regiment. He served with the unit until mustered out on 8/12/62. On 8/25/62 in Meriden, CT, Woods enlisted in Co. G, 27th Connecticut Infantry and was mustered in on 10/22/62 at New Haven as 1st Sgt. Woods served with the unit until he was mustered out of service in New Haven on 7/25/63. The 27th initially pulled duty in the Defenses of Washington, DC until November 1862 and later participated in the fiasco at Fredericksburg, VA in Dec. 1862. They endured the "Mud March" in January 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA in May 1863 and then saw combat during the Gettysburg Campaign, 6/11/63 - 7/24/63. The 27th CT, part of the Federal Army's 2nd Corps, lost near 400 men captured at Chancellorsville, save for 2 companies. Those men arrived at Gettysburg & were assigned to the Union left flank. The 27th went into combat with 75 men, where they experienced heavy action at The Wheatfield, where the little band of soldiers lost their leader, Lt. Col. Henry Merwin. Passing through The Wheatfield & into the woods beyond, the 27th planted their colors on the top of the nearby hill & gave as good as they got during some sharp action. Meanwhile, the troops on their right flank gave way under renewed pressure from the rebels & Union General Brooke ordered the 27th to fall back under a heavy crossfire. After the fighting, this Connecticut regiment mustered out on 7/27/63 at New Haven after suffering the loss of 4 officers and 42 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded during its tour of service.

Woods survived the war and returned home to Connecticut where he died on 3/26/94 at the age of 66. Solomon Woods' silver pocket watch is a unique and handsome piece of Americana from the Civil War with great provenance.

(111-80) $6,500.00

One of the best and unimpeachably period-identified Civil War rifle-muskets. Pvt. McLaughlin deeply cut his name into the left side of the stock, along with his company, regiment, and the place he acquired this weapon as follows: "W.P. McLaughlin / Co. B. 126. REG. ILL / VoL. INFT / DRAWEN AT / SEIGE OF VCKSBURG / JUNE 1863". Pvt. McLaughlin also incised his first and last initial on the tang of the buttplate. Both inscriptions are unquestionably authentic and of the period.

This weapon may have been later displayed in a GAR hall, as the lettering and numbers on the stock bear traces of gold paint. This is an exceptional example of the one of the two primary long arms of the Union infantryman, and, we suspect, is a captured Confederate weapon . Identified weapons are relatively scarce. Those with this amount of inscription, including reference to a battle or campaign are exceedingly rare. Accompanied by McLaughlin's records, including a poignant pension letter from his father describing how he went to the field a robust young man and returned a sickly skeleton. Published in The Civil War Infantryman: In Camp, On The March, and In Battle by Gregory Coco, p. 69.

The musket is a nice untouched dark patina. The lockplate is stamped TOWER / 1861 and is fully functional. The bore is dark but it has good rifling. Missing the middle band.

(G2489) $10,500.00

This scale is truly one of the rarest Civil War items you will ever see. This is the only one we have ever offered.

It is a platform type scale designed to give body weight of soldiers at locations such as hospitals and recruiting stations and then be easily packed for moving to the next location. A platform scale has a system of levers, below the platform, which transfer the load to the weighing resistance, no matter where the load is placed on the platform.

The chief advantage of the HOWE scale rests in the placing of chilled iron balls between the platform and the bearings, which contribute to the accuracy of the scale. The principal effect of these balls is to relieve the knife-edges, upon the preservation of which depends the wear of the scale and its continued accuracy. No other scale uses this feature, which is covered by patents. This scale ranges from one pound to 50 pounds on the scale and has two additional weights that allow it to measure up to 350 pounds.

The scale when folded for transporting measures 34 inches in length by 18 inches wide and 9 ½ inches high. It is made of 7/8-inch thick wood and covered on the top and bottom with a thin layer of steel. On one side is a cast iron hinge with raised lettering that says HOWE'S ARMY SCALE. Each end has a folding steel handle. When folded open the bottom becomes your platform and the top is your scale. The 16-inch by 24-inch platform is made of steel with a 10 1/2-inch by 18 1/2-inch wooden center. On the top in raised letters is STRONG & ROSS PATENT / JAN 15, 1856 and on the other end is JOHN HOWE JR / BRANDON VT. N09.

The invention of the Howe scale dates from the year 1855, when F. M. STRONG and Thomas ROSS, two young men of energy and mechanical genius, began studying the problem of how to make a perfect weighing device. Their success was ample and in 1856 their first patent was secured. In the fall of the same year they put up their first scale in Vernon, N. Y. About the same time they finished and exhibited specimens of their hay scales and other smaller styles at the fair of the American Institute, in New York, where they attracted favorable attention. In the spring of 1857 John Howe, jr., then of Brandon, Vt. became impressed with the value of the invention, purchased the patent of the inventors and began their manufacture at Brandon.

Inside the scale attached to the wood are instructions on how to pack and unpack the scale. The instructions themselves are very hard to read but the part that reads: HOWE'S ARMY SCALES / Patented May 20 and October 24, 1862 / Directions for unpacking and packing is still very clear.

The scale does not function due to one piece of iron that is broken and a steel rod that needs straightened but it can easily be repaired. Truly a unique item that you will probably never see another.

(M18479) $3,500.00

From Stamatelos collection. Belt intact but fragile. Flaking black bridal leather measuring approx. 32" by 1.5" with small brass frame buckle. 6" brass & wooden spool assembly is riveted to belt, 1" to the right of the buckle. Small bridal leather pouch w/metal tin, measuring 3.25" in width, 3" in height & 1.875" in depth, is looped and positioned to the rear of the belt. Pouch leather exhibits some wear & flaking, but it otherwise VG, as is the tin. This spool was used either for the laying of telegraph wire or possibly for signal experimentation with kites. Extremely rare in any condition.

(400-469) $2,950.00

Leather CDV album of students & professors of Middlebury College in Vermont, several of whom served in the Civil War. Binding has split but all pages are present. Leather cover is in good condition, showing just minor wear. Decorative metal clasps with small busts of George Washington, still firmly attached & hold the album closed.

Period ink ID inside front cover, "George H. Sweet". Album contains 39 images, including one tintype in CDV mount. 18 images are identified in period ink, with 8 having served in the Civil War. Middlebury College was founded in 1800 by Timothy White, then president of Yale. Its original purpose was to train young men for the ministry and other learned professions. In 1883, it became one of the first formerly all-male schools in New England to admit women.

Images include:

1. William R. Shipman. Drafted, paid $300 commutation, did not serve.

2. John R. Converse. Class of 1862. Enlisted as private 9/16/62; 10/21/62 mustered into Co. I 14th VT Infantry. Promoted 2nd Lt. 7/3/63. Mustered out 7/30/63 at Brattleboro, VT. Re-enlisted 5/19/64 as 2nd Lt. in Co. H, 17th VT Infantry. Killed in action 7/30/64 at Petersburg, VA.

3. Park Davis. Drafted, paid $300 commutation, did not serve.

4. Henry A. Eaton. Class of 1862. Enlisted 8/26/62 as Captain; mustered in to Co. A, 16th VT 10/12/62. Wounded 7/3/63 at Gettysburg. Mustered out 8/10/63 at Brattleboro. Re-enlisted 8/12/64 as a Major; on 9/27/64 commissioned into 17th VT. Killed in action 9/30/64 at Poplar Springs Church, VA.

5. John A. Fitch. Class of 1862. Enlisted 9/1/62 as a Sgt. On 10/4/62 mustered into Co. E, 12th VT Infantry. Mustered out 7/14/63 at Brattleboro.

6. Eli H. Gale. Class of 1862. Enlisted 5/17/64 as Asst. Surgeon. Mustered in to Field & Staff, 186th PA. Mustered out 8/15/65 at Philadelphia.

7. Edward H. Hobbs. Class of 1862. Enlisted 12/17/61 as a 1st Lt. On 2/22/62 commissioned into Field & Staff 98th NY Infantry. Promoted 12/18/61 1st Lt. & Adjutant. Mustered out 6/2/63.

8. Aldace F. Walker. Class of 1862. Enlisted 8/13/62 as 1st Lt.; mustered in to Co. B, 1st VT Heavy Artillery (11th VT Infantry). Promoted to Capt., Co. C, 11/30/62; Major 6/28/64; Lt. Col. 10/19/64 by Brevet; Lt. Col. 5/23/65. Mustered out 6/24/65. In 1869 he authored The Vermont Brigade in the Shenandoah Valley 1864.

Other identified images include: Prof. H.M. Seely, Prof. Brainerd Kellogg, I. Albee, E.A. Haseltine, A.F. Rider, Wm. A. Robinson, L.A. Scott, Charles C. Harris.

(75-538) $1,500.00