Presented here is a remarkable specimen of a Confederate Second National flag captured at Petersburg, Virginia during the last days of the War Between the States. This fine Southern cloth artifact is a garrison flag that was captured at rebel-held Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865 by Lieutenant William H. Bird, 1st Delaware Cavalry. The specimen, which measures 116" on its leading edge and 180" on its fly, is constructed in the pattern of a Confederate 2nd National flag with the Army of Northern Virginia design in the canton.

William H. Bird was a twenty-two year old from Wilmington, Delaware when he enlisted as a second lieutenant in Company "B", 1st Battalion, Delaware Cavalry Volunteers on October 1, 1862. Bird, accompanied by his servant named George Washington, officially mustered into the unit on January 20, 1863. He served with his unit assigned to the defenses of Baltimore with the 8th Army Corps until he re-enlisted in May 1864. In June, Bird was appointed to the General Staff of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps as 1st Lt. and ADC to Colonel William Penrose. In March of 1865, the young officer was placed on detached service with the staff of Major General Emory Upton in the field.

William Bird was Brevet Captain for 'gallant and meritorious service' before Petersburg on April 2, 1865 when he and other Union officers led the charge on the enemy's works at Fort Gregg. Bird captured this Confederate flag in the ensuing fighting and he is written up in the after-action report of later Brevet Brigadier General William Penrose. A portion of the text in the report is found in the OR's in Chapter LV111, "The Appomattox Campaign", pps 927-995, Ser 1, Vol 46, part 1. The text reads, "Lt. Bird, along with three other officers, led the charge on the enemy's works at Petersburg, VA at Fort Gregg, and by their magnificent conduct insured the success. They entered the works with their men during the assault, and pushing on drove the enemy, clearing the ground for the organization of troops. One battle flag was taken during this action as stated in the report by Bvt. Brig Gen. William H. Penrose, Hdqtrs First Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps."

After the war, William Bird relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, where he married, set up residence, studied law and became a lawyer. He died in Salt Lake on May 18, 1906 at the age of 66. 'The Horse Soldier' purchased the flag a few years ago in Massachusetts when this specimen was consigned to an auction by a direct member of the Bird family.

This original Civil War Confederate flag of the 2nd National Garrison pattern measures 116" on the leading edge and 180" at the fly while its canton, with the A.N.V. flag design, measures 74" on the hoist and 78" on the fly. In good condition, the canton exhibits a red wool field constructed with four full loom widths 18½" long. The hoist and fly quadrants each have three horizontal seams while the top and bottom quadrants each have two seams. The fields are crossed with one layer of blue wool bunting to form a cross with the long arm of the cross running from the top fly to the bottom hoist. Inserted (sewn) in the cross are thirteen off-white cotton stars that measure 8" point to point. The stars are arranged with three on each arm of the cross and one centered at the intersection. The fly consists of eight lengths of off-white single ply bunting of which six lengths are full loom widths and two (top and bottom) less that the full width. The flag is intact save for a large missing area on the bottom fly corner where a section approximately two feet long by 3" high is missing and appears to have been cut off. Remainder of the flag exhibits scattered small and some large holes throughout that appear the work of rodents and insects. A series of light red stains in an almost a vertical pattern just beyond the fly end of the canton, appear to have occurred while the flag was folded in storage. All the fabrics, though severely creased, are quite strong and light exposure damage is not evident.

The flag is accompanied with a written analysis report from the Textile Preservation Associates, Inc that ascertains the validity of the flag. Included with this artifact are the military and pension records of William Bird from the National Archives in Washington, D.C and a brief history of the 1st Delaware Cavalry. Also included is a reproduction, black and white, outdoor photograph of Lt Bird, dressed in his cavalry uniform standing next to his horse, as well as an 8"x10" color photograph of the flag.

This museum-quality Confederate Second National flag is a remarkable specimen.

Presented here is one of the finest Southern specimens of an original and professionally authenticated American Civil War flag available today.

This wonderful set of colors is referred to as the Confederate First National Flag and measures 68" on its hoist by 120" on its fly. Confederate authorities adopted the design of this rebel flag on March 4, 1861. More commonly called the "Stars and Bars", this flag is in very good condition and features a field that consists of three horizontal bars, all made from a woolen or non-bunting material. The uppermost bar measures 22½" wide and is of red color; the middle horizontal bar is white and 21½" wide while the bottom bar is red and measures 23" wide. The fly edge is hemmed to a depth of ¾". Inset into the upper hoist corner and extending down through two of the bars is a dark blue woolen heading (canton area) that measures 44 ¾" on the hoist by 43½" on the fly and is composed of two sections of wool. The upper section is 22½" wide with the lower section also 22½" wide, both joined horizontally and all hand sewn. This canton features eleven (11) white, cotton, 5-pointed stars each 4½" to 4¾" across their points, appliqued to each side and set in a circle 34½" in diameter. A period reinforcement patch, 3 ½" high and 8½" wide, has been set into the lower hoist corner of the heading. The heading consists of a single piece of white linen canvas, 68" high and 3 ½" wide that has been doubled over to form a sleeve 1 ¾" wide, and a sewn along the leading edge. This sleeve as formed also encompasses a single length of rope that extends at each end of the heading and loops into eyelets for attachment to a halyard.

The flag, professionally authenticated by Mr. Howard M. Madaus of "Old Glory" Flag Consultants, LLC, was most likely a ship's flag or a flag used at a camp or garrison to identify such as Confederate property. Early in the war, the Confederate War Department unofficially established the sizes of 18'x 28' and 9' x 14' as the sizes for garrison and storm flags respectively and also ordered flags that were 4 ½' x 7' as 'post' or 'camp' flags. However, the War Department never published these guidelines and local manufacturers of Confederate colors opted to make flags that appeared attractive when flying.

As indicated, this flag is in very good condition and does exhibit a number of small moth holes to the surface of the cloth along with a number of stains overall. The color of this flag is strong and vibrant but the white coloring has yellowed a bit over time. Flag is accompanied with its letter of authenticity from Howard Madaus of Old Glory Flag Consultants.

This museum-quality, Confederate First National flag is truly a gem on today's collecting market and would make a magnificent addition to any advanced collection of Civil War memorabilia.

Consisting of the following items:

[1] "FOWLER GUARD. [GA.]" flag, captured during the Vicksburg Campaign at the Battle of Baker's Creek /Champion Hill, MS on -2/15/1862 by troops of the 11th Indiana Infantry ["Wallace's Zouaves], led by Lieutenant [later Captain] John P. Megrew of Co. "B".

[2] Captain Megrew's US M1850 foot officer sword [& belt sash], inscribed with his name, battles, & term of service.

[3] Megrew memorial service escutcheon, painted in oil.

[4] Megrew GAR Memorial book, Burnside Post no. 8, Washington, DC., along with other documents pertaining to Captain Megrew's service.

The "FOWLER GUARD" flag was researched and authenticated by nationally recognized flag authority & author Howard Michael Madaus. Mounted in a modern plexi-glassed, green and gilt edged frame, this double-sided flag measures 38" at the hoist and 50" at the fly. Constructed of wool bunting, it features a dark blue Saint Andrews cross with 15 white five pointed stars [7 going down from left to right/8 coming up from left to right] against a medium red field, with hand painted Georgia state seals centered at the intersection of the cross on both sides. To the left of the seal is "FOWLER," with "GUARD." on the right, both in 4" gray lettering. Except for minor fraying in the 'fly" corners, the condition of the cloth bunting is generally excellent. The hoist side is edged by a strip of white cloth with holes cut for fastening, and the entire strip exhibits moderate soiling. The three fly sides are fringed with light-weight bullion, two inches in length, tarnished dark and coppery. Overall, the flag exhibits vivid color and is in superb condition.

In his letter of authentification, Howard Micheal Madaus has this to say of the "Fowler Guard" and their flag: "The "Fowler Guard was the nickname for Company D, 42nd Georgia Infantry, but its flag had evidently graduated to use as the regimental battle flag of the 42nd when it was captured. It was indeed captured by the 11th Indiana Infantry ("Wallaces Zouaves") and presumably by Lieutenant [later Captain] John P. Megrew (Company B), based on his escutcheon; however, it was not taken at the Battle of Fort Donelson (there were no Georgia units at Fort Donelson) but rather in May of 1863 at the battle of Baker's Creek/Champion Hill during the Confederate movements to oppose Grant outside Vicksburg. Unfortunately, the Union captors referred to the flag (erroneously) as the "Fowler Battery" (an Alabama unit that was not in the action at Baker's Creek) because four guns were captured at the same time and place as the battle flag of the 42nd Georgia".

As for unit itself, the 42nd Georgia was assembled at Camp McDonald , Georgia, in March 1862, with men from Gwinnett, De Kalb, Newton, Walton, Fulton, and Calhoun counties. The regiment moved to Tennessee, then Mississippi where it was attached to General Barton's Brigade in the Dept. of Mississippi and East Louisiana. It fought at Chickasaw Bayou & Champion's Hill, and on July 4, 1863 was captured at Vicksburg. Exchanged and brigaded under General Stovall, the 42nd continued to fight in various battles from Missionary Ridge to Bentonville. In December, 1863, it contained 444 men and 394 arms, and in November, 1864, there were 345 present for duty. The unit surrendered with the Army of Tennessee with 5 officers and 126 men.

Captain Megrew's US Model 1850 Foot officer's sword is of Ames manufacture with the company mark just visible discernable above the reverse side ricasso. Blade is medium bright but considerably worn, with the "US" and the customary Ames scrollwork being barely discernable. Front edge exhibits a few dings and slight pitting near the tip. Washer present. Brass hilt assembly tight and symmetrical with finial bent slightly down. Dark coppery patina. Sharkskin grip is tight and somewhat shrunken with tight brass wiring. Captain Megrew's name & service - "Capt. J. P. Megrew - 11th Ind. Vols. 1861-1865" inscribed on top of knuckle guard. Leather scabbard has been broken & seen extensive repair, nicely done. Brass carrying mounts w/the upper one extending to the throat & containing an inscribed list of Megrew's battles - "Fort Donaldson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Winchester, Cedar Creek, VA." - as well as an Ames company marking. Mounts tarnished w/the lower edge clipped from the brass drag. Accompanied by Megrew's eight foot officers belt sash, burgundy colored, very thin and frayed with color fading from the tassels.

The Megrew memorial escutcheon dates from the turn of the century, and is done in oil in vivid red, gold and blue against a gray background, mounted and stretched on a modern canvas and frame measuring 24.5 x 30". The visually stunning escutcheon details the service of Captain John P. Megrew & the 11th Indiana Infantry, which may be summarized as follows:

John P. Megrew entered service as a private in the 11th Indiana and was mustered in as 1st Sergeant when the three month unit re-enlisted as a three year regiment on August 31, 1861. He was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, Co. "B", on Dec. 6, 1861, promoted to regimental Adjutant, 4/30/1862, and promoted again to Captain of Co. "D" on November 13, 1862, a rank and position he held through his mustering out on July 26, 1865. During service he was mentioned in dispatches following the Battle of Ft. Donelson, 2/12-16/1862, and was wounded at Big Black River [MS], 5/16/1863, and again slightly at Fisher's Hill [VA.], 9/22/1864.

The 11th Indiana served variously in the Union armies of the Tennessee, the Gulf , & the Shenandoah, being attached to the 13th, 19th & 8th Corps respectively. It participated in numerous engagements, including the following major battles: "Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Winchester, Fisher's Hill & Cedar Creek." The Regiment lost during service 1 officer and 114 Enlisted men killed and morally wounded and 3 officers and 170 Enlisted men by disease. [Note: The escutcheon erroneously states that the "Fowler Guard" flag was captured at the Battle of Ft. Donelson, when in fact it was taken by the 11th Indiana at the battle of Baker's Creek/Champion Hill, 5/16/1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign. See Howard Madaus' commentary above.]

G. A.R. Memorial Book - "MEMORIAL of John P. Megrew of Burnside Post, No. 8, Department of the Potomac, G.A.R. Address by Comrade George Simmons read at the meeting of the Post, July 13, 1921". Washington, DC: G.A.R. Post 8, 1921. 13pp. Black glazed cloth, 9.25 x 5.75", with gilt cover lettering & trim. Interior stamp, "G.A.R. Post 8." Front hinge cracking, medium wear to extremities. This book contains much supplementary information concerning Captain Megrew, including mention of his pre-war militia company which was accorded the honor of escorting President-elect Lincoln through Indianapolis during his railroad journey east to assume office in March 1861. In his post-war phase, Megrew served as commandant of Soldiers Homes in South Dakota & Indiana, before becoming chief of capitol police in Washington, DC., a position he held until retirement in 1913. He died Sept. 17, 1919.

This group includes other Megrew documents, including his state commission as a captain in the 11th Indiana, his post war commission as an aide de camp to the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Potomac….a certificate of appointment as a commandant of the Indiana State Soldiers Home, and a mustering out testimonial letter from Brigadier Genl. W.W. Morris, 2nd Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps.

In all, one of the more stunning flag groupings we've seen. Accompanied by Howard Madaus' documentation and letter of authenticity.

Presented here is an artifact rarity in the collecting field today…a pure, Confederate States Armory marked 'High Hump' Richmond rifle musket in simply outstanding condition. In addition, this very desirable weapon bears a period brass tag that displays the word "GETTYSBURG" engraved upon it in fancy block letters, each 1/8" high. A letter from the owner accompanies this weapon and relates the remarkable events and provenance on how the rifle was found.

The jeweler-engraved tag, which measures 2½" long x ¼" wide, sits on the stock opposite the lock and is secured with a small brass nail at each end of tag. This Confederate longarm, in excellent overall condition, is an original .577 caliber rifled muzzleloader produced in early 1862 by the Armory in Richmond. The rifle has the distinctive High Hump Richmond Armory lockplate that retains the old Model 1855 Maynard Tape Primer profile intact. Weapon is dated "1862" in strong, clear stampings on the lockplate behind the hammer. Also exhibited is a very fine armory marking of "C.S. / RICHMOND, VA." located on the lockplate front tang below the bolster. Both the "C" shaped hammer and the lockplate wear a fine, mellow patina of dark and light areas over a smooth surface. The high-hump rifle is 56" long overall and features a factory-browned, iron barrel that measures 40" long. Barrel surface is smooth with no pitting save for a tiny amount of very light patches at the breech tang end. Proof markings of "V / P / eagle head" still visible but the P and eagle head are thin. Original three-leaf rear sight sits on the barrel, as do the three original barrel bands. All three barrel bands do not have the offset "U" markings stamped on the band and never did. Lower barrel band does exhibit traces of an original factory repair at the top and side. Bore is very good: semi-bright with scattered pitting. Retains its three-grove rifling that will clean to fine. The walnut stock measures 53" long from the iron butt plate to the forend and features the brass stock tip with screw hole but is missing the screw. Stock has no patchbox but it does wear an old (over 20 years) coat of varnish over its entire surface that presents a mellow and pleasing appearance. Varnish can be easily removed if required. Wood stock exhibits one thin crack (1¼" long) visible along edge at the top lock screw and two, old, small nail holes that perforate the stock at the middle barrel band. Opposite side of stock has two slivers of wood (¾" long & 1" long, both ¼" wide) missing, as a result of the nail holes. Holes appears to have been made when rifle was attached to a wall display, typically the case in old G.A.R. halls when the walls were decorated with weaponry and artifacts brought home by the soldiers. Stock enjoys the usual small dings and dents scattered overall with mild edge rounding. No cartouches visible. This CS longarm retains its original, straight-shaft, tulip-head, iron ramrod with the threaded tip. Both original swivel slings present.

A super fine, 'absolutely pure' Confederate States Armory High Hump musket with all its original components except varnish and in outstanding condition.

Presented here is an identified and extremely rare, Southern-manufactured "Richmond Sharps" carbine in simply wonderful condition with serial number 2609. The Civil War weapon is original and identified to Private George Hawkins of Company K, 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiment.

Samuel Robinson was a Richmond businessman when the War Between the States began. He operated a plaining mill in that city. He became acquainted with a Brooklynite, John Lester, and they joined with others in the manufacture of ordnance related materials and products. Early in 1861, Robinson and Lester were in the process of commencing a revolver-making endeavor, using the US Whitney revolver as their pattern. They sold their planned enterprise to Edward Spiller and David Burr, who soon contracted with the Confederate Government to produce the Spiller and Burr revolver. Robinson, Lester and their associates developed the machinery for manufacturing their version of the US Sharps Carbine and in December of 1862, the newly formed S.C. Robinson Arms Manufactory contracted with the Confederate Governement for the firm's entire output of carbines of the Sharps pattern.

The Robinson Company manufactured about 2000 carbines from December of 1862 through the first of March, 1863, using the company's name, stamped on the lockplates and on the barrels. The Confederate Goverment bought Robinson out at that point and continued making exactly the same carbine, only dropping the company name. The same serial number sequence continued throughout production. An additional 3500+ Sharps carbines were produced during the government operation. The Government-made Sharps dropped the Robinson name-stamping, replacing it only with serial numbers on the rear of the lockplate and the tang of the breechblock. The only stamping on the barrel reads "RICHMONDVA", and is located between the rear sight and the breech.

Description and examination of Confederate Sharps # 2609: Overall length: 38 1/2 inches. Barrel length: 21 and 5/8 inches. Lockplate markings: "2608" stamped at the rear surface. Barrel markings: "RICHMONDVA" stamped between rear sight and breech. Rear sight (iron) is a fixed "V" notch; front sight is a broad one piece iron base with high tapered blade. Flat brass single barrel band: excellent original condition (retaining spring broken). Brass buttplate: excellent original condition. Single sling swivel mounted on the bottom of the buttstock toward the butt. Iron carbine slide bar and iron ring mounted on the left side opposite lockplate; bar inletted into frame and wood of stock. "2069 B" stamped on undersurface of slide bar.

Woodstock: Butt piece has a repair on the right top side where a 5 1/2 " chip had either become loose or had broken out at somet ime. The original wood was expertly replaced and secured by a strong bonding agent and three small pins which are visible in the stock. Such a repair my have been a contemporary one. The forend piece is fully intact. "RHK" stamped in wood butt. Even with repair to the buttstock, the wood is in excellent original condition, showing very little wear. Rear sling swivel: excellent original condition, fairly well inlet into the buttstock.

The remainder of the carbine, most of the iron parts show many original manufacturing tool marks, which signify very little use. There is a casting flaw in the right side of the barrel, just ahead of the forend stock, which is a very attractive feature to the Confederate Collector.

The carbine at hand is still relatively early in production, does not have a cut-out at the rear bottom end of the forestock to allow powder to escape upon firing. Some of the early models' forestocks burst upon firing, and this cut-out was employed to prevent such a happening.

In conclusion, this Confederate Goverment-made Sharps is completely original in every respect and in excellent overall condition, suitable to take its place in the finest collection.

George Hawkins enlisted as a private in the regiment at Spartapolis, VA on March 3, 1863. Confederate military records from the National Archives are incomplete but together with contemporary and post-war written accounts, a chronicle of Hawkins's service in the Virginia cavalry during the war can be ascertained.

Trooper George Hawkins is mentioned by name in an excerpt from The Great Invasion written by Jacob Hoke in 1888. Hawkins was a rebel scout who was captured in Chambersburg, PA during the raid into Pennsylvania led by Confederate General Albert Jenkins and his cavalry. As narrated by Jacob Hoke from an excerpt in his book, page 99, Hoke relates "Seated at an open window in the second story of my residence, overlooking the public square, and listening for the approaching enemy, I at length heard the clatter of horses' feet coming rapidly down Main Street. When opposite the residence of Mr. H M White, the report of a gun was heard. Almost simultaneously with the report of this gun, some four or five cavalrymen rode into the square. In the darkness, they became separated and one of them, evidently the officer in command of the squad, called out in a particular Southern tone, "Hawkins! Hawkins!! I say Hawkins, whar in the ____ are you?" If Lieutenant Smith, for such was his name, had called upon two of our gallant young men, John A. Seiders and T.M. Mahon, he might have received the information he so earnestly desired, for they were having a little matter of business with his friend "Hawkins" across the square and near the court-house at that time." A review of Hoke's book in Civil War Books by Nevins, Robertson and Wiley gives this account, "While somewhat rambling, this assessment of the Gettysburg Campaign by a civilian contains useful information." David Eicher gives a review in his The Civil War in Books and states "Hoke offers an eyewitness account of the Pennsylvania campaign by a Chambersburg businessman, along with supporting material drawn from many official documents." With four other Confederate scouts, Hawkins was one of the advance guard who rode into the town square at Chambersburg, PA early Monday evening, June 15, 1863. Separated from his squad, Hawkins was captured by two Pennsylvania soldiers home on leave and he was relieved of his horse, saber, saddle, carbine and other items. The carbine mentioned was given to the local G.A.R. Hall after the war and was subsequently held by a local family where it remained until the early 1960's. No parole records are given but Confederate military muster rolls indicate that Hawkins was present for duty with the 12th Virginia cavalry in September and October 1863. The trooper was absent during November and December 1863 and present for duty with his unit from January 1864 until he was wounded in action at the Wilderness (Todd's Tavern), VA on May 7, 1864.

This original Confederate "Sharps", correctly referred to as a "Richmond Sharps" carbine, is one of the most sought-after Confederate weapons of the Civil War. Here is the opportunity of a lifetime in collecting to acquire such a rare and coveted piece of identified Confederate weaponry.

Accompanied by papers & records as well as authentication documentation as provided by a leading expert in Confederate arms.

Cal. .52 smoothbore. The lock surface is smooth and wears a mix of patina and gray. The hammer shows a darkened case colored surface. Markings "WM Jenks" and "N.P. Ames/Springfield/Mass" are sharp and clear. Crisp mechanics. The barrel surface is smooth with a thin brown color. Markings "WM Jenks", "USN/RP/P/1844" are sharp and clear. Bore is smooth and bright. The number "52" is present on the bayonet lug. The brass mountings are smooth with a medium patina. The stock surface is mostly smooth with very light handling marks, and has its orogial factory surface presenting a rich walnut color. Two clear cartouches. This is a fine example of a very rare U.S. martial arm.

The Leech & Rigdon revolver is one of the most sought after of the Confederate handguns, and certainly one of the finest quality products made in the Confederacy.

Thomas Leech was a Memphis cotton broker and probably an agent for an arms manufacturer in the mid to late 1850's. Charles Rigdon was an engineer in St. Louis, and was a friend of Abel Shawk (Shawk & McLanahan revolver). Rigdon's machinery was used to some extent in the manufacture of the Shawk revolver. Rigdon took his machinery and moved to Memphis, locating several blocks from Leech, who by now had formed the Memphis Novelty Works, which was engaged in the manufacture of military cutlery and brass castings of all kinds, such as cavalry sabers, infantry swords, artillery swords and Bowie knives of every description. Leech & Rigdon formed a partnership shortly thereafter, still retaining the name of Memphis Novelty Works. In March 1862 they moved the operation to Columbus, MS, changing the name to Novelty Works. In May 1862 an ad appeared in the Memphis Appeal which referred to the Leech & Rigdon Novelty Works. They began their production of the Leech & Rigdon revolver at Columbus, but probably only a few were completed there.

Late in 1862 with Columbus threatened by Union forces, Leech & Rigdon moved to Greensboro, Georgia, where they began revolver production in earnest, with the company now known as Leech & Rigdon. In March 1863 they contracted with the CS government to furnish 1500 "Colt-type" revolvers. Probably just over 1000 revolvers had been made at Greensboro when in December 1863 the partnership was dissolved, and Rigdon took his machinery to Augusta, GA, where he and a new partner, Jesse Ansley, completed the remaining 500 or so revolvers on the Leech & Rigdon contract. They then began a new contract with the Confederate government for 1500 Rigdon & Ansley revolvers, of which only 900 or so wre completed.

With this background in mind, thus follows an examination of detail of this Leech & Rigdon, Serial Number 682, a percussion revolver that was manufactured in Greensboro, GA.

The gun shows a pleasing consistent aged-brown patina with no evidence of ever having been cleaned. As is usual with the very small serial number characters, it is difficult to determine some individual numbers, but all numbers are believed to be matching.

The iron cylinder is original, stamped "659"; it has many dings. The original nipples are somewhat distressed, but intact. The original round, iron barrel with octagonal housing has the top flat stamped "LEECH & RIGDON CSA", but the usual defective stamping renders the L about unreadable with only top portions of the EECH visible and usual broken die stamping in the name RIGDON. Brass pin front sight original; replaced loading lever catch.

The original iron frame is stamped "659" near barrel lug; no interior markings, no cap release groove (which is correct). The original iron arbor is stamped "659" (a poor strike) on top side, reads from breech to muzzle. The original brass trigger guard is stamped "659" near lug; four cryptic dots stamped just ahead of TG oval; no internal markings. The original brass back strap is stamped "659" at butt; cast flaw at outside rear base of butt.

The original iron loading lever is stamped "659", reading breech to muzzle and difficult to read; loading lever catch is a correct replacement of the ball and pin type. Plunger original, no markings (iron).

The original iron wedge has Colt type spring (which is correct); stamped "659". The original, tempered steel mainspring has some homemade iron washers employed at screw; the screw is original.

The original, American Walnut grips are in excellent condition. Serial# "659" pencilled-in, in backstrap channel. A small piece of linen like fabric is in the backstrap channel.

Screws and interior parts are original, except for the leaf spring for the cylinder bolt and trigger, which is replaced. Spring replaced on the rachet arm; one barrel lug pin replaced; wedge screw replaced.

In conclusion, Leech & Rigdon # 659 is an authentic and original specimen of a very sought after Confederate handgun, and deserves a high place in any Civil War collection.

Serial Number 2434, manf. in Griswoldville, GA in February, 1864. The most prolific maker of handguns for the Confederacy, the Griswold & Gunnison products are the most readily recognizable of all w/their brass frames, backstraps & triggerguards. This revolver S/N 2434 is a very attractive example & is thoroughly described as follows: Brass frame stamped 2434 on right side, "XXIII" on bottom right inside flat surface, two centering punch marks on rear inside surface of standing breech; faint cryptic "B" on left side breech. Barrel S/N 2434 on right side. Secondary number "4" stamped on wedge, hammer, & brass triggerguard, all parts being original to revolver. One piece walnut grips original and in excellent condition. The revolver shows an overall pleasing patina. As expected there are your typical casting flaws which one expects to observe in a Griswold. The purchaser received a document of authentication from Mr. Frederick R. Edmunds, former Curator of The Confederate States Armory & Museum.

Cal. .32 rimfire. S/N 771. 6" barrel. The brass frame has the scroll engraving typical to Moore's revolvers, and retains approx. 50% of its silver plate. The ID engraved on the backstrap reads, "John Daley, from his Friends / March 11, 1862." with "ALBANY, N.Y." on the butt. These markings are sharp and clear. The cylinder and barrel surfaces have a smooth gray color with sharp edges and some traces of blue remaining on barrel. Markings "D. Moore Patent Sept. 18, 1860" are clear. Grips have light wear and retain approx. 95% varnish. The accompanying holster shows age and use, with some surface cracking and one area of loose stitching. The leather remains soft.

John Daley (also spelled variously in his records as Daly, Daily, and Dailey), born in Ireland and a moulder by occupation, was 29 years of age when he enlisted as a sergeant at Troy, NY on 3/6/62. On 3/8/62 he mustered into Co. I, 104th NY Infantry. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant on the field at Antietam on 9/17/62. Wounded in action at Fredericksburg, VA on 12/18/62, receiving a gun shot wound to his right leg while participating in a charge. Sent to a Washington, D.C. hospital to recuperate from his wounds and the typhoid fever which developed subsequently. He rejoined his regiment in March of 1863. Daley was captured on July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg, after have first been reported missing in action. He was held at Richmond until being paroled at City Point on 3/7/64. Arrived at Camp Parole, MD on 3/9/64. Returned to the regiment in May. He attempted to tender his resignation due to medical reasons, but it was not accepted by the War Department. Promoted to Captain of Co. A on 7/11/64. He was again taken prisoner at Petersburg, VA (Weldon Railroad) on 8/19/64. Paroled on 2/21/65 at Aikens Landing, VA, and is listed on a hospital muster roll in Annapolis, MD on 2/22/65. Granted a 30 day leave of absence; returned to duty on 3/18/65. On 5/4/65, he was dishonorably discharged for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, by Special Order 205. The dismissal was later revoked in Special Order 176, and he was honorably discharged by tender of resignation to date from 4/4/65. Following the war, Daley resided in Albany, NY, and he died on 2/28/1911 at the age of 77.

The 104th New York served briefly with the 3rd Corps, and saw it's first action at Cedar Mountain; it was then assigned to 1st brigade, 1st division, 1st corps, and was engaged at Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, & Fredericksburg; in reserve at Chancellorsville, Heavily engaged at Gettysburg, where it lost 194 in killed, wounded & missing. Engaged without loss in the Mine Run Campaign. Reassigned to the 5th Corps, with which it continued during the remainder of the war. Took part in all of the battles of the Wilderness campaign, suffering heavy casualties at Spotsylvania, the first assaults on Petersburg, and at Weldon Railroad. After August, 1864, it performed provost guard duty with its corps, and served with slight loss through the final battles of the war, ending with Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Accompanied by military & pension records.

Here is a rare and very fine specimen of a U.S. martially marked, 36 caliber, Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver in fantastic condition. Identification to Thomas T. Bartlett of C Company, 1st Regiment, California Volunteer Cavalry is by serial number (#64052) taken from the ordnance records in the Regimental Letter and Order books.

From the regimental descriptive book comes this telling remark about the patriotic Bartlett, "Enrolled at Sacramento August 17, 1861; traveled 140 miles to place of rendezvous." Bartlett, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, was a thirty-two year old adventurer when he traveled from Sacramento to Camp Merchant, Oakland, California on September 7, 1861 to muster into Federal cavalry service for three years. On the 21st of January 1862, Trooper Bartlett was promoted to Corporal at Camp Carleton near San Bernardino. By Mid November 1862, Bartlett was on detached service as personal escort to Brigadier General James Carleton's force at Santa Fe, New Mexico. Carleton's California Column, as it was called, had orders to re-capture the forts and posts in Arizona and New Mexico from the Confederates. Bartlett re-enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer in the California Cavalry on November 16, 1863 and had risen to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st New Mexico Infantry by early February 1865. By the time the Civil War came to a halt in the east, the Indian tribes in the West had become a hostile marauding force against the settlers. General Carleton became commander of the Department of New Mexico and moved aggressively with his California Column against the Apaches, Kiowas, Navajos and Comanches tribes throughout the territory. A seasoned Indian fighter by September 1865, Thomas Bartlett was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the First Regiment, New Mexico Cavalry Volunteers and had participated in numerous engagements and skirmishes against the Indians, many times leading patrols and scouts in those same expeditions. A notation in his records with "F" Company, 1st New Mexico Cavalry is dated 12 November 1865 and reads, "scouting after Apache Indians". October 1866 has the last entry in his records and states "Transferred to Battalion." The regiment mustered out of service on October 19, 1866 but Bartlett was discharged from the army on November 22, 1867 at Santa Fe. Nothing more is noted on Bartlett until May of 1897 when he declared for an invalid pension from his residence at Garland, Colorado. He received a pension until his death on July 12, 1900.

A wonderful and rarely seen, original Colt Model 1861 Navy 6-shot revolver (Serial Number 6364) and matching holster that belonged to 1st Lt. Augustus W. Proseus, 111th New York Infantry Regiment, killed in action near Little Round Top on July 2, 1863.

Augustus Proseus was a 25 year-old man from Sodus, NY who on May 10, 1861, enlisted at Newark, NY as a second lieutenant in Company 'I', 17th Regiment, New York Infantry for a term of two years. Unfortunately, seven months later Proseus resigned for personal reasons and his resignation was accepted on December 14, 1861 for the following reasons: the officer was "unfitted to make a good officer by nature, could not control men and could not command their respect". Augustus Proseus went home to New York State but did not stay long. In July 1862, the New Yorker signed on for a second enlistment, this time as an enlisted man in Company E, 111th Regiment, New York Infantry. His civilian occupation was listed as a mechanic. On August 15, 1862, he was appointed First Sergeant of Company E. One month later, on September 15, 1862, he and his entire regiment surrendered to Stonewall Jackson's rebel army at Harper's Ferry, VA during the Antietam Campaign. The 111th NY was paroled the same day and Proseus along with his regiment found themselves re-assigned to Camp Douglass in Chicago, guarding prisoners of war until December 1862. Upon arrival at Camp Hays, Centerville, VA in January 1863, Proseus gained a commission as 2nd Lt. in the company and two months later he was bumped up to 1st Lieutenant.

In late June 1863, the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Bde, 3rd Div, 2nd A.C. and marched to Gettysburg, where they engaged the enemy on the second day of battle. Originally posted on the heights south of the town, the New Yorkers on orders from their brigade commander, Col. Willard, moved at 5 PM that day to lower ground facing the Emmitsburg Road. There, the 111th New York participated in the gallant and successful charge of Willard's brigade on the battlefield between Cemetery Hill and Little Round Top. It was at this time that Lieutenant Proseus was killed leading his company into action. Accounts given in the regimental history titled "The Redemption of the Harper's Ferry Cowards" by R.L. Murray, state that "another officer in the 111th, Lieutenant Augustus Proseus of Company E, was killed while leading his men. At Gettysburg he was very ill and had only rejoined his company. As his men advanced, he encouraged them by yelling, "Stand firm. Don't yield an inch!" Just as he finished this statement, an enemy bullet struck him down." A sad end for a gallant soldier.

This martially marked Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver is one of a limited contract for 2,000 pieces dated Sept. 17, 1861. A total of 2,056 were delivered to the U.S. Government. The serial number of this piece "6364" indicates an early 1862 delivery date. All iron surfaces are gray with evenly scattered peppery pitting and dark age spots. All markings typical to this model are visible. Cylinder scene is present though thin. All serial numbered components have matching number "6364". Good mechanics. The top jaw of the loading lever latch is broken. The latch still functions. The brass back strap and trigger guard have a smooth surface and medium patina. The grips show smooth wear. "D.W. Durham" is crisply stamped on the butt end of the right grip panel, which also has the martial cartouche. The cartouche is clear with some minor thinning. No research done as yet on Durham but current family indicates that it might indeed be a relative of the officer.

Augustus Proseus's Colt 1861 Navy revolver, with its verbal ID, has been passed down through his family generations since the war until now (July 2004). The sidearm comes with a handwritten, notarized affidavit from the current family as to its authenticity and provenance, along with a written statement from Hesse Galleries, Otego, NY, who acquired the artifact.

Fine condition, Colt 1861 Navy revolvers are seldom encountered on the market today, and this fine specimen, with its impeccable provenance, family identification, and documented Gettysburg battlefield action, constitutes a unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant artifact worthy of the most advanced collections. Accompanied by military & pension records from the National Archives, which includes numerous letters which Proseus wrote home to his mother & sister.

The following accouterments are on the on belt in the following order: NCO Belt Plate, Rifle Musket Cap Box, Two Regulation Sword Straps sewn to belt , Belt Plate keeper.

[A] Remington-Beals Army revolver. SN#: .44 caliber, 6 shot round cylinder. 8"octagon barrel with barrel threads concealed by frame. Cylinders do not have safety notches. All metal surfaces dusky gray w/traces of pitting throughout. Markings worn but legible. Walnut grips exhibit light wear w/slight shrinking near butt strap. Bore rifling sharp, but in need of a good scrubbing. Action tight and crisp. Overall, VG.

[B] US M1851 Dragoon saber belt. [See Todd, Vol. 1, p.224, fig.61 Belts & slings] Maker mark near keeper: "H.A. Dingee, N.York." Complete in all respects with all requisite buttons, hooks, rings, & straps.]. Buff leather dyed on obverse side, still relatively supple w/light wear. Virtually no flaking whatever.

[C] US M1851 NCO Belt Plate & Keeper. Plate Maker mark stamped on reverse: "US Allegheny Arsenal". Keeper # "910" stamped on reverse. Dark copper patina w/bright German silver wreath.. VG

[D] US Cap Box. Maker mark (inner flap): "Metzger, Phila.". Inspector mark (inner flap): "H.H. Hartzler, U.S. Ord. Dept., US Inspector". Leather supple, w/very light wear, vg stitching, & no flaking or cracking. Pick & inner fleece present.

[E] US .44 Caliber Holster. [See Todd, Vol. 1, p.227, Fig. 62] Maker mark: "J. Davy & Co., Newark, N.J." Flap & finial strap cracking w/light flaking. Body exhibits wear but is good & strong. Loop on back held by six rivets.Latch tab an integral part of strap. The accompanying Remington-Beals revolver fits smoothly in holster.

This incredibly rare, Civil War era accoutrement is a very fine specimen of a gutta-percha case, a.k.a. a belt holster. Only three known examples are known to exist today.

Manufactured by the North American Gutta Percha Company of New York, the holster is constructed of heavy canvas and is treated with dark-colored, vulcanized gutta-percha. Gutta Percha describes a substance, that when taken from the latex of Malaysian trees, quickly hardens if left untreated and resembles rubber. When this latex is treated with the vulcanization process, the latex is transformed into a hard, rubber-like material. Made for a small caliber sidearm, this seldom seen flap holster easily accommodated the Colt Model 1849 Pocket Pistol with a 6" barrel.

This rare specimen is in very good condition but has some mild surface crazing and scuffing overall with scattered areas of slight flaking at the barrel tip, closure tab and at the stress or flex points of the cover flap. Holster exhibits a closure tab loop on the body front and large belt loop attached to the backside of body. Both loops appear to have been secured to the holster during the vulcanization process and show no signs of stitching. Holster barrel interior is lined with a light, tan colored cloth felt that is frayed near the top edge. Specimen exhibits a thin, 1/8" wide edging completely around the cover flap and closure tab. With the flap open, remnants of the North American Gutta Percha Company's red ink trademark stamp are discernable. Please see Mike Woshner's book, "India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha in the Civil War Era", page 92, O'Donnell Publications, 1999, for reference.

As an aside, indications are that this gutta percha holster was originally paired with a Colt M1849 Pocket Pistol that belonged to Civil War infantryman Corporal Alvin Foss of the 23rd Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry. However, no definitive identification link between this holster and Corporal Foss can be made. But according to records at the National Archives, the North American Gutta Percha Company sent a letter, dated 1855, to the Federal Quartermaster Department indicating the shipment of over 1000 Colt revolvers and holsters.

With only three such holsters known to exist, one of which resides at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and two in private collections, this very rare, gutta percha belt holster presents an excellent, once-in-a-life-time opportunity for the discriminating accoutrement collector.

From the Stamatelos collection, this jacket is one of the more stunning uniforms available in today's collecting market. Featured in the recent Time-Life "Echoes of Glory: The Union", Volume 1, page 125, this jacket was cut down and transformed from frock coat into a shell jacket--with lining and vest pocket--by its owner, Henry Stone.

Stone was a 20 year-old fireman & resident of Charleston, MA when he enlisted as a Sgt. on 6/31/1861. He was present with his regiment until captured in 1864. The 11th Mass. saw action at 1st Bull Run, Williamsburg, the Seven Days' Battles, 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor & others. Stone was wounded slightly in the left arm on July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, where the 11th Mass. had been positioned on the Emmitsburg Road just East of the Peach Orchard. He did not go to the hospital, but remained with his unit. At the Battle of Spotsylvania, the 11th took part in two assaults on the Bloody Angle, and Stone was again wounded, this time in the leg, and taken prisoner 5/12/1864. As a prisoner of war, he was held at Andersonville, GA, until paroled at Charleston, SC on 12/10/64. Stone suffered numerous ailments and went deaf due to illness while held prisoner. He was ordered to Camp Parole Maryland and was subsequently mustered out at Boston on 2/18/65. Following the war Stone married, fathered three children, and was a prominent member of the 11 Massachusetts Infantry Association & a member of GAR Post #2, South Boston. He died in Boston on 3/11/1892.

Worn by Stone at Gettysburg, the jackets exhibits evidence of the wound to his left arm in the form of a small circular patch on the sleeve, above two three-inch tears further down near the cuff. It may also have been worn through the remainder of his service, including his time at Andersonville. The interior lining is torn on the lower left side, and a small hole exists in the rear, just below the collar, along with an inch and a half stretch of loosened sewing along the seam. Accompanying the jacket are two letters from Stone to his mother including one that references the coat as follows: "…. you wish for me to send home any of my clothes that I may have worn in the Battle of "Gettysburg" I will do so at once soon as many of the Boys Rail for home on furloughs-we have some who are expecting to go home the first of the week…..I will send you my "Jacket" worn in the Battle Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Wapping Heights-also Locust Grove. "

Also accompanying the jacket is a CDV of Stone, his military pension & pension records, copies of his discharge & obituary, and a printed transcription obtained online of the fascinating diary which Stone kept while in Andersonville, the first entry of which reads: "Sunday 29 [May 1864] Very warm, good breeze. Got to Macon early this morning. Am on the rode for Andersonville. Got here about noon. Marched inside the enclosure. This is a rough looking place. Now I am in here, I question whether we will get out. Perhaps never. This is my first day in the bandingo".

The jacket is accompanied by a CDV of Zehring dressed in civilian clothes, along with a large quantity of period documents, e.g. orders, etc, pertinent to Zehring throughout the war. Included are his clothing record from1863, which he retained for the balance of the war, keeping a record of all clothing issued to him (in itself a remarkable document); a number of letters to Zehring from other soldiers, including one written by a member of Johnston's Army at the time of the surrender - we would classify this as one of the most remarkable Civil War letters that we have ever seen.

Also accompanying the jacket are letters of provenance from Zehring's granddaughter, along with records, etc.

The shako is made of wool with a white wool weft and a gray wool warp. The cap has a patent leather band around crown which is .5" in width; another band is around the bottom edge, 1" in width. The cap measures 4" in the front, and is 4" in diameter. The cap at one time had black trim composed of two cords, each wrapped in black/gray wool, forming a herringbone-like braid. This braid was located on the back, front, on the seams, and up the sides. It is now present only in fragmented pieces. The cap is stiffened with a burlap which is covered with pieces of newspapers that appear to date to the 1850's because of the references to Franklin Pierce. The cap's sides are line with a brown cheesecloth-like cotton - the tip with a darker black/brown cotton. The sweatband is of green oilcloth of a diagonal impressed pattern in the green, and is 1.5" in width. Black patent leather visor with a green oilcloth bottom. The visor has a tin patent leather edge. Black patent leather chinstrap with a brass buckle. The buttons are US enlisted eagle with tin backs. Overall the shako is in good condition with normal repairs.

With the uniform is an old label tag which reads "Confederate Uniform Sergeant's". At time of sale, the items were accompanied by letters from a leading expert.

The coat itself is of heavy cadet gray wool, double breasted with a seven button front. All the buttons are yankee staffs with identical Extra Quality backmarks. All are original to the coat. Superb balloon sleeve cut. The body is line with brown tabby weave cotton, lightly padded in the breast area. The tail pockets and breast pockets are lined with unbleached osnaburg, as are the sleeves. Identical yankee staff buttons were also used on the tails. This coat has never had cuff buttons. The overall condition of the coat is truly remarkable, with just some very minor nip mothing and a few very small seam openings. The coat shows no signs of ever having shoulder straps, and doubtless saw very little use.

The rolled collar coat was, of course, regulation for every Navy officer, but it was also favored by many army officers, most notably General Robert E. Lee. Coat is complete with the original belt and buckle, an 1851 eagle belt plate with silver wreath, over the shoulder sling, but there are no provisions for sword hangers. The belt itself is unquestionably of CS manufacture.

The coat was accompanied by a 4 page letter written by the leading authority on CS uniforms, fabric & construction, which attests to the authentiity of every detail of the coat.

Outstanding Civil War uniform. Jacket constructed of light blue fine quality wool with black velvet covered fold down collar. 9 eagle "I" (23mm) buttons down front with nonfunctional cuff with 3 smaller eagle "I" buttons. Cuffs are also trimmed with a 5/16" wide black silk/wook piping. This piping starts just above the buttons and descends to approx. 2" from the cuff bottom. Sleeves have a very nice balloon cut, 9" wide at the elbow. Interior with a brown silk/wool quilted lining. Single slit interior breast pocket lined with brown polished cotton. Sleeves are lined with fine white cotton. Written in period ink on the lining of the left arm is "GRANGER / Nov 9/ 63". Attached to the left ar 4" from the shoulder is a black crepe mourning bow/ribbon. Top to bottom ribbon measures 6 1/2". Pinned to the left breast is a silver 5th Corps badge. Badge has a dark patina. T-bar on reverse. Coat has some scattered mothing which has been expertly restored. Appears mostly on the cuff areas and on the left sleeve. Cuff buttons are all "Schuyler H&G N. York" backmarked. Large coat size are "Waterbury Button Co./Waterbury Conn."

Vest is constructed of same fine quality light blue wool with 8 eagle "I" buttons. BM: "D. Evans & Co. Superfine". Interior lined with blue polished coton & a lighter blue/green cotton. One interior slit pocket. Exterior w/3 slit pockets. Reverse side of vest of brown cotton.

The wearer of this coat was ingenious enough to use eagle "I" buttons, no doubt for when the VRC was known as the "Invalid Corps". The Veteran Reserve Corps began as the Invalid Corps in April 1863 to provide an opportunity for disabled US soldiers to continue to serve their country even though they were no longer physically able to serve on the front lines. The name was changed in 1864 after it became a running joke that this was a Corps that allowed able-bodied malingers to escape the danger of battle. At full strength, the VRC consisted of 24 regiments & several independent companies. They served in hospitals, as guards at POW camps, and other duties, which freed able bodied men to serve in the field. The uniform worn by the soldiers of the VRC was identical to their fighting counterparts, except for the jacket, which was of a sky blue material, cut like a cavalry jacket.

Here is a wonderful, pre-Civil War, Virginia militia officer's uniform that belonged to Samuel J. Mullins who wore it early in the war with Co A, 42nd Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Included in this grouping is a late 1850's militia frock coat, a large ambrotype showing Mullins wearing this very coat, his militia sword and scabbard, two dress epaulettes, a framed post-war document and a small, paper booklet.

In 1860, the 29 year old Mullins was listed as an 'overseer' of the Horsepasture Store Post office in Henry County, Virginia. In early June 1861, Mullins enlisted at Ridgeway, VA, and recruited and organized Company A at Lynchburg in Campbell County and was later appointed its Captain. Known as the Henry Volunteers, the company became part of the 42nd VA Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia and served faithfully through out the war. Mullins led the company and participated with the army divisions of Generals Loring and Jackson in the Valley District. An excerpt from page 9 in the "42nd Virginia Infantry" history by author John Chapla relates to Mullins in 1862. "The needs of the 42nd were more mundane: clothes. It was now winter. Clothes were turning to rags. About 3 AM on January 4, Co. A was sent out about a mile to stand picket for an hour. As Capt. Sam Mullins described the duty, "it was intensely cold and still snowing. Then came some of the realities of war: No fire. But we stood it out and returned to camp". Sam Mullins was a sickly individual through most of his service and stayed on the rolls until he lost reelection as Captain in April 1862 and was dropped from the rolls. He was then elected a member of the VA Legislature in 1862 and re-elected in 1864. After the war, Mullins served as judge of the Henry County Court and died from a fall December 27, 1888.

In the Memorial Edition dated April 1899 from the Martinsville Standard newspaper, it stated a brief history of the men and officers of the 42nd VA. "Co A of the heavy fighting 42nd Virginia Regiment which composed a portion of the Stonewall Division. These were the men who during the life of the lamented Jackson, never fired a gun from an entrenchment. They swept line after line of Federals from the field at Kernstown".

Captain Mullins's frock coat, typical of militia uniforms of the period, features an ornate triple-breasted front with three columns of gold, coat-size Virginia buttons, with eight buttons per column. The coat material appears to be a course gray wool or satinet substance that has since turned to a faded light green / dirty gray coloring overall. Frock coat exhibits much wear and has scattered areas of moth nip damage, tears and fraying overall. Both uniform sleeve cuffs sport a contrasting, applied, dark blue facing with three Virginia coat size buttons. The frock coat standup collar is faced with multiple rows of ½" wide gold braiding, some of which is heavily frayed, with portions of it torn away from the collar but still whole.

Included in the grouping is a fine condition, full-cased, quarter plate size image of Captain Mullins in this very uniform coat. He is pictured in a ¾ seated view facing the camera and exhibits an acute case of 'hat hair'. In his right hand, the young, bearded Captain holds his plume-topped, militia shako and at his left side, attached to his waist belt is the very same sword that is in this grouping. Sword is nicely engraved and shows scattered areas of dark rust pitting. Hilt is loose at the pommel and the brass scabbard exhibits the normal dings and dents from normal usage. In the cased image, Mullins also wears a militia officer's gold cloth / bullion tasseled epaulette on each shoulder. These original epaulettes, in very good condition, are also included in this grouping as well as a framed pair of documents, one of which is a postal cover dated May 23, 1888 addressed to Judge Samuel Mullins, Martinsville, Henry County, VA. The other item is a certificate designating a Dr. Peter H. Mullins as "Surgeon for the Convicts on the Roanoke and Southern Railroad" signed by then VA governor Fitzhugh Lee. Lastly, a small, turn of the century, paper booklet titled "Official Guide to the Confederate Government" accompanies the uniform ensemble.

This is a unique Southern militia uniform grouping from Virginia that has an outstanding provenance and it would make an extraordinary addition to any advanced collection of Civil War cloth.

A native of Philadelphia and a grocer by trade, twenty four year old Michael Duffy was mustered as 1st Sergeant, Co. I, 69th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry, on 19 August 1861 at Philadelphia. During his brief career, he received promotion to 2nd Lieutenant 3/1/1862, then to 1st Lieutenant 11/1/1862, and to Captain 2/28/1863.

His regiment, the 69th Pennsylvania, composed primarily of Irishmen, was one of the units comprising the famed Philadelphia Brigade. Although not actively engaged at Chancellorsville, the 69th was engaged in nearly all other major engagements of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula through Gettysburg, and took significant casualties at Antietam and Fredericksburg. Entering the Gettysburg campaign, Capt. Duffy's regiment was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, of Hancock's 2nd Corps. During the second and third days of the battle it suffered enormously, losing 38 killed and 82 wounded. Early on July 2nd the 69th was placed on the forward slope of Cemetery Ridge just south of the spot that would later be know as "The Angle", & behind the cover of a low stone wall. Their position remained unchanged through the morning of July 3rd. On the evening of July 2nd, the 69th participated in repulse of the attack by Confederate Brig. Gen. Ambrose Wright's brigade of Georgians. During this defense, the regiment lost 11 killed and 17 wounded, and among them was Captain Michael Duffy of the 69th Pennsylvania.

Duffy's frock coat has 9 eagle "I" buttons down the front. BM: Horstmann Bro. & Co. Phil" all matching. Each sleeve has three eagle cuff "I" buttons, with the same BM: "Horstmann Bro & Co. Phila". The four tail coat buttons all eagle "I"s have the same Horstmann backmark. Dark blue wool is in very fine condition, with no mothing. Minor tear on right shoulder near collar seam. The overall condition of the coat is truly remarkable. Quilted breast are of wool/silk blend lining. One slit interior breast pocket. Collar lined with black velvet. Hand-made collar tab with linen backing has the following written in ink: "Capt. M. Duffy". The interior lining has some minor wear along the black velvet lining & along the middle section near the interior belt, rest of lining perfect. On top of shoulders has a set of four holes in either side. Used to secure the rank insignia with tie downs. Coat originates from a well-known collection & the ID was fully guaranteed by us.

Also included with the uniform is a CDV bust view of Duffy in uniform with shoulder boards. BM: J.E. McClees Arist 910 Chestnut St. Philadelphia." Light stains to image. Complete military records.

William Hawley was 42 years old when he enlisted at Auburn, NY to serve three years in the Union army. He was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, Co. G, 138th New York Infantry on 8/24/62. On 12/9/62 the designation of the 138th was changed to the 9th Heavy Artillery. Hawley was promoted to Captain of Co. E on 5/24/64. He was wounded at the Battle of Monocacy on 7/8/64. Discharged 9/14/64.

Hawley's frock coat has 9 Eagle "A" buttons with a backmark of *Scovill Mf'g Co*Waterbury. All are matching and only a few have been re-sewn. The coat is of dark blue wool, with very little mothing damage. The original shoulder straps of a 1st Lieutenant remain firmly attached; their red velvet centers has almost completely worn away. Each has a single row border of gold bullion. Very fine condition lining of dark wool/silk blend. Quilt breast area with slit pocket. The sleeves are lined with fine white cotton with thin, light blue stripes. Nice full balloon cut sleeves with two Eagle "A" buttons on each cuff (1 is missing from each cuff).

The officer's kepi is in superb condition. The dark blue wool body has 1/8" wide gold braid encircling bottom, extending up the front & rear seams, up the sides at an angle and around the crown. Quatrefoil shape in center of crown is a single strand of the same braid. The patent leather visor has oilcloth edging (nearly all worn away). The patent leather chinstrap is secured with 2 Eagle "A" buttons; chinstrap also has a small brass adjustment buckle. On the front of the cap is a small oval artillery insignia (1 1/2" x 1 1/4"), with embroidered crossed cannons against a black velvet background (very worn) with a coiled brass wire border. Above the insignia is a small silver regimental number "9". The interior of the cap is equally fine with a ribbed cotton lining and leather sweatband; the crown has painted pressboard. An old label pasted inside the sweat band is no longer legible.

Written in period ink on the inside of the right sleeve near the cuff is "W.W. Fay". Wilson Fay enlisted as a Sergeant in Co. 95th New York Infantry on 10/1/61 for a period of three years. He was appointed Sergeant Major on 9/1/62. Reduced to the ranks & fined one months pay by order of Col. Biddle on 2/4/63. While in service with the 95th New York, Fay saw action at 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville & Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner. He was quickly paroled & discharged from the 95th NY for a promotion to the rank of Captain in the 56th Massachusetts Infantry effective 12/24/63. While with the 56th Massachusetts Infantry, he saw action at Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Cold Harbor & Petersburg where he was once again made a prisoner of war. He was paroled in North Carolina on 3/1/65. He was discharged from the service on 5/15/65. Another frock coat belonging to Captain Fay was recently auctioned at a large West Coast gallery.

William P. Wilkin enlisted as a Sergeant in Co. F, 1st West Virginia Cavalry on 8/19/61. He was appointed 1st Sgt. on 7/1/62. In March and April 1863 he was home on furlough, but rejoined his unit in time to take part in the Gettysburg Campaign. During the battle, 1st Sgt. Wilkin took part in Farnsworth's famous cavalry charge. Wilkin survived the charge only to be captured three days later on 7/6/63 while in Hagerstown, MD. He was taken to Richmond where he remained until his parole at City Point on 7/23/63. After his return to this regiment, he was promoted to 1st Lt. in August 1863 and to Captain of Co. F in March 1864. Wilkin spent the months of September & October 1864 at dismounted camp in Hagerstown. In 11/64 he returned to his unit and was mustered out on 2/26/65, having resigned. Wilkin returned to his wife and three children, and died on 12/9/71 at Hannibal, MS, after being thrown from a runaway wagon.

Wilkin's frock coat has nine Eagle "C" buttons, 8 with a backmark of Extra Quality; the top button has a backmark of Waterbury Button Co., Waterbury, Conn. Each cuff has three Eagle "C" buttons with Scovill backmarks. There are four Eagle "C" buttons on the tail of the coat, three with Extra Quality backmarks and one with a Waterbury backmark. The coat is made of dark blue wool which is in very fine condition with no signs of mothing. It has light streaks on the back, front & sleeves - close examination shows that the nap of the wool is missing from the light areas. The coat exhibits signs of heavy use in the areas you would expect a daily-worn coat to wear. Breast area is quilted with a wool/silk blend lining. Two slit interior breast pockets. The collar is lined with blue velvet. The hand made collar tab with linen backing is pinned to collar; if a name was written there it has now faded away. On the shoulders are a nice set of Captain of Cavalry shoulder straps with worn yellow velvet fields, with gold bullion bars & a single row bullion border; these are 100% original to the coat.

This frock coat originated from a well known collection and the identification was fully guaranteed by The Horse Soldier.

Also included with the uniform were: an oval cropped albumen of Wilkin & his wife; a family bible with family record pages filled in with the names of William, his wife and their children. Noted are marriages, births & deaths, including several grandchildren; and a civilian, post-war CDV of Wilkin.

Presented here is a very handsome, pre-Civil War, field-grade officer's dress uniform frock coat in extraordinarily fine condition. Circa 1850s, this original tailor-made, lined and padded military garment is a very well-constructed frock coat made of rich, dark indigo-blue wool satinet material and typical of what the field grade ranks (Major through Colonel) wore. Coat exhibits prominent early design pattern features such as the narrow sleeves, especially at the elbows, and the tightly gathered shoulder seams at the sleeves. This original frock coat is constructed with a multi-piece body consisting of two, one-piece front / side panels, four back panels, neck collar and sleeves, along with pleated split skirts. Front torso area of the coat interior has been wonderfully padded while the upper and lower back areas along with the full skirts exhibit a fine, shiny, dark green polished cloth lining in excellent condition. More padding is also evident in the interior sections of the coat back and in the upper area of the skirts. No interior breast pockets are accommodated for in this frock coat. An additional 5" wide, exterior band of dark indigo satinet material, lined with the same style of dark green cloth lining, has been professionally sewn into the entire waist section of the officer's coat. This appears to be a period modification and most likely intended to extend the garment's length for the wearer. After close examination, the exterior of the frock coat reveals just two very tiny nips and one small (pencil tip eraser-size) hole on the right sleeve near the cuff.

The uniform displays a 2½" high, two-piece standing collar of the same fine satinet material and is backed with smooth black velvet lining with stitching strong and tight. A single brass hook with eyelet is sewn to the collar base. Sewn to each of the exterior shoulder board areas are brass devices used to secure the officer's military epaulettes. Epaulettes are not included. Sleeves are of the early pattern design, constructed with a single panel folded over and sewn. The sleeves measure 26" long, are just 7" wide across the elbow and 5¼" wide at the coat cuffs. Each cuff is functional and displays three, cuff size, Eagle "I" brass buttons sewn at the cuff opening. All cuff buttons are in excellent condition with beautiful gold gilt and all are backmarked with a 'raised mark depressed channel' "HORSTMANN BRO. & ALLIEN NY". Uniform coat features a double-breasted display of fourteen, coat-size, Eagle "I" original brass buttons in very excellent condition, all arranged in two vertical rows of seven buttons per row down the coat front. Each button is excellent and exhibits excellent gold gilt with all backmarked same as the cuff buttons. Both interior sleeve lengths are lined with a striped brown and beige-colored, polished linen material. Upper interior lining (armpit) of each sleeve exhibits moderate to heavy fraying from wear and use. In addition, a small triangular patch of purple and white cotton cloth material has been used as a partial repair on each upper sleeve.

Rear skirt of the coat is made with a center split, a.k.a. vent, and has folded tails with a large pocket flap worked into each tail. One coat tail has two, large size, Eagle "I" buttons in place with one button sewn at the outside split and a button sewn at each inner pocket flap. Remaining coattail is missing its buttons sewn in place but does retain one of the original buttons, now dropped into the coat tail pocket.

Original Federal uniform frock coats, in such wonderful condition as this specimen is, are much sought after by the collecting fraternity of today.

One of only two known to exist. Dark blue "Chasseur" pattern wool short-skirted tunic. With sky-blue edgings on collar. Small flapped pocket on right side of skirt. Interior breast pocket. Interior heavy quilting with tan cotton lining. Collar lined with rich looking blue velvet. Bottom of skirt lined with black silk. Each side with small vertical belt tap with New York cuff button at top. Each tab with sky-blue piped edges. Back of coat has sky-blue facings with two New York coat-size buttons on each. Split tail with light blue facings on each edge. Coat has excellent full balloon sleeve cut. The 22nd New York adopted their Chasseur pattern uniform September 29, 1862 after its return from the Harper's Ferry Campaign of 1862. While serving in the field in Pennsylvania, the unit left these uniforms in the knapsacks of the men at Bridgeport on the west shore of the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg. During the Gettysburg Campaign they wore an army blouse and trousers. On November 6, 1863 the 22nd adopted epaulettes for the rank and file, made of deep rich blue cloth, with a scroll and "22" in silver on the top and with white fringe. This uniform was modified to accept the above listed epaulettes. Small shoulder straps sewn to shoulder to hold epaulettes in place.

We have extensive research on the 22nd New York, which is included with the coat. Included also are copies of photos of men wearing the uniform. Outstanding museum-quality uniform.

This frock coat belonged to Isaiah L. Kephart who was chaplain of the 21st Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry from 1863 to 1865. The coat is of black broadcloth and shows definite signs of use. All buttons are gone except for 2 black cloth covered buttons on the back. The style and construction is very similar to a military frock. The front of the skirt had 6 buttons with a fold down collar. The collar shows much wear from soiling. Balck tape runs down the front edge near the button holes. Left armpit shows scattered mothing & a small hole. Bottom of skirt has white spots of mildew. The cuffs are very slightly frayed. The back of the coat has approximately a dozen small scattered moth nips. Old repairs near left sleeve seam. Interior shows definite signs of use, such as wear to the lining in collar and sleeves. The chest is padded & quilted.

An old Civil War period tag in handwritten ink was found inside the sleeve after purchase. The paper, which measures 4" x 1 3/4", reads "This is the coat worn by Isaiah L. Kephart during his service in the Great War of the Rebellion 1864-1865". Reverend Isaiah Lafayette Kephart enlisted as a Chaplain in the 1st PA Cavalry on 7/27/63 at Harrisburg to serve 6 months. When the the regiment's term of service expired, Kephart re-enlisted in 2/64 to serve until the end of the war. He was present for most of the regiment's service except for the period of 8/31/63 to 10/31/63; at that time he was on detached service at Camp Cooke in Scranton, PA. It is believed that this camp handled the wounded from the Battle of Gettysburg. Kephart was honorably discharged in Richmond, VA on 5/6/65.

Here is an original Union cavalry uniform jacket, also referred to as a shell jacket, in as fine condition as they come. Of the type worn by countless Federal horse soldiers during the Civil War, this original specimen is in truly wonderful condition.

Constructed of fine wool material dyed a deep indigo blue, the jacket color is rich and vibrant. Cloth does exhibit a few scattered moth nips and repair, especially one on the right sleeve cuff. Jacket features an unhooked, standup collar approximately 2" tall with 3/8" wide, cavalry-yellow piping or lacing decorating the edges. Two, cuff size, eagle 'shield' brass buttons adorn each side of the collar and both buttons are offset by additional short strips of yellow braid. Jacket front reflects the common 12-button closure with twelve, original brass eagle 'shield' buttons securely sewn to the flap edge with original stitching. Yellow braid also edges each cuff, down the opposite front flap, around the entire bottom edge of the jacket and rises to each shoulder from the two, belt-rest pads sewn on the jacket backside. These belt-rest pads were reported to be good places to hide one's money while a P.O.W.

Interior body of this uniform jacket is lined with original brown wool cloth that is in exceptionally fine condition with no visible holes or tears. Jacket sleeves are also lined with white cotton or muslin material in super-fine condition. Found marked on the upper inner sleeve of the right shoulder is the arsenal stamping and sizing in black ink. The oval marking is ink-blurred so that the arsenal name itself is unreadable but the letters "US" stand out in the center of the oval stamping. Three black dots are also marked on the inner sleeve adjacent to the oval stamp, indicating a size-#3 jacket.

The cavalry uniform (shell) jacket proved to be a tough, light and very serviceable garment worn by Yankee troopers during the war. Less expensive than the frock coats, these jackets were prescribed for issue to all mounted men in the Federal army. This beautiful, government -issue, Civil War cavalry uniform jacket is indeed one of the best to surface in the collecting field in a great while.

These rare trousers came to us with a cavalry slouch hat, cavalry shell jacket and sky blue vest. The grouping came from a well-known New England collection and can be seen on page 106 in "Echoes of Glory: Arms & Equipment of the Union." Upon inspection we found that only the trousers are marked with a name. In the waistband is "D. E. Taft." We have traced this to Daniel E. Taft of Woodstock, Vermont. His military records show no cavalry service but do show service in an artillery battery, which were also issued mounted trousers. It is our opinion that the cavalry items may have belonged to a relative of his and over the years got handed down through the family as belonging to him. There were three men with the last name of Taft who served in the 1st Vermont Cavalry and who may have been family of Mr. Taft. One even has the same first name but a different middle initial. Hence, we have decided to sell the items individually.

The trousers offered here are made of heavy sky blue kersey wool. The seat and the insides of the legs have been re-enforced with another layer of material added for durability. On the waistband are 5 suspender buttons. 1 suspender button has come loose and is in the right front pocket. There is also 1 button for closing the trousers. The fly is a 5 button fly and all buttons are present. Back of waistband has "V" notch and two stitched holes on either side for adjustment string. On the right side along lower edge of waistband is watch pocket. On each side, just below the waistband, are horizontal pocket openings that have been outlined in black tape with a point design on each end. ¾ of the inside of the waistband is lined with white muslin and this is where Daniel Taft wrote his name in period ink and in a nice script. Pockets are also made of white muslin and the fly is lined with brown polished cotton. The rest of the trousers are unlined. Both legs have a pair of buttons inside the lower cuff for attaching leather trousers stirrups. The overall condition of the trousers is outstanding. All seams are tight, there are no loose areas that I could find. There is some light scattered moth tracks here and there and some scattered pin holes but as trousers go these are first rate.

Daniel E. Taft enlisted as a Corporal in Company C, 6th Vermont Infantry on September 23, 1861. He was mustered in on October 15, 1861. According to his pension records he fell into a ditch on the retreat to Harrison's Landing during the Seven Days Campaign and ended up with a hernia that caused his discharge for disability on October 31, 1862. Somewhere along the line he moved to Illinois and enlisted as a Corporal for 100 days in Company A, 134th Illinois on May 16, 1864 and was mustered out October 25, 1864. He enlisted for the last time in Battery K, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery on January 17, 1865 and was mustered out on May 11, 1865.

The 6th Vermont Infantry was 6th Regiment Infantry organized at Montpelier and mustered in October 15, 1861. Moved to Washington, D.C., October 19-22. Attached to Brook's Brigade, Smith's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac and Army of the Shenandoah, Middle Military Division, to June, 1865.
SERVICE.--Duty in the Defences of Washington until March 10, 1862. Moved to Alexandria March 10, thence to Fortress Monroe, Va., March 23-24. Reconnoissance to Warwick River March 30. Siege of Yorktown April 5-May 4. Lee's Mills April 16. Battle of Williamsburg May 5. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Garnett's Farm June 27. Savage Station June 29. White Oak Swamp Bridge June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. At Harrison's Landing until August 16. Moved to Fortress Monroe, thence to Alexandria August 16-24. Maryland Campaign September-October. Crampton's Pass, Md., September 14. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. At Hagerstown, Md., until October 29. Movement to Falmouth, Va., October 29-November 19. Battle of Fredericksburg December 12-15. Burnside's Second Campaign, "Mud March," January 20-24, 1863. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Operations at Franklin's Crossing April 29-May 2. Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3. Salem Heights May 3-4. Banks' Ford May 4. Franklin's Crossing June 5-13. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2-4. Funkstown, Md., July 10-13. Detached for duty in New York August 14-September 16. Rejoined Army at Culpeper Court House September 23. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Rappahannock Station November 7. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James May-June, 1864. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Spottsylvania May 8-12; Spottsylvania Court House May 12-21. Assault on the Salient, Spottsylvania Court House, May 12. North Anna River May 23-26. Line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 18-19. Jerusalem Plank Road June 22-23. Siege of Petersburg until July 9. Moved to Washington, D.C., July 9-11. Repulse of Early's attack on Fort Stevens July 11-12. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28. Near Charlestown August 21-22. Gilbert's Ford, Opequan Creek, September 13. Battle of Opequan, Winchester, September 19. Fisher's Hill September 22. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. At Strasburg until November 9, and at Kernstown until December 9. Moved to Petersburg December 9-12. Siege of Petersburg December 13, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Fort Fisher, before Petersburg, March 25, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2. Sailor's Creek April 6. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. At Farmville and Burkesville Station until April 23. March to Danville April 23-27, and duty there until May 18. Moved to Manchester, thence march to Washington, D.C., May 24-June 3. Corps Review June 8. Mustered out June 26, 1865.

The 134th Illinois Infantry was organized at Camp Fry, Chicago, Ill., and mustered in for 100 days May 31, 1864. Moved to Columbus, Ky., June 6-8. Attached to District of Columbus, Ky. and Garrison duty at Columbus until October. Mustered out October 5, 1864. Regiment lost during service 1. Officer and 20 Enlisted men by disease. Total 21.

Battery "K", 2nd Illinois Regiment Light Artillery, was organized at Camp Butler, Ill., and mustered in December 31, 1861. Moved to Cairo, Ill., February 7, 1862, thence to Columbus, Ky., March, 1862. Attached to District of Columbus, Ky., to November, 1862. District of Columbus, Ky., 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, November, 1862. Artillery, 4th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps, to December, 1862. Artillery, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. Artillery, 4th Division, 16th Army Corps, to July, 1863. Artillery, 4th Division, 13th Army Corps, to August, 1863. Artillery, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, August, 1863. Post of Natchez, Miss., to October, 1864. Artillery, Cavalry Division, District of West Tennessee, to February, 1865. Unattached Artillery, District of West Tennessee, to July, 1865.
SERVICE.--Duty at Columbus, Ky., until June, 1862, and at Memphis, Tenn., until August. (1 Section to Fort Pillow, Tenn., June, 1862.) Return to Columbus, Ky., August. Duty there and at New Madrid, Mo., until November. Expedition from New Madrid to Clarkston, Mo., October. Actions at Clarkston, Mo., October 23 and 28. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., November, 1862. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862, to January, 1863. Duty on Memphis & Charleston R. R. until February, 1863, and at Memphis, Tenn., until May, 1863. Ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., May 13. Siege of Vicksburg May 22-July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Assault on Jackson July 12. Moved to Natchez, Miss., August 20, and garrison duty there until October, 1864. Expedition from Natchez to Gillespie's Plantation, La., August 4-6, 1864. Expedition from Natchez to Woodville October 4-11 (Section). Action at Woodville October 5-6 (Section). Ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., October, 1864, and mounted. Expedition to Yazoo City November 26-December 4. Ordered to Memphis, Tenn., arriving December 11. Grierson's raid on Mobile & Ohio R. R. December 21, 1864-January 15, 1865. Egypt Station December 28. Duty at Memphis until July, 1865. Moved to Chicago, Ill., July 6-11. Mustered out July 14, 1865.

Fordham enlisted on 11/20/61 as a 1st Lt. in Co. A, 31st Massachusetts Infantry (armed & organized as cavalry on Dec. 1863 and known as the 6th Mass. Cavalry). Promoted to Captain 9/6/62; Major 4/15/64. Mustered out on 11/20/64 to accept a brevet commission as Lt. Colonel of US Volunteers. The 31st Massachusetts served in the Deep South in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The 3/4 length coat is a lightweight brown polished cotton on the exterior. 6 buttons on front. Three original japanned tin buttons remain, 2 are missing, another has been replaced with Goodyear Patent hard rubber button. There is a flap covering the handsewn button eyelets and a flapped front pocket. The coat is sleeveless with flapped 9" slits for arms. Also has an attached hood.

Stencilled in period ink on the inside of the coat between buttonholes is "E.H. FORDHAM / 6TH MASS CAV'Y".

An essential uniform piece which is virtually impossible to find.

The trousers have wide bottoms and a broad fall-front secured by 5 bone buttons across the top. Bottom corners of the flap have the same 3 point stars as the blouse. Four buttons under the front fall flap function to secure the side flaps. The trousers also have costumer labels attached. The trousers have seen more use than the blouse - the entire seam in the back has had a piece added, the upper legs have added cloth to make them longer, and there are several other minor repairs. All of these alterations are easily reversible.

Made of blue woolen cloth, w/low soft crown w/ no visor. (See Todd, vol. 1, p. 584, figs. 180-181.] Black silk ribbon bow w/buttons at one seam. Dark-brown10 pointed star w/white edging sewn on top of crown, within a larger blue six pointed star edged with dark brown needlework. It was the custom to sew some sort of insignia on top of these blue caps in order to prevent snipers aloft from shooting their own men. The crown star of this particular hat was common. [Again, see Todd, vol. 1, p.584, figs. 180-181]. Interior crown and side-band lining of blue & white cloth in tattersall pattern. The condition of this cap is magnificent and near mint-easily the finest of the few enlisted caps we've seen in the past twenty years. Serious naval uniform collectors take note. It's Christmas time and you may never sail this way again.

Thomas W. Broadhead was a midshipman who graduated in March 1841. Promoted to passed-midshipman on Aug. 10, 1847, Acting Master on Dec. 2, 1854. Broadhead died on February 20, 1855.

This blue wool cap without a visor has a large crown (10 1/2" in diameter) with a fancy star design on top. This was often done so that the men in the rigging of a ship could identify their own shipmates when onboard fighting occured. This example has an embroidered 5 point star measuring 1 1/2" in diameter with a small star at its center. Between the arms of the star are 5 long stitches in a ray design. All of this is done in a circular, separately applied patch. The front of the cap has a black silk ribbon with "U.S.S. Shenandoah" in gold painted capital letters. The side of the cap has a double black silk ribbon secured to the cap with 3 vertically sewn white glass buttons. The interior of the cap has a cotton floral print lining on the crown, and is also used as a sweatband. Wool has minor moth crazing. This is one of the finest examples we've seen with well executed embroidery workmanship.

Folded down to lower crown, making the height of crown only 4" instead of the usual 6". The fold has resulted in a nice recessed top. Attached to the front is crossed sabre cavalry insignia, and around the base is a cavalry hat cord. The hat, cord and insignia show even wear. The inside of the hat has retains 100% of its sweatband, which is tight inside despite worn stitching at the base. In the crown is a period black label with yellowish green stamping, "U.S. Army" in scroll above eagle and flags. Below the eagle is "EXTRA manufacture 7 1/8 No. 4". Excellent condition.

Shako composed of a thin black leather body with a black tarred leather band measuring 1" in width around the base. Marine Corps side buttons. Leather visor with a bound & sewn edge. The front is adorned with a large brass wreath, inside of which is a brass sheild with 13 stars arranged horizontally over a vertical striped field. Applied to the shield is a silver hunting with a brass letter "M" inside. The top of the shako is black leather with a brass ball at front with yello backing topped off by a red pom-pom. The exterior of the cap shows some wear, with a 1 1/2" hole in the back just above the band. The visor is slightly loose at front. 100% of the sweatband remains. There is no lining. Remains of paper label in top reads, "Brent & Bush, Hats, Caps, ____ ". Stenciled in top in black ink is "H. J. Fry's Hat 1864".

This Civil War artifact is a stunning example of a complete, 1858-pattern, government issue, mounted enlistedman's hat as called for in War Department General Orders dated March 1858. Commonly called the "Hardee Hat", this handsome, original article of U.S. Army uniform headgear is in true mint condition and complete with all original brass insignia, cords and plume. Constructed of black fur or wool felt material artificially stiffened with shellac, the piece features a crown 6½" high, front to sides with a ½" oval head curve. The base of the crown is wrapped with a 3/8" wide strip of fine black ribbon and is also surrounded with its original cavalry hat cord of two strands of 3/8" diameter, yellow worsted terminating in two-inch tassels, both in wonderful condition. The hat top is flat across the crown and measures 5 5/8" long x 5 3/8" wide. Hat brim is 3" wide and features two rows of fine, black silk sewn along the brim outer edge as called for in enlisted models. Brim is looped up on the right side indicative of mounted troops and is anchored with a large, brass spread-winged eagle hat insignia.

Exterior front face of crown exhibits a brass, 1" high x ¾" wide numeral "5" pinned through the material and turned back. Below the numeral is an original cavalry insignia of a pair of brass, crossed sabers with blades up pinned through the material. A large, 1" high x 7/8" wide brass letter "C" is affixed just below the angle of the sabers. All brass pieces have acquired a mellow, pleasing light bronze patina. Secured to the hat's right side exterior is a fine condition, black ostrich plume used a decorative trimming. Hat interior features no lining save for a 2 3/8" high sweatband of Moroccan leather in very fine condition. A circular piece of black oilcloth is glued to the inside top of the crown and it exhibits a finely stamped, spread-winged eagle above an arc of thirteen stars. Stamped directly beneath the stars is "U.S. ARMY / No. 4" which equates to roughly a 7¼" hat size today. All above stampings are in a green colored ink.

Early war, Federal Army headgear such as this minty 1858 pattern cavalry hat are very scarce today in any condition and this wonderful specimen is truly one of the best of the best ever offered on the market today.

6"crown, standard width brim, w/two rows of regulation stitching. Right side is turned up and held in place w/brass Hardee hat eagle. Front has crossed sabers with regimental number "2" above and company "B" letter below. All insignia attached to hat by prongs. Hardee eagle and crossed sabers exhibit bright patina, the number and letter display very slight tarnish. Gold cavalry hat cord around base, covering the regulation quarter inch black ribbon hat band. Black ostrich feather curling up around the left side. Hat exhibits light wear & slight soiling all round, and medium wear round the rim of the crown. Half inch slit-tear directly over the "2" w/ a half inch by 1" hole two inches to the left. Small inundation on the upper left top of crown. The 2.5 internal leather sweatband is intact, though exhibiting heavy wear. The interior crown is stamped w/eagle and flags. "U.S. ARMY" is printed above the eagle, ""Extra Manufacture 3" printed below. Hardee cavalry hats are becoming ever more scarce. Overall condition, good plus & holding its shape nicely. A great display piece.

The head cover specimen presented here is in wonderful, original intact condition and is the quintessential Southern horseman's 'rebel kepi. Correctly termed a Confederate cavalry forage cap, this article of clothing constituted an important part of the Southerner's uniform and was typical issue to scores of enlisted volunteers during The Late Unpleasantness. Distinguishing the forage cap from a kepi was the forage cap's soft sides, high crown and sloping forward flat top.

Following the design of the French kepi, this forage cap is based on the US Model 1858 pattern and is made of what appears to be a wool / cotton blend material with butternut coloring. The cloth is unusual and speculation is that it is wool material that was saturated or coated with an oil-like substance for waterproofing. Cap retains light remnants of the maker's ink stamping on the cloth inner surface of the crown. Maker's name is indiscernible. Although gray was the officially adopted color for the Confederate Army, when supplies of gray dye ran out due to the Northern embargo of rebel ports, Dixie textile makers substituted a concoction made of copperas and walnut hulls that served as a dye at their clothing depots. That color dye was called "butternut" and was used extensively in uniforms that were worn by the South's soldiers.

This forage cap, which measures about a size 7, has a 3 7/8" high front crown, a 5" diameter flat top that slopes sharply forward toward the brim and is 9" high in the back. Cap interior is lined with a yellow cotton cloth material that is in very good condition with no tears, rips or fraying. Flat top crown is lined with yellow polished cloth. Sewn around the circular edge of the flat top is a welt formed by a 1/16" diameter reed that is enclosed in a distinctive, double stranded, heavily tarnished gold bullion braid piping. The small, curved visor or brim, 1½" deep in front, is made of cloth material and covered on its top exterior with a veneer of heavy black paint, now cracked and exhibiting almost 50% flaking. Brim underside is covered with a yellow painted, hard-surface cloth material, and is in strong condition. Cap retains its original, black leather chinstrap with two sliders or adjusters and measures approximately 11" long by ½" wide. Chinstrap is secured to the forage cap with two, four-hole buttons sewn on each side; one button of bone and the other made of horn. Along the rim on the inside of the forge cap is a 1" wide, red (now a dark burgundy color) leather headband that is folded over and sewn in place. Some evidence of a hand-sewn repair is found along the cap's exterior outer edge rim. The original, cloth upper body has a sewn, exterior center seam and exhibits a 1½' x 1" hole / tear along the seam where it meets the flat crown.

This original, museum quality forage cap specimen is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from a leading Confederate States authority on cloth, Mr. Les Jensen, of Virginia. Here is a unique, complete and wonderfully rare example of an original Confederate kepi that could be a significant focus of any Civil War cloth collection or Confederate cavalry display.

This cap was worn by 2nd LT. Peyton R. Johnston of the Richmond Fayette Artillery, a pre-war militia unit (organized 1829). The Richmond Fayette Artillery was one of the companies of the 1st Virginia Artillery and served in the Peninsula campaign, South Mountain & Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, and Gettysburg. The battery served as Co. B, 38th Battalion VA Artillery in the Department of North Carolina, with engagements at New Bern & Plymouth. At New Bern the battery captured two 3" steel rifled guns, which became part of its armament. The battery rejoined the main army in May, 1864 and was engaged at Port Walthall Junction, Cold Harbor, and the Petersburg defenses. When Lee surrendered at Appomattox, the Richmond Fayette Artillery escaped to Lynchburg. There they spiked their guns and cut dow their carriages before dispersing.

Accompanying kepi is a letter dated "Richmond 18th March" (no year" from Peyton Johnston, Jr. to his Uncle William stating he is sending "Hartwell a soldier's cap & sword. I hope he will be amused with them...", 1 page in ink.

A wonderful and significant example of a CS artillery officer's kepi, particularly with insignia. Was accompanied by a letter of authenticity.

We did not an opportunity to research Lt. Johnston's personal record, but he clearly served as Junior 2nd Lieutenant and apparently survived the war. We believe that some of is other effects are in the collections of the Museum of the Confederacy.

The kepi is in excellent condition, without any moth nips to be seen. Kepi is composed of a beautiful dark blue wool with a band of dark blue velvet around the base. Has a quatrefoil of four black cords on a disk with a single strand of cord around disk's edge. Four strands of the same black cord run up the front and back seams, slants up on the sides, and runs around the base of the cap near the top of the velvet border. The kepi has a thin leather chinstrap with both keepers present. Equipped with general officer's side buttons. The button on the right side is loose due to broken thread, but could easily be repaired. The visor is bound and stitched. The inside of the cap has 100% of the original sweatband. There is a very minor cut in the sweatband near the front, measuring 1" in length. The lining of the kepi is in very good condition, though loose in one area for 6" at bottom. Also, the black silk top of the lining is loose and crumpled. There is some wear to the interior of the hat, but the outside is pristine.

The kepi came came from a collection of Gen. Tilton's effects that was separated.. Accompanied by military records, as well as a 3/4 length seated view CDV of Tilton while he was a Major in the 22nd Massachusetts. He is wearing dark blue trousers, frock coat, and holds a cap in his lap (not this particular cap). Period pencil ID on front.

A wonderful identified item with a Gettysburg connection.

Amos L. Swan joined the 76th New York on 10/1/61 as Captain of Co. H. His biography in the regimental history tells us that at that time, Swan was ranked 10th in line officers, and was the junior Captain. He stayed with the regiment and rose to be the most senior. It was said in the 76th that Swan was always in a fight and always wounded! At the Battle of Brawner Farm on 8/28/62, he received a severe wound to the hip. At Fredericksburg he was wounded when a Confederate shell burst so close to his face that powder stains could be seen on his skin for the remainer of his life. At Chancellorsville, Swan was wounded by a shell fragment in the thigh, and at Gettysburg he was wounded twice - in the breast and in the right arm. Despite all of these wounds, he only missed 4 months of service during the entire length of the war! Captain Swan resigned because of his hip wound, which did not allow him to keep up with his fellow soldiers, taking this step only after failing to get into the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was discharged on 5/2/64.

This beautiful chausseur style officer's kepi has a body of dark blue wool, with Waterbury button company "I" side buttons. It has a thin chinstrap with a buckle, and a bound and stitched visor. The top of the kepi has an officer's quatrefoil done in three lines of black cord. The same type of cording runs down both the front and rear seams, as well as diagonally on both sides. Also has cording around the base of the cap. Perfect condition oxblood sweatband inside. The lining is of wine red silk, quilted at the top with scattered separations, but still clean.

Swan's name is written on the underside of the sweatband. The cap is from a collection of Swan's items which was handled previously by The Horse Soldier. Accompanied by military records and an original rebound copy of the 76th New York regimental history.

This cap was accompanied by a period tag with ink inscription, ""Corps Badge 1st Div. 4th Army Corps worn by A.L. Whitehall." Alexander Whitehall was hired as a substitute for his father, Nicholas Whitehall, on 9/26/64. At the time he was 19 years old. Alexander joined Co. F, 9th Indiana at Bridgeport, AL, and was sick in hospital at Nashville 12/17/64. While there he lost his Enfield rifle and accoutrements, and was charged $22.70 by the government. He was discharged from the hospital on 6/21/65. Accompanied by military & pension records.

Excellent condition General Officer's slouch hat, black with gilt officer's hat cord. The leather sweatband bears the inscription "Port Hudson, 1863 / N. P. Banks M.G.V." in period ink. Round paten ventilators are present in both sides of the hat with "tombstone" shaped flaps cut below each. The front also has ventilator cuts below. The top of the hat has two rows of four neatly punched holes. The top of the crown is creased with slighed damage at the front & back of the crease. The left side of the hat was worn pinned up. The brim is trimmed with standard black binding. The hat originally surfaced in 1970 when it was purchased from an individual who had access to items being discarded from Banks' house in Waltham, MA when the house was being re-modeled. The hat was fully guaranteed by The Horse Soldier and was accompanied at the time of sale by letters of provenance from several prominent Civil War collectors.

At the time of sale, the hat was accompanied by 5 CDV's of the general in uniform, a cabinet card in civilian dress, and a framed 1871 pension document.

The 6th Infantry organized at Norfolk in May, 1861. It served in the Department of Norfolk until June 1862 when it was placed in Mahone's Brigade with 673 effectives. The 6th participated in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from the Seven Days' Battles to Cold Harbor, then saw action in the Petersburg trenches and around Appomattox. Engaged at Malvern Hill, 2nd Manassas, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

Smoot's records indicate that he inlisted on April 30, 1862. Listed as "absent sick since 6-25-1862", "on detached duty 10-22-1862 - hospital steward duty". Discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability on December 24, 1862 at Richmond. He attempted to get an appointment in the Confederate Treasury Department in January 1863. We do not know if he received an appointment. Smoot may have served briefly in Co. E or Co. F of the 54th Virginia Militia in early 1862.

This cap dates to the late 1850's, and is patterened after the US 1858 pattern. It is constructed of dark blue wool flannel, slightly lighter in color than navy blue. Welt of yellow wool piping turns around the base of the cap at bottom, coming to a slight point in front. The same yellow wool welt also runs around the crown. The cap is lined with a black/brown polished cotton. The sweatband is in fair condition with some areas missing/torn, with some re-stitching having been done. The brown leather sweatband has a slight tooled line on the ege. Inside the sweat band at the front of the cap is a piece of folded newspaper, clearly a Richmond or Petersburg product, which advertises hats and caps and has an 1860 date. The visor is leather, painted in a black patent leather coating on the outside. The inside is a striated leather in green. A thin leather edge is machine sewn in place. Chinstrap of black patent leather. Slider on chinstrap of oilcloth. Chinstrap secured with two Virginia State seal buttons backmarked "Horstmann Bros. Phila." Given the buttons, the newspaper, and the fact that it is clearly not US Army issue, the cap most clearly is a pre-war 1858-1861 Virginia Militia Cap, making it a highly important example of the kind of item used by Southern militia as they went to war in 1861.

A letter of authenticity from one of the country's leading acknowledged experts accompanied the cap.

Extremely rare to the present-day Civil War collecting community is this absolutely pristine pair of original Civil War issue socks identified to Private William L. Ames of Company "D", 117th New York Volunteer Infantry. We handled this very same pair of socks no less than fifteen years ago when we acquired this lone artifact from the William Ames grouping when it came available on the open market. We have not seen the likes of an original Civil War pair of socks in this remarkable condition since.

William Ames was a twenty-one year old from Steuben, NY when he enlisted in Co "G", 117th New York Infantry as a private on August 13, 1862. Just cursory research has been done on Ames to date but he survived the war and mustered out of service at Raleigh, North Carolina on June 8, 1865.

These original socks are typical of what the Union infantryman wore to cover his feet whether he used boots or bootees. Both specimens are mint with no moth damage, tears, fraying or thinning whatsoever. Each sock measures 8½" long from toe to heel and the top reaches to the knee when worn. Many period images of Union soldiers show their trousers tucked into their light colored socks.

Made of wool yarn, both socks exhibit a light beige or cream colored tone and are machine made. The toe area is strongly stitched and the heel and ankle areas appear to be double-stitched. These wonderful articles of Civil War clothing appear never to have been worn as they are very clean with almost no surface soiling at all. No maker's mark or stamping are visible on either sock. If one is looking to complete a military personal display or add a rare and unique item to his collection, this article of everyday wear by the Civil War foot soldier comes once in a lifetime.

These shoes are in excellent condition. They are the standard issue Civil War Army brogans made of bridle leather with four eyelets, with original laces, and pegged soles. The only damage is both heels, which are well worn, and which have dried straw/hay & horse manure adhering to them. The uppers are in very fine condition and show creases from being worn. Stitching is still tight. Leather upper loose from sole of shoe on inner edge of one, with a gap of approx. 2". Each shoe has two rivets on the leather uppers. The interiors are also in nice condition & show wear.

High quality, triple-bordered straps made of "dead" gold bullion. Centered MS insignia on dark velvet, mounted in a double-matted [black & green] wooden frame with gilt borders. Frame does not have glass. Stunning pair of very good "MS" straps, handsomely mounted. A must piece for serious Civil War medical collectors.

This woolen blanket is in stunning condition and measures approximately 80" long by 69" wide. Typically produced from coarse brown wool material, this specimen exhibits a herringbone weave pattern and has its edges neatly reinforced with hand-sewn borders done in black thread. In the center of the blanket there is a large "U S" in hand-stitched, 6" high, block letters of darker brown thread. A 4" wide band of dark brown threading also runs along the width edge of this blanket. On the backside of the blanket near the edge border are 2" high, stenciled initials in black ink that read "J A D", possibly a previous owner. This original blanket has no rips or worn areas, but does have what appears to be a 2" sewn repair in the body of the blanket done at the time of manufacture. It is just about unnoticeable.

Most Federal soldiers were issued a woolen and a rubber blanket when the men were ready to leave their home state for service in the war. As the war transformed fresh recruits into soldiers, these veterans learned to place their few personal items upon the blanket, then they rolled up the blanket, tied the ends and strapped the whole rig over their shoulders for marching. Crude, but lightweight and efficient. Seldom found in such great condition, this wonderful artifact of the Civil War would make a handsome addition to any soldier or camp display. Guaranteed original.

Fresh to the collecting field is this remarkable "Short's" patent knapsack in fine, original condition and it is identified to Private Andrew L. Cram, an artilleryman with the 7th Battery, 1st Battalion, Maine Light Artillery.

The tarred canvas, wood framed knapsack has remnants of the maker's (Joseph Short) paper advertising label glued to the interior floor, as well as being stamped with 3/8" high, block letters in ink on the brown muslin-like cloth attached to the inside of the front flap. The block letters are now faded and hard to discern but they appear to read, "SHORT'S / KNAPSACK / PAT. NOV 12, 1861 / (word not readable) / PAT. THROUGHOUT _____ / JOSEPH SHORT / SALEM, MASS". In addition, Private Cram had stenciled his name multiple times on the inside of the frame and cover flap which read, "A.L. Cram / 7th Me. Baty.". This specimen measures 13½" long by 13½" wide by 4" deep and retains all its straps and harness buckles. The tarred canvas material is still supple and in wonderful condition overall with just some minor damage on the frame and flap corner edges. This specimen has all its leather closure straps and they do exhibit cracking and flaking, but all are intact except for one strap which has broken. A fine, seldom encountered "Short's" knapsack with a wonderful ID to a Maine soldier.

Andrew L. Cram, a native of Portland, ME, was a 19 year-old shoemaker when he enlisted on September 30, 1864 for one year in the 7th Battery, Maine Light Artillery. Private Cram served with his unit in the Artillery Brigade of the 9th Army Corps until mustered out on June 21, 1865. He participated in the Virginia engagements at Pegram' Farm, Fort Sedgwick (a.k.a. Fort Hell), Assault on Petersburg, and the pursuit of Lee to Appomattox. Upon returning home, Cram relocated to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where in 1890, he applied for a service pension. After a number of rejections, Cram finally received a pension of $6.00 / month in 1904 and collected his stipend until his death on June 11, 1913. The soldier's military and pension records from the National Archives are included with the knapsack.

The knapsack was a very important item of equipment carried by the soldier during the early days of the Civil War. But as the troops became more knowledgeable of the hardships and conveniences of everyday life in the field, the knapsacks were discarded in favor of their simpler army blanket.

The knapsack is identified to Eversole by means of a small (4¾" x 1¾") post war paper tag which states "Civil War knapsack carried by Emanuel S. Eversole, Co B, 17th Ohio Volunteers. (Regimental commander was Gen. John Logan.)" Obviously, the mention of General John Logan as regimental commander is an inaccurate statement on the note.

Private Eversole's accouterment is of the late war pattern and carries a faint U.S. Inspector's stamp embossed on one of the leather straps indicative of 1864 issue. Most of the stamping is illegible due to the loss of some surface leather at that point. The soft, or semi-rigid, double-bag knapsack is constructed of two sections of canvas coated overall with a black rubber or tar-like substance for protection from the elements. Front section is a bag approximately 15" wide and 12" high, with a cover to open or close on top, with gussets on each side, 4" wide at the top and tapering to the bottom. Rear section consists of four plain flaps inside, each triangular in shape, buckled together across from each other and measured 11" high by 14" wide. all sewn. The two bags fastened together at the bottom with three small straps and iron (japanned) buckles. Leather shoulder straps, 1¾" wide, are sewn to the back and terminated with brass hooks or studs that attached to the armpit and breast straps. Small strap sewn on bottom of the knapsack is fitted with a triangular brass hook for fastening to the right armpit strap when soldier was on the march. This pack is complete and retains all its russet leather straps and even has two of its inner ties made of rawhide still intact. The exterior of the knapsack exhibits three small (less than 3" long) slits to the canvas material at various stress points on the body.

Knapsacks such as this were issued and used throughout the war to all infantrymen and other soldiers who served on foot. The pack was meant to hold 'essentials' such as stationary, books, photographs, letters, extra clothing and other personal items. In actual wartime service, these fully loaded packs became a burden to the weary foot soldiers on their long marches and were soon unceremoniously tossed to lighten the load. Hence, very few pieces of field equipment such as this have survived.

This identified piece of Union army Civil War field equipment is a rare find!

Presented here is a very rare and complete set of original Civil War medical saddlebags identified to Assistant Surgeon William D. Foster of the 7th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. Physicians before, during and afte the Civil War used medical saddlebags such as these, as well as the portable surgical kit. Doctor Foster's pair of black leather saddlebags is most remarkable in the fact that they still retain most of the Army surgeon's complement of original, medicinal glass vials and newspaper-wrapped pouches of medicines.

Each saddlebag is constructed of black bridle leather and measures approx. 6 3/4" long x 5" wide x 6" deep. Bags are connected via a 16" long x 3 1/2" wide belt of tooled black leather that slipped over the cantle of the saddle. The near-side bag has a removable inner compartment sewn and lined with a single piece of leather 4 1/2" high and molded into 6 small compartments designed to hold 6 glass vials separately. All 6 compartments are occupied with small glass vials still filled with contents held tight by cork stoppers. Also within the bag are four additional glass bottles and larger vials, all intact, some with cork stoppers and original labels still affixed to the glass. One bottle speciment features a lable with a hand-written prescription in ink that reads, "Fluid Ext. Gelseminism (sic?) / Dose 3 to 20 drops / From / Dr. E.A. Chapman / Druggist / Henderson, New York / Prescriptions Carefully Prepared". In addition, 3 individual 2"x1" plain paper/newspaper packets wrapped with twine are carried in this bag. Packets appear to be filled with medicines and one packet reads, "Blue Pills / ____ ", handwritten in black ink. The other packets are labeled but writing is difficult to read.

The opposite or far-side bag also has a removable inner compartment sewn and lined with a single piece of leather 4 1/2" high and molded into 8 small copartments designed to hold 8 glass vials securely. All 8 compartments are occupied with small glass vials, some still filled with contents held tight by cork stoppers. Four additional glass vials also rest in the bag. In addition, 2 individual (2"x1") plain paper packets wrapped with twine are carried in this bag. One of these packets has a handwritten label that reads, "__________ Salts".

Decorating the outer leather flap of each bag are three separate strips of leather, 1/2" wide x 5" long, sewn together in the form of a "V". The apex of the "V" forms the leather tab that secures the flap to the clasp and a small brass buckle at bag front. The original leather closure tab, clasp and buckle are complete and intact on one bag while on the opposite bag, the tab is torn off but still retains the original clasp and brass buckle. Leather is strong and supple but exhibits moderate surafce cracking and crazing overall. All stitching is original and tight. No maker's mark or stamping is visible.

The portable surgical kit is post-war grouping of various medical instruments and tools made by the Collins firm of Paris, France. The surgical kit is of pressed paper, covered with a thin leather veneer and contains some 23 individual hand held instruments. Kit measures 6" x 3" x 1" and opens up to reveal a base floor with four attached flaps, two of which, along with the base, are filled instruments. When closed, the kit is secured with a small, keyed, locking device, key now missing.

These items were previously purchased directly from the surgeon's family and are just as they had been kept by the family following the Civil War. Dr. William Foster was a contract surgeon who served with the 7th Missouri Cavalry and later in the 1st Missouri Cavalry. Enlisted as a Private in Co. F, 7th Missouri Cavalry, enlisting on 10/3/61. Promoted to Hospital Steward to date from 3/1/62. Promoted to Asst. Surgeon 7/2/63, assuming duties on 7/12/63. Transferred to 1st Missouri Cavalry on 2/22/65, when the 7th was consolidated with the 1st. He served through the remained of the war until resigning on 6/5/65. Following the war Foster established his medical practice in his home in Kansas City, MO. He died on 2/28/1925. Military and pension records accompany the item.

At the outbreak of the war, no American medal existed to honor gallantry or distinguished conduct. The extraordinary medal depicted here is the rarest, and earliest of any Civil War decoration given for bravery in the field against the enemy. The massive, bronze medallion, known as the "Anderson" or "Sumter" medal, was issued to those officers and men who defended Union Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, in early April 1861. Very early in the War, on May 1, 1862, the "Anderson or Sumter" medals were presented to "The Defenders of Fort Sumter" and only 85 such medals, in all sizes, were given out. They greatly exceed in rarity any Civil War medal for bravery, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Kearny Cross, the Butler and Gilmore Medals.

This very fine, historic specimen, which measures just under 2½" in diameter and is 5/16" thick, has acquired a very pleasing, dark, rich patina overall. The heavy bronze medal is in mint condition and exhibits on its face a side bust view of the General encircled by his name "ROBERT ANDERSON" over the date "1861". The reverse of the medallion depicts a uniformed Civil War soldier on the ramparts of the fort, replanting a billowing 'Stars and Stripes' National flag that had been shot away. The soldier is encircled with the inscription that reads, "The Chamber of Commerce, New York, Honors the Defenders / of Fort Sumter, First to Withstand Treason".

Incredibly the original presentation case, in exquisite condition, comes with this rare medallion. Constructed of heavy pressed paper, the 4" x 4" full case is similar to that of a tintype case with the exterior covered in black leather veneer material. Exterior is in fine condition and even has its two, small, brass hooks intact as well as its dark paper case hinge. Interior of the case is lined with a fine, dark green velvet material and is fitted with a unique, cardstock 'hinged' page which is has a circular, center opening to accommodate the medal so it can be viewed from both sides. Lining shows slight wear to the fabric hinge.

This superlative, historical artifact is indeed an item of Civil War memorabilia that comes to the collecting field once in a lifetime.

Benjamin Frick, son of John P. and Hannah (Hershey) Frick, was born in York County, PA on 6/9/41, & attended the York County Academy. He was one of the original Ellisworth Zouaves, & enlisted as a Sgt. on 8/21/61 when that organization became Co. A of the 87th Pennsylvania.. Mustered into Co. A, 87th Pennsylvania 9/11/61. Present until 6/15/63, when listed as missing in action at Winchester. Taken prisoner on that date, confined at Belle Isle in Richmond, VA on 7/23/63. Paroled at City Point 7/8/63, reported to Camp Parole, MD 7/9/63. Returned to his regiment and took part with it in the Mine Run Campaign in November, 1863. On 3/1/64, after passing an examintaion at Washington for promotion to command black troops, Frick was discharged for appointment to the 39th United States Colored Troops, Co. H. Promoted to 2nd Lt., Co. G, 8/12/65. Promoted to 1st Lt. For a short time he was Assistant Adjutant General to Colonel Bowman. Absent on recruiting duty in Baltimore from March 1864 to April 1865; he had command of Birney barracks, the principal recruiting station for black troops in Maryland and Delaware. He returned to his regiment in North Carolina, & was present at the surrender of Johnson's army to Sherman. After the war ended, he had charge of Fort Fisher until December 1865, when he was mustered out with his regiment. Lt. Frick returned to York, and in 1893 was elected Prothonotary of York County.

The 87th PA badge measures 2"x1". Disk at top with company letter "A"; attached by chain links to lower disk, which reads on front, "Benj. F. Frick / Co. A./87th P.V.I./York, PA. The following battle honors are inscribed on the reverse: Strasburg, Winchester, Manassas Gap, Culpeper, Kelley's Ford, Brandy Station, Locust Grove, Mine Run. Dark patina to lower disk.

The beautiful gold badge for Frick's service in the 39th United States Colored Troops, is shield shaped and measures approx. 1"x.75". Blue enamel around edge & on crossed cannon & anchor at center. Number "9" behind crossed cannon & anchor for 9th Corps. Inscription reads, "Lieut./Benj. F. Frick/39th Regt. US. C. Inf." Pin on reverse, along with inscription, "From Capt. I. Butler".

Also included is a copy of History of the 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers by George R. Powell, published in 1903. The book includes a photograph of Frick, as well as biographical information.

Accompanied by military & pension records.

Truly an outstanding example of a battlefield-dug, identification disc in super condition that belonged to Private James Keating, one of the "Red-legged Devils" of Company A, 14th Brooklyn State Militia. This tough-fighting outfit was also known as the 14th regiment, NY State Militia and officially as the 84th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry.

James Keating was a twenty-seven year old Brooklyn, NY resident when he answered the call to arms and enlisted in the State Militia on April 19, 1861. His uniform, furnished by the City of Brooklyn, was distinct and in the style of a French Chasseur-a-pede, with prominent red trousers pleated at the waist, blue chasseur-style jacket rich with brass buttons, red vest, white leggings, white gloves and red kepi. Keating , one of the 'First of the First' to serve his country, was one of the first 'Devils' who fell wounded in the fight at the Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) on July 21, 1861 and was captured. Two days later he was transported to Richmond and then to prison in Tuscaloosa, AL, November 1861 and back to Richmond the following month. POW records state that Keating was released and sent home by Confederate General Winder on March 1, 1862. After receiving his parole in May 1862, Keating returned to his regiment and served faithfully in all of its many actions until mustered with his company on June 15, 1864 at NYC. The regiment's long list of engagements include Bull Run, Balls' Cross Roads, Carmel Church, Massaponax, all the actions of Pope's 1862 Campaign, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, VA.

The small German silver badge is in excellent condition and bears a strong and clear, jeweler-engraved, cursive inscription that reads, "Jas Keating / Co. A. / 14th Regt NYSM. Below the name is a tooled filigree design. Upper portion of the shield-shaped badge is scalloped with two small half circles while the entire outside curvature of the device is finely engraved with a thin line of tooled decoration. Each of the curve projections has a tiny, flower-like design engraved in it while stamped in at the bottom of the shield very small block letters is the phrase "war of 1861". Bottom portion of this handsome silver badge is bent inward just slightly but does not detract at all from the emblem. Original pinback clasp device has broken away but remnants of clasp are visible.

This fantastic identification badge specimen is one of the best to 'literally surface' in a while and with its fine provenance and super record of the soldier who lost it, this artifact would make an outstanding addition to any Civil War ID'd collection or New York history display.

Badge comes with all of James Keating's available National Archive military and pension records.

This finely made, circular silver disc measures 1 5/8" diameter and has a cut-out center in the shape of a five-pointed star surrounded by a 1/4" engraved belt and buckle border. Beautifully inscribed along the belt border is the soldier's name, "Nelson Chapman Provo Guard". Star also has inscribed upon it's surface, "Co / C / 21 Conn". The badge has a very pleasing patina with soft golden highlights overall. Reverse side retains the original T-bar pin / clasp and has some normal tarnishing. A similar badge appears in the Time Life book, "Echoes of Glory, Arms and Equipment of the Union". Private, later Corporal, Chapman was from Glastonbury, CT and served with Co. C, 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at Drury's Bluff, Virginia on May 16, 1864, but survived the war. This identified, high-quality badge comes with Chapman's military and pension papers from the National Archives and information from Historical Data Systems, Inc. A truly beautiful specimen.

A very handsome Civil War cavalry ID badge or pin identified to Private Robert J. Warren of Lowell, Massachusetts who served in Company I, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry and the 47th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This attractive silver badge, in untouched condition, is approximately 7/8" in diameter and retains almost all of its original luster and brilliance. Specimen has a cut out center in the shape of a small harp surrounded by a circular 1/4" ribbon border folded over at bottom. Finely engraved upon the upper half of the badge border are the letters, "R.J. Warren" in concave fashion, while the bottom half of the border has, "Co I 1st Mass Cav" nicely engraved. Reverse side of badge has the hinge pin assembly soldered on but the small retaining pin clasp is broken off. Badge comes with the trooper's complete set of National Archives military and pension records, as well as research from Historical Data Systems, Inc. A very pleasing and attractive identified cavalry trooper's badge in super fine condition.

The regiments adorning this medallion are those regiments brigaded together as "1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps" from Sept. 1862 through their mustering out (2nd NY Cavalry & 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters excepted) in May/June 1863. At this point the brigade was reorganized and their old brigade/ division/ corps designation was taken by the five midwestern regiments [2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana & 24th Michigan] that would gain a reputation as the famed "Iron Brigade"of the Army of the Potomac. Of the "First Iron Brigade" units, the four New York infantry regiments had been brigaded together since 1861, and the 2nd NY Cavalry had been their divisional headquarters cavalry regiment until being transferred to Bayard's Cavalry Brigade, Third Corps, Army of Virginia in in June 1862. The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters joined the brigade in Sept. 1862, but were transferred to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps in March 1863 prior to the Battle of Chancellorsville.

It is a measure of the Iron Brigade's reputation that a group of regiments which served earlier as the 1st Brigade/ 1st Division/1st Corps would borrow the midwesterners nickname and make a medallion commemorating themselves as the "First Iron Brigade." Nor was the "First Iron Brigade" a total misnomer. From the time these New York units joined Pope's Army in the summer of 1862, through Brawner's Farm, Antietam, and on from Fredericksburg to Chancellorsville, they served ably and well. A superb collectible.

John Burgess was a young man from Hancock, MD who enlisted as an artilleryman for three years or the war in the Confederate Army with the 2nd Battery, Maryland Artillery on June 13, 1862 at Port Republic, VA. Burgess served with his unit until paroled at Lynchburg, VA on April 16, 1865. The 2nd Maryland Artillery, better known as the Baltimore Light Artillery, Stuart's Cavalry, CSA, held a distinguished military combat record during the war. Besides seeing action in the Seven Days battles around Richmond, the unit later participated in battle at Second Bull Run, Antietam, 2nd Winchester, Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern and finally at Appomattox, VA.

Accompanying the artifact are three fantastic, old paper tags or labels that give super provenance to this piece. The largest tag is a 6½" x 5" old piece of paper that contains a hand-written note in black ink which reads "John W Burgess / Baltimore Light Artillery / Stuarts Cavalry / Confederate Army / Civil War / 1861 - 1863 / was at Battle of / Gettysburg and 7 days / Battle Near Richmond / and others". The second paper tag measures 4" x 6" and was found rolled up inside the sewing kit. It features a type-written note that reads "Union soldiers kit (sewing?) picked up on the battlefield during the Battle of the Seven Days, 1862, by J.W. Burgess who was with the Con. Baltimore-Light Artillery. He carried it throughout war. It has the name R.C. Harris. O. (Ohio?)" Below this typed note is another hand-written pencil entry bearing the name "J.W. Burgess / Balto Light Artillery / C.S.A." The third and best of all the old paper tags is the smallest one (3" x 2"). One side of the tag bears a note hand-written in black ink now faded to a brown color which reads "Picked up on / the Battle field / during the 7 days / fighting west of / Richmond Va / During the Civil War". Hand-written on the reverse is the rebel's own signature in black ink "J.W. Burgess / Balto Light Artillery / C.S.A."

Burgess's military records from the National Archives in Washington DC are included as well as a paper copy of the unit history of the Baltimore Light Artillery. This original identified artifact is a fantastic piece of history with a great Southern provenance.

Presented here is an exquisite set of original, Civil War surgical instruments still housed in their original, military-style wooden field case. Manufactured by the eminent cutlery firm of Jacob H. Gemrig who emigrated from Wurtemburg, Germany to Philadelphia, PA in the 1830's, this surgery set consists of seventeen various polished steel, medical instruments in addition to a key-locked mahogany case and its original key.

Jacob Gemrig was an expert craftsman who produced excellent-grade surgical instruments that were highly esteemed by the prominent Philadelphia physicians and surgeons of the day. By the advent of the Civil War, Jacob Gemrig had established himself as a top quality surgical instrument maker and by the onset of the war, Gemrig had secured a number of government contracts to manufacture surgical amputating sets for Army use.

This very fine instrument ensemble resides in a twin compartment, hinged wooded case that retains a separate velvet-covered compartment divider. Case is lined in smooth red velvet, now faded in areas, and features instruments fitted with handsome, checkered ebony handles. Instruments are marked "GEMRIG" and include one small scalpel, two amputating knives, one metacarpal knife, one large amputating saw, one small amputating saw, one 'Hey" saw, one pair of bone nippers, one crown trephine saw and handle, one small brush, one brass tourniquet, two tenaculums, one pair of arterial forceps, one elevator (file), and one bistouri. The bistori is the only non-Gemrig instrument and is marked "Truax & Co."

The fine condition, military-style mahogany case is triple hinged and measures 16½" long x 6" wide x 2½" high. Four corners of the top lid are edged with brass protectors and affixed to the case top is a rectangular brass plate (2½" x 1") with no engraving on it. For reference, see "American Surgical Instruments 1785-1900" by James M. Edmonson, Ph.D., figure # 57, page 45.

This Civil War cased surgical set is one of the finest specimens to surface in the medical collecting field in quite a while.

The soldier's rollup writing kit is in fine condition and consists of a cylindrical tin tube-like compartment approximately 8½" long with a 1½" wide diameter. Compartment features a 1½" wide opening down the entire length of the tube that was used to hold paper, writing implements and a small, round glass ink vial still inside the tube. Clear glass vial is 1½" long including the removable pewter cap. Ribbed glass body is in super condition with its base marked with a large letter "G". Stamped in small letters upon the surface of the screw-on pewter cap is "PATENTED / Feb 4, 1862". Writing kit also retains its original and seldom seen, hard rubber mechanical writing pencil. Lightly stamped upon the pencil is the maker's mark of "Goodyears Pat, May 6, 51". Glued to the outer edge of the cylindrical tube compartment is an cover made of coarse oilcloth 8¼" wide by 5½" long which has a thin tar coating. Hand-written on the inner cloth is the ID in black ink which reads, "Edwin A. Roulstone / Co H 5th Regt". Attached to the cloth edging is an inner writing surface that consists of a series of nine narrow walnut slats, ½" by 8¼", with each slat individually glued on one side to a portion of the same coarse cloth material. When laid flat, the flexible wooden slats with their cloth backing present a hard-surface writing area approximately 5½" by 8¼" which is stabilized underneath by a small wooden cross-bar that fits into two brass hooks nailed to the outer surface of the first and last slat. Neatly stamped on the crossbar is the patent date "PAT'D DEC 24 1861" . When not in use, the entire kit can be completely rolled up and tied with its original and separate 15" length of twine or string.

This fine identified Civil War artifact is an outstanding writing kit actually used by a Massachusetts soldier and comes complete with the soldier's military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington, DC.

Overall this desk measures 22 1/2" x 28". The front panel drops to expose the interior, and becomes a writing surface. It measures 22 1/2" x 3/4" x 25". Inside of the desk are five horizontal shelves. The top shelf has a pull out drawer with a lock; the key is missing, and the original handle is gone. Next to the drawer is a small pigeon hole. The 2nd shelf measures 14" x 10 3/4" x 5", and is separated into 3 pigeon holes. The remaining 3 shelves are the same size, but are not divided. Channels are visible where dividers once were. At the far right is large pigeon hole for campany books; this space had been divided into 3 sections at one time, but only one divider remains. The front flap of the desk was at one time hinged to the right side, but the hinges were moved to the bottom at some point. The desk top and frame still have the cut outs for the original hinges. Overall the desk is in very good condition. On the back in 3" high black painted lettering is "Capt. E.J. Stivers, Jonesville, Mich. Care of Hill & Humbert, Cincinnati, Ohio".

Edwin Jacob Stivers began his military career as a private and a fifer in Co. K, 89th Illinois Infantry. He was later promoted to Fife Major and Sergeant Major. Stivers served with the 89th IL from 8/7/62 to 12/1/63. On 12/2/63, he was appointed 2nd Lt. in the 17th U.S.C.T. Promoted 1st Lt 2/4/64, Captain 8/2/65. Mustered out 11/3/66. Stivers remained in the Army following the war, and was appoint 2nd Lt. of the 40th US Infantry to date from 7/28/66. Brevetted 1st Lt. on 2/3/67 for gallant and meritoriou service at the Battle of Nashville. He eventually retired with the rank of Captain on 2/24/91.

Here is the well-used and original Civil War personal effects trunk which once belonged to Captain John G. Batdorff, commanding officer of Company C, 149th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

Batdorff, a Second Lieutenant on July 1, 1863, was himself wounded in action after helping his wounded Captain (John Bassler) off the field. The following is an excerpt from the regimental history of the 149th PA Vols, aka the 2nd Bucktails. "Captain John Bassler was hit in both hip and thigh as musket fire peppered the field. His Lieutenant, John Batdorff, saw him fall and stopped to help him walk to the shelter of the pike. Bassler, unable to move, asked to be left on the field but Batdorff, squatting down, had his wounded captain wrap his arms around his neck, then rose and trotted off the field as bullets "zipped and sang" past their ears.""

The trunk, sometimes referred to as a valise, measures 24" long x 14" wide x 10" high and bears the cursive inscription in black paint of "J.G. Batdorff Capt. / Co. C, 149th Regt. P.V. " in letters 1" high. Constructed of dark, brown russet leather, the trunk is in very strong and sound condition. Face of the upper compartment is embossed with a decorative, tooled scroll design along the four corners and exhibits a small, rectangular 4" x 2" advertisement pressed into the face center which reads, "Sole Leather / Valise / With Steel Springs". Each of the two compartments has a leather handle attached but one handle is broken off at one end. Bottom of the lower compartment has two wooden runners or skids affixed its exterior length to help strengthen the trunk. Trunk exhibits many scattered areas of scuffing and minor wear overall with stitching 90% sound and tight. Brass trunk bottom hinges are strong and intact. A leather tong is tied around the entire trunk in lieu of the inoperative brass closure.

John G. Batdorff enlisted as a 2nd Lt. on August 18, 1862 and was commissioned into Company C, 149th Pennsylvania Infantry the same day. He served with this regiment through all its battles and campaigns until he mustered out with his company ( C ) in Elmira, NY on June 24, 1865. Batdorff was with his 'Bucktails' on July 1st, 1863 in the area of Herr's Ridge and the McPherson Farm when he performed his heroic rescue mission and was later wounded himself.

The 149th PA Vols (2nd Bucktails) was recruited in the summer of 1862 from the counties of Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clearfield, Clarion, Lebanon, Allegheny, Luzerne, Mifflin and Huntington. The men were well skilled in the use of the rifle and wore the Bucktail on their hats as part of their uniform. Assigned to the Uuion army's First Corp, the 149th saw heavy action at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania Court House, Weldon Railroad, and Hatcher's Run, VA.

This trunk is a very historic, identified artifact from a highly sought after Pennsylvania regiment.

Commonly called a breast plate, this die-struck, rolled, brass-faced plate displays the informal Ohio State Coat of Arms which was officially adopted by the state in 1867. It was patterned after the army's Eagle Breast Plate of 1826. This plate has a lead-filled back with both wire loops intact. The face has a very rich deep olive patina and is perfect in every detail. The lead back exhibits knife carvings, but what the soldier was trying to carve remains a mystery. This Ohio plate was found in the camp of some of General Jackson's men at Tabler's Mill (just north of Bunker Hill, WV) in the late 1960s. It was found with an "OVM" belt plate and an "OVM" box plate, but were long ago separated. This camp was after the Antietam Campaign. This is the best example we've ever offered for sale.

The Alabama Volunteer Corps, "A.V.C.", combined a number of existing independent companies and new enrollees into a state-wide militia organizaton. They were issued the AVC uniform and plates with AVC. This organization disbanded in November of 1861 and most of its members entered the Confederate service. Nearly all of this letter style have come from Army of Northern Virginia sites. Has a die-struck, rolled brass face. Lead-filled back with only the remains of the iron wire loops. More common of the two styles of AVC cartridge box plates. Mullinax Plate #221. Nice light olive patina to face with a light sand-colored, speckled patina. Recovered 2nd Manassas, VA near area of Ox Hill.

This particular Bartholomae canteen is missing its cover but retains its original cloth sling, which exhibits light wear and soiling. It is also missing its main funnel cork stopper, and reserve filter pewter cap, but retains all three chains, and has a period cork replacement for missing pewter cap. The metal body of the canteen displays a few slight dings but is otherwise in very good shape. Highly unusual and a must for serious Civil War canteen collectors!

The owner, Private Samuel M. Wakley of Company "A", 13th Pennsylvania Reserves, carried this canteen during the war. On May 30, 1861, Wakley was a 5' 10", 19-year-old farmer from upstate Pennsylvania in Cowanesque, Tioga County, when he mustered in as Mortimer S. Wakley at Harrisburg with Company "A", 1st Rifles, 13th Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves for three years. Twelve months later Wakley had 'seen the elephant' as a combat soldier engaged with Union General John Fremont's forces in the chase of Stonewall Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley. Wakley and the Bucktails also saw action at Cross Keys near Harrisonburg, VA, June 6, 1862; at The Battle of Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run and Groveton, on the Peninsula at Gaines Mill, Mechanicsville, Glendale and later at South Mountain, and Antietam. In Nov 1862, Wakley was listed as absent-sick until April 1863 when he rejoined his unit.

At the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, Private Wakley fought with his regiment in the critical fighting near the "Round Top" where he sustained wounds in a charge upon the rebels. One narrative of that intense battle action relates: "Seizing the flag of the First regiment whose color bearer had been shot down, General Crawford [PA Reserves Division Commander] rushed to the front shouting, "Forward Reserves!" Two volleys, well directed were poured into the enemy before with a cheer, the line charged forward at a run. Backward, down the slope, the men pushed their opponents. Over Plum Run and its marshy borders they forced the Confederates. Then up the slope towards the Wheatfield. At the stone wall, the enemy made a short stand but the impetuosity of the Bucktails was not to be denied and in a few moments the Confederates were flying through the Wheatfield towards the woods at its farther side." Excerpt taken from the "History of the Bucktails" by Thoman and Rauch, pgs 266 and 267. Army medical reports state that Wakley was wounded with a minie ball that passed through his right hip and descimated the ring and little finger of his left hand. The soldier was taken to the 3rd Division, 1st Corps hospital and then transferred to a Washington, D.C. hospital where he convalesced until rejoining his company in November 1863.

In January 1864, Wakley's original term of service with the Bucktails ended and after a thirty-five day furlough home, he re-enlisted for three years as a Veteran Volunteer in Company "A", 190th PA Volunteer Infantry regiment at Bristoe Station, VA. The young combat veteran served with his new unit all through the heavy fighting at Cold Harbor, the Mine Explosion at Petersburg and at Weldon Railroad where Wakley was captured in battle on August 19, 1864. Sent to prison in Richmond until Oct 1864, Wakley was moved to Salisbury, N.C. until he was paroled in April 1865. Upon release from prison, written affidavits state that Wakley "was a living skeleton" and suffered from a number of ailments sustained during his incarceration. Wakley returned to Brookfield, Pennsylvania, where he married and lived until he passed away in Austinburg, PA on December 5, 1929.

Wakley's Model 1858 'Bullseye' canteen is a super artifact. Made at the Philadelphia Army Depot, this specimen consists of two circular sections of pressed tin formed in an oblate spheroid pattern. The pieces are soldered together along the rim. Fluid capacity of this canteen was three pints and the liquid was kept cool by means of a wool covering sewn about the body. The undented canteen is covered with the original blue wool kersey cloth that is in remarkably good condition with just scattered and minor moth nips overall and one torn strip 1½" long x ¼" wide. Wool surface is strong and tight but has lost its outer knap. Spaced along the canteen rim are three iron sling loops with a pewter spout and flange collar soldered to the top of the canteen. Hand scratched into the two upper loops is a ¼" high letter "W". Canteen retains its original, strong and intact five-foot carrying sling made of white linen twill that is folded over and sewn along both edges. Sling, in very good condition, has turned to a mellow brown / tan color with age and has one weak spot with just a normal amount of surface soiling. The iron pull ring and cork stopper are still together and retains its original twine or string. The one-piece cork stopper is in excellent condition with no cracks or splits. Stitching of the wool cover is original and still very tight and strong. Accompanying the soldier's canteen is a handwritten note in period black ink that reads, "Mrs. S. M. Wakley / Cowanesque, PA" along with a contemporary envelope that has a written provenance of Wakley's canteen on it. Visible on the back of the note is the pattern of the cloth of the canteen.

Military and pension records from the National Archives of Samuel M. Wakley, also known as Mortimer S. Wakley, accompanied this canteen.

Here is one of the most pleasing and handsome examples of a Confederate wooden drum canteen to surface in a while. As with most wood drum canteens produced during the war this circular specimen appears to be made of cedar or cherry wood and measures 7¼" in diameter by 2¼" wide. Typical of the canteens carried by many Southern soldiers during the Civil War, this 'Johnny' canteen is simple and well constructed. Still visible on each face are the circular lathe marks left by the machine cutting tool. Specimen also features a partial ID that reads "F. L. Rog" carved onto one face with large (¾" high), double-lined, block initials. Additional smaller letters are discernable on the face but they have been rubbed and are difficult to discern. Further research may reveal the individual's name. Two circular iron bands, each ½" wide, encompass the canteen's outer edges and act as clamps with each band overlapped and held in place with a single small iron rivet. Equal distance apart on the exterior width of this canteen are three, shaped, iron sling loops set into grooves cut into the wood slats. Loops secure a 50" long by 1" wide heavy, webbed cotton sling that loops around the exterior of the canteen. This original sling is in very good condition but does exhibit one period repair and one large gouge (1" long). Remarkably, the canteen still retains its original, lathe-turned wooden spout. Original stopper is missing. This most attractive wooden drum has acquired a smooth and mellow, dark cherry coloring overall. Wooden sides bear remnants of a thin layer of varnish. An excellent, once-in-a-life-time opportunity for the discriminating Confederate canteen collector.

Here is a pleasing and handsome example of a typical Confederate wooden drum canteen carried by most Southern soldiers during the war. As with most canteens produced in Dixie, this specimen is made from cedar or cherry wood, measures 7½" in diameter by 2½" wide and exhibits manufacture that is rough and unrefined. The two wood faces of this unmarked canteen show light, circular turn marks left by lathe cutting tools. This very attractive wooden drum has acquired a smooth and mellow, dark plum patina overall. Two circular, irregular iron bands ring the canteen edges and each band is secured with one small iron rivet. Both bands show evidence of rust pitting. Our specimen has three, shaped, iron sling loops held by grooves cut into the slats.

Wrapped around the outside of the canteen and held within the thin iron loops is a large length of the original, black bridle leather sling or strap that measures ¾" wide by 27" long. Leather strap is dry with areas of surface crazing overall but still retains its original, iron metal roller buckle sewn to a small portion of the leather sling. Original leather adjuster loop is also present on strap. Spout is missing on this canteen but the spout opening has faint traces of threading remaining inside and also has a large, thin wood chip (3/4" L x ¼" W) missing from edge.

Standard CS construction, cedar w/two iron encircling bands on outer edges. All three sling keepers intact w/leather sling remnant passing through all three, broken off near spout, which is missing. Wood & ironwork fairly tight. Despite nicks & scuffing, rich patina consistent throughout. On side of canteen near top & spout is large written ink signature, "Phillip E. Webb". Another name - H.H. Patterson - is more prominently carved just below Webb's, but cannot be linked w/31st GA Inf. (Small .15" chip in wood near first "H", barely noticeable.)

Confederate records describe Webb as 5'9.75" w/dark complexion, brown hair & hazel eyes. Entered service at Savannah 11/13/61, Harris County, GA. Wounded at Hatcher's Run 2/6/65, captured 3/23/65, released at Point Lookout, 6/22/65. Beginning w/the Seven Days, his regiment served in all major engagements of the ANV, including Gettysburg, where it lost more that 25% of the 252 engaged. Surrendered at Appomattox w/120, only 66 of which were armed. Overall condition VG. A superb piece, rich w/history. Military records included.

Possibly the hardest Confederate accoutrement to obtain as scabbards served no functional purpose after the war and most were undoubtedly discarded and or destroyed. The scabbard is in VF condition. The frog portion, which is constructed without the use of any rivets, has some moderate loss of surface finish from flaking. The body has only a small amount of flaking with a very strong stitched seam. The body also has tooled lines running its length, something often seen on CS leather. The end has a tin tip with fold seam and a single rivet/nail securing it to the leather. It appears that there might have been at least one or two more "rivets" because of the existence of two more holes near the remaining rivet. The tip is finished on the end with a lead finial, again as Confederate as it gets! The bayonet is a Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, VA product. It is the pattern with locking ring on the socket. The bayonet is superb with no pitting. There is a casting flaw on the top of the socket just behind the neck. A remarkable example worthy of the finest Confederate collection.

This desirable Federal accoutrement is an original and handsome angular socket bayonet made for the Spencer Army rifle and comes complete with its original leather bayonet scabbard in fabulous condition. Roy Marcot's excellent book Spencer Repeating Firearms states that all 10,000 breechloading Spencer rifles contracted by the Ordnance Department were to be fitted with angular bayonets. The term 'angular bayonet' refers to the type used by infantry soldiers. Shank of this unmarked weapon is at a right angle to the socket, setting the blade away from the bore of the muzzle. Triangular blade has a spear shape and has a locking ring at the socket that secured the bayonet to the Spencer rifle front sight. Produced by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company, some 11,500 bayonets were made and all have NO markings whatever. This handsome, brightly finished specimen is almost 18" long, ¾" wide, 3/8" thick and weighs 11 ounces. Socket is 3" long with a bore diameter of .813". Blade bears a stunning, shiny bright finish with just tiny speckles of light peppery pitting overall. No edge nicks. Matching leather bayonet scabbard is in almost minty original condition and is complete with its black buff leather frog with eight-copper rivets, and triangular brass tip tightly attached to the scabbard with all four of the small brass nails. Leather scabbard is choice and shows no flaking or scuffing at all. Bears no marks or stampings. Original socket bayonets for the Spencer Rifles are very sought after and difficult to find in the collecting community today. This extra fine specimen with its original scabbard would make a wonderful addition to any early US military edged weapon display or collection.

Here is a rare, original and very handsome Pattern 1861 Dahlgren bowie knife, often referred to as the Plymouth Naval Rifle Bowie Knife Bayonet. Designed in 1856 by US Navy Admiral John A. B. Dahlgren for use aboard his ship the USS Plymouth, this twice government-inspected and maker-marked knife replaced the saber-style bayonets and is considered to be one of the best designs of the nineteenth century. Produced for the US Navy by famed arms maker Ames of Chicopee, MA in September 1861, this finely crafted edged weapon features an unfullered, bowie-shaped, spear-point blade some 11 3/4" long. The hefty 3/8" thick steel blade exhibits a minty and untouched, highly polished factory finish. Knife hilt has a one piece pommel, guard and back strap of heavy brass with a one-piece walnut grip fitted between the pommel back strap and the guard. Brass pommel cap exhibits a fine cartouche "DR" within an oval and all brass has acquired a pleasing, mellow patina. Bottom of walnut grip displays four finger grooves for a positive grasp. Admiral Dahlgren's own description of this foreboding weapon states, "The special bayonet is a short, broad and stout knife, of the well known bowie pattern, the principal use of which I designed to be in the hand in close conflict such as in boarding."

Marked on the obverse ricasso of the blade is "USN / DR / 1861" with additional stampings "anchor / P / G G". DR stands for Navy Ordnance inspector Daniel Reynolds, and the initials G.G. represent Commander Guert Gansevoort, USN. Reverse ricasso bears the maker's stamp of "Ames Mfg. & Co. / Chicopee" in crescent form. (Mass. stamping does not show.)

The accompanying original and rare leather and brass scabbard is in wonderful condition. Throat and tip are solidly constructed of brass, while the sheath portion is of black bridle leather in strong original condition with no cracking or crazing, but it does exhibit areas of minor scuffing overall. Brass throat even retains portions of the original red velvet cloth liner, usually never seen. Throat has its brass belt stud with four brass rivets. Tip has two rivets, is missing two rivets and bears two areas of surface rust pitting. All brass has acquired a pleasing bronze patina.

The most prolific maker of edged weapons for the Confederacy was the firm of Boyle & Gamble. The firm was located on Sixth Street, Richmond, Virginia, one block from the Virginia Armory. The firm sold its products to individuals as well as to military outfitters such as Mitchell & Tyler, also of Richmond. The firm of Boyle, Gamble & MacFee, also in Richmond, manufactured edged weapons for the Confederacy and probably had interlocking directorates wi the Boyle & Gamble firm. Certain theories have it that the B, G & M firm were under government contract.

The most identifying features of the Boyle & Gamble swords are their pommels. Their decor ranges from ivy leaf, laurel leaf, variant of laurel leaf, to just plain (without decor). The overall length of the Boyle & Gamble Staff & Field officer's swords is 35" plus or minus; blades are approx. 29 1/2" long, and 1 1/16" wide at the ricasso. The blades have a single unstopped fuller on each side, running from just below the guard to about 7 1/2" from the tip. Grips are of fine leather, usually wound with either plain medium guage brass wire or fine twisted brass wire. There is usually a number to be found on the brass underguard, on the reverse side, under the leather washer usually found at that site.

The Staff & Field Officer's sword is distinctive in that a star is cast into the top of the counterguard, with "CS" beneath, surrounded by what appears to be a laurel leaf design. The brass pierced guards show designs of ears of corn and tobacco leaves. The turned-down quillon is decorated and has flat sides. Many B&G Staff & Field swords have etched blades, but not all. The accompanying scabbards are black died leather, sewn at the top and are completely brass mounted. They are believed to have been made by R.H. Bosher Carriage Factory, at Richmond. The scabbards are among the most readily recognizable of any Confederate scabbards.

This particular Staff & Field officer's sword conforms perfectly to the standard pieces of the maker, having the laurel leaf pommel design and the corn laurel leaf - tobacco leaf design in the guard and counterguard. The knuckleguard has a slot for a saber knot. There is still a trace of original gilt on parts of the guard. The number "8" is stamped on the reverse side bottom of the counter guard, under the leather washer.

The blade is iron, 35 1/2" long and shows no evidence of having been etched. It is mostly dark with some very fine pitting visible; there is also evidence of its having been sharpened at some time (does not seem to detract from its overall appearance). The dyed leather grip is 99+% intact and completely original as is the entire, fine, twisted brass wire winding. In fact, the 15+ winds of the brass wire is most commonly found on those swords made for the outfitters earlier mention, Mitchell & Tyler. Thus, this sword was no doubt made for M&T.

The scabbard is of classic Boyle & Gamble design and in excellent original conditon, having only a correctly replaced drag (a not uncommon repair necessary to a B&G sword, which should not affect the value).

In conclusion, the sword and scabbard at hand are in very good original condition (exception noted), and would be most welcome in the finest Civil War artifact collection.

Accompanied by authentication documentation from a leading expert in Confederate edged weapons.

This item is a very nice U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg soon after the battle. Very, very lightly pitted, the design of this type sword was based on the French Army's sword and was worn by company (foot) grade officers of all the arms of the U.S. Army. It measures approximately 37 inches long from the pommel to the tip. The blade is slightly curved with a single edge. This piece has fancy floral, eagle, and scroll blade etching faintly visible on both sides of the blade. The maker's mark, "W.H. / HORTSMANN & SONS / PHILADELPHIA" is faintly visible near the ricasso. The words "IRON PROOF" are also faintly visible on the top of the blade near the ricasso denoting this piece was a German import by Horstmann. The fish skin covering on the grips is mostly intact with a few small areas of wood exposed. The brass wires (one fancy large and two smaller gauges) are complete and unbroken. The hilt has the Phrygian helmet pommel and decorated oak leaves; the pommel has a few minor hits; both are complete and attractive. The knuckle bow has a slight edge bend on the thumb side and the Quillon has slightly bent downward. Neither of these features detracts from the attractiveness of this sword. The blade is marked "Cav. Fight" with the old white paint of the Danner Musuem. This sword is an outstanding find.

This remarkable Civil War edged weapon is an identified, high-quality Model 1850-Foot Officer's sword. The handsome, presentation-grade sword and its matching ornate metal scabbard was a gift to Union Captain Abel S. Chappell from Company "G", 145th New York Volunteer Infantry. Born in New York, Abel Chappell was thirty-six year old when he received a military appointment as First lieutenant in Company "G", 36th New York Infantry on July 4, 1861. The officer mustered into Federal service the same day at Rikers Island, NY for a period of two years. His unit left the Empire State on July 12 for Washington DC where it went into camp at Meridian Hill, then to Camp Brightwood where it remained until March 13, 1862. One month after their arrival in DC, Lt. Chappell was promoted to Captain in the regiment on August 21, 1861 and served with his regiment until his resignation on February 3, 1862. He stated that he resigned his commission for personal reasons, one of which involved his 'unjust arrest' for the crime of being 'away from his company and troubled with bilious headaches for several days". Chappell was court-martialed on Feb 5, 1862 and his court papers contained the following note: Capt. Chappell is an element of discord in his regiment and it will be for the interests of the service to have him not of it." (signed by General Darius Couch). Chappell was discharged from the service the next day (Feb 6, 1862) under a host of court-martial charges. It is difficult to know if Chappell was 'rail-roaded' out of the regiment his fellow officers or if he was a genuine problem. On Sept 11, Captain Chappell once more enlisted, this time on Staten Island with Company "G" of the new 145th NY Infantry regiment. The regiment left New York on Sept 27 and was assigned to the army's 12th Corps in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, VA. On Sept 30, 1862, the men of "G" Company presented Chappell with this fancy officer's sword.

In the following weeks and months, Captain Chappell with his regiment moved to Stafford Court House, VA and on February 19, 1863, he was again placed in 'arrest' by his Commanding Officer. Court-martial proceeding against Chappell followed in May 1863 and among the charges were "violation of the articles of war; impertinence to and willful disobedience of his comdg officer and gross insubordination". A gray cloud of regimental discontent followed Chappell once again and though he refuted the charges, Chappell was dismissed from the army on July 18, 1863. Still not content to stay a civilian, Chappell tried and enlisted once more, this time in the 13th NY Heavy Artillery Regiment on Dec 29, 1863. He received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in Company "H" and served until November 1864 when he was honorably discharged.

Captain's Chappell's high-quality, un-marked presentation sword is a classic Model 1850-Foot Officers edged weapon of foreign manufacture, possibly French. Finely crafted, this sword specimen features a slightly curved, steel blade with a stopped, wide fuller 22½" long with a narrow fuller 19" long. Blade is in extremely fine, original condition with the reverse and obverse side showing profuse acid-etching with strong frosting and shiny bright decorative areas on both sides. Reverse side displays sharp and intricate etching starting at the hilt and progressing upward with detailed foliate, a script "U.S.", a flowing pennant inscribed with "Onward to Victory", and additional decorative foliate to within 11" of the sword tip. Obverse etching is similar but commencing with a spreadwinged eagle arms at the ricasso, a flowing pennant that reads "E Pluribus Unum", detailed foliate with a military shield device and more foliate at the top end. Blade, unsharpened and never cleaned, exhibits a shiny bright finish overall. The embellished, handsome brass hilt displays fine casting that exhibits detailed foliate. Front face portion of the hilt appears to be slightly bent inward toward the brass handle and this effects the snugness of the blade when it is inserted into the scabbard. Grips of this sword, which are strong and tight condition, are made of fluted German silver, a.k.a. white brass, and formed in the spiral shape with wide mounds and deep grooves. Two parallel strands of double- twisted, brass wire winds around the handle grooves. Brass guard knucklebow and quillion are profusely decorated with leaves and foliate and finely finished. Original, thin, red leather blade washer is seated against the hilt. An unusual brimmed, Phrygian pommel cap is embellished along the edges with oak leaves and filigree designs. The highly ornate scabbard appears to be of German silver, which has been silver-plated. Body in exceptional undented condition, complete with finely engraved brass mounts, brass bands, small brass rings and an ornate brass drag.

The scabbard's upper band is profusely decorated with intricate floral displays that encompass large, 2" high oval that exhibits an engraved inscription to the officer that reads, "Presented to / Captain / A.S. Chappell / by Members of Co / "G" 145th Reg NYV / Sept. 30th / 1862". Both upper and lower mounts, which are strong and tight, offer a pleasing, mellow bronze patina, as does the brass drag and brass collar. Drag, which is slightly loose, has a handsome, filigree motif with un-engraved medallions on either side. Surface of the scabbard body exhibits a light bronze patina overall. Chappell's military and courts-martial records from the National Archives accompany his sword and scabbard.

Presented here is a wonderful, original, non-regulation, Civil War officer's presentation sword inscribed to First Lieutenant William Sharpley of Company "I", 95th Pennsylvania Infantry complete with a fascinating story of its owner.

Interestingly, William Sharpley held a former alias as North Carolinian Lock W. A. Shaw earlier in the rebellion and had served the Southern cause as a private in two different North Carolina Infantry regiments. On April 18, 1861, Lock Shaw, a blue-eyed, 5' 7", seventeen year-old from Mecklenburg, NC enlisted at Charlotte, NC in the 6-months unit of Company "B", a.k.a. the 'Hornets Nest Rifles', 1st Regiment, North Carolina Infantry. Young Shaw served with his unit and participated in the Battle of Bethel in June 1861. No further mention of Shaw is noted until Confederate agents in Charlotte allegedly conscripted him on July 19, 1864 and assigned him to Company "F", 49th North Carolina State Troops, a.k.a. the Mecklenburg Guards. Shaw, now 20 years old and a professed Union man, had tired of the Confederacy and sometime in October 1864 he deserted the 49th NC in front of Petersburg, VA. Shaw next appears on a register of prisoners at the Union military prison at Camp Hamilton, VA listed as a rebel deserter. He took the oath of allegiance on October 31, 1864 and was sent to the Provost Marshal at Fort Monroe, VA for further movement to New York City. Nothing more is noted of Shaw until the early months of 1865 when he changed his name and background to William Sharpley of New Jersey and enlisted in the 95th PA Volunteers at Philadelphia on April 3, 1865 for one year as a Private. Remarkably, on April 13, Sharpley received an appointment and commission from the Governor of Pennsylvania as a First Lieutenant to fill a vacancy in Company "I", 95th PA. Sharpley joined his unit on May 3, 1865 and was mustered out at Hall's Hill, VA on July 17, 1865. He applied for and gained a military pension for US service and collected it until 1915. It was then discovered that Sharpley, alias Loyel W.A. Shaw, was dropped from the pension rolls for never disclosing his Confederate service with the 1st North Carolina Infantry in 1861. After due consideration, Shaw / Sharpley was held to have 'aided and abetted' the Confederacy against the Union and was subsequently dismissed from the rolls as "disloyal".

Sharpley's non-regulation, infantry foot officer's presentation sword and matching scabbard are a product of W. Clauberg, Solingen, Prussia and both are in wonderful, original attic-condition. The high-grade, steel blade bears profuse etching on both sides and shows a rounded back marked "IRON PROOF". Blade itself measures 32" long, 1" wide, with a single, stopped fuller 19¼" long and no narrow fuller. Obverse ricasso features the maker's oval mark of "W. CLAUBERG SOLINGEN" encircling a knight leaning on a sword. Inserted in the reverse ricasso is a small (1/4" dia), brass, circular disk with the word "PROVED" around the inner edge. Entire blade has acquired a pleasing, brown-plum colored patina and shows areas of rust pitting and age discoloration with a number of tiny edge nicks roughly 10" down from the tip. Blade etching is approximately 16" long, still sharp and distinct, with foliate followed with an intricate U.S. in large letters and more foliate on the obverse. Reverse shows foliate, a finely detailed, spread-winged eagle with arms and foliate. The ornate, brass hilt features a deep, three-branch guard and knucklebow with a 2½" oval cast wreath on the hilt face. Centered on that wreath is a thin, stamped, applied brass sunburst disc, upon which sits an applied 1½" wide, brass stamped, spread-winged eagle. Untouched brass hilt wears a dark, chocolate brown patina and is slightly loose. Leather pad or washer is missing. Original grips consists of a dark, carved wood handle that exhibits a warm, rich patina overall the wood. Handle does have a one large chip near the hilt. Grips have the double-twisted, brass wire wound around the handle, but appear to never had any leather or sharkskin wrapping. Brass pommel, highly decorated with scrollwork and laurel leaves, features a domed cap likewise enhanced. Cap itself is loose and needs to be tightened. Brass casting on the hilt and pommel is well defined but not crisp.

The straight, steel scabbard is a fine specimen which exhibits a dark brown patina overall, including the two brass suspension sword mounts and drag. Upper sword mount bears the presentation in English script that reads, "Presented to / 1st Lieut Sharpley / By the members of / Capt. Shuler's / Company / 95th P.V." Both sword mounts, along with the drag, display lightly scalloped edging. Bands are tight and secure the two suspension rings. Drag is missing its small retaining screw. Throat lacks the inner spring. A prominent dent, typical on Civil War edged weapons, appears on each side of the scabbard four inches below the lower mount.

This original, non-regulation foot officer's sword, in completely untouched condition, is a fine example of a quality presentation, Civil War edged weapon. In addition to the specimen's provenance to the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry, the sword's wartime owner experienced some of the fullest and most interesting adventures that one can imagine. Sharpley's presentation sword and scabbard comes with both his Confederate records and Federal military and pension papers from the National Archives in Washington DC.

Here is a rugged and handsome specimen of an original Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman's short sword, together with its leather waist belt complete in all its brass fittings, attached frog and black bridle leather sword scabbard. Worn mostly by artillery battery NCOs as a badge of rank, this pre Civil War, white buff belt is in fine, strong condition and appears to have a coating of leather dressing applied to both sides. The unmarked, white buff leather belt and frog has turned a brown russett color while the interior has acquired the same pleasing russett hue. Belt leather is in extraordinarily good condition and has one repair sewn near one of the brass sword fittings. Belt measures 1 7/8" wide and approximately 40" long overall including the hasp and belt hook. The sword belt for the M1832 Foot Artillery sword is unique in itself for it has an odd-shaped frog with a two-strap suspension rig for the frog and scabbard. Besides the leather sliding keeper on the belt, this artifact has an additional captive keeper sewn on the belt just behind the brass belt hook that prevented the removal of the belt plate from either end. The original scabbard is of black, bridle leather and is in good condition with just surface cracking overall. Hand carved into one side of the leather is the name "HERB KREPPEL" but its affiliation as an ID to this piece is uncertain and not to be implied. Scabbard also is unmarked, measures 19" long by 2" wide and boasts a heavy brass tip in very good condition. The original waist belt plate or buckle is of the Model 1836 pattern and has an interlocking, two-piece tongue in wreath in fine condition. Constructed of sand-cast brass, this type of two-piece belt plate was used by all infantry soldiers armed with swords from 1836 until the early 1850's.

The Foot Artillery sword features a polished blade 19" long and 1 ¾" wide at the hilt. The heavy sword is so unwieldy that its use as a weapon is debatable. Blade, in fine condition, has no edge nicks and has been cleaned but it does exhibits scattered areas of salt and pepper rust pitting with discoloration spots. Produced by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, the short sword is marked on the obverse ricasso with " a spread-winged eagle / N.P. Banks / Springfield" while the reverse ricasso exhibits "UNITED STATES / 1835". The solid brass hilt shows the initials of the arsenal sub-inspector "J.M." (Justin Murphey) as well as the Ordnance Department stamping "ORD." This hilt also retains the faint mark of the brass founder who cast the hilt "HUSE". A very faint seam is visible through the center of the brass crossguard and indicates the hilt was cast in two pieces and then brazed together. Brass sword handle features the fish-scale grips and the eagle mark embossed on the pommel. All brass has acquired a mellow, pleasing bronze patina.

Complete Model 1832 artillery sword rigs are becoming scarce to locate in the market today and this specimen is a wonderful example of a very well-made, early edged weapon with its accompanying buff leather.

Presented here is an original, inscribed, Civil War artillery saber with its scabbard, both in simply wonderful condition.

Edward L. Merithew was a 5' 7", 24 year-old sailor from Searsport, ME when he enlisted as a private in the 6th Battery, 1st Battalion, Maine Mounted Artillery for three years on Dec 26, 1861 at Augusta, ME. Merithew, who served with the battery his entire term save for March 1862 when he was on detached service, was promoted to Corporal in Dec 1862. He served with the battery in its engagement with the enemy during Groveton, 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, VA; South Mtn and Antietam, MD; Gettysburg and Lee's retreat; Bristoe Campaign; and the Mine Run Campaign. The artilleryman opted to re-enlist as a Veteran Volunteer on January 1st, 1864 at Brandy Station, VA and was soon promoted to Sergeant the following month. Sgt. Merithew served through Grant's Overland Campaign; Siege of Petersburg, and the Mine Explosion. When after almost four years of war duty, Merithew, with his regiment, was discharged at Augusta, ME on June 17, 1865. He resumed his mariner occupation, married and raised a family. Merithew applied for and gained a military pension and he died of heart problems on March 12, 1903.

This fine-looking, Ames Type 2, Enlisted Model 1840 artillery saber inscribed to Edward L. Merithew is an early war dated (1862) edged weapon made for light artillery (mounted units) and was one of only 839 such sabers delivered to the U.S. Ordnance Department in 1862.

Merithew's saber has a 32¼" long, curved, single-edged steel blade with a flat top and a single, wide fuller. Obverse ricasso is clearly stamped with "U S / L.D. / 1862" while the reverse ricasso bears a worn maker's stamp of " ____ ____ CO / CHICOPEE / MASS" where the words Ames and Mfg are too weak to discern. Blade is in wonderful condition and exhibits a light, semi-bright sheen with just a normal amount of pinprick rust pitting and dark age coloration overall. Original leather washer is strong and intact. No nicks or gouges mar the blade edge. The brass hilt consists of a single knucklebow and scroll quillion with a flat guard facing the blade at the ricasso. The obverse side of the knucklebow is inscribed with "Edward L. Merithew" in neat, double-lined, block letters. The brass pommel cap tang dome has a cap brim that is marked with "ADK" (Andrew D. King inspector). Entire brass hilt, including the pommel, has acquired a rich, dark bronze patina. Original grips consist of a turned, wooden handle with 16 grooves wrapped with black bridle leather and encircled with a twisted, brass wire wrap. The leather is excellent with just minute spots of cracking while the brass wire remains tight and strong. The iron scabbard exhibits a smooth, pleasing, plum-colored patina overall and is in fine condition with just one slight depression visible 8" up from the drag on the reverse side. Drag is stamped with inspector marks "LD". Scabbard does show scattered areas of pinprick rust pitting overall. The large iron mounts are tight and hold the two sword suspension rings. Scabbard throat is unmarked.

This is a fine specimen of a M1840 artillery saber is a true wartime artifact of our Civil War. It was accompanied by the soldier's military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington DC.

Presented here is an original and very rare, Boston-made, U.S. Army Civil War medicine field case carried by attendants or orderlies on the staff of the regimental surgeon. This wonderful field case specimen, used during the war by members of a Massachusetts Infantry unit, is a wooden framed box with a double compartment lid covered in black bridal leather that measures 31cm long x 17cm wide x 15cm deep. Leather exhibits light surface cracking overall with what appears to be 'red-rot' in a few spots. The medicine valise contains numerous, tinned iron vessels still with their original labels attached, that were used to store whiskey, various medicines, chemicals and bandaging material. In the field, the surgeon's orderly carried this case suspended from a leather shoulder sling and supported by a waist strap, both now missing. Field case exhibits a slightly contoured form to fit the body when worn. These orderlies, members of the Medical Department often referred to as Hospital Stewards, were in essence battlefield 'medics' and accompanied the regimental surgeon and assistant surgeons afield, but were usually found at army field dressing stations near the battlefield. Identification in the form of a small, (4¼"x2¾") paper label with a handwritten note done in period black ink accompanies this medical field case. Label denotes the identity of the unit and reads "2nd Battalion, / Infantry / M.V.M. / Hospital Department / M.V.M." No definitive association with any Massachusetts Infantry regiment or Massachusetts Volunteer Militia unit is readily apparent. Backside of the label reads "BOSTON / Board of Pension Surgeons, / 285 Tremont Street, / Boston". For protection, the paper label is enclosed between two pieces of plexiglas because the label is torn into three sections and has moderate edge fraying and foxing overall.

Field case lid opens to reveal a 4½" deep box that is sectioned off into compartments by thin metal separators tacked to the box sides and serve to align and to hold upright the eleven, japanned, rectangular tin medicine containers found inside. All but one container is capped or corked at the spout. The largest vessel measures 5"x2½"x 4" and bears a white paper label denoting the words "Cholera Mixture" glued to the top surface with further directions on how to administer the 'mixture' defined on a large (4"x2") paper label glued to the vessel's front face. Two tin containers, each 2"x2"x4½", with metal screw tops are also displayed in the box. One container bears the label "WHITE CRUSHED SUGAR / U.S.A. Medical Purveying Dept. / New York" and a number "15" painted on the top surface. Label is strong and clear. Its mate bears the label "10 / USA Medical Dept. / Philadelphia / PA / 1864 / BLACK TEA / Four Ounces" and the numeral "10" painted on top. The fourth container measures 4½"x3½"x 1¾" and has traces of dark green paint on its surfaces. The paper label on this vessel reads "8 OZ / USA Medical Dept. / Prepared at the U.S.A. Laboratory / Philadelphia. PA / 1863 / CHLOROFORMUM." A small wooden plug seals the spout. 5th tin container is 2"x2"x3½" and exhibits a small 1¾"x2" paper label glued to the front face and it reads " Pillae / Quiniae / Sulphatis". Vessel contains pills and as prepared at the USA Medical Purveying Depot, Astoria, L.I. (New York). 6th vessel measures 1½"x 1½" x 3½" and displays a label that reads "Pillae / OPII. / Prepared at the / USA / Medical Purveying / Depot / Astoria, L.I." 7th vessel measures 1½"x 1½" x 2½" and displays a label that reads "Pillae / QUINIAE / Sulphatis / Prepared at the / USA / Medical Purveying / Depot / Astoria, L.I." 8th vessel measures 1"x1"x 3½" and displays a paper label that reads "8 OZ / USA Medical Dept. / Prepared at the U.S.A. Laboratory / Philadelphia. PA / 1864 / Pillae Quiniae Sulphatis". Remaining three tin containers are small but similar to the previous items but bear no paper label on them. The case lid has a false bottom that opens to reveal an area that stored material for wounds, such as roller bandages, bleached muslin, plaster, pins, lint, sponges, silks and towels. On the inner lid of this Civil War medical artifact is found the maker's paper label that reads "Put up [produced] by / George T. Brown & Co. / Successors to Samuel H. Woods, Apothecaries / No. 5, Beacon Street / Boston". Uncommonly rare, this Civil War medicine field case is only the third such specimen that we have handled in over thirty years in business. If one is seeking an original, Federal, identified, Civil War, medical accoutrement that endured intense field service, look no further - you have found it.

Fresh to the collecting field is an outstanding, five-piece grouping of original Civil War infantry accoutrements identified to Private William E. Manchester of Company F, 18th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry. Directly from the family, this awesome ensemble consists of Manchester's tarred canvas knapsack, his leather cartridge box complete with shoulder strap, brown-cloth covered canteen with original strap, leather waist belt with US plate, together with his leather percussion cap box which is still attached to his belt.

William E. Manchester was a 34-year old cooper from New Bedford, MA who served his country with two enlistments. Manchester first entered service when he joined Company L, 3rd Mass Infantry (3 months unit) on April 16, 1861. He was mustered out with the unit on July 22 with term expired. This patriot soldier was home for one month before he enlisted once again on August 24, 1861, this time with Company F, 18th Mass Infantry. Manchester's service included garrison duty in the Washington DC area until March 1862. With the 18th, Manchester participated in the reconnaissance to Great Bethel, VA; Warwick |Rd; the Siege of Yorktown; the Battle of Hanover Court House; the Seven Days; White House Landing; Ball's Bluff; retreat from the Peninsula and the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, VA. Luck ran out for Manchester on August 30, 1862 when he was KIA at 2nd Bull Run during the attack of Porter's Corps on Stonewall Jackson's position at the railroad embankment.

The soft or semi-rigid, double-bag knapsack is an early war pattern and carries a faint maker's stamp embossed on one of the leather straps. Pack is constructed of two sections of canvas, coated overall with a black rubber or tar-like substance for protection from the elements. Front section is a bag approximately 15" wide and 12" high, with a cover to open or close the top and with gussets on each side 4" wide at the top and tapering to the bottom. Rear or second section consists of four, all sewn, plain flaps inside, each triangular in shape, buckled together across from each other and measuring 11" high by 14" wide. The two bags fasten together at the bottom with three small straps (one strap missing) and japanned, iron buckles. Leather shoulder straps, 1 ¾" wide, are sewn to the back and terminated with brass hooks or studs that attached to the armpit and breast straps. Small strap sewn on the bottom of knapsack is fitted with a triangular brass hook for fastening to the right armpit strap when the soldier was on the march. Pack exterior exhibits three or four small tears and rips to the canvas material at various stress points on the body.

Manchester's leather cartridge box is of the Pattern of 1861 and is in wonderfully strong condition. The outer flap is in very fine condition features an oval brass cartridge box plate with the letters "US" stamped on it. Brass plate, in fine condition, has accumulated a mellow, pleasing bronze patina overall. Original purpose of the plate was ornamental but its weight helped keep the leather flap down and protected the cartridges from the elements. Clearly stamped directly onto the flap, below the brass plate, are the letters "U.S." some 3/8" high. Sewn to the bottom of the outer flap with a single, straight line stitching is the latch closure tab in strong condition. Bottom of box features two japanned metal roller buckles that attach the billets of the shoulder strap. One billet (narrow end strap tips) is torn and missing. A round brass finial adorns the box bottom and secures the latch closure tab. One, small, leather 'ear' is sewn to each end of the inner flap to protect the cartridges. Inner flap is strong and in excellent condition. Cleanly embossed on each side of the box, below the ears, is the maker's mark of "C. S. STORMS / MAKER N Y". Implement pouch is of thin leather and shows moderate flaking of the leather. Pouch latch tab is strong and tight. The original leather shoulder strap, or sling, is adorned with a fine looking, regulation 1826 pattern, US Model eagle breast plate that wears a rich bronze patina. The black bridle shoulder strap is in good, supple condition has one small ¼" long, edge tear but does exhibit approximately 75% of the original leather surface flaked off. Original to the box are two metal tins, now a mottled, dark gray color.

Manchester's leather waist belt features the original, oval brass "US" waist plate, brass belt adjuster and his percussion cap box. Belt is in supple condition and shows moderate surface cracking and scattered areas of flaking. The unmarked, oval waist belt plate is of the regulation 1839 pattern with both arrowhead hooks and a single narrow clasp, strong and intact. Plate wears a fine, dull bronze patina overall with some verdigris on the reverse. Lead back is good with no erosion evident. Cap box is in wonderful overall condition with all leather strong. Outer flap features a weak, but complete oval, government sub-inspector's stamp of "R. White / US / ORD DEPT / SUB INSPECTOR" and the inner flap has the maker's stamp but it is difficult to discern due to the amount of flaking present. Box retains it full fleece liner but no vent pick.

The soldier's canteen is an early Model 1858 smoothside-pattern in super condition and comes complete with its original gray-brown wool cover, iron pull-ring with chain and the seldom seen original cotton carrying sling with a fantastic government inspector's ink stamping clearly visible. Original wool cover is complete and strong with no tears and just scattered spots of thinning overall. The unmarked, pewter spout and flange collar is soldiered to the top of the canteen and spaced along the rim are three iron sling loops, one of which secures the iron chain and cork stopper pull ring. This canteen specimen is in wonderful condition but does exhibit one large depression on each side. The original cotton-carrying sling is in super condition, clean with just minor surface soiling and strong with no fraying or tears. This sling bears a partial US government inspector's stamp that reads, "U S Inspector / New York" in addition to the soldier's own ID of large, block letters "W.E.M." that he inked in two places into the surface of the carrying strap.

For anyone seeking an original, identified Civil War infantry grouping in superb condition, this ensemble is the one you waited for. Groupings like this are becoming harder to find in today's collecting field the specimens included here are simply outstanding.

Presented here is a wonderful Civil War treasury of personal accoutrements brought home by Private Henry Bear, an infantryman in Company B, 79th PA Volunteers. Included in this fresh, all-original grouping are Henry's haversack, waist belt with US buckle; cartridge box complete with tins, cartridges and tools; his smoothside canteen; and percussion cap box. All the artifacts are in very fine condition and have been well preserved down through the passing generations.

Only cursory research has been completed on Henry as yet but Company B, 79th PA Volunteer Infantry was recruited in Lancaster County in August 1861 and the young man enlisted on Sep 5, 1861. By October 1861, the regiment became fully organized and shipped out to Louisville, KY for duty with the Army of the Ohio. The 79th participated in various campaigns at Forts Henry and Donelson, Chattanooga, Perryville, Stone's River, Murfreesboro, Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, and the Atlanta battles. Henry was mustered out for disability on Sep 1862 and came home.

His well-constructed haversack, in very fine condition, appears to be a private purchase and is made of strong canvas-like cloth that has a black, rubberized, surface overall. It bears no tears, rips or weak areas. The infantryman's waist belt and plate are true, fine specimens. Belt is of strong black, bridle leather in wonderful condition with just normal age wear to it. Clean and supple, the belt exhibits surface creasing and some scuffing but no rips or flaking at all. Bear's original brass 'US' belt plate, still connected to the belt, has acquired a beautiful, dark bronze patina with the face exhibiting age scratches and a few dings. Backside of plate is lead filled and has the twin 'puppy paw' hooks and single clasp hook. Lead is strong and has no erosion. Scratched in by hand below the plate clasp hook is the ID which reads, "H B Jr / 79 PV".

Bear's leather cartridge box, in the 1861 pattern, is as complete and in fine condition as they come. The black, bridle leather is strong and exhibits the telltale signs of service with both flap edges stressed and rolled slightly upwards. Leather surface bears areas of scuffing but remarkably exhibits no cracking, crazing or flaking of the leather. A brass 'US' cartridge box plate adorns the outer flap. Inside of outer flap holds another lightly scratched ID which reads, "H Bear Co B / 79th PV". Box retains its original latch closure tab and round brass finial, two japanned roller buckles and all belt and strap loops. Shoulder strap missing. Box has both original tins that still contain eleven, intact .58 caliber paper cartridges. Amazingly, Bear's implement pouch still holds his original main spring vice tool, nipple wrench tool, small screw-on wiper for the ramrod and one dropped lead conical bullet. Pouch leather is not torn or ripped and has the latch tab strongly secured to the pouch outer flap. Ten percussion caps with the original paper container accompany the cartridge box.

Included also is the soldier's leather cap box in very good condition. Maker marked with "C.S. Storms / Maker N.Y." on the inner flap, the black bridle leather cap box is strong and tight with both belt loops intact. 'Ears' are missing, as well as the vent pick, but box contains the wool fleece, now separated from the sewn leather backing. Last but not least in this fantastic grouping is Henry Bear's Model 1858 tin, smoothside canteen in complete, superb condition. This oblate, spheroid container is covered with its original, brown, wool blanket material in fine condition with just a few tears and weak spots but cover does exhibit cloth separation at the bottom edge seams. Pewter spout and flange cover is unmarked and still has the original iron pull ring and cork stopper with its chain and a thin rope extension tied to it. Canteen retains it original linen carrying strap that has been rolled up into a two-inch roll and has acquired a mellow tan coloring with age but is not ripped, torn or fraying.

The blanket measures 6' 2 1/2" x 6". It is brown with dark endstripes. "U.S" is sewn at the center. 1"x1" section located near the "U.S." is heavily mothed, affecting the "U". The initials "H.C.R." are embroided in the edge of the blanket.

The sword belt measures 1.5" in width, and has some scuffing and wear, but all furniture is present. It includes the over the sholder pice. Has officer's rectangular plate, showing light patina. The belt is marked on the leather behind the plate in period ink, "Capt. H.C. Risdon Co. (?) 23rd Regt. N.J. Vols." The sword is a US Model 1850 staff and field officer's sword. The blade is of French manufacture, and is maker marked along the false edge. All etching is in good condition. The blade is bright with scattered age spotting. The sword has a shark skin grip with a wire wrap, in very good condition. The knucklebow is loose. Small letters "U.S" are worked into the counterguard. The scabbard is metal with overall patina.

The captain's bars are of the tie-on style with all ties present. Boards measures 4.25" x 1.5" & have a single border of heavy bullion thread. The inner and outer jaceron borders are of dead bullion. The fied is sky blue wool. The captain's rank devices are of heavy bullion thread outlined in dead bullion, all done on a dark blue underlay. The bullion is dark, otherwise the straps are in excellent condition.

Sash is wine colored and is made of woven silk. It measures 7'8" x 4'. One acorn is missing, and sash shows moderate wear.

The G.A.R. kepi has a small brass wreath on the front with false embroidred "26" in the center. Made of dark blue wool. The body has no mothing. Has G.A.R. side buttons with a gold cord chinstrap. The interior has a great condition sweatband and lining. Cap is size 7 1/8.

The flask measures 7.5" tall, and has a light brown leather covered top with a tip cup at bottom. Pewter twist cap reads, "Patent 9/5/66". A faded ink inscription on the leather portion of the flask reads, "Henry Risdon, Mount Holly, N.J." The leather cigar case measures 9"; written in ink on the case is "Henry G. Risodon, Mount Holly, N.J."

The final item is an oval albumen, the subject of which is said to be Risdon. 3/4 length seated view of an officer wearing a frock coat which is opened to expose a vest underneath. No backmark.

Henry G. Risdon was 29 years old when he was mustered in as a 1st Lt. in Co.C, 23rd NJ Vols. for 9 months on 8/26/62. On 12/26/62 he was promoted to Captain and transferred to Co. G to take the place of a Capt. Ridgeway, who had been killed at Fredericksburg. Risdon finished his service and mustered out at Beverly, NJ on 6/27/63. He was present during all the campaigns which the 23rd took part in.

In May 1863, he was one of eight African Americans appointed surgeon in the Union Army. He was temporarily assigned to the 54th Massachusetts at Camp Meigs in Readville, MA, and soon after was transferred to the 35th U.S. Colored Troops. While with the 35th, DeGrasse served in Beaufort, SC and Jacksonville, FL. While in Florda he was charged with three counts of "drunkenness on duty" and two counts of "conduct unbecoming an officer". He was convicted on all caounts and was cashiered from the Army on November 1, 1864; it is suspected that the charges were false. John V. DeGrasse died of tuberculosis on Nov. 25, 1868, and is buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY.

Items included in this collection are:

1. Beautiful Model 1840 Medical Staff Officer's sword by Ames Mfg. Co. It has the standard brass hilt with an eagle in a panel on the obverse. The reverse side is engraved "J.V.D. 1863". Excellent quality castings. "MS" in silver letters on the front. Blade has Ames markings, as well as beautiful etchings on a frosted background. There is a caduceus in the center of the blade on both sides, and "US Medical Staff" on obverse. The brass scabbard has fancy mounts and an equally fine drag. A very fine condition and quality sword.

2. Framed albumen photograph of DeGrasse in uniform as a 1st Lieutenant. Large format image measuring 10" x 12" in an oval decorative frame. The image was "touched up" by the photographer - a comman practice when images were enlarged. DeGrasse wears a frock coat, sword belt, and sash, and has his Medical Staff Officer's sword at his side. What appears to be his kepi rests on the table next to him.

3. Presentation silver plated tea service. Each item in the set is inscribed "Mrs. Joanna I. Howard From a Friend Oct. 27th 1858". Mrs. Howard was DeGrasse's sister-in-law. The service includes 3 teapots of varying sizes, an open bowl with a copper finish interior, a small creamer, and an urn-shaped vessel with a lid.

An impressive group of historical importance.

This grouping includes:

1. Saddle blanket meas. 4' x 2 ' 10". It has a yellow leather border with scattered cracks and some missing pieces; approx. 80 - 85% of the border remains. The inner border of thin bullion thread meas. 1' in width. The blue saddle blanket has Foster's initials in bullion in one corner, along with "M V M" for Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

2. The Model 1859 McClellan sallde has a pommel & cantel covered with brass. The seat is covered with leather which is decorated with a stitched design. Girth is leather and in good condition; skirt shows some scuffs. Stirrup hoods are dry but not brittle. The breast strap is of bridle leather with a yellow center.

3. Complete bridle with brass bit. Leather shows some wear but is still in very good condition.. Plain brass rosettes.

4. US mounted officer's sabre. Beautiful blade. Etching of panoply of flags with floral scroll design is clean and bright. Etched on ricasso is "W.H. Horstman & Sons Philadelphia". Shark skin grip & wire wrap in nearly perfect condition. "U.S." worked into design of counterguard. Engraved on counterguard is the sentiment "Bright and Beautiful". Metal scabbard with brass mountings.

5. Officer's sword belt made of soft brown leather, 1.75" in width. One sword hanger present, the other is missing. Standard rectangular officer's belt plate.

6. False boots measure 22" from top to bottom of leather stirrup. Open and laid flat, they measure 16" across at the widest point. Made of black bridle leather and lined with tarred canvas. Held closed by iron button on bottom, which slides into corresponding channel on opposite side. At the top is a brass bar that passes through a holed on the opposite side. Both boots have intact leather stirrups.

7. Section of blue silk flag with gold stars; measures 37" x 50". On a blue field are 24 hand painted gold stars. The stars along one edge have been cut out.

8. Blue silk swallow tail pennant measuring 30" x 16", hand painted in gold and outlined in black is "DIV 9" in 6.5" lettering. Excellent condition.

Maker mark: "S.H. Condict & Co." (on front flap). Made of black bridal leather, measuring 8" in height x 10" width x 3"in depth, with three outer flaps. Inner compartment contain 8 empty flare tins (4 on top, 4 on bottom), measuring 3.25" by 2.125" x 3". Flat slot leather pocket-8" x 4.5"-on outer side of the main compartment. Black leather shoulder strap sling - 2.5" in width - attached to bottom of box, crossing through loops in back of box, with 2-pronged brass frame buckle on one half, and two prong holes punched in the other. Box leather is near mint w/very slight wear everywhere but the interior slot strap which is cracking in its lower half. Sling straps exhibit light to medium with left sling cracking & displaying small tear at the back loop.

An extraordinary, one-of-a-kind US Signal Corps piece. From the Stamatelos collection.

The cartridge box & rig are accompanied by an old label: "Cartridge Belt, Picked from Gettysburg Pa Battlefield after the battle on the site of Pickett's famous charge July 3, 1863." The leather on belt & box are cracking, though not flaking, & are somewhat stiff. The belt has been broken in one place & become separated in the rear attachment & has been stapled unobtrusively in both places. The box latch tab is missing, but other than that, the box is complete w/all other attachments, buckles, finial & plate. Overall very good condition. The pocket New Testament (2.25"x3.75", 368 pp., black gilded glazed cloth, New York: American Bible Society, 1861) was obviously issed to each member of Winter's unit. The inner front & rear covers (which are separated) contain the following stencils: "CO. H 14VT" & Winters' initials "W.R.W." Spine chipped top & bottom. Interesting pieces from Stannard's Vermont Brigade. Military records included.

According to U.S. Ordnance records, Blakeslee called for his cartridge box to be constructed of 'the best oak-tanned leather, wood block to be of well-seasoned poplar, bored with ten longitudinal holes to hold ten tin tubes.' The wood block was wrapped in smooth black bridle leather with a hinged leather lid to protect the open tops of the tin tubes from the elements. A leather shoulder strap attached to the box held the device close to the trooper's left side. This arrangement allowed the soldier to reach across with his right hand, flip open the 'Quickloader' box lid, draw out a single magazine tube filled with seven cartridges and insert the bullets into the stock of the Spencer weapon.

This fine, 10-tube, cartridge box specimen measures 12½" high x 4" wide and is wonderfully complete except for the original shoulder strap, now missing. A 22½" long section of period leather belt with an attached brass hook was used as a replacement. The six-sided wooden block exhibits ten cylindrical holes, each 5/8" in diameter by 11" deep, arrayed in three horizontal rows. The top row holds three magazine tubes while the second row four, and the last row three tubes. When each tin tube was fully loaded with seven cartridges, the trooper had seventy rounds available in the box, not including the eight rounds in his loaded Spencer. Hence, he carried an awesome source of sustained firepower to the fight. The upper end of the wood block was wrapped with a metal band for strength and the box lid was secured by metal hinge riveted to the box backside. On this specimen, the lid hinge is tight and strong but the six-sided, leather lid shows a weak seam with broken stitching along the backside. Lid is missing its original, leather closure tab with only a ½" square piece still sewn and riveted to the front edge. The dark brown, almost black leather cover on the exterior is in very good condition, still tightly wrapped about the wood block and shows remarkably strong seam stitching overall with no seam separation. Just a few areas of crazing and scuffing are visible. Embossed on the front face of the box is the maker's stamp that reads "BLAKESLEE'S CARTRDIGE BOX / U.S. / Pat'd DEC 20, 1864 / E. GAYLORD / CHICOPEE / MASS." Leather surface is slightly pocked and scuffed at the left side of the stamping but letters are clearly discernable. Located on the front of the box above the stamp is the brass, pear-shaped finial that secured the lid closure tab. Stitched to the cartridge box leather exterior are two brass loops, one a "D" ring located a few inches below the lid and a rectangular loop located below the maker's stamping. The ring and loop served to hold and secure the shoulder strap worn over the left shoulder of the trooper.

The First Rhode Island Cavalry saw combat service all through the war. Initially it served in the cavalry of the AOP under General Stoneman; subsequently rode with Bayard's cavalry under Pope's Army of Virginia; later Averell's command in the AOP; and finally in the Army of the Shenandoah during the 1864 Valley Campaign. The regiment engaged the enemy at Front Royal, Cedar Mountain, Groveton, 2nd Bull Run, Montville, Fredericksburg, Kelley's Ford, Chancellorsville, Gettsyburg, Culpeper C.H., Rapidan Station, Sulphur Sprgs, Bristoe Station, Charlestown, Berryvillw, Summit Point, Opequan River, Winchester, Fishers Hill, Waynesboro, and duty in the Valley until June 22, 1865. Regiment mustered out in Baltimore, MD on August 3, 1865.

This specimen of carbine cartridge box is constructed of fine, black bridle leather and features a drilled wooden block (box) 7½" long x 1½" wide x 2" high. Block has a capacity to hold twenty paper or rimfire metallic cartridges and is wrapped in leather for an outer dimension of 8"x 2"x 3". The outer flap is in strong condition and measures 8 ¼" wide at the top, 8 ½" wide at the bottom, 6" deep and features a slightly scalloped front edge. Flap exhibits areas of minor flaking and does have some surface crazing overall. Sewn and riveted to the center edge of the main flap is a 1" wide x 4" long leather closure tab that is strong and supple. Inner flap is in fantastic condition with no wear or deterioration to the leather. All stitching appears strong with the end-pieces or 'ears' sewn to the inner flap, which carries a strong and sharp maker's mark of "HOOVER, CALHOUN & CO. / MAKERS / NEW YORK" in a large oval design.

Secured to the exterior surface of the flap is a handsome, oval, brass cartridge box plate with the letters "SNY" which has accumulated a pleasing mellow bronze patina overall. Original purpose of the plate was ornamental but its weight helped to keep the leather outer flap down, protecting the cartridges from the elements. Sewn to the bottom of the outer flap just beneath the brass plate is the latch tab in strong yet flexible condition, with no rips or tears.

At bottom of the cartridge box are two japanned metal rollers buckles used to attach the billets of the shoulder belt, not included. A round, brass 'pear shaped' finial is attached to the box bottom for the latch to slip over and secure the outer flap. Large leather 'ears' are sewn to each end of the leather inner flap to also protect the contents of the box. Marked clearly onto the inner leather flap is a strong maker's stamp that reads "SMITH BOURN & CO / MAKERS / HARTFORD / CONN."

A small bio on this Connecticut maker accompanied the box. An implement pocket of thin leather is sewn to the front of the box with a flap, strap and loop to hold the rifle musket tools issued with each firearm. On the back of the box near the top are two horizontal leather loops through which the shoulder belt passes. This pattern box had a number of improved characteristics from the older Pattern 1857 box, the most obvious change being the addition of No. 8 copper rivets used to secure the leather vertical belt loops to the back of this box. Cartridge box retains its complete and original set of both lower and upper tins. Each tin has one lower division open to the front able to contain one bundle of 10 paper cartridges. Each of the upper divisions accommodates six cartridges in one section and four in the other. Both tins exhibit a mottled, dark gray color with all edges turned over and soldered down to prevent them from slicing open the paper cartridges.

This original, fine condition, leather cartridge box with its highly sought after "SNY" plate and rare Connecticut maker is a accouterment specimen worthy of any advanced Civil War display or leather collection.

This example also retains both, original iron, japanned roller buckles that are sewn and riveted unto the bottom of box. All box stitching appears strong with the end-pieces, a.k.a. ears, sewn to the inner flap, not the outer flap. Inner flap is in fantastic condition with no wear or deterioration to the leather and features a strong impression of the maker's mark within a large oval stamped onto the surface and reads "E.A. Crossman Co. / Newark, NJ". The inner flap closes over a small tool implement pouch that is sewn to the front area of the box. Sewn and riveted to the backside of the carbine box are two 7/8" wide, vertical leather belt loops in strong, tight condition. Specimen also exhibits a 5½" long, horizontal leather loop sewn to the back of carbine box for use when attached to the trooper's cavalry carbine cross shoulder sling. The maker's tooling marks on the leather are visible on the end-pieces.

A fine representative example of a Civil War Federal carbine cartridge box with a seldom seen, maker's mark.

This prime unmarked specimen of a Sharp's pattern box is made of high quality, black bridle leather and measures 6 ½" long by 4" high by 2" deep. Leather exterior is strong yet pliable and has acquired a most pleasing, dark plum-colored patina overall. Cartridge box sides, back and bottom, as well as the leather inner implement pouch are all in truly mint condition with no cracks, crazing or flaking whatsoever. All leather stitching is strong and intact. The leather outer flap does not have a brass box plate (never designed for one) but exhibits a smooth, dark, unblemished surface. Sewn to each edge of the outer flap are small leather "ears" that help protect the paper cartridge packets within box. The center bottom edge of the flap has a leather latch tab sewn and riveted in place. A pear-shaped brass finial is also attached to the box bottom for the latch tab to slip over and secure the outer flap. An implement pouch of thin leather is sewn to the front of the box with a flap, strap, and loop tab to hold the carbine tools issued with each firearm.

Two vertical or upright leather loops are sewn and riveted to the box backside for the waist belt to pass through. Original to the cartridge box is the open metal tin, now a mottled, dark gray color, which held the boxed packets of Sharps .52 caliber paper cartridges.

Original Sharps pattern carbine cartridge boxes are seldom seen on the collecting market today.

Buckle measures 40 x 71mm. Die struck rolled brass face with lead filled back stamped "J. I. PITTMAN" . Buff leather belt meas. 1 3/8" wide with belt loop sewn to one end. Stamped in ink on inside with Pittman's stamp. There is a loss of some of the lettering. Soldier's name "J.L. Fisk" written on the interior side also. A great addition to any accoutrement collection.

Original and complete Model 1855 riflemen's belts in choice condition are scarce today and this example is one of the finest specimens available to the collecting fraternity today.

A truly outstanding example of an untouched Federal issue, leather carbine sling carried by the Union cavalry in the war. This unmarked cavalry accouterment, made of black bridle leather, is 2 1/2" wide and approximately 55" long. Leather is in superb condition, strong yet supple, with much of its original finish intact and has just a hint of light surface crazing in spots. The handsome specimen is complete with its original two-prong, 3 1/4" x 2" brass frame buckle and bat wing sling tip, both of which retain a warm, mellow golden patina overall. The attached, three piece iron swivel buckle is strong and in shiny bright condition, with just a few small areas of surface tarnish or discoloration. Inside of buckle is machined stamped in clear letters with "O.B. North & Co / NEW HAVEN, Ct." An impressive Civil War carbine sling in superb condition. This is one of the very best.

This very rare and finely machined piece of tooling comes in a precision crafted black walnut toolbox. All the joints are dovetailed. It measures 59 inches long and 7 inches in width. Three brass hinges attach the top. The height is 4 ½ inches when the lid is closed. Areas where the gauge makes contact with the wood are covered in burgundy velvet as well as the tray that holds the measuring points. It has a 3-inch by 2 5/8-inch bronze plate inlayed into the center of the lid. It is engraved: " U.S. / FRANKFORD ARSENAL / 1863 / STAR GAUGE". The gauge itself also has the same Frankford Arsenal markings and date on the brass handle. The gauge consists of one section with the head attached and numbered 13 to 42, two extension tubes, one numbered from 83 to 122 and one 43 to 82 and the rest which is assembled from two pieces. The rest is shaped in the form of a T and made of 5/8-inch steel bar with three adjustable slides made of brass. It has settings that are engraved; 6 Pdr., 3.8 In., 9 Pdr., 4.5 In., 12 Pd.r, 18 Pdr., 24 Pdr., 32 Pdr., 42 Pdr., 8 In., 10 In. and 13 In. The function of the rest is to keep the instrument in the axis of the piece. The sliders can be adjusted on all three limbs to suit any sized bore. Stored in a burgundy velvet-lined box are 32 measuring points and a triangular tool that is used to tighten the measuring points to the head. Even though all compartments seem filled and if four of each size were always with the gauge, it appears that two for a 32 P, one of the 8 in and one of the 6 P are missing.

According to THE ARTILLERIST'S MANUAL by Brig-Gen. JOHN GIBBON, U.S.Vol, and first published in 1860, on page 68 he describes the way a star gauge is used. Gibbon says, "STAR GAUGE, Fig 40 and 41, PL. 11. - To ascertain this, (He is referring to the size of the bore) a more complicated and delicate instrument is used, called the star gauge from the shape of its head, which is of brass, with four steel sockets, two movable and two stationary, for the measuring points. There are four measuring points for each calibre; and when two of these are screwed into the fixed socket, the distance between their points is equal to the true diameter of the bore. The movable sockets rest against the inclined sides of a slider or wedge whose sides incline 0.35 in. in a length of 2.2 inches, so that by pushing the slider the 35th part of this distance (about0.06 in.) the distance between the two sockets or the measuring points, if screwed into their place, is increased .01 in. The slider is fastened to a square steel rod consisting of three parts, which are screwed together according to the length of the bore to be measured. This rod passes through a brass tube, which is also made in three parts, and to screw together. This tube is graduated into inches and quarter inches, commencing at the plane of the measuring points, so as to indicate the distance of these from the muzzle of the gun. The handle, Fig.41, Pl.10 is of wood, attached to a brass cylinder or socket through which the rod Passes into the handle. The socket of the handle slips over the end of the brass tube made smaller for the purpose, and has a slit in it allowing the brass tube to be seen through. On The side of this slit a scale constructed, to indicate the movement of the measuring points. Each joint of the long tube has a mark on it, to show the position for the zero of the scale when the instrument is properly adjusted for any particular calibre. In this position the handle is fixed to the sliding rod by means of a screw clamp. A REST, Figure 42, PL11, in the form of a T, is placed in the mouth of the gun to keep the instrument in the axis of the piece. It has three sliders, which can be adjusted on the different limbs, to suite any size bore. Commencing at the muzzle, the diameter of the bore is measured at intervals of a calibre, as far as the trunnions. From that point to the seat of the shot, a diameter is measured at every inch, and for every quarter of an inch, for the rest of the bore. No variations over 0.03 of an inch are allowed.

Also with the star gauge is a Trunion Rule. Gibbons describes it on page 70 as THE TRUNNION RULE, Fig. 46, PL. 12 is a long graduated rule, having on it a piece of metal in the shape of an L, one leg of which rests on top of the trunnion, while the other rests against its side, and the distance of the trunnion from the base-ring is read off from the staff. This measuring tool is also in a walnut tool case 47 inches by 7 inches wide. The height when closed is 2 ¾ inches. The area where the L section is stored is covered with black velvet cloth. It also has a 3-inch by 2 5/8-inch bronze plate inlayed into the center of the lid. It is engraved: "U.S. / FRANKFORD ARSENAL / 1859 / TRUNNION RULE".

The L shaped piece is marked Guns on one side and Howitzers and Mortars on the other. The Howitzers and mortars side has markings that read; 12 Pdr. H., 24 Pd. H., 32 Pdr. H., 8 In S.H., 8In M, 8 In S.C.H., 10 S.C.H. & M., 10 S.C M and 13 In S.C.M. The gun side has markings for 6 Pdr, 12 Pdr 1857, 12 Pdr, 18 Pdr, 24 Pdr, 32 Pdr, 42 Pdr, 8 INCH COL and 10 inch COL. The shaft is marked in increments of 1/10 of an inch and starts at 15 and continues to 42. It is also stamped in script U.S. and Frankford Arsenal, 1859 on the other side.

This is not only a very rare artillery related item it is also a superb example of the machining capabilities in the United States during the Civil War. This may also be the only example of these fine precision tools that has survived.

From the John Plank Geiselman museum collection. This complete Federal 3" Schenkl percussion shell is in fine relic condition and was recovered shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg in the Valley of Death between Devil's Den and Little Round Top. Specimen measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and retains its original Schenkl brass percussion fuse complete with the anvil cap. Made to fire from a 3" ordnance rifle, the Federals used this caliber shell more than any other Schenkl pattern. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the tapered cone, a.k.a. the tail. This common shell has a bursting charge cavity that dos not contain any case-shot. Never cleaned. Light rust pitting with some surface dirt only. Bears a pleasing mottled, brown patina overall. This Schenkl shell, recovered from the bloody Valley of Death in Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.

This is a very rare 24-pounder side loader case shot shell with a Confederate Time Fuze adapter fuse still intact. Lightly pitted, the shell measures 5.68 inches in diameter and weighs 19 ½ pound. Norbert Ollier found in relic condition in Gettysburg at the High Water Mark. Confederate 24-pounders were usually used for river and harbor defenses but Moody's Battery (Alexander's Battalion) used them at Gettysburg. Moody's Madison Louisiana Battery arrived at Gettysburg late around 4 PM on July 2, 1863 where they took a position just west of the Peach Orchard. This battery took part in the cannonade just prior to Longstreet's assault on July 3rd. This shell most likely resulted from that attack. The lead side-loading plug used to load the iron case-shot shells shows very distinctly; this plug identifies it as Confederate. The Confederate Ordnance Department produced the brass time fuse; it has a head diameter of approximately 1.25 inches and has a flat flanged head with two spanner holes. This type fuse was widely used in the Confederacy and most often found where the Army of Northern Virginia fought. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

Here is a very nice Confederate 4.52-inch solid spherical shot from the John Plank Geiselman museum collection. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on Sedgwick Avenue; its provenance is from the Hummelbaugh Collection. Very lightly pitted, it weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun; this shell appears to not have been fired. The mold seam, which distinguishing it as Confederate, is very distinct on this shell. There is a small indentation at one end of the shell. This shell comes with a rare old wooden museum base from the Danner Museum. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing.

This Federal 12-pound smoothbore shell fragment specimen is in fine original condition. A very common explosive shell used in the Civil War, artifact bears a trace of a mold seam, a slight coating of surface rust and an old painted Danner inventory number (34). Measures 3.75" across at the widest point. Never cleaned. The 12 pound shell fragment is from the Danner Museum Collection in Gettysburg and from John Geiselman's collection.

Here is a prized, unfired, defused Civil War Confederate 3" field artillery projectile commonly referred to as a Read pattern shell. The cylindrical shaped piece measures 7½" high and has a base diameter of 2.96". Constructed of cast iron, this specimen features a pointed nose or ogive, two bourrelets (raised rings) and a copper ring sabot. The projectile is in excellent, strong condition with no cracks or chips and has been cleaned and coated with a shellac-like coating that has turned a pleasing chocolate brown color. This shell is missing its copper time fuse plug.

Produced at the Selma Arsenal in Alabama during the war, this Read shell weighs approximately eight pounds and retains an intact, ½" wide copper ring sabot (cup) base embedded in the iron body of the shell. Typical of rifled Confederate Read projectiles, this shell has the classic twin bourrelets on the exterior case. Bourrelets, a French term indicating raised rings, were utilized as bearing surfaces when the shell was fitted into the bore of the cannon. The bourrelets also served to save time and minimize tooling costs at the arsenal since the lather operators machined only these rings to tolerance and not the entire shell body. This pattern of Read shell was designed to be fired from the Confederate 3" wrought iron rifle (ordnance rifle). Distinctly visible at the base of the shell is the prominent expansion and lubrication groove between the sabot and the iron body, often called the "Read safety groove". This groove was developed by projectile inventor Dr. John B. Read to allow the sabot some room for forward displacement during expansion when shell was fired.

This shell is one of the nicest CS "Read" projectile specimens available in some time.

Very few Confederate 24-pounder case-shots have been noted with "side loader" plugs. This is one of seven known to exist. The CS copper adaptor paper time fuse is missing. The lead case-shot balls are visible. The projectile comes with a CS paper time adaptor which sits in the opening. The lead side loader is in excellent condition. Light pitting over entire body. Rec. near Fort Harrison, VA.

This cloth banner is a large, identified, 1890's era, United Confederate Veterans flag based on the design of the Flag of the Confederate States of America, or more commonly called the Second National Confederate Flag.

Our UCV flag, in fine condition, is an example made of a thin, cotton / muslin material and is identified with the surname of Lieutenant William J. Knicheloe, Regimental Adjutant of the 49th Virginia Infantry. Complete and in very good condition, the flag measures 46" on its hoist by 68" on its fly. The flag heading is constructed with a single piece of white linen canvas approximately 46" high by 5" wide that has been doubled over on itself and sewn along the leading edge to form a sleeve 2½" wide. Canton at the upper left quarter of this banner measures 24" on the hoist by 35" on the fly and bears the St. Andrews Cross of Scotland painted upon both sides of flag. Canton, also referred to as the union, features two, 5" wide, diagonal, intersecting bars of blue with thirteen, five-pointed white stars painted upon each bar. Each star measures 3½" across their points and all stars are evenly spaced upon the bars with one star centered at the bar intersection. Both canton bars are edged with a ½" white painted border. The colors are distinct and rich but the red is somewhat faded, while the blue and white painted areas are strong. The white field overall has turned a mellow off-white and retains a number of stains and has scattered light soiling. The fly vertical edge of this banner is slightly frayed and the field features scattered moth nips, punctures, and weak spots. Field also has two torn areas; one is a 2" rip at the bottom right edge of the canton and the other is a 3" rip at the upper right corner of the field. Can be restored easily.

The UCV flag is identified at the lower portion of the heading with prominent 1¾" high numbers and letters that read "49 va" in black ink that is now somewhat faded. At the upper portion of the heading, 8" down from the top edge, is the faint ID handwritten signature of "Kincheloe" with what appears to be pencil or ink. On the lower bottom edge of the canton is the remnant of a modern, white tag that is glued to the banner. Additional markings or letters that are indiscernible appear along the length of the heading edge fold. William J. Kincheloe was a twenty-eight year old lawyer and a native of Fauquier County, Virginia when he enlisted in Co. H, 49th Virginia Infantry at Warrenton, VA on May 28, 1861. He mustered in as a second lieutenant at Charlottesville on June 11, 1861. The 49th regiment was part of Pegrams Brigade, Early's Division, Ewell's Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. Kincheloe was promoted to Adjutant of the regiment in January 1862 and served in that position during the war. He was wounded in the thigh at the Second Battle of Manassas on August 29, 1862. Upon recovery of his wound, Kincheloe rejoined his unit and was made Judge Advocate of General Jubal Early's Corps in January 1864.

Full military records of William Kincheloe from the National Archives accompany the UCV flag. Included therein is General Robert E. Lee's endorsement and signature for Kincheloe's appointment. Here is a rare opportunity to acquire an original and intact United Confederate Veterans flag at a reasonable price, together with the worthy provenance of the Southern veteran who was an integral part of the flag history.

General Orders No. 53 (Army of the Potomac) of May 12, 1863 established the form and colors of division & brigade. Brigade flags were ordered to be triangular (about 4 1/2' x 6' with the same color system as the division they were part of; see Todd's Militiary Equipage, page 321). The red 4 1/2" border represents the 3rd Brigade, while the white field with a blue badge represents 3rd Division, and the diamond shaped badge represents the 3rd Corps.

The 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Corps of the Army of the Potomac was organized in March 1862, and it participated in the battles of 2nd Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, after which it was disbanded and its brigades were placed in the other divisions of the corps. It was not reformed until July 10, 1863, and therefore missed the battle of Gettysburg. It was commanded by C.S. Hamiltion, Phil Kearny, A.W. Whipple, C.K. Graham, W.L. Elliot, and J.B. Carr.

The flag is regulation size, constructed of course linen. It shows signs of heavy use, including various small holes and tears, a repair in the blue corps symbol; the tip of the swallowtail is missing. As per regulations, the flag is constructed with a cord sewn in to the white cotton border on the staff edge.

Presented to the regiment in May 1863 by the Ladies of Danville, Pennsylvania. The blue silk flag measures 72" x 72", and originally had gold silk trim around three of its sides, if which only traces remain today. At one time the flag had an eagle painted at its center, which is now missing. Battle honors with dates in gold paint as follows: Williamsport, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania C.H., Fisher Hill, Petersburg, Fair Oaks, Antietam, Maryes Heights, Wilderness, Winchester, Cedar Creek & Lee's Surrender.

The flag is in poor condition, with the center section being removed possibly in the late 19th century. This flag is pictured in the lower right corner of page 319 in the book Advance the Colors, Vol. II by Rick Sauers. The photo is misidentified in the book, an clearly shows the center shredding C1880's-90's, with about half of the remaining silk shredded. The flag has never been off of it's walnut staff, which measures 115" with a brass spear point on top. Attached to the flag is a brass plaque measuring 3 1/2" x 1 1/4", upon which is engraved, "Presented by the Ladies of Danville Pa to the 93rd P.V.V. 1865."

Accompanying the flag is the original blue and white silk tassels, which are in surprisingly good condition.

The 13th PA Volunteers mustered in at Harrisburg on April 25, 1861, and served in York, Chambersburg, Greencastle and Williamsport, PA. The drum came from Bedford County, which is where Co. G of the regiment was recruited. The regiment also escorted Rhode Island Battery to Martinsburg, VA, and after service at Harper's Ferry returned to Harrisburg, mustering out on August 6, 1861.

The drum measures 2' in height, and the drumhead is 2' in diameter. Dark varnished shell with faded original spread eagle (16" in width, 10" in height) over "peep" hole. 10 hoop eyelets. No makers mark. Original shell, hoops, & ears-head & ropes date from the 1880s.

1. Ezra T. Sprague. Enlisted 9/30/61 as Adjutant, served in 8th WI until promoted to Colonel 7/29/64 & transferred to 42nd WI.

2. Charles E. Bowles. Enlisted 8/15/62 as Corp., 22nd WI. Wounded Dallas, GA 5/26/64. Promoted to 2nd Lt. 7/29/64, transferred to 42nd WI. M/O 6/20/65.

3. W. Wallace Botkin. Enlisted 9/9/61 as 2nd Lt., 12th WI. Promoted 1st Lt. 5/11/62, Capt. 3/10/63; Lt. Col. 7/29/64 & transferred to 42nd WI.

4. Ransom J. Chase. Enlisted 12/18/61 as Corp. in 18th WI. Promoted 1st Sgt; 2nd Lt. 8/18/62. Resigned 1/23/63. Enlisted 9/3/64 as Capt. 42nd WI. M/O 6/20/65.

5. Andrew Jackson. Uncertain as to identification. There are two individuals with this name who served in Wisconsin units.

6. William H. Howes. Enlisted 5/10/61 as Corp. in 6th WI. On 3/7/63 promoted to Sgt. & 1st Lt., transferred to 30th WI. On 7/29/64 promoted to adjutant, transferred to 42nd WI.

7. John H. Barnett. Enlisted 9/8/64 as Captain, 42nd WI. Mustered out 6/20/65.

8. Acors S. Porter. Enlisted 9/12/64 as Captain, 42nd WI. Mustered out 6/20/65.

9. George T. Moore. Enlisted 8/30/64 as Pvt. in 42nd WI. Mustered out 6/20/65.

10. John W. Blake. Enlisted 5/6/61 as Sgt., 4th WI Cavalry. On 9/22/62 promoted to 1st Lt., transferred to 29th WI. Promoted: 5/29/63, Adjutant; 9/1/63, Captain. On 7/29/64 promoted to Major & transferred to 42nd WI.

11. Ezzan H. Benson. Enlisted 9/2/64 as Pvt. in 42nd WI. Promoted Capt. 9/9/64. Mustered out 6/20/65.

12. William J. Brown. Enlisted 8/22/64, Pvt, 42nd WI. Promoted 1st Lt. 9/12/64. Mustered out 6/20/65.

13. Marshall C. Nichols. Enlisted 9/12/64 as Capt., 42nd WI. Mustered out 6/20/65.

14. Charles J. Hubbell. Enlisted 4/21/61 as Pvt., 2nd WI. Transferred to 1st WI Heavy Artillery, 12/8/61. On 7/29/64 promoted to 2nd Lt. & transferred to 42nd WI.

15. Cassius M. Bush. Enlisted 3/31/62 as Pvt., 19th WI. On 7/29/64 promoted to 2nd Lt. & transferred to 42nd WI.

16. Robert Steele. Enlisted 9/7/64 as 1st Lt., 42nd WI. Mustered out 6/20/65.

17. George M. Humphrey. Enlisted 4/21/61 as Pvt., 2nd WI. Wounded 1st Bull Run, 7/21/61. Promoted 2nd Lt. 6/11/62, 1st Lt. 8/29/62. Mustered out 6/29/64.

The title of the image is given only as "Incidents of War". "A. Gardner, Photographer", "Washingon." is printed just below the image on the mount. Very light period pencil ID reads "Master Flint with his favorite horse "Bunny" ." The bearded flint wears a four-button sacket coat with sky blue trousers & kepi. HIs beautiful horse is saddled and ready to be ridden.

Edward A. Flint was a 30 year old resident of Boston when he enlisted on 11/14/62 as a 2nd Lieutenant. On that date he was mustered into Co. C, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. Promoted to 1st Lt. 3/21/63, Captain on 2/16/64. The Official Records indicate that from April 1864 through April 1865, he was in command of Companies C & D of the 1st Mass Cav. while serving in Meade's Provost Guard. Gen. Marsena Patrick. On 4/9/65, he was brevetted Major, Lt. Colonel & Colonel. Mustered out on 6/29/65.

We have a pair of fantastic ambrotype images in super condition, each depicting an unidentified Confederate soldier from the 3rd Regiment, Mississippi Infantry, that is referred to as the "Sunflower Dispersers". Each image is a very fine, ninth-plate size Civil War ambrotype housed in its own ornate, gutta percha full case.

One ambro depicts a ¾ view image of a seated and armed young soldier outfitted in a uniquely designed gray shell jacket uniform with a gray kepi atop his head. Prominently displayed on his uniform is a wide band of black trim sewn at the collar, at the cuffs, down the center opening, and on both shoulders with large gold buttons evident. The most distinguishing feature of his uniform is a very large 'sunflower' or sunburst insignia sewn to the upper chest portion of the shell jacket. Ambrotype is framed with an ornate, oval brass mat with a brass border protector and glass, all in super condition. Image sits in its original, ornate, gutta percha full case that is finely detailed, still strong and tight with no repairs and has a wonderful, deep purple, padded lining on the inner cover of the case.

The second ambrotype depicts a waist view image of a seated but unarmed young soldier outfitted in the same, uniquely designed gray uniform with a gray kepi on his head. This boy's headgear exhibits a large letter "W" centered at the kepi's front face. Also displayed on his uniform is the wide band of black trim sewn at the collar, at the cuffs, down the center opening, and on both his shoulders with large gold buttons evident. The most distinguishing feature of his uniform is the very same, large 'sunflower' or sunburst device sewn to the upper chest portion of the shell jacket. This ambrotype is framed with a rectangular brass mat, a brass border protector and glass, all in very fine condition. Image sits in its original, finely detailed, gutta percha full case that is in wonderful condition with no repairs. A pleasing looking, deep purple, embossed lining resides on the inner cover of the case.

This very distinguished, but odd insignia worn on the uniforms of these two soldiers could represent the company of men from Sunflower County in the northwest corner of Mississippi and organized by Captain William H. Morgan early in the war. The ambrotype images come with a copy of "To Live and Die in Dixie", the history of the Third Regiment, Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, CSA. If one seeks high quality Confederate images, this pair of beautifully cased, ninth-plate ambrotypes is an exquisitely fine collectible that would enhance any Confederate display or Civil War photo collection.

A waist length image which, while not an outstanding quality image, is rich in historical significance. Image is a full case which is in very good condition, showing little wear. Brass mat & protector also in good condition. The glass ambrotype image has areas which are bare and allow the black paper backing to show through, but you can still see this young man's face and eyes very well.

John Allen of Rochester, NY attempted to enlist in the 108th New York, but was not mustered in when his true age was revealed as just 16, instead of the 18 years he claimed. He tried again on 8/22/62, again disguising his age. He succeeded in being mustered in to Co. C of the 140th New York Infantry on 9/13/62, even though his superiors had once again discovered his true age. Allen convinced them to allow him to see just one battle before sending him home. Company muster roll sheets show that he was present with the regiment until his death, which occured during the fighting on Little Round Top, late in the afternoon of July 2, 1863. He is buried in Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg, in grave B-132 in the New York State plot. His mother, who never recovered from the loss of her son, filed for a pension on 8/20/66. Every evening until her death in 1919, she asked her two daughters to read John's letters aloud to her.

With the image is a copy of Allen's military records, and also a bound copy of an article entitled "The Supreme Event in its Existence - The Defense of Little Round Top by the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863" written by Brian Bennett of the 140th NY Living History Organization. This article, which has been published in Gettysburg magazine, contains a mention of the death of John Allen, as well as this image. Also included are handwritten research notes by the individual who received the image from Allen's half niece, and a photograph of Allen's relative.

An outstanding image worthy of any Civil War collection!

Here is a wonderful, very nice condition 6th plate size image on glass of Caleb E. May, a young Confederate who served North Carolina in the Civil War. May, a twenty-six year old laborer resided in Burlington, Alamance County, North Carolina, when he enlisted in Company E, 13th NC Infantry on May 8, 1861. The regiment formed at the Company Shops Repair Depot at Burlington, NC. May served with the 13TH NC regiment until the Battle of Gettysburg, PA in July 1863 when he was wounded in action and taken prisoner. The 13th was part of B/G Alfred Scales Brigade, M/G William Pender's Division, 3rd Corps, ANV. After the battle, May was transported to Davis Island in New York Harbor and hospitalized there until late August 1863 when he was exchanged. Caleb May rejoined his regiment in January 1864 and was present and accounted for at Appomattox, VA on April 9, 1865 when he was paroled at the CourtHouse.

The sixth plate size ambrotype of Caleb May is quite clear and sharp. Image depicts a waist high view of a seated, young man (boy) looking directly at the camera. May wears what appears to be an unbuttoned, homespun jean shell jacket over a light colored shirt. His look depicts an air of innocence and his cheeks and lips are ever so slightly tinted red. The young Confederate's dark colored hair is neatly parted with the rest combed over and the ends standing straight out and up on that side and he sports a dark, neat bow tie around his neck. There are three dark blemishes on the ambrotype glass over May's left shoulder but they do not detract at all from the fine image. Original, outer protective glass is in fine condition with no cracks, chips or breaks but just a few tiny scuffs. This fine Confederate image is housed in an original, full, pressed paper case that has long ago separated into two case sections at the hinge. One half-case section that holds the ambrotype has a portion of the wooden frame completely separated from the frame. The red (now faded pink) case border edging is still attached to the detached wood. Ambrotype retains its original and very ornate brass mat and brass edge protector. Both of these components wear a mellow patina but also display scattered spots of light and dark discoloration. Exterior of paper covered wooden case is in very good condition but the backside of case is scuffed and is missing a 2½" long by ½" wide portion of the veneer paper covering that exposes the bare wood. Case does retain the small brass clasp and hook. A small, typed paper note accompanies the image of May and gives a brief bio and history of the soldier. Included in the note is the statement that this photo was purchased from the May family in Burlington, NC, no date given. Records on May have not been obtained from the National Archives as yet but the previous note does make reference to pg. 133, N.C. Troops, Co E, 13th NC 1861-1865, Vol. V; Louis H. Manarin, State Division of Archives 1990.

One case w/ single tin type image & mat, another case w/double ambrotype image & double mat. The single case features a frontal waist-up image of a slender, young male, goateed & moustachioed, dressed in what appears to be a gray militia coat w/open brass buttoned-vest & w/cravat. Gold tint has been applied to vest & coat buttons. Moderately clear image w/slight, barely noticeable whitish spot over the subject's mustache on his right cheek. Brass mat lightly tarnished in the upper right corner & weak at the bottom. Gutta percha exhibits light wear overall & has a circular spot of moderate wear [.5" in dia.] in the lower rear right corner. Hinge good. Within case is a piece of note paper, 1.5" x 3", w/following penciled writing: "PA 61, 62, 63, 78, 85, 149, 150……..Mansfield 2nd USSS…Morgan/James Rifle."

The double cased ambrotypes feature the same subject, looking slightly older, without moustache and goatee, in two uniformed poses. In the left image the bareheaded subject is seated w/left elbow on adjacent table, holding across his body what appears to be (from the configuration of lock plate and hammer) an 1863 Springfield rifle musket. He is dressed in dark colored nine button frock coat w/piping and brass epaulettes, wearing kersey blue trousers w/ brass buckled belt. This image is somewhat hazy and two tiny, whitish bubbles straddle the gun barrel extending in front of his left shoulder. In the rightward image, the subject wears the same uniform and poses standing at attention with the same musket in a left shoulder arms position. He dons a kepi and stands on floral patterned rug against a light colored curtain backdrop. Gold tint has again been applied to belt, button, epaulette & kepi buckle brass. Despite usual surface dust, the right image is relatively clear [slightly clearer than left image] w/one tiny white dot on the left cheek. Brass mat in left case good and bright, right case mat lightly tarnished on right edge. Gutta percha case exhibits medium wear at the extremities w/one 1" chipped spot on the front upper left corner. Weakening hinge, frayed upper interior.

A resident of Fayston, VT, Myron Mansfield enlisted as a private and was mustered into "H" Co., 2nd US Sharpshooters 12/2/1863. He is listed as being captured at the Siege of Petersburg 6/22/1864, and dying while a POW at Rikersville, SC, 10/27/1864. His unit, the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters was one of two regiments of elite marksmen recruited early in the war. It served with the I, III, and II Corps and performed well in a number of engagements, and especially at Gettysburg. These two Sharpshooter regiments claimed to have inflicted more casualties on the Confederates than any other unit of comparable size. They lost 1,008 of their 2,570 men killed or wounded during the war, including Pvt. Myron Mansfield.

Three good images of an identified Sharpshooter who died in the line of duty. Military documentation included.

Identified image of a Confederate soldier, seated 2/3 length view. He holds a huge, bone handled bowie knife. Somewhat dark in contrast but otherwise in very good fine condition. Full leatherette case, also very fine with just a few areas of wear. Excelletn full brass mat and protector. Pencil ID in bottom of case, "William / A Stinnet / Likeness / E Liychett[?]". There is also a lock of hair behind the image which may belong to his wife or mother.

William A. Stinnett enlisted at age 21 as a Private on 7/25/61. He was mustered into into Capt. E.T. Walker's Co. (Walker's Guards) on 9/30/61 for 12 months. Listed as absent sick in October, November, & December 1861. Promoted to 2nd Corporal 2/1/63. Present through the spring of 1863; wounded at Fredericksburg on 5/4/63. Appears on register of General Hospital No. 9 in Richmond again in May 1864 - wounded on 5/30/64 at Bethesda church, VA. . Listed as present with regiment from July 1863 through Feb. 1865. Again listed on hospital register in March 1865.

Accompanied by military records.

Three of the most sought after categories of Civil War images, i.e. cavalry, weapons and outdoor scenes, come together in this rare and pleasing, full-cased tintype of an identified Union horse soldier sitting his mount. A period ID is handwritten in pencil on the inside of a super fine, gutta-percha 'Union' case that houses the tintype.

The picture captures a very detailed, outdoor scene that shows twenty-three year old trooper John T. Ellis in the saddle atop his horse and wearing the wartime uniform of a Federal cavalryman. Cursory research has revealed that there was one John T. Ellis from Fayette County, Indiana, who enlisted in Co. L, 2nd ID Cavalry in September 1861 and was discharged in October 1862. Definitive linkage between the inscription and the image has not been established.

Clearly visible to the viewer is the cavalryman's dark kepi, dark shell jacket, light colored trousers, along with his Model 1840's cavalry saber hung on his left side, referred to as the 'near side' of the horse. Also visible is his leather carbine shoulder sling that is connected to what appears to be a Burnside carbine. Trooper wears a pair of white gauntlets and holds his carbine in his right hand with muzzle pointed up and the butt resting on his McClellan saddle. The horseman sits comfortably in the saddle with his legs unbent and his boots or bootees inserted into the dark leather hooded stirrups with his heels pointed down. Saddle blanket and his regulation army saddlebags are visible. The cavalry horse holds his head high and appears to be at least 15 to 16 hands high. The animal sports a full, light-colored mane and tail so often seen on the palomino breed which is unusual because as a rule, the Federal Cavalry Corps did not procure palomino horses as cavalry mounts. The animal shown could be the soldier's own private horse, with this image taken early in the war. The view shows the mounted cavalryman on a broad level plain that leads to a densely wooded area in the background behind him.

The very fine, gutta-percha case is in excellent condition and has an exterior that is embossed and highly detailed with ornate, decorative scroll work designs on both front and back. The 'Union" case exhibits a dark chocolate brown color and has collected a whitish substance in some of the tiny recesses of the extruded design which can be easily cleaned. Printed on the inside of the case is the maker's stamp " Littlefield, Parsons & Co., / manufacturers of / Daguerreotype Cases. / L.P.& Co are the sole /proprietors and only legal Manufacturers of UNION CASES, with the Embracing Riveted Hinge. / Handwritten in pencil above the stamp is a period inscription that reads, "John T Ellis / Taken When 23 years old." With this identification, the grouping begs for further historical research.

This is a fantastic, full-cased tintype that features a wonderfully sharp and clear image of a Federal Ordnance Sergeant. Image is slightly larger than a 1/8 plate, measuring 2 ½" x 3 ¾".

The veteran NCO is seated at a small table and wears his uniform of a dark blue Union frock coat adorned with the distinct, brass buttons of the Ordnance branch, over a sky-blue vest accompanied with dark blue trousers. The soldier's rank is clearly indicated by three chevrons of silk worsted binding ½" wide with a large silk star sewn above the elbow on both sleeves of his uniform coat. The sergeant is a professional soldier who served continuously for more than thirty years in the military as indicated by the six, diagonal, half-chevrons sewn to both his sleeves. In addition, the artilleryman has a 1/8" wide stripe on each side of the chevrons that indicated wartime service. All NCOs, musicians and privates who served faithfully for a term of five years wore a single, diagonal, half chevron, ½" wide that extended from seam to seam with the front end nearest the cuff. For every subsequent five-year term of service, the soldier was allowed to add a half-chevron above and parallel to the first. This seated, unidentified Ordnance NCO exhibits six such marks of distinction for service. He looks out at the camera and his eyes project a hard, but almost melancholy expression as one soldier who has 'seen the elephant'. The NCO has a large forehead that is balanced with a dark, full chin beard. On the table at his side rests his left elbow as well as his chasseur-type kepi.

The tintype image is in excellent condition, being clean, clear and highly detailed. It has just one tiny scratch mark to the upper, right most corner but it does not detract at all from this super image. On the backside of the tintype is affixed a green, two-cent Internal Revenue stamp that is hand-canceled in black ink and dated 1864. Hard image comes enclosed in an ornate brass mat and brass protector, covered with glass and all set in a full, but broken case of pressed, embossed paper. The two separate sections of the case, broken at the hinge, are in very good condition with just very minor spots of scuffing and wear to the surface. Inside of the case lid is covered with a highly ornate design of red (now faded) velvet material in fine condition. Glass exhibits scattered areas of scuffing and scratching overall but no breaks or cracks. Both small, brass hook clasps are retained on the image case.

This wonderful specimen of a fully cased tintype depicts a veteran ordnance NCO in superbly uniformed attire and is in beautiful condition. A fine addition to any Civil War photo collection or U.S. Ordnance display.

This fine, original 1/6 plate size, tintype image depicts a never before seen pose of a seated, Federal non-commissioned soldier with his wife (or friend) seated upon his lap with his arms wrapped around her. The handsome, mustachioed soldier wears his regulation frock coat with the chevrons of a sergeant plainly visible on his right sleeve and has his forage cap resting on a side table beside him. Seated on his lap is a pretty and finely dressed female companion who wears a dark dress, white gloves and a fine bonnet on her head tied at her chin with a large bow ribbon. Cheeks of both people are slightly tinted. Image is a bit dark but is sharp and clear. Edges of the tintype have slight areas of discoloration but do not take away from the image. The tintype is secured to the glass with thin strips of modern tape. Half case is of thermoplastic manufacture and is in good condition with areas of surface scuffing and wears along the outer edges and backside. Has one small, brass, ¼" diameter hanging ring at top of case but does not seem to ever had hinges or a clasp indicating a full case.

In all our years of dealing with Civil War artifacts, we have never seen another similar image striking this most unusual pose.

Outstandingly clear image of Corporal Swisher seated holding his sword on his lap. Image is ¾ seated view and shows Swisher wearing his forage cap with oilcloth rain cover, artillery frock coat with collar turned down. Collar, cuffs and Corporal stripes are tinted red. He has his hands folded on his lap and has his sword belt wrapped around his hands so his belt plate can be seen. Resting on top of his hands is a non-regulation artillery saber. The knucklebow and counterguard of the sword are gilded, as is the belt plate. Image is in full case and matt. Outside of case shows some wear interior is very nice. Matt still sparkles somewhat. ID comes from inscription written into the black backing behind the image. Inscription is in period hand writing and reads "Presented to my Mother Janie C. Swisher by her son Alfred M. Swisher."

A quick search of online records shows that Alfred M. Swisher enlisted in Battery B, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery as a private on June 28, 1861. He was promoted to Corporal on August 2, 1861 and Sargent on June 28, 1864. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pa on June 9, 1865.

Battery B, 1st Pa. Light Artillery was with The Army of The Potomac from the Peninsula Campaign through the surrender at Appomattox.

This is a a nice ID'd image of a soldier from a hard fought artillery unit that served in every major battle in the Eastern Theatre of the war.

Excellent, full standing view of Gettysburg civilian soldier John Burns, standing with one hand on his hip, the other arm with his rifle resting in the crook of his elbow. Wears a coat, vest and hat. On the reverse in period ink is Burns' signature, "John L. Burns / Gettysburg". BM: R. A. Lewis, New York. Also on the reverse in period pencil is "N.Y. Sanitary Fair / April 1864".

Overall very good condition, good clarity & detail. Edges have been trimmed and corners have been clipped, which slightly affects the signature, with a portion of the last name missing.

John Burns was a veteran of the War of 1812 and a civilian citizen of Gettysburg when the battle erupted on July 1, 1863. After the preliminary skirmishing of the battle of Gettysburg began, Burns met a wounded Union soldier, borrowed his rifle and ammunition, with which he went to the front and offered his services as a volunteer to Maj. Chamberlain of the 155th Pennsylvania regiment. He was referred to the 7th Wisconsin volunteers near by, they being sharply engaged with the enemy. The old man proved himself such a skillful sharp-shooter that the colonel commanding the regiment sent him a favorite long-range rifle, which he used all day with deadly effect in the advanced line; but he was badly wounded in the afternoon, when the Union troops were forced back. He told a plausible story to his Confederate captors, and got himself carried to his own house, where his wounds were dressed by the surgeons; and, after a narrow escape from execution as an un-uniformed combatant, he was left when the Confederates were in turn driven back. The story of his patriotic zeal aroused the greatest interest in the northern states; he was lauded as the "hero of Gettysburg," and after the war, as his home was on the battlefield, became an object of curiosity to visitors and accumulated a competence through their generosity.

Exceptional full length view of this well known drummer boy, posed with drumsticks in one hand; his arm rests on his drum which sits on a table at his side. His hat rests atop the drum, and there are two US flags also. FM: C. Gullmann, Artist Po' Keepsi, N.Y. No BM. Overall very fine condition, light soiling throughout. Very minor paper loss to image at upper right edge.

Robert Henry Hendershott was born in Cambridge, MI in 1850. A rambunctious and rebellious child, he ran away from home and performed with the Dan Rice Circus for a time, until being offered a messenger's joby with the Lake Shore & Michigan Railroad. When the war broke out, he immediately enlisted as a drummer boy with a boys' company, at the tender age of 10, and continued to get into mischief. When told he was too young to enlist to service with a company of the 9th Michigan, he stowed away onboard their train and convinced it's commander Captain Charles DeLand to use his services as his helper. DeLand soon sent him back home to his mother, but Hendershott returned to the regiment & offered his services as a drummer to Co. B of the same regiment, being finally mustered in in March 1862. Hendershott continued to get into trouble, stealing a pig, leaving camp without orders, etc.

On 7/13/62 at Murfreesboro, TN, Hendershott, along with most of the regiment, was captured & taken prisoner. He was shortly thereafter paroled & sent to Camp Chase in Ohio; he then told authorities that he suffered from epilepsy, attaining a discharge. He must have soon been bored with home life, as he soon re-enlisted in the 8th Michigan, giving the false name of Robert Harry Henderson. he served as drummer for the regiment's recruiting party, but was charged with desertion after making an attempt to reach the front. Robert was discharged, but turned up again, enlisting for a third time in November 1862.

At the Battle of Fredericksburg, Hendershott gained his nickname after he told the story that when the regiment crossed the Rappahannock, he was told to stay behind as he was too young, but he clung to the back of the boat and made his way across. His drum was destroyed by a shell, took a Confederate prisoner. Another story told by Hendershott in the 1890's was quite a different tale - when reaching the opposite bank, he took part in the plundering & looting of the city, set a house on fire, took a Confederate prisoner and marched him to General Burnside, who offered his congratulations. There were also varying accounts of his being wounded at Marye's Heights.

Newspapers printed his heroic story following the battle, spreading the tales of his exploits far & wide. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that he had enlisted under an assumed name, and was yet again discharged & denied pay. He travelled to New York City and was given a hero's welcome; he also traveled to England, and was given a new drum. In 1864 he enlisted again, this time in the Navy, but simply left after just a few months.After the war, some began to come forward to contest Hendershott's claims of his actions at Fredericksburg, including the regimental drum major who said that Robert was ill the day of the battle. He denied all charges of falsehoods throughout the remainder of his life, until he died in 1925 at the age of 25. Though he remains one of the war's best known drummer boys, his reputation was permanently sullied.

Source: Too Young To Die - Boy Soldiers of the Union Army 1861-1865 by Dennis M. Keesee.

Here is a wonderful and scarce ID'd image of Private Solomon H. Harnley, a member of the United States Signal Corps during the Civil War, taken in 1864. The sharply detailed, color-tinted CDV is in excellent condition and features a full standing view of Solomon Harnley in the uniform of a regulation shell jacket.

The twenty-four year old Harnley entered service as a private with Co. G, 15th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on Sep 9, 1861 and was discharged on June 16, 1863 on a Surgeon's certificate of disability. Later that year, the patriotic Harnley decided to re-enter Federal service and this time enlisted in the U.S. Signal Corps on December 29, 1863 at Pavonia, Ohio.

The clean, crisp, identified image shows Harnley standing in a photo studio in front of a pull-down backdrop with a large, tinted signal corps, 'wig-wag' flag hung on the wall over his right shoulder. The handsome, bearded soldier looks straight through the viewer with a resolute expression on his face. Atop Harnley's head is set a forage cap or kepi. He wears a dark, buttoned-up vest underneath his dark, eleven-button shell or uniform jacket, which is buttoned at the very top. The CDV clearly features Hanley's sky-blue tinted, saddled trousers that cover over his boots or bootees. Over his shell jacket, the signalman wears a leather saber belt with a rectangular, brass plate and accompanying shoulder strap that supports a Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber hung at his left side. His left hand grips the saber hilt while his right hand hangs down at his right side.

At the very bottom of the image is the soldier's identification, handwritten in pencil which spells "Harnly". Reverse side of CDV bears the backmark "Photographed by / D.W. Curtis / Corner High and Bridge Sts. / Georgetown, D.C. ". "N.B. The negative of this picture never destroyed duplicate furnished at any time / No. 88 1864". A modern, brief bio is hand-printed in pencil on the backside from a previous collector.

This image of an identified, US Signal Corps soldier is a rarity in collecting field today.

Outstanding full length view taken by Tyson Brothers of Gettysburg, PA. Excellent condition, with just a few spots of foxing. BM: Tyson Brothers, Gettysburg, PA. In period ink on reverse is "Mary Tippy", and in pencil is "114th Regt P.V.". Also on reverse is a 2 cent revenue stamp with "Tyson 1865" in ink.

Marie Tepe was a French immigrant who married a Philadelphia tailor named Bernard Tepe (Tebe). Bernard joined the Union Army, serving with the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry. In late 1862 she joined the 114th PA Infantry, also known as Collis' Zouaves, and saw out the war with that regiment. She received a bullet in the ankle at Fredericksburg and after the battle was awarded the Kearney Cross, a gallantry award in memory of General Philip Kearney which was restricted to the troops serving in the Union Third Corps. French Mary as she was known, is said to have been present at several other battles including Brandy Station, Gettysburg, and Spotsylvania.

In this image, Tepe is wear a Zouave style jacket, dark blouse, and a knee length skirt over a pair of pantaloons. She wears what appear to be a soldier's pair of brogans on her feet. On the breast of her jacket is pinned her Kearney Cross. Around her waist is a sash and a belt, and she has a canteen over her shoulder.

This image appears on page 140 of William A. Frassanito's Early Photography at Gettysburg, and he notes that this photo was taken at the Tyson Brother's studio within a few weeks of the Battle of Gettysburg, and also that the chair in the image was a prop used by the Tysons.

Excellent bust image, very clean carte. Good contrast & detail. Signature on front in period ink, "Geo. H. WMaynard / U.S.A.". BM: A. I. Blauvelt, Port Hudson, La. Pencil ID on reverse.

George Henry Maynard was a 25 year old resident of Waltham, MA and a watchmaker by occupation when he enlisted as a Private at Boston on 7/20/61. On 7/20/61 he mustered into Co. D, 13th Massachusetts Infantry. Discharged for promotion to 1st Lieutenant in the 82nd U.S. Colored Infantry. Promoted to Captain on 1/17/64, and to Major by Brevet on 3/15/65. Mustered out on 9/10/66. After the war Maynard returned to Waltham. He died on 12/26/1927, and was buried in Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.

Maynard was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. He distinguished himself through exceptional courage in several major battles. At Antietam, he and one of his comrades remained at the front after their regiment had been withdrawn. He assisted two wounded soldiers off the field, and repeatedly attached himself to arriving fresh troops until by the end of the day he had served with six different regiments. At Fredericksburg, the 13th Mass. participated in the charge on Marye's Heights, suffering great loss. Maynard, who was in the skirmish line, went to the assistance of his wounded comrades and did not leave them until they had reached safety. After his regiment was moved to another position, he learned that a friend remained behind on the field, having been wounded. Maynard returned to the spot under heavy fire, found the wounded man, and carried him safely to the rear.

These two identified images are a 1/6 plate ambrotype of Ed Peto and a 1/6 plate tintype of James A. Gray, both from the estate of Gray's niece, Lucy Mary Gray, which was sold at auction in Locke, NY in September 2003. Included with the images are newspaper clippings for the auction, and a signed letter from the auctioneer testifying to to the ownership and to the fact that the photos were sold as found, with inscriptions. Also included is correspondence with a Gray family member laying out family connections.

Each image is identified by a period pencil ID in the bottom of their respective cases. The Gray inscription misdates Gettysburg to 1864, and the Peto inscription places his death at the Wilderness in 1864, probably with the knowledge that they were killed at the same battle, but relying on the mistaken inscription on the other image.

James A. Gray, age 19 at the time of his enlistment, was born in Ireland, a laborer by occupation, and a resident of Auburn, NY. He enlisted at Auburn on 11/4/61 as a Private, and on 11/23/61 he mustered into 1st New York Light Artillery. He was shot in the head & killed on July 3, 1863, and was buried in Peter Frey's field. He is now buried in Soldier's National Cemetery in grave C-116 in the New York plot. The 1/6 tintype of Gray, shown at upper right, is a full length standing view in a full case, separated at the spine. A fantastic image with his artillery sabre in his hands, a pistol in his belt, buttons & belt plate tinted gold, and trousers tinted light blue.

Edward Peto was born in London, England, and was also a laborer residing in Auburn, NY. Peto was 28 years old when he enlisted on 10/19/61 at Auburn as a Private. On 11/23/61 he mustered into the 1st NY Light Artillery. During Pickett's Charge, he was struck by a shell and nearly cut in two above the hips. He was also buried in Peter Frey's field, and now rests in grave C-117, right next to Gray in the New York Plot at Soldier's National Cemetery. The 1/6 ambrotype of Peto is at lower right, a waist length view in a half case. Wears artillery jacket; buttons were once tinted gold but little of the color remains. Image shows damage from foxing but is still quite clear.

Presented here is a very fine, early war official paper that bears the handwritten signature, in ink, of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

This professionally framed and conserved artifact is a military commission printed on high-grade vellum paper and signed by Abraham Lincoln on August 14, 1861 at Washington, D.C. Evident on the cream-colored vellum document are a series of light paper folds or creases, the result from storage of this commission, and common on high profile documents such as this. Lincoln's signature is strong but does exhibit three tiny 'chips' at the far end of his last name. The vellum also bears the handwritten signature of then Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, formerly the Pennsylvania Adjutant General and U.S. Senator from that State. Cameron's signature also sits astride the same fold, as does the President's.

The commission appoints Henry V. De Hart to the rank of Captain in the 5th U.S. Regular Light Artillery regiment and is dated May 14, 1861. As yet, only cursory research has been garnered on Henry DeHart, a native of New York State. De Hart entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1852 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Army on July 1, 1856. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on December 3, 1858 and gained his Captaincy in 1861. During the Civil War, De Hart was wounded at Gaines Mill, VA on June 27, 1862 and succumbed to his wounds a few weeks later on July 13, 1862.

De Hart's large rectangular vellum commission measures approximately 14" wide by 18" long and has been professionally single-matted with acid-free archival paper and set in a modern wood frame with museum quality conservation glass and other materials. The well constructed, hardwood modern frame measures 20¾" wide by 24½". Across the upper third portion of the document commission is the title "The / PRESIDENT of the United States of AMERICA" which forms a crescent shape over a large spread-winged eagle that bears three arrows on one talon and a olive branch in the other talon. Directly below the eagle and across the mid portion of the document is a pre-printed paragraph in script form that details the appointment of Henry De Hart to his new military rank in the 5th L.A. Regiment. At the conclusion of the verbiage, two handwritten signatures stand out on the paper. On the left is that of Simon Cameron, U.S. Secretary of War, and on the lower right side is the handwritten signature of the U.S. President who hand signed it "Abraham Lincoln". Below the signatures is a large, finely detailed military vignette that shows a panoply of flags, weapons, drums, cannon, etc.

This excellent condition, framed vellum document is a wonderful, identified Civil War paper artifact in its own right, but it is specially enhanced in a significant manner with the handwritten signature of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, done in his own hand. A wonderful, original piece of American history.

Dated July 17, 1862, asking Sec. of War to allow politicians to visit McClellan's Army. Signed "A. Lincoln".

By July 17, 1862, General George McClellan had moved his army to Harrison's Landing on the James River, thus ending his ill-fated Peninsula Campaign. On behalf of Indiana Representative William Mitchell, Michigan Representative Bradley F. Granger, Minnesota Representative Cyrus Aldrich and Michigan's ex-governor John S. Barry, Lincoln appealed to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton for a pass to visit the McClellan camp. That same day Lincoln signed the Second Confiscation Act which provided that slaves of all those who supported or aided the rebellion would be free when they came within Union control. Five days later, Lincoln surprised his advisors by reading the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet.

Text of the note is as follows: "Hon. Mr. Mitchell, & Hon. Mr. Granger & Mr. Barry & Hon. C. Aldrich wish to visit Gen. McClellan's Army - I think they should be allowed. They do not go for mischief. Will the Sec. of War please allow them a pass? A. Lincoln July 17, 1862."

Clipped signature is 2" x 3/4", light yellowing to bottom edge. ANS is pre-printed & ink on a Memorandum letterhead, Isham & Lincoln, Counselors and Attorneys, 32 Portland Block, Chicago. Text is as follows:

To John Rosenthal, Aprl 7 1874 Dr. Sir: This is the best I can do for the young man. I hope it will service his purpose. Yours hastily Robert Todd Lincoln".

As a boy of six, James Rosenthal watched as the funeral train carrying the body of President Lincoln arrived in Chicago. Young James became fascinated with the life and death of his martyred President. When James was fifteen his father obtained this signature for his son. James Rosenthal went on to amass one of the most valuable and complete Lincoln collections of photographs (over 500), artifacts and books of the time. Rosenthal died in the 1940's, having given away most of his collection to various museums around the country. He retained to his death, however, this memo and signature which started it all.

Both items are housed in a 10 3/4" x 9" frame.

Printed by the Frederick, MD newspaper the Examiner-Extra, it is dated "Frederick, Dec. 2d., 1859." The text of the dispatch reads as follows:

Execution of JOHN BROWN, for Murder, Treason and Insurrection at Charlestown, VA.
To gratify the public curiosity we issue, in Extra form, the following Dispatches from Charlestown, received at this office to-day.

[FIRST DISPATCH.]
CHARLESTOWN, VA., Dec'br. 2d., 1. p. m.
John Brown was hung at eleven o'clock, thirty minutes this morning. NO DISTURBANCE! He died easy; was cut down after hanging thirty-five minutes.

[SECOND DISPATCH.]
CHARLESTOWN, VA., DEC. 2d. - 2 o'clock P.M.
Everything was conducted under the strictest Military discipline, as if the town was in a state of siege. Mounted Scouts were stationed in the woods to the left of the scaffold; and Picket Guards stationed out towards the Shenandoah mountain in the rear. The Military on the field formed two hollow squares. Within the inner one was the Scaffold, and betweeen the inner and outer lines the citizens were admitted, ---none being allowed outside of the lines, except the Mounted Guards.
At Eleven o'clock, the prisoner was brought out of the Jail, accompanied by Sheriff Campbell and his assistants, and Capt. Avis, the Jailor. A wagon, containing a white pine Coffin, was driven up, on which the prisoner took his seat. Six companies of Infantry and Riflemen, one company of Horse, and the General and Staff, numbering 25 officers heading the procession, it moved towards the place of Execution. The prisoner was accompanied by no ministers, as he desired no religious ceremonies, either in Jail or on the Scaffold.
He looked calmly around on the people, perfectly self-possessed; mounted the scaffold with a firm step; his arms were pinioned by the Sheriff; bid farewell to Captain Avis and Sheriff Campbell, and at 11:30 a. m., the trap of the scaffold was pulled away, and with a few slight struggles, John Brown yielded up his spirit.
The body was placed in the coffin, and is now on its way to Harpers Ferry, to be delivered to his wife, under a strong Military escort.

Truly a unique and seldom seen artifact from the American Civil War, this small, pocket-size music book measures 4" long by 5 ½" wide by ½" thick and is identified to Lewis Simonds, a private in the 9th New Hampshire Volunteers. Simonds later was a very talented member of the Brigade Band, 9th Army Corps and he is identified on the first page of the book in faded black ink with "1st Bde Bass __?_ / Lewis Simonds / Brig Band / 1st Brig 2nd Div 9 AC."

Private Lewis Simonds was a 28 year-old wood turner from Antrim, NH who enlisted on August 7, 1862 in Co. F, 9th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. In October 1862, he transferred to the US Army Band, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division of General Ambrose Burnside's 9th Army Corps and became a band musician who played a baritone instrument until mustered out in June of 1865. While in military service, Simonds became partially deaf in both ears due to malaria poisoning he contracted during the march from Milldale to the Yazoo River near Vicksburg, Mississippi during August of 1863. Simonds still was able to perform his job. He survived the War and mustered out of service in Alexandria, VA on June 10, 1865. The veteran removed to Minnesota and there married Henrietta Coombs at Mankato, Minnesota on September 18, 1871. Plagued by the after effects of the disease, Simonds and his wife later relocated back to Antrim, New Hampshire where he died on October 29, 1892.

The music book exterior exhibits a fine grain, black bridle leather that covers thick card stock material and is in very fine condition, save for the book hinge area that is somewhat frayed and loose. This musical work is made up of approximately sixty individual pages of sturdy paper stock, pre-printed with musical staves that are the horizontal lines and spaces upon which music is written. On almost every page there are hand-written arrangements of musical compositions that denote bars, double bars, whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes clearly written in dark, black ink. In addition, each page of a melody depicts the proper scale, pitch and clef to be used in the performance of the tune. Atop each page or before the start of each musical arrangement is the title of the song or melody. Packed into the book are well-known familiar marches, polkas, waltzes, two-steps, scherzos, quadrilles and others, all hand-written. Some of the musical renditions found in Lewis Simonds small black music book are such patriotic tunes like "Red-White & Blue, Marching Along, Antietam Quick Step, Gay and Happy, Cheer Boys Cheer, Brigade 2 Step, Union 2 Step, Home Sweet Home, Auld Lang Syne, Ellsworth's Funeral March, Mocking Bird, Zouave 2 Step, Equestrian 2 Step, Astor House Polka, Brooklyn Rifles, Dead March, Tom Thumb's Hornpipe, Battle Cry, Greenback Polka.

Simonds's music book was accompanied by the soldier's full military and pension records from the national Archives in Washington, as well as a short history on the unit.

The Van Benthuysen's Steam Printing House produced the undated poster for the regiment in Albany, New York. This professionally conserved specimen measures an impressive 50" high x 30 1/8" wide and comes matted, glassed and housed in a modern, ornate, 54" by 33" oak frame.

The regiment, also known as the 1st German Cavalry, was recruited mostly in New York City and Brooklyn with one company from Cleveland, Ohio and another from Philadelphia, PA. Organized in New York for Federal service on Aug 10, 1861, the cavalry regiment mustered in for a period of three years. In October 1862, Louis Palma De Cesnola, a professional soldier of fortune and late major in the 11th NY cavalry, was appointed as Colonel of the New York 4th by Governor Morgan. During 1862, the regiment served in General Rosecran's Mountain Department as well as in the cavalry brigades of the 1st Corps, Army of Virginia and the 11th Corps, Army of the Potomac. In the 1862 Valley Campaign, the NY horsemen saw action at Harrisonburg, Cross Keys, Port Republic, New Market; in Pope's campaign at Waterloo Bridge, Rapidan River, Bristoe Station, Salem, Groveton, Bull Run, Centerville, Ashby's Gap, Berryville and Charlestown, VA. During 1863, this veteran combat regiment engaged the enemy at Aldie, Upperville, Culpepper Court House and Racoon Ford VA and then joined in the pursuit of Robert E; Lee army after the Battle of Gettysburg. In 1864, it served with the Army of the Potomac in Virginia and later with the Army of the Shenandoah with Sheridan through such battles as Front Royal, Opequan, Fisher's Hill and many other engagements. The 4th New York Cavalry regiment was consolidated with the 9th New York cavalry on February 27, 1865. During the Civil War, the 4th was heavily engaged and took part in almost 150 engagements, losing five officers and 52 enlisted men killed in action or died of wounds. 3 officers and 54 men died of disease and other causes.

Printed across the upper third of the poster in a large 27" wide by 18" high area are the words "4TH N.Y. VOL. CAVALRY in 2½" high, black letters over "MOUNTED RIFLES" in 3½" high, red letters over "Commanded by the Gallant Colonel L.P. di Cesnola. in 1" high, black ink, block letters. Below that in black ink is a large 21" wide x 7" high, spread-winged eagle with an unmarked banner clutched in its beak and talons. The mid section of the poster has several lines of large printed lettering that starts with "THIS PATRIOTIC REGIMENT / Is now at home on furlough of Thirty five days by virtue of their Re-enlistment for the War. / FOR RECRUITS OR VETERANS / GOVERNMENT , STATE / LOCAL BOUNTIES / OF $300 ARE PAID." The last or third portion of the broadside states "$10 OR IF A VETERAN $15." / THE RENDEZVOUS FOR REGIMENTS / Is at Military Hall, corner Green and Division Streets / CAPT. E.H. SAWYER".

Produced of wove paper stock in medium weight, this impressive broadside is in beautiful condition and uses a medium of bright red and dark black printer's ink to visually catch the viewer's eye.

Professionally conserved and archivally treated, this stunning artifact was pain-stakingly restored to museum quality standards in 1998. Included in this large broadside package are the acid-free, core backing to resist pollution contaminants, acid-free matting of buffered ragboard, ultra-violet UF-5 glazing that blocks 99% of the UV rays and acid-free paper tape. All conservation treatment reports and documentation accompany the broadside as well as color slides of the artifact before and after treatment.

Included with the framed broadside are the following items: a binder containing paper copies of all mentioned references to the 4th NY cavalry regiment found in the Official Records; a binder that contains all references to Louis Palma diCesnola as found in the Official Records and in the 'William L. Clements Library' at the Univ of Michigan; a brief report on unit member Harry J. Mandy, Medal of Honor winner; the original paper receipt from the City of New York for the regiment's stand of colors; a beautiful yellow silk ribbon dated Jan 21, 1889, for the 1st annual reunion of the 4th NY Cavalry; a hardback copy of the life of Louis Palma Di Cesnola, late Colonel 4th NY cavalry and first director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and some miscellaneous papers and documentation. Quite a volume of related research data goes along with this massive and impressive original Civil War cavalry broadside.

This medical microscope is a Civil War artifact that was presented to Dr. Thomas Carroll while he was on duty at the Mount Pleasant U.S. General Hospital at Washington, DC during the war.

Thomas Carroll was a private physician from Philadelphia when he contracted with the Federal Army as an Acting Assistant Surgeon and served in that capacity from 1862 until 1867. His military duties included service as a medical doctor, initially at Washington DC, and afterwards in the Department of the Gulf, specifically in the state of Louisiana at New Orleans. Dr. Carroll was on active duty at Jackson Barracks, LA on April 24, 1867 when he died.

The finely crafted instrument stands approximately 8" tall and is composed of a solid, weighted metal base upon which rises a series of four, cylindrical brass tubes fitted out with circular mirrors, cut lenses, and multiple brass turn dials to view medical glass slides. The tool exhibits use consistent with age but is tight and in fine condition. All brass components show a pleasing semi-bright patina, along with scattered, minor scuffs and scratches. No maker markings are visible on the microscope that is housed in a wonderful, rosewood wooden box. Box exterior measures 9" long x 4¼" wide x 4" high with a double hinged lid that closes tight on the box. Featured on the lid face is a beautifully inscribed, silver, oval disc secured to the face. Disc is inscribed in cursive with "Mount Pleasant U.S. Gen. Hosp. / Presented to / Dr. Thomas Carroll / By / the patients, nurses and others as a / token of love and respect / April 10, 1863 Washington D.C." Box, in strong condition, features dovetailed joint construction and wears a dark, shiny finish. Lid exhibits three, lateral age cracks on the surface but these do not detract form the box integrity. Box interior is fitted with a number of small, wooden braces that secure the instrument while in transit.

The microscope comes with the individual's military records from the National Archives at Washington, DC.