NEW INFORMATION REGARDING ITEMS FROM THE CHRITZMAN COLLECTION
We have just discovered new biographical information for Henry Chritzman.John Geiselman had acquired items from his collection, a number of which we have either sold or still have available.
Henry Chritzman was born around 1821, and he and his brother George were responsible for the construction of the Evergreen Cemetery gatehouse, a well known landmark in Gettysburg. The attractive brick Italianate style landmark was erected between September and November of 1855 for a total cost of $1,025.00 and was designed by Stephen Button of Philadelphia.
Chritzman was a 40 year old resident of Gettysburg, PA and a builder by trade when he enlisted on 4/20/61 as a private; on that date he mustered into Co. E, 2nd PA Infantry. He mustered out on 7/26/61 at Harrisburg. He re-enlisted and on 12/14/61 he was commissioned into Co. K, 101st Pennsylvania Infantry (the local Gettysburg company) as a Captain. Chritzman was wounded at Fair Oaks, VA on 5/31/62, receiving a gun shot wound to the left leg and was "sent north" the US General Hospital at Harrisburg. His post-war pension claim indicates that "from the effects of said wound he has lost the use of his left leg, also it prevents him from following his usual occupation, "cabinet maker", or any other." Though his military records include several requests for leave and statements from army surgeons attesting to the severity of his wound and his inability to return to active service, Chritzman was dismissed on 2/4/63 for being "absent without leave since the 16th day of July 1862" by command of Brigadier General Palmer. Special Orders No. 212, issued by the Adjutant General's office in Washington on May 12, 1863, amends his dismissal to an honorable discharge to date back to 2/4/63, "it appearing that during the time absent he was sick from wounds". Post-war census records reveal that Chritzman and his family were living in Gettysburg in 1870, and had moved to Washington, D.C. by 1880. Records for the U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers revealed that Chritzman was admitted to the Roseburg Branch home in Hampton, VA in 1884. Pension records indicate that he died in Gettysburg on July 6, 1896 at the age of 76, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, having suffered from the effects of his wound for the balance of his life.
Items from The Early Years are from such collections as the Spangler, Trostle, and Weikert Farm Collections, as well as the Danner, Ziegler, Dr. Stewart Museum/Collections.
The Modern Era artifacts were found during the 1940's - 1970's. In John P. Geiselman's personal catalog list there are references to such well known Gettysburg Battlefield locations as: Big Round Top, Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Wheat Field, Culp's Hill, Oak Ridge, and the East Cavalry Field.
A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY - JOHN P. GEISELMAN
The Horse Soldier is pleased to offer a number of items from the John P. Geiselman collection, a collection that was on display for many years at the Geiselman Country Store Museum on Barlow - Two Taverns Road. Geiselman began his collecting as a child in the early 1920s, and during the pre-World II period had access to artifacts that had been purchased earlier at the estate sales of the Trostle, Rogers, Rose, Weikert, and Wentz farms - local properties that figured prominently in the battle and its aftermath. During this period he had access as well to the Hill , Plank, and Stewart collections, and was able to acquire other items that had been sold from turn-of-the-century relics establishments such as the Danner, Ziegler, and Oak Ridge Museums. Furthermore, Geiselman carefully documented most artifacts, and collectors perusing the list will be able to note, in many instances, not only the source of the relic and the date of its recovery, but also the part of the battlefield from which it came. In other words, his collection is the last major grouping of Gettysburg artifacts assembled and documented by a local resident.
In Memoriam
We wish to pay tribute to the memory of John Geiselman, and we would begin by saying that our initial acquaintance with John was similar to that of many other Gettysburg families. He served as the junior high school custodian between 1965 and 1989, and in this role became a friend to an entire generation of Gettysburg school children, the Smalls included. Passing through the school in the early to mid 70s, future Horse Soldier proprietors Sam and Wes Small brought home many a tale of John's extra-curricular artistic endeavors…….it seems that the school janitor was an accomplished yodeler and harmonica player, in addition to being a published poet and a remarkably talented blackboard chalk sketch artist.
For the historically inclined, John had up his sleeve lectures and stories of his rambles round the area in search of Indian artifacts. Wes Small specifically recalls his suggestions on how to "read" light and shade when scanning for arrowheads, a major Geiselman pre-occupation. Later on, through his Civil War collecting, John became acquainted with the boys' father, Chet Small, and from the late '70s through his death (on 9/11/2001!) he enjoyed a most cordial relationship with the Horse Soldier and the entire Small family.
Any tribute to John Geiselman must mention the considerable adversity he experienced as a child. If he was to exude kindly cheer to Gettysburg kids in later life, the cheer was hard-won, for in his own childhood John had been abandoned in the worst circumstances imaginable. He was born on August 8, 1916, and christened John Henry Plank. By 1922 John and his biological family had been reduced to poverty so extreme that on Christmas Day his father sent the six year old boy with a basket to beg for food at various houses on Baltimore Street. Tragically, his mother died three weeks later. In desperation , his jobless and penniless father felt compelled to leave John and a younger brother and sister with a neighbor lady, Adelphia Winebrenner, on the promise that she would find homes for them. Adelphia fulfilled her promise, prompting John to later characterize her as "An Angel From Heaven."
The boy was taken in as a foster child by George and Elsie Geiselman, a childless couple in their early thirties who had a sizable home and farm on the Barlow - Two Taverns Road, not far from the J. Carnahan Smith Country Store which would inspire him to open a similar establishment in later years. In the nurturing atmosphere provided by the Geiselman's, young John began to blossom and thrive, exhibiting a artist's sensitivity to things and people around him. Attending a different school, and no longer living in fear of bullies and being taunted about poverty, he soon was writing poems galore, drawing sketches, beginning to yodel and in short, pursuing the same activities that would entertain Gettysburg junior high school kids fifty years later.
Assisting with the Geiselman farm, John was to remain a farmer through his foster father's death in 1957. Soon after, his aging mother, who he lived with and cared for, sold most of the farm acreage, and John was compelled to seek another livelihood, in 1964 (the same year that he legally changed his name to John Plank Geiselman) joined the custodial staff at the Gettysburg school. In the same time frame Geiselman pursued his love of antiques and in the early 1970s achieved his dream of opening his own "country store" on the Barlow - Two Taverns road, modeled on the earlier J. Carnahan Smith store that had been operated by his maternal grandparents. In the 1996 Geiselman published a volume of "REFLECTIONS" in which he explained the motive that prompted him to found his store and assemble his artifacts in a museum.
"The old country store…..Even to this day, as I tend to it and sort through the memorabilia, it brings close the memory of my foster parents and grandparents and a special time in my life. This, with the Indian artifacts, and Civil War relics, I'm leaving a bit of history here where it was found."
Although the fates dealt John Geiselman some extremely rough blows as a child, with the help of Adelphia Winebrenner, the Geiselmans (and, very probably, an entire generation of Gettysburg junior high students), he pushed through it with courage and fortitude. To the very end he maintained remarkable fidelity to family and friends. He was, by every yardstick, a very good man.
The book was first published in 1996 and sold out; this new second printing includes an added chapter. John Plank Geiselman (1916-2001) was born near Gettysburg but lived most of his life on the Geiselman family farm near Barlow, Pennsylvania. John's life story begins by covering his early life from becoming a foster child at the age of six, to his final adoption in adulthood and much more. Reflections vividly describes early twentieth century rural life. John's main life's work consisted of farming and custodial work. In his spare time, from childhood on, John collected Indian artifacts, Civil War relics and country store memorabilia. John was a gentleman with many talents. He was a writer, poet and artist. He also yodeled and played the harmonica quite well. He loved the students at Gettysburg Junior High School where he was custodian, and they respected him in turn.
Author Linda Cleveland, Gettysburg, compiled and edited Reflections. She received many requests for additional books but none were available. Several reported find the book at estate auctions. As items from the Geiselman estate were sold, many wanted to know the story behind the items. John's life story brings a conclusion to that question, and that prompted Linda to reprint the book. In life, John's desire and joy came from sharing and giving, and his legacy continues even now. Cleveland remarked, "One perfect exampale for having this reprint is nine-year-old Eric Hemler, who has a couple of dozen Indian arrowheads from the Geiselman collection and appreciates the historical value of them. Eric's uncle gifted him John's book, givin meaning to his treasure." The last chapter of Reflections explains how this is true as each item is cherished and cared for wherever it rests and is being shared with others.
This book provides insight in rural life in Adams County in days past, and provides a fine accompaniment to any of the items from Mr. Geiselman's extensive collection of Civil War relics.
(308) $20.00
At the turn of the nineteenth century, many G.A.R. posts possessed "pyramids" made of relics from various Civil War battlefields. In the fashion of the time, these relic pyramids usually stood four feet in height, each of their four sides filled with fascinating artifacts, the majority of which were identified by item descriptions painted in at the time of construction.
This Antietam pyramid bears an inscription indicating that it was "Made in 1896 by F. Hayes De Launey". Our research reveals that Frank Hayes De Launey was a resident of Sharpsburg, MD who was born in 1877. He worked in 1900 as a house painter and the 1910 census lists him as married to "Mary E. . ." and as the father to a daughter and two sons. He had a brother William who also is listed as a painter. By 1920 he had become a carpenter but disappears from later records. This particular piece matches the style of other G.A.R. pyramids and it is highly likely that De Launey created other Antietam pyramids to capitalize on the interest of G.A.R. and other Civil War veterans.
All of the inscriptions of relics listed below are done in paint and some are difficult to read. The inventory of relics on each of the pyramid's four sides is accompanied by several photos of the same.
This item from John Plank Geiselman's collection was acquired by Mr. Geiselman at the 1971 sale of the O.T. Reilly Museum in Antietam. Reilly's museum and souvenir shop, which was in operation in the early 1900's, was located on the square in Sharpsburg, MD. He was well known as a battlefield guide at Antietam, and wrote a guide book in 1906.
Inscription: "This Monument Contains over (illegible) hundred pieces / Made in 1896 by F. Hayes DeLauney".
Contains the following:
- Jeff Davis Hardee hat insignia - Texas cuff button - Vest-size adjuster buckle - Artillery shell fuse adapter - Musket breech plug - Canteen stopper (missing cork) - Pocket knife remains - Austrian Lorenz cleaning jag - Lockplate & hammer from US M1855 Springfield (Maynard tape door missing) - US Staff Officer's button "Dunkard Church" - Enfield rifle-musket sight - Locking ring from a bayonet - 6" section of a ramrod - Musket ball puller - US box plate with a round musket ball imbedded in the center - Knapsack hook - US buckle surrounded by 17 US bullets with the initials on each for location of recovery, i.e. DC - Dunkard Church - Cartridge box buckle with remains of leather attaching strap - M1816 butt plate - Small swatch of brown cloth - Sideplate from M1842 musket - Front nose cap/strap for musket (smashed flat) - US M1842 bayonet with approximately 6" of blade - Shell fragment, nose section of 30 pound Parrott shell - Copper sabot from Mullane shell - Bullet in wood "This was cut from a tree in Public Square in Sharpsburg" - bullet missing
Inscription at bottom: "Every Relic Found on Antietam Battlefield".
- Artillery shell spanner plug - Portion of artillery cross cannon insignia - US rifleman's button - Two naval cuff buttons - Musket wrench - Small US plate (probably box plate) "found on Roulett Farm near Bloody Lane" - "Piece of Confederate Shirt" - Ball puller - Musket wrench - Carbine sling buckle "Burnsides Bridge" - New York State coat button - New York State cuff button - A beautiful struck eagle breast plate - Bormann artillery time fuse - Musket worm - "US" box plate with "McF" on face in yellow paint surrounded with 17 bullets each with initials carved in them indicating location of recovery - Iron canister plate surrounded by 24 round lead musket balls - Austrian cleaning jag
This side also decorated with information on the battle "Number of Union Soldiers killed was 2010 - Wounded 9416 - Missing 1043 - total 12463 - Number of Confederates killed was not exactly known".
Inscription at bottom: "After 30 years Antietam Battle fought Sept 17, 1862".
- Musket barrel band surrounded by 8 bullets with initials for location of recovery - Nose cap surrounded by 5 bullets - Italian Carcano bullet - Prussian 2-ring .69 cal. Bullet - Portion of infantry insignia - Gun tool - Eagle button - Enfield rifle-musket sight - Gallagher carbine bullet with casing - Two Austrian cleaning jags - Two sections of ramrods - "Hawkins Zouave" button - Two eagle coat buttons - Eagle cuff button - Eagle breast plate with "McF" on face in yellow paint surrounded by 14 bullets - Knapsack hook - Finial for bayonet scabbard - Two musket wrenches/gun tools - Seven Federal buttons - one a "Dragoon" - Two small pieces of blue uniform cloth, each placed inside a 5-pointed star - US "A" artillery coat button - Iron canister plate with 24 Union bullets surrounding it - US M1842 musket lockplate and hammer - Iron canister ball - Canteen stopper less cork - Portion of a snaffle bit
- Eagle "I" coat button - Eagle "D" coat button - Eagle coat button - Eagle "R" coat button - Canteen spout - Two spanner plugs - Shoulder scale straps - Coin-style button - Eagle coat button - US buckle surrounded by 16 round balls - Knapsack hook - Piece of granite from National Cemetery - Flower button - Two pieces of blue uniform cloth inside t-pointed painted stars - Wood with "this is a piece of stump of a tree which Gen. Reno fell - SE side of South Mountain" - Large section of brown cloth - Saddle "O" ring - 6" section of leather belt - Portion of shoe leather sole and heel - Austrian Lorenz front nose cap/band - US M1842 nose cap/front band - Early musket band with sling swivel - M1816 musket stock section from near area where barrel meets tang including the butt plate. Initials "JWS" carved in stock side. - Artillery fuse adapter casing - "Piece of shell out of Reform Church" at base
Base is covered with shell fragments and Union and Confederate bullets. All the edges are also decorated with bullets from top to bottom. Bottom four corners each with a canister ball.
Atop pyramid is a CS 3" Mullane shell which we did not realize was the top of the monument until we had written it up separately in an earlier listing. Fortunately we caught our error. The shell is a CS 3" Bourreleted Short-Nose Mullane common shell from Roulette Farm, Antietam. This painted, artillery artifact is a Confederate, bourreleted, short-nose Mullane shell projectile with Type 1 sabot found on the Roulette farm in Antietam shortly after that battle. Shell retains much of its period-painted décor on the body and nose. Projectile is missing its sabot, two of the three iron studs at the base, and also its time fuse adapter. Used in 3" Ordnance Rifles, this artillery round measures 6.75" long with a diameter of 2.94" and weighs approximately 7 pounds. The decorative painting on the shell denotes the location, date and time that the projectile was found. Entire shell was painted black and then labeled in gold and orange paint that was hand written. Much of the paint has flaked off the body but a portion of it can be made out to read "Found / On the / Roulette / Farm / Near Union / Lines / Nov --, 1896". Nose section has a painted inscription " FROM THE FARM…WHERE…". Unfortunately 75% of the paint is missing from this area.
Although the G.A.R. pyramids may be glimpsed in old photographs and in museum collections (the Gettysburg National Military Park possesses several nearly-identical specimens), very seldom are they offered for sale. Indeed, never in our thirty plus years of buying and selling Civil War artifacts have we had a chance to offer the public one of these extraordinary G.A.R. post battle relic "pyramids". This piece ranks with the choicest relics we've seen. By every standard, a superb collectible!
This Confederate 12-pounder smoothbore spherical shell specimen is in fine original condition and has no Borman fuse in the cavity. A very common explosive shell used in the Civil War, artifact exhibits the entire mold seam and wears a dark chocolate brown patina. Weighs 7lbs, 14 oz. Never cleaned. The 12 pounder shell is from the Pitzer Collection in Gettysburg and is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
From the Walters Collection. This was the standard smoothbore projectile used during the Civil War. Its purpose was to destroy fortifications, gun emplacements, charging Infantry and Cavalry. When fired on a hard surface it often would ricochet form one target to another. A distinct mold seam is visible over the entire projectile, a characteristic of the Southern Arsenals. This item was identified in John Geiselman's collection from his museum listing.
Here is a very nice CS 4.52-inch shell with a Borman time fuse. Lightly pitted, it weighs 10 ½ pounds, is fused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. The shell has a nice gray patina but with a few shiny black spots. The Borman time fuse has a double wrench slot, is set at 3 seconds with a small pointed object, and still has some numbers and detents visible. There is a small hole in the bottom opposite the fuse. This projectile has a clear mold seam which sometimes identifies the origin as Confederate. The Borman fuse, however, is U.S. The fuse rim is deformed and there are a few impact marks. After 1862, almost every Federal 12-pounder smoothbore shell fired had a Borman fuse in it, making this the most common explosive shell of the War. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This original 12-pound spherical shell was found near General Robert E. Lee's headquarters at Gettysburg sometime after the battle. In very good condition, this spherical shell is missing its Bormann fuse but does retain its original brass underplug showing the two spanner holes and the flash hole in the center. Underplug exhibits a mellow greenish coloring. Projectile has no mold seam and exhibits fuse plug threads are sharp and distinct. Never cleaned. This artillery specimen has a hard, clean surface that wears a wonderful light brown patina overall. This 12-pounder shell found near Lee's headquarters at Gettysburg is identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed label.
A very nice example of a Confederate 12-pounder smoothbore spherical shell specimen, missing the Bormann Fuse. A very common explosive shell used in the Civil War, this projectile exhibits the crude mold seam found on spherical shells/shot manufactured by Southern arsenals. Exhibits a wonderful light brown patina overall, never cleaned. Identified by a handwritten tag by John that reads, "Borman Cannon Ball From Herr's Ridge".
This original, 4.52" Confederate, Bormann-fuzed, 12-pound spherical shell was found on the Gettysburg battlefield after the battle. Recovered by Lester Worley from the fields of the Slyder Farm sometime after the fighting, this artillery specimen still retains its original, intact Borman time fuse adapter but is missing its wooden sabot. The projectile was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece but was found faulty in field operations due to the fuzing of the Bormann fuse adapter. The fuse was made of a soft, white metal alloy and Southern battery commanders complained of premature explosions and poor performance. Fuse adapter plug wears a dusky gray patina and exhibits the large number sequence stamped on the fuse flange in ½ second intervals along with the long wrench slot. Fuse wears some surface dirt. Projectile has been deactivated and cleaned. Surface is smooth and hard with a pleasing, plum-brown patina overall. This CS 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the fields of the Slyder Farm by Lester Worley at Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed listing.
Here is a fine and complete Confederate, 4.52", 12-pound spherical shell with its typical CS variant-type fuse adapter. Found on East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg sometime after the battle, this artillery specimen is intact and still retains its original Southern-variant time fuse adapter which is seated tightly in the fuse cavity. Plug clearly exhibits its two spanner holes and the center powder fuse hole and bears light to moderate rusting along the circumference of the plug. The iron, spherical projectile was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece. Never cleaned, the artifact's surface is hard and lightly pockmarked and bears a pleasing, plum-brown patina overall. This CS 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Found at the Sherfy farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting is this Confederate 12-pound, 4.52" diameter smoothbore spherical shell in very good condition. Fused with a wood adapter and paper time fuse now missing, this type projectile was a common explosive used in the Civil War. The artillery round exhibits a light coating of surface pockmarking and wears a mottled, chocolate brown patina. Never cleaned. The 12-pounder shell was found on the Sherfy Farm in Gettysburg and is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This Confederate 12-pound spherical shell was found sometime after the battle in Reynold's Woods scene of the first days' fight. This projectile which used the Bormann fuse is missing. The underplug used to protect and support the soft metal Bormann fuse during firing is intact. The round fuse opening still exhibits strong threads, which after a minor cleaning, a Bormann fuse would easily fit. The crude seam mold on the outside of the shell is visible typical of Southern Arsenals. The projectile having never been cleaned, has light "pittting" over the entire body with no surface buildup of rust/grime. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is a very nice and attractive Confederate 4.52 Inch 12 Pounder spherical shell with an old hand painted wing spread eagle and shield. It was recovered in relic condition in Reynold's Woods in Gettysburg. Very lightly pitted but never cleaned and now toned to a nice dark gray patina, it measures approximately 4-½ inches in diameter and is missing the wooden fuse plug. There are no threads in the fuse hole thereby identifying it as Confederate. The handsome hand painted eagle measures 4 inches across and unfortunately, has faded to a strong outline. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and comes with a small (3 inch by 3 inch by 1 inch high) painted black wooden stand. It would make a nice addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Found and used on the Rose Farm, this CS 12 lb. spherical shell was used on this famous farm as a weight for many years. A small 3/8" hole was drilled approx. 3" from the fuse hole itself. Used for various purposes on the farm, it is in relic condition. Having never been cleaned, this type of projectile used the Confederate wood adapter fuse plug. Identified on John Geiselman's museum collection by his museum listing.
This original 12-pound spherical shell found at Gettysburg is in very fine relic condition. Once part of the famous Ziegler Collection, this artifact was recovered from the battlefield area near Barlow's Knoll sometime shortly after the battle. The circular projectile is missing its original wood adapter for the paper time fuse and the round fuse opening exhibits no threading. Shell cavity still retains two or three lead case shot inside. Never cleaned. The smooth, hard surface of this specimen wears a wonderful light brown patina overall. Shell rests upon a contemporary wooden holder This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from Barlow's Knoll area on the Gettysburg battlefield, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is an original, Confederate, 12-pound, spherical case-shot, lead side-loader shell as found on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the battle. Once part of the Pud Marick Collection, this fine, intact, circular projectile is missing its brass time fuse adapter. The 1½" diameter treaded opening for the adapter is prominent on the top of the shell. Directly inline with the adapter opening on the spherical side-loader is another threaded opening, 1" in diameter, made to take a lead plug. Portions of the lead plug is still visible threaded. Small round canister balls (case-shot) were poured into the sideloader shell cavity until filled and then plugged with a threaded lead plug. Still visible in the side opening are case shot secured in the black matrix. Never cleaned, the specimen has a hard, smooth surface and wears a light film of rust as well as a wonderful brown patina overall. The CS shell rests atop an original Mountain Howitzer sabot. This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Rottler Farm in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listings.
This original Confederate 12-pound spherical case-shot lead side-loader shell still retains its CS copper time fuse adapter as well as its lead side-loading plug. The fuse adapter is in very fine condition; lead plug has some damage from being fired. Found after the smoke house burned down, this untouched projectile has a light coating of surface grime/rust with a light coating of pitting. Here is a wonderful representative case-shot projectile from the fierce fighting that occurred on the southern part of the battlefield. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a minty condition Confederate 4.52" smoothbore, spherical shell that was fired from a 12-pound field piece as used during the Civil War. Once part of the Merrick Collection, this specimen is in outstanding original condition and was found at an undisclosed location on the battlefield in Gettysburg within days of the battle. The artillery round still retains a number of original caseshot along with its original brass spanner plug, sometimes referred to as the underplug. Plug face shows wear near the two spanner holes. Unfortunately, the Borman fuse is missing but the threaded fuse opening in the body still exhibits clear and sharp threads and could easily fit another Borman fuse. This projectile has never been cleaned and has acquired a beautiful plum-colored patina overall. Surface is smooth and hard with no rust at all. This CS 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the battlefield at Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This Gettysburg battle relic is a fine condition, original, 12-pound spherical caseshot shell sans the fuse. Once part of the Bob Walter Collection, this iron projectile was recovered from the battlefield at East Cavalry Field shortly after the battle. The circular shell is missing its Borman fuse but has its brass underplug still screwed into the center of the shell opening. Underplug has the Round fuse opening exhibits strong threads. Shell cavity is filled with round lead case shot, some of which has broken loose from the matrix and can be heard rolling around within the shell. Specimen has a number of impact marks to the exterior surface. Never cleaned, the specimen wears a wonderful plum colored, light brown patina overall. This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is an original C.S. 3.67-Inch Smooth Read Shell; it was meant to be fired from a 20 pound Parrott rifle. Lightly pitted, this apparently unfired shell measures approximately 10-¼ inches long, 3.6 inches in diameter, and weighs 17-½ pounds. With provenance to the Danner Museum collection of Civil War items, it was found in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. The fuse and fuse adapter are missing (allowing inspection of the interior of the shell) but the threads are still visible on the inside top. This very rare shell is unusual for the pre-rifled, five-flanged copper sabot ring. This piece has the flanges plainly visible. This shell has a nice brown patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. It has an old Danner Museum number "1" hand painted in white on the side. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection.
This original, unfired artillery projectile is in wonderful complete condition and a Gettysburg battlefield recovery found on Warfield Ridge not long after the battle. Made for C.S. 3" Ordnance Rifles, this bourreleted Read projectile measures 7 3/8" long with a 3.25" diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. The cylindrical specimen, in excellent condition, retains its copper tapered ring sabot and its original CS copper adapter fuse plug. A small 'knock-off' spur on the shell body sits near the nose. Never cleaned. This Read shell wears light surface rust and is an early battlefield pickup from Gettysburg's Warfield Ridge. Shell is identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.
This very fine Confederate 3" Read artillery projectile is in wonderful condition and a Gettysburg battlefield recovery found on Culp's Hill sometime after the battle. Made for C.S. 3" Ordnance Rifles, this bourreleted Read shell measures 7½" long with a 3.25" diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. The cylindrical specimen, in very fine condition, retains its copper tapered ring sabot but has lost its original CS copper adapter fuse plug. The small 'knock-off' spur on the shell body is still retained near the nose. Never cleaned. This Read shell wears a dark brown patina overall along with a hard smooth surface of light rust. An early battlefield pickup from Gettysburg's Culp's Hill, this projectile is identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.
This original, unfired artillery projectile is in wonderfully complete condition and is a battlefield recovery found after the Battle of Fairfield, PA a short time after the fighting stopped. Part of the Reindollar Collection, this bourreleted Read was made for C.S. 3" Ordnance Rifles and measures 7 3/8" long with a 3.25" diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. The cylindrical specimen, in excellent condition, retains its copper tapered ring sabot in fine condition along with its original CS copper adapter fuse plug. A small 'knock-off' spur on the shell body sits near the nose. Never cleaned. This fine C.S. Read wears light surface dirt and bears a pleasing dark chocolate patina overall. An early pickup from the Battle of Fairfield just West of Gettysburg, the shell is identified in John Geiselman's museum listing.
This specimen of Civil War artillery is a Confederate 3" bourreleted Read common percussion shell with its original CS variant copper time fuse and intact copper tapered sabot. This specimen was found on the John Wibble Farm in Gettysburg sometime after the fighting. The Read pattern shell, one of the earliest models of bourreleted Reads produced for CS 3" Ordnance Rifles, has distinct bands cast around its mid section and base. The artillery round appears to never have been fired as the tapered copper ring sabot exhibits no visible lands and grooves indicative of firing. Copper time fuse adapter is intact but it has lost its original paper time fuse. Bottom base of the shell exhibits its lathe dimple. Never cleaned, the exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a heavily rusted and pockmarked surface that wears a dark chocolate brown patina overall. Nose portion of the body has had the lathe dog knocked off long ago. Length: 7½", diameter: 2.95", weight 7 pounds, 6 oz. This C.S. 3" bourreleted Read artillery projectile is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This original fired artillery projectile is in wonderful untouched condition, found not long after the battle. Manufactured for the CS 3" gun, this bourreleted Read projectile meas. 7 3/8" long with a 3.25" diameter. This fired specimen complete with its confederate copper adapter fuse plug in near-mint condition, still has the paper remains of the paper time fuse inside. Next to the fuse adapter the "lathe-dog" is still intact having never been broken off at a Southern Arsenal. The copper-tapered ring sabot exhibits three hand-cut flame grooves. Done by artillerymen in the field, a small oval file was used to cut a small groove into the copper sabot. This would allow the flames/gases to pass the sabot easier and to ignite the paper time fuse. The sabot clearly exhibits the "lands and grooves" from the gun. This untouched projectile has very light surface rust/grime. Identified in John Geiselman's museum listing by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This Confederate Read shell, a Gettysburg battlefield recovery, is an original, unfired artillery projectile that was found on South Cavalry Field not long after the battle. In wonderful, complete condition, this bourreleted Read projectile measures 7 3/8" long with a 3.25" diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. Made for C.S. 3" Ordnance Rifles, the condition of this cylindrical specimen is very fine. The Southern artillery artifact retains its copper tapered ring sabot and its original CS copper fuse plug adapter. Adapter exhibits its two spanner holes and bears a few scuffs and gouge nicks. The small 'knock-off' spur, a.k.a. a lathe dog, sits near the nose on the shell body. Bottom base displays the characteristic lathe dimple. Never cleaned. This rebel Read shell wears light surface rust and is an early battlefield pickup from the Vaughn Farm on Gettysburg's South Cavalry Field. Shell is identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.
This example of artillery shell is classified as a Confederate 3", smooth, long Read percussion shell made for a ten-pound Parrott Rifle (2.9"caliber). Once part of the Johnson Collection in McKnightstown, PA, this fired projectile was found sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The cylindrical shell is complete with its copper CS variant time fuse adapter in very good condition with a slight crack at one spanner hole and the flange slightly peened over. Never cleaned, the iron body exterior wears a moderate layer of rust and has some surface dirt. Lathe dog still intact. Early design of this type Read was poor and when fired, it was prone to have its sabot top expand into the shell and 'chip off' large chunks of shell base as visible on this specimen. Complete, high-convex, brass sabot remains secured at the base. Lands and grooves visible on the sabot band. Length: 9.5"; diameter: 2.95", weight 10 pounds. This CS Read shell from McKnightstown is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This artillery shell is classified as a Confederate 3", smooth Read percussion shell made for a ten-pound Parrott Rifle (2.9"caliber). The fired projectile was recovered at the Battle of Hunterstown near Gettysburg within days of that battle. The cylindrical shell is missing its copper time fuse adapter but the nose cavity exhibits clear fuse threads cut into the body. Shell retains its complete, copper tapered ring sabot. Iron body exterior is clean and smooth with the top bourrelete band worn town to 'almost smooth'. Never cleaned, the round wears a dark brown patina overall. Lathe dog broken off the body and the lathe dimple is clearly visible on the base. Distinct lands and grooves, as well as a single vertical crack or split, are visible on the copper sabot band. Length: 7.5"; diameter: 2.95", weight 7 pounds. This CS Read shell from the Battle at Hunterstown is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is an original fired and unexploded C.S. 3-Inch Read Smooth Case-Shot Shell. Lightly pitted, this shell measures approximately 8 ½ inches long and 2.8 inches in diameter and weighs 9.5 pounds. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg in Reynolds' Woods. The fuse is missing exposing the inside of the shell; this shell was usually fired with a wooden fuse adapter and paper time fuse. The intact sabot is a tapered iron ring on the bottom of the shell with the grooves from the gun's rifling. The upper shell shows the sign of the removed mold dimple. There are a few impact dings near the top of the shell. This shell has been attractively hand painted long ago with a mountain lake central scene (sized 4 inches by 2 inches) with large tree and surrounding large flowers. The artistry is unsigned. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag.
This item is an original fired and unexploded C.S. 3-Inch Smooth Read Case-Shot Shell. Moderately pitted, this shell measures approximately 8 ½ inches long and 2.8 inches in diameter and weighs 9.5 pounds. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg in Reynold's Woods. The fuse is missing exposing the inside of the shell; this shell was usually fired with a wooden fuse adapter and paper time fuse. A close inspection of the inside top of the shell reveals either part of the fuse or part of the shell's matrix, the tar-like material used to seal the case shot on the inside of the shell. The damaged sabot is a tapered iron ring on the bottom of the shell and has sections bent and missing. The upper shell shows minor signs of the removed mold dimple. There are a few impact dings near the top of the shell. This shell has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag.
This item is an original C.S. 3-Inch Smooth Read Case-Shot Shell. Moderately pitted, this shell measures approximately 8-7/8 inches long, 2.8 inches in diameter, and weighs 9.5 pounds. With provenance to the Bob Walter collection of Civil War items, it was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. The bottom of the copper fuse adapter is still inserted in the top of the shell; the top ring of the fuse adapter is broken off exposing the hole for insertion of the paper time fuse. The damaged sabot is a tapered iron ring on the bottom of the shell and has a few areas that are slightly bent. This shell has a nice brown patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection.
This artillery specimen is a Confederate 3" smooth-sided, long read percussion shell. The projectile, made for a 10-pounder Parrott Rifle, was found on Jacoby's Farm along the Taneytown Rd in Gettysburg shortly after the fighting. This artillery round retains only a portion of its original wood adapter paper time fuse and its original sabot. Exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a smooth surface with a dusty patina overall. Body has light surface rusting with a coating of dirt. This specimen has been professionally deactivated and lightly cleaned Length: 9"; diameter: 2.85", weight 9 pounds. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This artillery shell is classified as a Confederate 3", Smooth, Long Read percussion shell made for a ten-pound Parrott Rifle (2.9"caliber). This fired projectile was recovered in the Reynolds' Woods area of the battlefield in Gettysburg within days or weeks of the battle. The cylindrical shell is missing its copper time fuse adapter and copper sabot. Iron body exterior is clean and smooth and exhibits a 'mid-sleeved' look, sometimes referred to as a large bourrelete band. Never cleaned, the round wears a dark brown patina overall. The nose area is just a bit tooled down from the rest of the body. Lathe dog broken off the body and the dimple is clearly visible on the base. Early design of this type of Read shell was poor and when fired, it was prone to have its sabot top expand into the shell and 'chip off' large chunks of shell base as visible on this specimen. No flame grooves visible on the bottom band. Length: 9"; diameter: 2.95", weight 4 pounds. This CS Read shell from Reynold's Woods is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This super fine condition artillery round was manufactured by Southern arsenals is a smooth sided, long Read percussion shell similar in design to its U.S. counterpart, a 2.9" - 3" Parrott shell. The difference is that a Confederate manufactured shell can be identified by the lathe dimple in the base of the body, a thinner wrought iron sabot and distinct lathe marks that run the entire length of the projectile. The Parrott shell will exhibit a large chiseled area on the base where the spur waste was removed. The wrought iron sabot is thicker. This projectile would have used the wooden fuse plug adapter, which is not present. The sabot does exhibit lands & grooves from being fired. This shell has no surface rust. It has a dark patina, with one area of very light pitting; the rest of the shell is smooth. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This artillery shell is classified as a Confederate 3" Read percussion shell made for a 2.9"caliber Field Gun. The fired projectile was recovered at the Battle of Hunterstown near Gettysburg within days of that battle. The cylindrical shell is missing its copper time fuse adapter but the nose cavity exhibits clear fuse threads cut into the body. Shell retains its complete, copper tapered ring sabot. Iron body exterior is clean and smooth with the top bourrelete band worn town to 'almost smooth'. Never cleaned, the round wears a dark brown patina overall. Lathe dog broken off the body and the lathe dimple is clearly visible on the base. Distinct lands and grooves, as well as a single vertical crack or split, are visible on the copper sabot band. Length: 7.5"; diameter: 2.95", weight 7 pounds. This CS Read shell from the Battle at Hunterstown is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is an original fired C.S. 3-Inch Read Shell. Lightly pitted, this shell measures approximately 7 ¼ inches long and approximately 3 inches in diameter. The fuse is missing exposing the threads and the inside of the shell. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field; John Geiselman obtained it from the Chritzman Collection. An attractive and heavy mold seam vertically bisects the shell. The sabot is a tapered copper ring on the bottom of the shell and has heavy grooves from being fired by a 3 inch rifled gun. Dirt residue is on the inside of the shell. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag.
This item is a fired and unexploded C.S. 3-Inch Read Common Shell. Moderately pitted, this shell measures approximately 7-½ inches long and 2.9 inches in diameter and weighs 7.5 pounds. With provenance to the Detrich Collection, it was found in relic condition in the Hunterstown, PA area, a small borough 5 miles northeast of Gettysburg. The fuse is missing exposing the inside of the shell; this shell was usually fired with a copper fuse adapter and paper time fuse. A close inspection of the inside top of the shell reveals the mostly intact threads for the time fuse adapter. The damaged sabot is a tapered ring on the bottom of the shell and has sections bent and missing. The sabot ring has groves from the gun's rifling when fired. The upper shell has the mold dimple still intact. This shell has been painted black long ago; it is now showing signs of age. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Previously sold as item R11312. Presented here is a Confederate 3", "Virginia Pattern" Read percussion shell made for a CS 3" Parrott Rifle (2.9"caliber). Projectile was found on Culp's Hill sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. This fired, cylindrical shell is missing the flange of its copper CS variant time fuse adapter but still retains portions of the tubular shank inside the nose. Never cleaned, the iron body exterior wears a pleasing mottled dark brown appearance and has some surface dirt. Lathe dog still intact as is the base dimple. The early design of this type Read shell was poor and when it was fired, large chunks of shell base were prone to have its sabot top expand into the shell and 'chip off', as is visible on this specimen. Clearly visible is the copper tapered ring sabot at the shell base. One third of the sabot has broken away from firing. Sabot band also exhibits a vertical crack in the remaining portion, as well as the rifling lands and grooves. Length: 7¾"; diameter: 2.95", weight 7 pounds. This CS Read shell from Culp's Hill is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
(575-01) $595.00
This specimen of Confederate ordnance is a 3" Dyer case shot percussion shell. Local resident Mr. Henning found the projectile on Barlow's Knoll in Gettysburg sometime after the battle. Much debate is generated in the artillery collecting community regarding the affiliation (US or CS) of this type of projectile, however, it is our belief that this shell is of Confederate manufacture and is so stated. Made for a CS 3" Ordnance Rifle, this cylindrical shell is complete with its zinc-alloy cup and exhibits remnants of its zinc fuse adapter lodged in the nose. Also visible at the base of the shell are four very deep flame grooves molded with the sabot. Surface of the zinc sabot has minimum corrosion and displays well. Never cleaned, the exterior surface of this Dyer shell exhibits some light rust and wears a dark brown patina overall. Length: 7¼"; diameter: 2.95", weight 10 pounds. This CS Dyer shell, recovered by local resident Mr. Henning, came from Barlow's Knoll and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is an extremely fine example of Confederate artillery ordnance called a Dyer shell. Once part of the Walter Collection, this 3" Dyer percussion shell was found on East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg within days or weeks of the battle. Much debate is generated in the artillery collecting community regarding the affiliation (US or CS) of this type of projectile, however, it is our belief that this shell is of Confederate manufacture and is so stated. Made for a CS 3" Ordnance Rifle, this cylindrical shell is missing its zinc-alloy-lead cup sabot and its CS variant time fuse adapter. Specimen is in extra fine condition and exhibits the thin, rib-embossed, tinned-iron covering that was compressed over the rounded base. The Dyer sabot cup was attached to the shell by casting it upon the rounded base. Groove between the sabot and the step-down of the iron body measures ¼" wide. The exterior of this Dyer shell exhibits a hard surface overall and wears a pleasing, uniform, chocolate brown patina. This CS Dyer shell, recovered from East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
A Confederate 3" Dyer case-shot shell that a local farmer found on his property while farming. Much debate is generated in the artillery collecting community regarding the affiliation of being (U.S. or CS) manufactured. It is our belief that this shell is of Confederate manufacture. Made for the CS 3" Ordnance rifle, this cylindrical shell is complete with its zinc-alloy sabot cup and exhibits the "lands and grooves" from being fired. Slight chipping along the edge off the sabot with corrosion over the entire sabot. Never cleaned, in relic condition w/light areas of rust and pitting. Has the remains of the dyer fuse adapter. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by his museum listing.
This fine example of Confederate ordnance is a 3" Dyer percussion shell that was found on Granite Lane in Gettysburg sometime after the battle. Much debate is generated in the artillery collecting community regarding the affiliation (US or CS) of this type of projectile, however, it is our belief that this shell is of Confederate manufacture and is so stated. Made for a CS 3" Ordnance Rifle, this cylindrical shell is complete with its CS variant time fuse adapter and its zinc-alloy-lead cup sabot. Specimen exhibits remnants of its paper fuse insert lodged in the plug. Also visible at the base of the shell are four very deep flame grooves molded with the sabot. Groove between the sabot and the step-down of the iron body measures ¼" wide. Sabot surface has minimum corrosion and displays well. The exterior of this Dyer shell exhibits a hard surface overall with some light rust pockmarks along with a dark brown patina overall. This CS Dyer shell, recovered from Granite Lane in Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This shell was previously sold by us, and just reacquired. This Federal 12-pound spherical shell specimen, found on the Sherfy Farm in Gettysburg, is in very good condition, complete with its original wood sabot and portions of the metal bands. This most common Civil War smoothbore projectile, once part of the David Plank Collection, appears to have been picked up from the battlefield sometime after the battle. Shell has no mold seam and has never been cleaned. Projectile bears a wonderful dark, chocolate brown patina. Circular wooden sabot base is strong and intact but has a number of cracks and splits to the wood. The spherical shell exhibits portions of the thin metal strap banding, now rusting, that secured the shell to the sabot. This 12 pound shell, part of the David Plank Collection, was found at the Sherfy Farm on the Emmitsburg Rd in Gettysburg and is identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
(R11258) $3,250.00
This original 12-pound spherical shell found at Gettysburg is in fine condition. Picked up from the battlefield at Little Round Top within a few days of the battle, this circular shell is missing its Borman fuse but does retain its original brass underplug showing its two spanner holes and flash hole in the center. Underplug exhibits a mellow greenish coloring. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned. The specimen wears just surface dirt and has a wonderful light brown patina overall. The 12-pound shell is from Little Round Top Gettysburg and is identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed label.
Here is a very nice U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the David Plank Collection; it was found in relic condition on the Rose Farm. Very lightly pitted and probably recovered soon after the Battle, it weighs 12 pounds and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a nice U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. Very lightly pitted, it was found in relic condition by Mr. Heck on the Heck Farm, which is on the back of Wolf Hill. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This original, 4.52" Federal 12-pound, spherical percussion shell was recovered on Oak Ridge sometime after the battle of Gettysburg. The circular, iron projectile, in very good condition, is complete and intact with its Borman fuse still tightly secured in place at the fuse adapter opening. The Borman fuse clearly exhibits the double wrench slots on the flange. Shell has be deactivated and slightly cleaned. Shell exterior, which has accumulated a plum-brown patina overall, displays a hard surface with some light rust pockmarks scattered about. This Federal, 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from Oak Ridge in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is an outstanding, original, fired U.S. 4.52-inch 12 pound solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. With provenance to the David Plank Collection, it was found in relic condition on the Sherfy Farm. Almost as new, this solid shot is has a few heavy gashes most likely imprinted when it stuck its target(s); it has a nice gray/green patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. A light mold seam encircles it. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
A nice Federal 12-pounder smoothbore spherical shell which used the Bormann Fuse, which is missing. A very common shell used during the Civil War, this relic condition shell, having never been cleaned, exhibits a very light surface rust over the entire body. This shell is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed tag.
This Civil War artillery round is an original, US 12-pound spherical shell that was found at Gettysburg. In very good, dug condition, this projectile was recovered on the grounds of the Sherfy Farm located on Emmitsburg Rd south of Gettysburg town. The circular, iron projectile is missing its large Bormann time fuse and its center iron underplug. Both the plug and time fuse openings still exhibit some evidence of threading. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned, with just a light brown patina overall and sports just a light film of surface dirt. This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from south of the Sherfy Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This original 12-pound spherical shell found at Spangler's Spring is in very fine condition having been found shortly after the battle. The circular shell is missing its Bormann fuse, the brass underplug in the center is present. Round fuse hole opening needs only to be lightly cleaned for a Bormann fuse to fit. Never cleaned, this shell exhibits just very light surface rust and has a wonderful light brown patina. Recovered at Spangler's Spring, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This original 12-pound spherical shell found at Gettysburg is in very good, excavated condition. Once part of the Plank Collection this circular projectile was recovered from the East Cavalry battlefield area of the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. The iron shell is missing its large Bormann time fuse and the center iron underplug. Round time fuse opening (1¼" diameter) still exhibits strong threading. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned. The smooth, hard surface of this specimen wears a wonderful brown patina overall and sports just a light film of surface dirt. This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the East Cavalry Field on the Gettysburg battlefield, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a fine and complete 4.52", Federal, 12-pound spherical shell with its unusual Bormann "Braille" type fuse adapter. Found on the Rottler Homestead in Gettysburg sometime after the battle, this artillery specimen still retains its original, intact Borman time fuse adapter known as a Bormann "Braille" fuse, so-called as it substituted raised dots in place of numbers on the fuse flange. The fuse was made of equal parts of lead and tin and was a very dependable ignition system during the war. Fuse adapter plug wears a dusky gray patina and exhibits a raised dot sequence stamped on the fuse flange in ½ second intervals along with the long wrench slot. Projectile, which has been deactivated and cleaned, was fired was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece. Surface is smooth and hard with a pleasing, plum-brown patina overall. This US 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Rottler Homestead in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
The standard smoothbore projectile used during the Civil War. Used for many different purposes, it would ricochet from one target to another, destroying anything in its path. This projectile was never cleaned, has light pitting over the entire body, with light orange-brown rust. This item was identified in John Geiselman's collection from his museum listing.
Here, in wonderful condition, is a Federal, 4.52" 12-pound spherical shell complete with its unusual Bormann "Braille" type fuse adapter. Found on the Jacoby Farm by resident Martin Williams of Gettysburg sometime after the battle, this artillery specimen still retains its original, intact Borman time fuse adapter known as a Bormann "Braille" fuse, so-called as it substituted raised dots in place of numbers on the fuse flange. The fuse was made of equal parts of lead and tin and was a very dependable ignition system during the war. Fuse adapter plug wears a dusky gray patina and exhibits a raised dot sequence stamped on the fuse flange in ½ second intervals along with the long wrench slot. Projectile, which has been deactivated and cleaned, was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece. Surface is smooth and hard with a pleasing, plum-brown patina. A light film of rust is scattered over the ball. This US 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Jacoby Farm in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This untouched original 12-pound spherical shell found after the battle within a few weeks is missing its Bormann fuse and the brass underplug. If cleaned properly a fuse would easily screw into the strong threads that are still present. Never cleaned, the projectile has a light coating of surface rust with very light pitting. Identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
Previously sold by us, and just reacquired, presented here is a fired federal 4.52" 12 lb. spherical shell with the remains of the Bormann fuse. This projectile was found years ago while in the process of digging a grave in the Evergreen Cemetery by Ed Weikert. The Bormann fuse is heavily damaged. The entire number section has been punched out. Recovered in relic condition, the shell has been professionally cleaned of all surface rust. No pitting to shell, minor areas of surface rust still exists. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by his museum listing.
(R11034) $850.00
Here is a very fine and complete 4.52", Federal, 12-pound spherical shell complete with its Bormann type fuse adapter. Found on the Culp's Hill area of Gettysburg sometime after the battle, this artillery is a circular, iron ball that still retains its original, intact, time fuse adapter known as a Bormann fuse. The fuse was made of equal parts of lead and tin and was a very dependable ignition system during the war. The Bormann plug, which is tightly screwed into the fuse opening, wears a dusky gray patina and exhibits some scuffing and abrasions to its surface. The stampings on the fuse flange denote ½ second intervals and are very clear and easy to read. Spanner wrench slots still visible. Projectile, which has been deactivated and cleaned, was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece. Surface is smooth and hard with a pleasing, plum-brown patina overall. This US 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Culp's Hill area in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a fine 4.52", Federal, 12-pound spherical shell complete with its Bormann-type fuse. Found on the grounds of the David Plank Farm on Little Round Top sometime after the battle of Gettysburg, this artillery specimen is a circular, iron cannon ball that retains its original, intact, time fuse known as a Bormann fuse. The fuse was made of equal parts of lead and tin and was a very dependable ignition system during the war. The Bormann plug, which is tightly screwed into the fuse opening, wears a dark, dusky-gray patina and exhibits heavy scuffing and abrasions to its surface. Very hard to see are the stampings on the fuse flange in ½ second intervals. Spanner wrench slots still visible. Projectile, which has been deactivated and cleaned, was fired from a 12-pound smoothbore field piece. Surface, which is hard, exhibits a light amount of rust pockmarks overall as well as a light brown patina coloring. This U.S. 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from Little Round Top in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
(R11252) $1,250.00
This original 12-pound spherical shell, type which used the Bormann fuse (missing) as is the underplug. The round fuse opening still has threads visible. Would need a really good cleaning to get a fuse to fit. Never cleaned, this projectile has light surface rust/grime and a nice brown patina. This projectile once part of the David Plank Collection is identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
This original 12-pound spherical case-shot shell found at Gettysburg is in fine condition. Once part of the David Plank Collection, this projectile was recovered from the battlefield at Reynold's Woods shortly after the battle. The circular shell is missing its Borman fuse and its brass underplug in the center. Round fuse opening still exhibits strong threads. Shell cavity is filled with round lead case shot and shows the light colored matrix clearly visible. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned. The specimen wears just surface dirt and has a wonderful light brown patina overall. This 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from Reynold's Woods in Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a very nice unfired U.S. 4.52-inch case shot with a Borman time fuse. Moderately pitted, it weighs 11 pounds, is fused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. The shell has a nice gray patina but a few shiny black spots. The Borman time fuse has a long wrench slot, is unset, and still has some numbers and detents visible. There is a small hole in the bottom opposite the fuse. After 1862, almost every Federal 12-pounder smoothbore shell fired had a Borman fuse in it, making this the most common explosive shell of the War. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a nice U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. Lightly pitted, it was found in relic condition on the David Plank Farm ("Weikert Farm") behind Little Round Top. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This shot was never cleaned, has a few interesting impact marks, and has a nice dark gray patina. There is no mold seam visible, most likely identifying it as a U.S. projectile. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the Ed Weikert Collection; it was found in relic condition near the Bryan House. Almost as new, this shot is in gem condition; it was found soon after the Battle. It weighs 12 pounds and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here, in outstanding condition, is an original, 12-pound spherical solid-shot that was recovered from Reynold's campsite on the Witherow Farm area in Gettysburg within days of the battle. This type of spherical artillery round was the most common Civil War projectile. Because they are un-fused, some collectors refer to these shells as 'iron lumps' as they tended to burrow into the ground when fired rather than bounce along the ground. No mold seam visible. Never cleaned. The specimen, with its smooth and hard surface, exhibits a wonderful dark, chocolate brown patina overall. This 12-pound spherical solid-shot, recovered from a Reynold's campsite Little Round Top at Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the McGuigan Collection; it was found in relic condition near at the Railroad Cut. Almost as new, this shot is in gem condition; it was found soon after the Battle. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smoothbore gun. It has a few nicks mostly likely from when it was fired. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding, original, fired U.S. 4.52-inch 12 pound solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. With provenance to the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg items, it was found in relic condition on the Rose Farm. It has some light pitting and a few shallow gashes most likely imprinted when it stuck its target(s); it has a nice gray/green patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. This shell has provenance to the Chritzman collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition on Benner's Hill. It is moderately pitted with a few very small gouges. This shell has never been cleaned and has an attractive dark gray patina. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot that was used as a farm weight. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition on the Sherfy Farm. This shot has light pitting; it has an attractive gray/gold/tan patina and has never been cleaned. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. There is an indistinct mold seam, a few small old gashes, and a top screw hole for suspending it. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag. It comes with a small (3-½ inch square) wooden base from John Geiselman.
This original untouched 12-pound shot found shortly after the fighting stopped still exhibits the arsenal paint. During the civil war, Northern and Southern Arsenals painted projectiles different colors allowing a artilleryman in the field to identify a certain type of projectile faster. In outstanding condition, this type of projectile was the most common civil war projectile. Spherical shots when fired would ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. This near-mint condition shot exhibits a nice dark patina where the paint has worn off. Identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition on the Sherfy Farm. This shot has light pitting and some residual dirt; it has an attractive gray/gold/tan patina and has never been cleaned. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. There is an indistinct mold seam and a small old gash most likely from striking a target. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition in Reynold's Woods. This shot has light pitting and some residual dirt; it has an attractive gray/gold/tan patina and has never been cleaned. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This federal 12-pound spherical shot specimen found on the 1st day's battlefield in Reynolds' Woods is in very good condition, complete with its wooden sabot and the four tin straps. This projectile was the most common civil war smoothbore used, once part of the David Plank collection, appears to have been picked up several months after the battle. Projectiles bears a wonderful dark, chocolate brown patina. The shot as well as the straps having never been cleaned have a light coat of rust due to the elements. The wooden sabot base is strong and intact but has a small number of cracks and some chipping to the area where the powder charge was attached. This projectile found in the area where U.S. General Reynolds was killed is identified in John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
This Federal 4.52" 12 lb. solid shot specimen was picked up on the Spangler homestead on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the battle. In very fine condition, this common Civil War smoothbore projectile was sometimes referred to as an un-fuzed, round iron lump. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned. Bears a wonderfully mottled, light and dark chocolate brown patina. Smooth hard surface with just a film of some surface dirt. The 12 pound shot, from the Spangler homestead in Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
From the Chritzman collection, this was the standard smooth-bore projectile used during the Civil War. Its purpose was to destroy fortifications, gun emplacements and charging Infantry and Cavalry. When fired it would ricochet from one target to another. An early battlefield pickup, this is a nice untouched projectile. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by his museum listing.
The standard smoothbore projectile used during the civil war. Used for many different purposes, it would ricochet from one target to another, destroying anything in its path. This projectile having been found shortly after the battle has never been cleaned. It exhibits a nice brown/gray patina with minor areas of light pitting. Rest of projectile has a smooth surface. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition on Little Round Top. This shot has light pitting and some residual dirt; it has an attractive gray/gold/tan patina and has never been cleaned. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is an outstanding, original U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another, causing extensive damage. This shell has provenance to the Oak Ridge collection of Gettysburg Civil War items; it was found in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. It is very lightly pitted with no serious gouges or heavy marks. This shell has never been cleaned and has an attractive gray and light brown-golden patina. No mold seam is visible. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This Federal 12-pound spherical shot specimen found just shortly after the battle clearly exhibits an "impact" mark. The impact mark meas. approx. 1.50" in diameter. This common civil war smoothbore projectile appears to have been picked up shortly after the battle. Shot has no seam mold, typical of Northern Arsenals, has never been cleaned and has a wonderful dark olive patina. Identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
This Federal Schenkl combination fuzed percussion case-shot shell is in fine relic condition. Specimen picked up from the Culp Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield after the battle by Martin Williams. This projectile measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"with a rounded nose to accommodate a maximum load of case-shot lead balls. Shell missing its zinc time fuse adapter. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Light pitting with some surface dirt only. Never cleaned. Bears a chocolate brown patina overall. This Schenkl shell, found by Martin Williams, is from the Culp Farm in Gettysburg and is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This original, Federal 3" Combination-Fuzed Schenkl percussion case-shot shell was recovered at the Sherfy Farm on the Emmitsburg Road in Gettysburg shortly after the battle. The three-inch Schenkl, in wonderful relic condition, was used more than any other Schenkl pattern shell in the Civil War. The lower portion of the zinc time-fuse adapter is present showing the circular index plate calibrated in ½ second intervals along the top. Missing is the fuse rotator cap and inner fuse rotator components, as well as the paper-mache sabot. The projectile measures 9¼" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and weighs 9 pounds. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Lightly pitted with surface dirt only. Never cleaned. Exhibits a mellow brown patina overall. The 3" Schenkl shell, once part of the David Plank collection of Gettysburg, is from the Sherfy Farm and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by the original tag in John's own hand writing which reads, "Shinkel Shell / Sherfey House / Dave Plank".
This original, Federal 3" Combination-Fuzed Schenkl percussion case-shot shell was recovered on Power's Hill in Gettysburg by Martin W. sometime after the battle. The three-inch Schenkl, in very good relic condition, was used more than any other Schenkl pattern shell in the Civil War. The lower portion of the zinc time-fuse adapter is still present in the nose showing the circular index plate calibrated in ½ second intervals along the top. Missing is the fuse rotator cap and inner fuse rotator components, as well as the paper-mache sabot. The projectile measures 9¼" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and weighs 9 pounds. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Body exterior exhibits moderate rust overall with a light film of surface dirt. Never cleaned. Exhibits a nice dark, mottled brown patina overall. This 3" Schenkl case-shot shell found on Power's Hill area of the Gettysburg Battlefield, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This Federal Schenkl combination-fuzed, percussion case-shot shell is in fine relic condition and was picked up from the John Rose Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the battle. The iron projectile measures 9½" long, has a diameter of 2.94"with a rounded nose to accommodate a maximum load of case-shot lead balls. The long, cylindrical shell retains its original zinc time fuse adapter with its full flange intact. The top of the flange clearly exhibits the ½ second time increments marked by numerals 1 thru 9. Exterior shell body has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Never cleaned. Bears a smooth hard surface with a chocolate brown patina overall. This Schenkl shell, from the John Rose Farm in Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This intact, Civil War artillery round is an original, Federal 3" Schenkl percussion case-shot shell recovered from the Virginia Monument area in Gettysburg sometime after the battle. This projectile is missing its original, zinc combination fuse rotator cap but retains the inner fuse rotator component embedded in the nose. Nose of the combo-fuzed iron shell is more flattened than other Schenkls to accommodate the maximum load of case-shot balls. Projectile measures 9¼" long, has a diameter of 2.94", weighs 9 pounds and has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Body exterior exhibits a surface with a light to moderate coating of rust and pockmarks. Overall, the Schenkl displays a mottled, light brown patina. This 3" Schenkl case-shot shell found near the Virginia Monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a nice U.S. 3-Inch Schenkl Case-shot Shell with the base of a combination percussion and time fuse. Henry Bittle recovered it in relic condition near Spangler's Spring. Moderately pitted, it measures 9 inches long and is approximately 3-inches in diameter. It weighs 9-½ pounds. The fuse is missing the rotator cap but the spiraling holes are still mostly visible. This shell is has an attractive green-gray-brown dark patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. There are only very minor nicks and gouges on this apparently unfired shell. It was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a nice addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This Federal, intact Schenkl percussion shell specimen is in wonderful relic condition. Appears to have been picked up from the Trostle Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield within a few days of the battle. This caliber shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and was the most used of any Schenkl pattern projectile. Shell still has what appears to be a brass Parrott time fuse adapter tightly screwed in the nose. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Surface dirt only. Never cleaned. Bears a chocolate brown patina overall. This 8lb shell is from the Trostle Farm in Gettysburg and is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This Federal, intact Schenkl percussion shell specimen is in wonderful relic condition. Once part of the Bush Horner Collection, this round appears to have been picked up from the Gettysburg battlefield within a few days of the battle. This caliber shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and was the most used of any Schenkl pattern projectile. Shell is missing its brass Schenkl time fuse in the nose and wears an old mottled coat of silver paint overall. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Surface exhibits very slight rust discoloration only. This 3.5 pound shell picked up on the Gettysburg battlefield is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Here is a complete Federal 3" Schenkl percussion shell specimen in very good condition. This artillery round was found on the grounds of the Spangler Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after of the battle. The deactivated shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and was the most used of any Schenkl pattern projectile. Shell retains a standard brass pattern Schenkl percussion fuse intact with the brass anvil cap screwed in and set to the firing position. Fuse wears a pleasing, dark brown patina and most of the Schenkl stamped markings are visible on the flanged head. Surface of shell body exhibits a hard, lightly pockmarked surface appearance that has acquired a nice, light brown patina, along with scattered areas of light surface rust. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Wonderful condition. This 3.5-pound Schenkl shell, found on the Spangler Farm after the Battle of Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This Federal, intact 3" Schenkl percussion shell specimen is a wonderful artillery relic recovered from East Cavalry Field sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The percussion shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and in the war was the most used of any Schenkl pattern. Projectile has had the flange head portion of the Schenkl time fuse adapter torn away but it still retains the tubular section of the zinc fuse adapter screwed into the nose. Iron shell body has a moderate to heavy pockmarked surface and displays the seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Never cleaned, this projectile bears a chocolate brown patina overall with scattered patches of surface dirt. This eight-pound shell from Gettysburg's East Cavalry Field is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This original Federal 3" Schenkl percussion shell was recovered on East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg sometime after the battle in July 1863. Once part of the Walters Collection, the 3" diameter Schenkl, in fine relic condition, was the type of shell used more than any other Schenkl pattern shell in the Civil War. The specimen's original zinc time-fused plug adapter and its papier-mache sabot is missing. The shell nose still exhibits strong threading in the plug opening. The projectile measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and weighs 8 pounds. The artifact has 7 raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Entire iron shell wears a coat of light rust with some surface dirt only. Never cleaned. The artillery projectile exhibits a nice, mottled brown patina overall. The 3" Schenkl shell, once part of the Walters Collection of Gettysburg, is identified in John Geiselman's museum listing.
Here is a complete Federal 3" Schenkl percussion shell specimen in very good condition. This artillery round was found on the grounds of the Spangler Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after of the battle. The deactivated shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and was the most used of any Schenkl pattern projectile. Shell retains a portion of the standard, brass-pattern Schenkl percussion fuse screwed into the nose. Fuse is slightly distorted and wears a pleasing, light green patina. Shell body exhibits a hard surface appearance that has acquired a nice, light brown patina, along with scattered areas of light surface rust. Nose area exhibits a small 'flake' or chip removed from the body. Conical tail has the seven raised vertical ribs. Overall in wonderful condition. This 3.5-pound Schenkl shell, found on the Spangler Farm after the Battle of Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Here is a nice U.S. 3-Inch Schenkl Percussion Shell. John Geiselman obtained it from Lester Wherley who found it in relic condition on the Wheatfield in Gettysburg. Lightly pitted, it measures 9 inches long and approximately 3 inches in diameter. It weighs 8 pounds. The fuse is a copper Shenkl percussion with a thinner than usual (1/8 inch) flange, 1 ¼ inch head and is slightly "backed out" exposing some fuse threads. This relic has been deactivated and has a ¼ inch hole in the side. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum list.
This Federal 3" Schenkl percussion shell was captured by Confederates, sent to a Southern arsenal and reworked to accommodate a wooden sabot secured with an iron pin through the tail base. This Schenkl shell, in fine relic condition, was found near the Sherfy home on the Emmitsburg Road in Gettysburg. The special copper time-fuse plug is missing, as is the sabot. The projectile measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and weighs almost 8 pounds. Has seven raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Portion of the iron pin extends from one side of the base. Some surface dirt only. Never cleaned. Exhibits a pleasing chocolate brown patina overall. This C.S. reworked Schenkl shell, once part of the Chritzman collection of Gettysburg, is from the Sherfy Farm and is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This Federal, intact Schenkl Percussion shell specimen is in wonderful relic condition. Appears to have been picked up at an undisclosed Gettysburg location within a few weeks of the battle. This caliber shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and was the most used of any Schenkl pattern projectile. Missing the Schenkl fuse, the threads are visible but heavily rusted. The body of the shell has the distinct Schenkl seven raised ribs on the conical tail. Shell appears to have been lightly cleaned many years ago. Body has light pitting over the entire surface. Shell has acquired a very dark olive patina. Arendstville is a small town located just outside Gettysburg, approximately 12 miles to the northwest. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by his museum listing.
A nice untouched example of the standard pattern U.S. 3" Schenkl Shell. It meas. 9" long with a diameter of 2.94". Has seven distinct raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. This pattern Schenkl Shell was the most common one used at Gettysburg. Missing its schenkl fuse, threads would only need to be cleaned for a fuse to fit. This untouched shell exhibits a nice brown patina with light surface grime having laid on the battlefield for a few months before being found. Identified by John Geisleman's museum listing.
Here is a large, twenty-pound Federal 3.67" Parrott artillery projectile that was recovered from the Culp's Hill area soon after the Battle of Gettysburg, having been fired by Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery of Light Artillery. This hefty Parrott shell specimen, most likely a drop, still retains its wrought iron sabot but is missing the original brass, time fuse adapter. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, the shell was used with the 20-pounder Parrott rifle of 3.67" caliber. Shell measures 10" long, has a diameter of 3.63" and weighs almost 17 pounds. This example is in relic condition and had been deactivated and used as a doorstop at one time. Exterior surface is crusted with rust and surface dirt. Here is a wonderful artillery example of a 20-pounder Parrott projectile found on Culp's Hill in Gettysburg. Shell is identified in John's Geiselman's museum listing.
This item is a nice fired U.S. 2.9 Inch Parrott Case-shot shell. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on the Heck Farm, which is south of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Lightly pitted with some dirt still adhering to the sabot, it measures 8 ½ inches tall, 2.9 inches in diameter, and weighs approximately 10 ½ pounds including the wrought iron ring sabot with 3 pre-rifled flanges. It has the remains of the zinc fuse plug, easily visible on the top of the shell. This type shell saw extensive use by the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theatre. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This Federal 2.9" artillery projectile is a Parrott case-shot specimen recovered from the Hummelbaugh Farm sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The cylindrical iron shell retains much of its original zinc fuse adapter and its wrought iron sabot ring. Head and flange of the fuse adapter has blown away but remnants of the zinc body remain tightly screwed into the nose. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, the shell was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. The iron shell measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in nice condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina overall. Never cleaned, the projectile surface is moderately pockmarked and wears just a light rust coat. This artillery artifact, a very good representative projectile from the fighting at Gettysburg, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
If one is seeking the best in a Federal artillery projectile from the Battle of Gettysburg, here it is. This minty specimen, once part of the Plank Collection, was found in Reynolds' Woods within days of the end of the fighting. A remarkable projectile made for the 10-pounder Parrott Rifle. The Parrott Type I percussion fuse was the first projectile to adopt the two-piece percussion fuse. It consisted of a zinc slider with a nipple and percussion cap on top that was housed in a circular channel cast into the nose of the shell. A threaded zinc anvil cap closed off the channel. Upon impact, the slider would slide into the cap and ignite the shell's charge. This simple design was also called the "West Point" style fuse. Like the shell, the fuse is in mint condition. The Anvil cap unscrews to show the slider, which also is in perfect condition; frozen from time, it could be made to be removable. Never cleaned, the exterior displays a very pleasing dark chocolate patina. This item is identified in John Geiselman's museum by his contemporary labels.
This Federal 2.9" Type II Parrott artillery projectile was recovered from the Vaughn Farm on South Cavalry Field sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The cylindrical shell is complete with its standard brass pattern fuse adapter and brass band sabot. Fuse adapter plug is stamped on the flange with "J.P. SCHENKL / PAT. OCT 18, 1861" and still retains its anvil cap in the safety position. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, the shell was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. The iron shell measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in very nice condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina overall. Never cleaned, the projectile surface wears just light surface rust pitting with little surface dirt. This artifact is a wonderful representative projectile from Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This Federal 2.9" Type II Parrott artillery projectile was recovered from the Culp's Hill area sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The cylindrical shell retains standard brass band sabot but is missing the time fuse adapter. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, the shell was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. The iron shell measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in good condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina over a hard smooth surface. Never cleaned, the projectile shows remnants of the time fuse tightly secured in the nose. Exterior body of shell exhibits a long, 5 ½" vertical body crack from the nose area to near the base as well as light surface pitting. This Parrott projectile is a wonderful representative projectile from Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This standard pattern Federal 2.9" Parrott projectile still has remains of the zinc parrott fuse adapter. The fuse has been damaged with the top portion of the fuse sheared off. Often referred to as a sub-pattern one, with its wrought iron sabot still intact. Near base of sabot "air pockets" formed during the manufacture of this projectile causing minor holes to form. This shell has been cleaned of the heavy surface rust that coated the entire shell. Has areas of heavy pitting with surface grime present over the entire body. Upon impact a very minor "chip" occurred to the nose section near fuse. Identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
This Federal artillery projectile is a 2.9" Parrott shell specimen that bears an original C.S. time fuse adapter set in the nose. Once part of the Dr. Hill Collection, this artifact was recovered from an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the fighting ended. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, this smoothside, cylindrical iron shell retains its complete wrought iron sabot ring and was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. The iron shell measures 8.75" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in excellent condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina over a smooth hard surface. Never cleaned. This Federal artillery artifact is a fine representative projectile from the heavy cannonade delivered at Gettysburg. Round is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is an original, Civil War Federal artillery projectile called the 2.9" Parrott shell that came from the Battle of Gettysburg. This specimen of the Union Army's Long Arm was recovered on Culp's Hill at the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting ended. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, this projectile is missing its original time fuse adapter but does exhibit some of the treaded opening in the nose, as well as a complete and intact wrought iron sabot at the base. The cylindrical-shaped, iron shell was used in the 2.9" caliber, 10-pound Parrott rifle. Shell measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in excellent overall condition and features a dark plum-brown patina on the exterior body. Shell appears to have been cleaned some time ago and shows light rust pockmarking on the body. This Federal artillery artifact is a fine representative projectile from the Union artillery at Gettysburg. Shell is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his inscribed labels.
This original, Federal artillery projectile is a 2.9" Parrott shell specimen that was recovered from the David Plank Farm on Little Round Top sometime after the battle of Gettysburg. Converted and used as a farm weight, the Parrott shell features a hand-forged, wrought iron, 2½" high, angular loop that has been driven into the nose section. Used as a gate or door weight of sorts, the artifact was found, deactivated and most likely put to use at the Plank Farm. This Parrott shell, designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, is a smoothside, cylindrical iron shell with an iron sabot ring and was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. Shell body measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 9 pounds. This Parrott example is in good condition and wears a rich, chocolate- brown patina over a lightly pockmarked, hard surface. This Union artillery artifact is a fine representative projectile from the heavy cannonade at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is an original, fired, Federal 3" brass fuzed Type 1 Hotchkiss Common percussion shell recovered soon after the Battle of Gettysburg. This remarkable Gettysburg relic, once part of the Dr. Hill Collection, has the iron shell body with a portion of the fuse adapter still in the nose, and its complete and unbroken lead band sabot still attached to the shell. Sabot also retains remnants of original burlap wrap or twine wrapped around base of shell. Sabot wears a dusky gray coloring and is distorted from being fired and clearly visible are the lands and grooves of the 3" Ordnance Rifle that fired it. Specimen is missing the brass Hotchkiss fuse adapter and iron base cup. Used primarily in the 3" Ordnance Rifle, this type projectile was purchased in large numbers by the Federal Ordnance Dept. Projectile measures 5½" long, has a diameter of 2.94" and weighs 8 pounds. All that is left of the brass Hotchkiss Time Fuse Adapter is the long tube that remains in the nose of the shell. Flange and cap are missing. Shell body exhibits a pleasing, dark brown patina and is in very good condition. Never cleaned. This 3" Hotchkiss percussion shell was recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This Federal artillery artifact is a rare, 3.8" fired Type 2 Hotchkiss case shot shell produced by the Federal Ordnance Department for the 14 pounder James Rifle. With a diameter of 3.73", the complete shell stood 6.87" tall and weighed over 14 lbs. This shell specimen is missing its lead band sabot and iron cup base, as well as the brass Hotchkiss time fuse adapter. Once part of the David Plank Collection, this projectile was found on the Sherfy Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the fighting stopped. The entire nose section of the shell has blown out which indicated that the sidewalls were too thick to give the proper fragmentation effect. Specimen wears a coat of old black paint that sustains scuffs, scratches and chipping overall. No flame grooves. Exterior of this cylindrical shell bears a smooth hard surface. This rare Hotchkiss shell, once part of the David Plank Collection, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is a very nice original U.S. canister round for a 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle. John Geiselman obtained it from Bannerman, a large and well-known military goods dealer in New York in the 1920's. It measures 8 inches tall and 2.9 inches in diameter. This canister weighs approximately 6 pounds and has a tin outer shell (can). The top of the canister has crimped edges over an iron plate, having been opeend and re-sealed years ago. This canister is full normally with iron or lead balls packed in sawdust. The canister is in great condition; it still has some original gray paint and has but a few small dents and nicks. The can seam is solid and intact and the lid is securely crimped to the can. This item has not been cleaned. The bottom lead base is intact and "HOTCHKISS 3 IN JAN'Y 7 1862 PATENT" is impressed in bold letters. There is a narrow groove at the base where the sabot joins the canister; there is no sabot with this canister. Designed to be fired at close range at personnel targets, canisters were not usually made rigid (e.g., light tin-plate casing, as here) so that they didn't take to the gun's rifling. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is a nice, original, unfired U.S. canister round for a 3.67-Inch 20 Pounder. This canister would have been fired from Captain Elijah D. Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery, the only 20-pounder Parrott battery present at Gettysburg during the three days in Evergreen Cemetery. This canister is full normally with iron or lead balls packed in sawdust. In less than new condition with some light pitting and rust, it was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location on the Gettysburg Battlefield. It measures 8 inches tall and approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. This canister weighs approximately 8 pounds and has a tin outer shell (can). The top of the canister has crimped edges over an iron plate, as you would normally expect. The top is rusty and the crimping is failing but still containing the contents. The canister still has some original gray paint and has a lot of shallow dents. The can seam is mostly secure but failing new the top; the contents are still intact. The bottom lead base is intact but has a heavy tear and "HOTCHKISS 3 4/10 IN JAN'Y 7 1862 PATENT" is impressed in bold letters. This item has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. Designed to be fired at close range at personnel targets, canisters were not usually made rigid (e.g., light tin-plate casing, as here) so that they didn't take to the gun's rifling. This is a wonderful canister and it would make an attractive display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is a nice and original 3.8-Inch Type I James Bolt. It was found in relic condition on the Sherfy Farm in Gettysburg; John Geiselman obtained it from the David Plank Collection. Moderately pitted and rusted, it measures approximately 7 inches long by 3.7 inches in diameter. The lead and tin "sleeve" sabot is still attached and the sabot wrap seem is plainly visible. This item has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. The insides of the lower portion of the bolt are visible through the underside thereby exposing the body grooves and the bolt's design. As an interesting sideline, the inventor of this shell was killed by his own handy-work. Major General Charles James, a Rhode Island Militiaman, later Chairman of the Senate Committee of Patents, and still later artillery designer and patentee invented this bolt. Ironically, he was killed in October 1862 during a demonstration of his shells to a group of foreign officers. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an interesting conversation piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This seldom seen, Federal, 3.8" Type-1 James artillery projectile was recovered from an unknown location of the battlefield sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The unfired, cylindrical shell is complete with its standard brass 'James' percussion fuzing adapter and its tin-coated, lead sleeve sabot. Missing from the projectile is the coarse linen or burlap sabot cover. The round's sabot was usually thrown off at the muzzle when fired and any infantry in front of an artillery position using James guns were in mortal danger of being hit. This made the James projectiles quite unpopular in the Federal Army. Designed by Charles Tillinghast James in February 1856, this type of shell was used with the 14-pounder James Rifle of 3.8" caliber. he iron shell measures 7" long, has a diameter of 3.75" and weighs eleven pounds. This specimen of 'James' shell is in very nice condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina overall. Never cleaned, the projectile surface wears light to moderate rust pitting. This artifact is a wonderful representative projectile from Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is a very nice, original U.S. canister round for a 6-Pounder 3.67-Inch Smoothbore. It was found in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. It measures 6 ¾ inches tall including the attached wooden sabot and is 3.6 inches in diameter. The Canister weighs approximately 7 pounds and has a tin outer shell (can). The sabot is attached to the can with four flat head nails; the canister balls are packed in sawdust as evidence by a few bits visible in the seam between the can and the sabot. The canister is in great condition and must have been recovered soon after the battle; the only visible rust is on the can lid. The can has a very attractive gray patina and the wooden sabot is intact except for two small old chips on the lower ring. The can seam is solid and intact and the lid is securely crimped to the can. This item has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This is a wonderful canister and it would make an attractive display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label.
This canister round on original untouched round for a 6-pounder 3.67" smoothbore meas. 6 ¾" tall including the attached wooden sabot, 3.6" in diameter. The canister weighs approx. 7 pounds. The sabot is attached to the outer tin body with four flat head nails. When packed at the arsenal, sawdust was used as a filler with the canister balls, which is still present. The body has a gray patina with minor "storage" dents and the wooden sabot has two small chips along where the powder bag was attached. The tin body mold seam is solid and intact and the lid is securely crimped to the lid. Light surface rust on top of lid. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is a very nice, original U.S. canister round for a 6-Pounder 3.67-Inch Smoothbore. It was found at an unknown location in Gettysburg. It measures 6 ¾ inches tall including the attached wooden sabot and is 3.6 inches in diameter. The Canister weighs approximately 7 pounds and has a tin outer shell (can). The sabot is attached to the can with five flat head nails; the canister balls are packed in sawdust as evidence by a few bits visible in the seam between the can and the sabot. The canister is in great condition and must have been recovered soon after the battle; the only visible rust is on the can lid. The can has a very attractive gray patina with two noticeable but shallow dents that do not detract from its wonderful appearance. The wooden sabot is intact, complete, and undamaged. The can seam is nearly solid and intact and the lid is securely crimped to the can. This item has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This is a wonderful canister, displays well, and would make an attractive addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label.
This item is an unusual Battlefield find; the canister hull from a U.S. 4.62 Inch caliber 12-Pounder Smoothbore Canister. With provenance to the William Ziegler Collection of Gettysburg and Civil War items, it was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Very lightly pitted with some rust, it is in remarkable condition; this must have been an early Battlefield pick-up. It measures approximately 8 inches high and 4.5 inches in diameter and is composed of the wooden base and the canister's tin hull. Sometime long ago, someone pried open the top of this canister and removed its contents. This hull has the top edges crimped back and the bottom loosely fits the wooden base. The tin has a few rust spots (inside and outside) and the vertically soldered seam is not totally intact. The wooden base was turned on a lathe and has an attractive old patina. The bottom ring has a small (1/4 inch by 1/8 inch) chip that does not detract from its appearance. There are no markings on this hull and it has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a wonderful conversation piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This artillery specimen consists of the remnants of a 12-pounder smoothbore stand of canister gathered from the Gettysburg battlefield not long after the battle. Included in this early pick up is one plate together with nine, separate grape shot, aka canister shot, in fine original condition. A very common explosive shell used in the Civil War, canister was usually called for in breaking up opposing charging infantry and proved an efficient piece of artillery projectile. The ¼" thick, circular, flat iron plate measures 4" in diameter and is partially distorted in shape. Nine 1.5" diameter canister balls accompany the artifact. All iron pieces retain a light coating of surface rust. Never cleaned. This canister ammunition is an early battlefield pickup from Gettysburg and the item is identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.
This item is a very nice fragment of an exploded C.S. 3-Inch Read Bolt. Moderately pitted with some rust on the bottom, this fragment consists of the shell's high convex sabot ring. It measures approximately 3 inches in diameter by 1 5/8 inches high and boldly shows the grooves from the gun's rifling. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on Culp's Hill. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection.
This artifact is a circular sabot for a Federal Parrott or Read-Parrott shell and it was found in the East Cavalry Field area of the Gettysburg battlefield. The wrought iron sabot specimen has the high-convex, saucer-shaped base and is 3" in diameter by 1¾" high. 1" portion of the sabot's saucer-like edge has been peened over but remaining edge is strong. The 3" wrought iron sabot, found on the Gettysburg battlefield at East Cavalry Field is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This artillery projectile is from the American Revolution, from the collection of Frank Kravic. Mr. Kravic was a professional archaeologist who discovered and excavated many camp sites and battlefields, and had one of the largest and most documented collections of artifacts in private hands. This projectile is a spherical shot in relic condition, having never been professionally cleaned.
Recovered at Fort Ticonderoga, NY, located in upstate New York on the southern shores of Lake George. Light surface rust.
This item is a very nice fragment of a U.S. 3 Inch Shenkl Case Shot. Moderately pitted, this fragment composes approximately 75% of a complete shell; the top ½ is missing most likely resulting from the explosion when it was fired. It measures 9 inches long, has the fuse threads still visible, and has seven ribs on the complete conical tail. John Geiselman purchased this relic from the Chritzman collection. At least three lead case shot balls embedded in the black matrix are still intact in the bottom of this fragment. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from his museum listing and still has a white circular label marked "11".
(R13794) $695.00
Previously sold as item R11531. This artillery artifact is an early version, zinc combination time fuse adapter for a 3" Schenkl percussion shell. The cylindrical relic, found in very good condition, was recovered from the fields at Gettysburg sometime after the battle. The zinc combination fuse adapter wears a dusky gray patina and is covered with a thin coat of dirt. The top of the circular index plate is intact with all twenty ½-sec time interval holes in place. Lower portion of the fuse shank has a series of 20 holes spiraling down in a counter-clockwise direction. Piece measures 2 7/8" long and has a flange head diameter of 1½". Barely visible on the index plate are numerals 1 through 9 with each number designating ½ sec timing elements. Bottom tip of fuse adapter is slightly distorted. Item identified on John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.
(575-02) $89.50
Presented here is the most puzzling and the only unidentified artifact to emerge from John Geiselman's collection of Gettysburg battlefield recoveries. This 'tool' of sorts consists of a long wooden staff with a crudely forged, wood cupped, iron fork nailed on one end and a forged iron hook nailed at the other end. The staff or stave itself is 66" long and with both iron attachments in place, the implement measures out to 84" long. The appearance of this device could be considered as part of the family of field artillery implement tools such as a rammer, worm, sponge head, or ladle with implement tools secured to either end of a wood shaft to facilitate a specific operation. The staff or handle started life as a 66" long x 1¼" wide x 1" high wooden shaft. Each end of the handle was tapered to a point on two sides only. Ten inches back from each point, the staff had its four outside corner edges shaved flat resulting in a handle that exhibits eight faceted surfaces of equal width that run for a length of 46". The iron fork attachment is composed of two, 13½" long x 1" wide, thick strips of iron that were forged together at the center point and then given a one quarter twist. The result was a device that resembled a two-tine fork or spur at one end while the opposite ends of the strips were peened down to fit over the point of the wooden handle. The fork arms measure 7" long and have a circular, 2" high, turned wooden collar mounted around the outer extremities of the arms. What appears to be band of black leather is wrapped around the wood collar and is secured by small nails or brads. Only remnants of the leather remain and the leather is very dry and brittle with pieces easily broken off. Opposite end of the handle is the iron hook and shaft that measures 15½" long. Hook itself is 3" long with a narrow curvature and is made from a single bar of ¾" thick iron rod forged into a hook. This most unusual and unknown implement / tool / device resided in John Geiselman's collection of Gettysburg artifacts. Any assistance in determining the actual name and use of this object would be most helpful.
This item is an original U.S. Friction Primer Shipping Box. It was found soon after the Battle in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Lightly pitted with some rust, it is made of tin and measures 4 ½ inches long, 3 inches deep, and 2 3/8 inches high. The top is hinged as made, still functions, and is stamped "FRICTION TUBES / 100 / 1862" in three easily read lines inside a 3 inch by 2 inch oval. The tin under the top on the inside is almost as new. There are two small punched holes in the lid and one on the back; a few sections of the tin seal around the bottom edges have weakened. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a great addition to any Civil War, Gettysburg, or artillery related collection or display.
Previously sold by us and just reacquired, this item is an interesting wooden pioneer type grease and tar bucket. It was recovered in relic condition on the Trostle Farm in. Crudely made but still very attractive, it has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This bucket measures 10-5/8 inches tall, 6 inches across the outside diameter, and is made from a piece of wood, possibly poplar or chestnut. The inside has a 4-½ inches diameter, has a pungent odor, and is coated with a tar or black grease residue. The top is made of wood and is attached with a looping strap through two side retaining slots. This strap is broken, has a knot at each end, and is heavy brittle leather. The top of the lid has a few wormholes and has a protruding wooden stirring spoon that still functions. This piece would have held a combined tar and grease mix for lubricating a wagon axle. The bucket seal is intact and it would probably still hold a liquid today. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg collection.
(R11895) $295.00
This battlefield pickup is a cylindrical, wooden grease bucket recovered on the fields of Gettysburg sometime after the battle. It pre-dates the Civil War by many years. Carried on both civilian and army wagons during that time, this most unusual artifact appears to be crafted from one block of wood and shaped into a cylindrical bucket, 12" tall and with a 6" outside diameter. The wooden block was hollowed out and a slice of the block was cut off the top and exhibits an elongated shape to serve as a cover for the grease container. Wood top has three holes evenly spaced on the long axis. Two end holes serve to secure a length of leather carrying strap while the center hole sports a fired and carved minie ball. Body exterior exhibits remnants of what appears to be a pitch or a tar coating that is now very dry and shows surface cracking. Entire surface of the grease bucket wears a mottled brown patina and has some scattered surface dirt as well. This specimen could be a civilian model and many of these items went West with the wagon trains. Found at an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield, this wooden grease bucket is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is a very nice U.S. Civil War metal grease and tar bucket. It was recovered in relic condition on the Butt Farm in Gettysburg and judging from its good condition, most likely soon after the Battle. Lightly pitted and rusted and with a few very light dents, it still has some of the original black paint and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This bucket measures 8 inches tall, 7 inches across the outside diameter, and is made of heavy steel/iron. There are top and bottom 1 inch high reinforcing caps that are firmly attached to the bucket with heavy rivets. The top has a swivel convex metal lid 4-¼ inches across and lip finger handle that function perfectly; the top access hole is 3-½ inches across. There is a "O" ring and carrying chain firmly attached to the top of the bucket by two heavy side retainers. The loop is 2 inches across and there are four chain links/attaching hooks on each side. This piece would have held a combined tar and grease mix for lubricating. The bucket seal is intact and it would probably still hold a liquid today. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent addition to an artillery, Civil War, and/or Gettysburg collection.
This battlefield pickup is a cylindrical-shaped, iron water bucket utilized by the artillery branches of both armies during the American Civil War. Found on the Hummelbaugh Farm from the family's collection in Gettysburg, this intact, heavy and very nice condition sponge bucket specimen was recovered from this famous farm on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the battle. A wonderful artifact, the bucket is made from a hefty sheet of iron with a circular top cap and bottom cap bent over the sides and fastened with rivets. The top cap, which exhibits a 5" diameter wood opening to allow access for the sponge, is missing its smaller, circular, domed metal cover that fit over the top opening. The cap also has two inverted, T-shaped, iron brackets riveted opposite each other with the vertical portion extending above the cap surface to expose a closed 'eye' ring. The handle for the bucket is a length of thick, tubular iron bar formed into a crescent-shape with each end run through the eye rings and folded over unto itself. Top dead center of the handle exhibits another eye ring welded into place and it supports two, large, linked chain links that connect to an iron T-bar grip or toggle. Toggle was used to attach the bucket to the eye of the axle strap on the gun carriage when artillery was on the march. This bucket held water in which the sponge was dipped when washing out the tube. Specimen weighs eleven pounds, stands 9" tall and has an 8" diameter. No open splits or cracks on the piece, nor is any maker's mark visible. One large, shallow depression is prevalent on the side. Entire surface of the water bucket has a light coating of rust that exhibits a rich, deep brown patina. Artifact wears light surface dirt on both exterior and interior. From the Hummelbaugh Farm/Collection and identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This battlefield pickup is a cylindrical and tapered, leather water bucket utilized in both military and civilian professions in the mid-1800's. Once part of the Hummelbaugh Collection in Gettysburg, this intact and very fine, leather water bucket specimen was recovered from an undisclosed location on the battlefield of Gettysburg shortly after the battle. This wonderful artifact appears to be constructed from two thick sheets of tapered, heavy leather and strongly stitched at the sides. Wider at the top (10" diameter), the sides taper down to the circular base plug of leather (6" diameter). Total length of the bucket is 12" high. Bucket top rim is rolled and double stitched with two integrated leather loops sewn on either side that serve to hold a stitched, ½" thick, tubular length of leather carrying strap. The heavy, black leather specimen is still strong but stiff and exhibits just a hint of surface crazing overall. Bucket is slightly misshapen near the top. Stitching is tight long the sides and top rim but is moderately frayed at the base. No open splits or cracks on the piece, nor is there any maker's mark visible. Entire surface of the water bucket wears a rich, deep brown patina and some scattered surface dirt as well. Found at an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield, this leather water bucket is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
From the David Plank Gettysburg collection. Weathered and corroded screw & pin with 6 links of connecting chain, measuring 10" in length.
Here is a hand tool probably used by a blacksmith or an artilleryman to fix sabots. Lester Wherley found it in relic condition in the field behind the Trostle Farm. It is moderately pitted, measures about 5-¼ inches long with a 1/2-inch pincher "bite," and pivots easily. The pinchers are slightly off-center and the handles are bent at the tips. The handles at one time included a point and the other a small spade that is partially missing. There are no markings and it has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is part of of an "eye plate chain", the large "O" in the links of the chain. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown non-Gettysburg location. Moderately pitted, the "O" ring is actually oval and the outside diameter measures 4-¼ inches long by 3-5/8 inches and is made of an iron/steel 5/8 inches thick. There is one link of chain and it measures 3-inches long by 1-5/8 inches across. It is made of 3/8-inch thick iron/steel. Both are solidly attached and have not been cleaned. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an inexpensive display item for an Artillery or Civil War collection.
Here is a section of artillery chain. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown non-Gettysburg location. Moderately pitted, it consists of a bolt end and twelve links of chain. The bolt is 2-7/8 inches long, has a looped top for the chain, and has eleven threads. The bolt attaching chain link is larger the others: 2-¼ inches by 1-¼ inches and made of 5/16-inch thick metal. Ten chain links measure 2 inches by 1 inch and are made of 5/16-inch thick metal. The remaining link is a slip link measuring 2 inches by 1 inch and made of ¼-inch thick metal. All are securely linked and have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an inexpensive display item for an Artillery or Civil War collection.
This item is an original wheel hub nave box ring for an axle tree. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Moderately pitted, it measures 3-½ inches in diameter, 1-¾ inches high, and a tapered ¼ inch thick. It has three uniformly spaced intact fins on the outside circumference and has not been cleaned. This ring is the center hub on a wheel axle. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an interesting conversation piece for a Gettysburg collection.
This item is an original wheel hub nave box ring for an axle tree. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Very lightly pitted, it must have been recovered soon after the battle; it still has some original steel finish. This steel ring measures 3-¾ inches in diameter, 2-¼ inches high, and ¼ inch thick. It has three uniformly spaced fins on the outside circumference and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This ring is the center hub on a wheel axle. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an interesting conversation piece for a Gettysburg collection.
This item is an original wheel hub nave box ring for an axle tree. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Lightly pitted, it has a very attractive green, gold, and brown patina. This steel ring measures 2-5/8 inches in diameter, 2 inches high, and ¼ inch thick. It has three uniformly spaced fins on the outside circumference and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This ring is the center hub on a wheel axle. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an interesting conversation piece for a Gettysburg collection.
This item is an original wheel hub nave box ring for an axle tree. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Moderately pitted, it measures 3-½ inches in diameter, 2 inches high, and a tapered ¼ inch thick. It has two uniformly spaced intact fins on the outside circumference and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This ring is the center hub on a wheel axle. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label.
This superb artifact from the Battle of Gettysburg is an original, unopened packet of Federal artillery paper time fuses still contained within the original light orange or salmon-colored paper covering. Once part of the Hess Collection, this rectangular paper packet was found within days of the battle and measures 3" long x 2" wide x ¾" high and displays the maker's stamping that reads, "Frankford Arsenal, / 1863 / 4 SECOND FUSES." Packet, in outstanding original condition, still exhibits the small cotton tabs or strips protruding from the closed, glued paper packet. Just a few, very slight rends to the outer paper wrap. This artifact, once part of the Hess Collection, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This fuse has a nice dark patina and is in good condition. The threads are still packed with dirt and may be cleaned by its new owner. This brass fuse specimen, recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting, is identified in John Geiselman's collection from his contemporary inscribed labels.
Fuse is in great condition. Nice green patina and the threads are in good condition as well. Fuse stands approx. 1.75 inches high. This brass specimen was recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the battle. Fuse is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Fuse has nice dark patina and still has a lot of dirt inside of threads but threads are in good condition. There is a .25 inch chip out of the top lip on one side. Fuse stands approx. 2 inches high. This brass fuse specimen, recovered from the battlefield at Gettysburg sometime after the battle, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a C.S. varient brass time fuse adapter with remains of paper time fuse still inside. Cylindrical relic found in Gettysburg on Black Horse Tavern Road. Excellent condition, light surface dirt. Length: 1.5", head diameter: 1 3/16"; body diameter: 1"; threads: 8. This item identified on John Geiselman's original tag listing.
This brass, Hotchkiss time fuse adapter, made for artillery percussion shells during the Civil War, was recovered from East Cavalry Field sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. This fired fuse artifact measures 2¼" long and retains its flange head, threading and tubular shank. Plug even retains its original paper powder fuse insert within the fuse opening. Flange exhibits the typical screwdriver slot akin to the Hotchkiss time fuse. Fuse is in very fine condition. Exterior of this cylindrical fuse adapter bears a hard surface that has acquired a pleasing, light green patina. Never cleaned, fuse shows some light surface dirt overall. Length: 2¼", flange diameter: 1 1/8". This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This small grouping of battlefield artifacts consists of a pair of early-war, zinc, Parrott time fuses adapters made for ten-pound Parrott artillery percussion shells during the Civil War. Recovered from Oak Ridge on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the battle, each of these fired artifacts measures 2½" long. Fuse plugs are distinct as they both have no flange. The two spanner holes, threading and tubular shank are in very good condition on both plugs. Exterior of these cylindrical fuse adapters bear some surface dirt. Hint of a dusky gray patina show through the dirt. Never leaned. Length: 1¾". This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a nice U.S. Parrott time fuse adapter. It was found in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Lightly pitted with some dirt still adhering, this item was made of zinc, measures approximately 2-½ inches long by 1-¼ inches for the head diameter, and has 12 threads per inch. The threads are plainly visible and there are two top spanner holes. It has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This item is identified from John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make a wonderful addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
This brass, time fuse plug, made during the Civil War for a Federal ten-pound Parrott artillery percussion shell, was recovered from an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the Battle. The fired artifact measures 1 7/8" long and retains its flange head, strong threading and tapered tubular shank. Plug adapter is in fine condition with both spanner holes visible on the flange. A tiny chip has broken away adjacent to one of the spanner holes. Body is minty with its threads still sharp although packed with some surface dirt. Exterior of this cylindrical fuse adapter bears a pleasing, light green patina. Never cleaned. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a nice U.S. early style Parrott time fuse adapter (commonly known as a fuse plug). It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. Very lightly pitted with some dirt still adhering, this item was made of zinc, has no flanges (thereby, an early war style), measures 1 3/8 inches long by 1 1/8 inches in diameter, and has 12 threads per inch. The threads are plainly visible. Besides the hole for the paper fuse, there are two spanner holes. Identified in John Geiselman's collection from his contemporary inscribed labels. This relic would make a wonderful addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
Here is a nice U.S. early style Parrott time fuse adapter (commonly known as a fuse plug). It was found in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. Very lightly pitted with some dirt still adhering, this item was made of zinc, has no flanges (thereby, an early war style), measures 1-5/8 inches long by 1-1/8 inches in diameter, and has 12 threads per inch. The threads are plainly visible. Besides the hole for the paper fuse, there are two spanner holes. This relic is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make a wonderful addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
Here is a remnant from an unknown type of Artillery Fuse. This piece was found in relic condition on the Lloyd Durboraw's Farm in Gettysburg. Lightly pitted, it is shaped as a large washer and made of brass. It measures approximately 1-¼ inches in outside diameter, is 1/8 inch thick, and has a 5/8-inch wide hole in the center. This remnant may be an anvil cap for a Parrott percussion fuse. The head has two spanner holes for tightening the fuse into the shell. It has not been cleaned. This relic is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and is accompanied by a small round white paper tag with John's neatly printed inventory number "93". It would make a nice display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Completely unopened wooden shipping box, measuring 2.5 by 1.5", sealed with blue paper with following lettering-"5 Friction Primers/Frankfort Arsenal", w/an indecipherable date below. Though the paper is sealed tightly, the coloring is darkly soiled in spots & lightly faded in others. Once part of Dr. Hill's collection. Identified in John Geiselman's collection from his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is a very nice, original, U.S Naval Vent Cover / priming Wire. John Geiselman purchased this item from the Bannerman Catalog. Francis Bannerman operated a large store dedicated mostly to Army and Navy war surplus items in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. He also published periodic catalogs know for their great references of Civil War items. Near new but with a small area of light rust, it has some original black paint and has never been cleaned. This punch is 13 ½ inches long, has an intact small spaded end, and a 1 ¼ inch wooden ball and cup on the other end. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and it would make an excellent display items for an artillery collection.
This item is a very nice, original, U.S Naval Vent Cover / Priming Wire. John Geiselman purchased this item from the Bannerman Catalog. Francis Bannerman operated a large store dedicated mostly to Army and Navy war surplus items in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. He also published periodic catalogs know for their great references of Civil War items. Near new but with a small area of light rust, this wire has some original black paint and has possibly been lightly cleaned. This punch is 13-1/8 inches long, has an intact small spaded end, and a 1 ¼ inch cork(?) ball and retaining cup on the other end. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Lodged tightly in a massive, heavy chunk of hardwood tree is a distorted copper / brass, unidentified, Civil War artillery time-fuse plug. Recovered from the Oak Ridge area sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg, the fuse simulated a fired projectile and buried itself by more than half its diameter into a section of tree trunk. Once part of the Oak Ridge Collection, this large, crescent-shaped wood specimen weighs 10 pounds and measures 11" long by 5" at its widest point and comes from a tree trunk that was 10" in diameter. The circular fuse, imbedded deeply into the dark-colored wood, is clearly visible with one spanner hole and body threads visible, but the type cannot be definitely identified. In very good condition, the wood is still strong and tight, and exhibits the original bark surface that is weathered over with age. Overall, the wood wears a dark, pleasing, mellow brown coloring. Attached to the wood is a small US flag and staff that is a momento of the 1913 GAR reunion at Gettysburg. This copper time fuse embedded, in wood from the Oak Ridge area of the Gettysburg battlefield, is a classic artifact of the Battle of Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item was previously sold by The Horse Soldier and was just recently reacquired. Here is a unique and interesting piece of Gettysburg history. It is a bullet embedded in a piece of wood; it was recovered in Gettysburg at Spangler's Farm. The bullet type appears to be a two-ringer Gardiner; the entry path shows clearly in the wood and the wood shows signs of having grown around the bullet. This piece of wood measures a split and cut 7 inches by 4 inches and 3 inches. The wood appears to be a wormhole riddled, tight grained oak; but, to that, we are uncertain because the weights so little. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
(R17490) $1,250.00
This fine bullet-in-wood specimen was found near General George G. Meade's headquarters shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. This example, from the Henry Brittle Collection, is a large portion of a tree trunk that contains a single minie ball tightly embedded in the upper third portion of the cylindrical wooden block that measures 12" tall with a 17" diameter. Bullet and the wood are both in fine condition. Wood exhibits a pocked and wormy surface that has partially smoothed over with age and wears a light golden hue. This bullet-in-wood, found near Meade's Headquarters at Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This section of wood meas. approx. 17 ¼ inches long x 3 ¾ inches wide and 10 inches in circumference. One end of the wood has two .58 cal three ring bullets facing in opposite directions approx. 4 ¾ inches apart. Both bullets can be seen in profile. The other end has what look to be two .58 cal three ring bullets embedded deep inside the wood. These two bullets are 3 ½ inches apart and face in the same direction. All that can be seen is the edge of the base on both bullets. All the bullets in this piece of wood are tight in place and not glued as seen in some pieces where the bullets work themselves out over the years. With this item comes a nice display sign made by Mr. Geiselman that reads "Section Of Tree From Culp's Hill Showing Evidence Of The Ferocity Of The Musket Fire At That Location." This is an outstanding relic of the fighting on Culp's Hill.
Here is a unique and interesting piece of Gettysburg history: six bullets embedded in a section of a tree. We have other pieces of wood from the Battlefield with bullets but nothing like this. John Geiselman obtained it from the Oak Ridge collection; it was recovered from the East Side of Culp's Hill in Gettysburg. This massive tree section measures approximately 49 inches long by a wedge shaped split and cut wood cross-section of 6 inches by 5 inches and appears to be a tightly grained old oak. This wood section has interesting heavy graining and evidence of worms and knotholes. There are six bullets showing; only one can be positively identified: it is a three-ring U.S. minie ball. One bullet has a deep entry hole and shows on the backside. Someone in the past took an axe to this tree section and exposed two bullets; it may be how this tree section with bullets was discovered. There are four old nails showing, two most likely remnants from an old plaque or display tag. There is also one newer metal loop for hanging on one end. This piece has never been cleaned, has not been sealed, and was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing. There is a chalked number "27" on one end most likely the inventory number from a past collection, perhaps the Oak Ridge Collection. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is an interesting and attractive piece of Gettysburg history: a lead bullet embedded in a cut piece of wood. With provenance to the Maurice Sharrett's Collection, Squire McClain of Gettysburg found it at an unknown location in Gettysburg. This cut wood measures approximately 11 ¼ inches long by 2 ½ by 2 ¾ inch cut and appears to be a tightly grained old walnut. This wood section has interesting tight graining and has a heavy split on one end with some minor residue that someone attempted to glue; this does not detract from its attractive appearance. There is one unidentifiable bullet showing with a conical shaped rear approximately centered on one edge of the wood. This piece has never been cleaned, has not been sealed, and was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag. It is accompanied by a small (4 inch by ¾ inch) light yellow tag with the words (FROM SQUIRE MC CLAIN / OF GETTYSBURG / MAURICE SHARRETTS COL,". It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is a very nice piece of Gettysburg history: it is a bullet embedded in a piece of wood. It was recovered at an unknown location in Gettysburg. This wood was sawn by L.U. Collins in the summer of 1936 when he operated a mill on the park. The bullet type appears to be a three-ring .58 caliber lead minie ball; wood shows signs of having grown around the bullet. The very end of the bullet was sawn off when the wood was milled. This piece of wood measures a split and cut 12 inches by 3-½ inches by 5-5/8 inches. The wood appears to be tight grained oak and is original - has not been treated, stained, or sealed. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is a unique and interesting piece of Gettysburg history: a bullet embedded in a section of a pine tree. With provenance to the Henry Bittle Collection of Civil War items, L. U. Collins sawed it from tree's cross section; it was recovered in Gettysburg. It measures 9-½ inches in diameter and 3-½ inches tall; the unknown type lead bullet fragment is 2 inches from the outside edge and was most likely discovered when a felled tree was being cut into sections. But for 7 inches, the outside edge of this tree section still has all of its bark. This piece has never been cleaned, has not been sealed, and was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing. There is a small round paper tag with John's handwritten inventory number "21". This item deserves additional study; the tree's rings are clearly visible and its age and the age at the time of the battle could be determined. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is an interesting piece of Gettysburg history. It is a bullet embedded in a piece of fence rail; it was recovered in Gettysburg from the fencing on Culp's Farm. The bullet type is unknown but it appears to be a round ball embedded about mid-way in the wood and visibly protrudes. This piece of wood appears to be pine and measures approximately 10-7/8 inches long by a triangular shaped 6 inches by 6 inches. The bark is still intact and this bullet was most likely discovered when the wood was split and cut. With provenance to the Henry Bittle Collection of Gettysburg relics, this piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and is accompanied by a small round paper tag identifying John's inventory number "15". It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
This unusual battlefield artifact is a bullet-in-wood specimen, more specifically, a Confederate canister-in-tree specimen found in the Trostle Farm woods sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. Once part of the Henry Bittle Collection, artifact is a large portion of a tree trunk that contains a single lead canister ball tightly embedded in the lower portion of the cylindrical wooden block. Block measures 9" tall with a 20" diameter. Bullet and the wood are both in fine condition. Wood, which exhibits a mellow golden-brown hue, is pocked and has a pleasing weathered surface that has partially smoothed over with age. Canister round is approximately 1" in diameter and bears a dusky light gray hue. Wood block still carries an old paper label with the numeral "16" handwritten on it. This highly desirable, Confederate canister-in-wood relic, found in the Trostle Farm woods at Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Here is a very unique, interesting, and outstanding piece of Gettysburg history, a bullet and a ramrod embedded in a piece of wood. It was recovered in Gettysburg. The bullet type is unknown but it clearly protrudes from one side of this piece of wood. A section of ramrod protrudes from the wood adjacent to the bullet. This Austrian ramrod section is approximately 12 inches long, is lightly pitted, and protrudes from both sides of this piece of wood. This piece of rectangular shaped wood measures a split and cut 5 inches high by 6 inches wide and by 3-½ inches thick and appears to be a cedar or pinewood. The wood is uncleaned and very attractive; previously, this wood was insect infested and has many tunneling holes that give it additional character. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and is accompanied by an old attached paper tag (2-¼ inches by 1 inch) identifying its origin as the "GETTYSBURG / BATTLEFIELD / 1863". It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
A nice solid block of a pine fence rail with a U.S. .52 cal. Sharps Carbine/Rifle bullet clearly lodged in the center of the fence near the bottom. The fence rail meas. 14.50" high and 3.50" wide and 2.50" deep; very solid condition. Seldom do you see an original fence rail with a carbine bullet clearly visible. This wonderful relic is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a very interesting piece of Gettysburg history: a bullet embedded in a piece of wood. It was recovered from a walnut tree that was standing on a hill near Menchie's Spring in Gettysburg. The bullet type is unknown its tip shows plainly and was most likely discovered when the tree was felled, cut, and split. This piece of wood is half-round cut and measures approximately 12-inches in diameter and 8-inches high; there is heavy bark still on the outside edges. The wood is uncleaned and very attractive; there are some dirt residue and a few wormholes. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and is accompanied by a small round paper tag with John's printed inventory number "29". It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is a very attractive and interesting piece of Gettysburg history: a bullet embedded in a section of a pine tree. It was recovered at an unknown location in Gettysburg. It measures approximately 10 inches in diameter and 9 inches tall and is one-half of a tree's cross-section. The unknown type lead bullet fragment is almost centered on this piece of wood and was most likely discovered when a felled tree was being cut into sections. The outside edge of this tree section still has most of its bark. This piece has never been cleaned, has not been sealed, but is riddled with wormholes that give it additional character. It was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag. This item deserves additional study; the tree's rings are clearly visible and its age at the time of the battle could be determined. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
Here is a unique and interesting piece of Gettysburg history. It is a bullet embedded in a piece of wood; it was recovered at an unknown location in Gettysburg. The bullet is embedded deep in the wood and the type cannot be identified. The most interesting facet about this item is the wood is cut as if prepared to be made into a cane and never finished. It is a nice tightly grained walnut measuring 38 ¾ inches long, 3 ½ inches by 2 ½ inches tampering to 1 ¾ inches by 1 ½ inches. The bullet is embedded deep into the wood at 7 ¼ inches from the top of the wide end. The wood has old mill style cuts on all sides. Item identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels. It is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Gettysburg Civil War collection and display.
This small, single canister round was recovered from Little Round Top on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. In nice relic condition, this artillery canister ball measures 1" in diameter. Never cleaned, the exterior of this ball exhibits the sprue and also the cast seam. Specimen wears a coating of light rust and rests on a small, wood block for display. This small-sized canister ball from Little Round Top in Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
(R14053) $50.00
Found in both spherical and rifled projectiles. The small bursting charge of black powder was designed to disperse the case-shot in a cone shaped pattern. Invented by an Englishman named Lt. Henry Shrapnel of the Royal Artillery in 1784. Corroded with light surface rust. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is an original and attractive iron case-shot ball. This ball was recovered in relic condition on Oak Ridge on the north edge of the borough of Gettysburg. Moderately pitted and rusted, it measures a round ¾ inches in diameter. This relic clearly shows a mold knock off point, is colored a light brown, and has never been cleaned or otherwise fused with. Prior to being fired, it was usually housed inside a case-shot shell packed in matrix. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag. This is an inexpensive relic of the Gettysburg Battlefield and would make an excellent display item for a Civil War, artillery, or Gettysburg collection.
This artifact is a single, iron 'grapeshot' ball recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the battle. The round grapeshot measures over 1½" in diameter and exhibits a small drilled hole indicative that the shot was used as a part of a desk set display. Never cleaned, the surface bears a brown patina of dirt on a surface of light rust. This grapeshot ball was recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield area and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
(R12777) $45.00
(R12795) $45.00
Previously sold by us and just reacquired, this grouping of Civil War artifacts was recovered from the West side of Little Round Top by Mr. Lester Little sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The group is displayed on a large ceramic plate and consists of one Federal, brass U.S. oval belt plate with all hooks in wonderful condition, one U.S. sheet brass plate and one sheet brass Eagle breast plate, both without the lead backing and hooks. Also included are two, very nice, Schenkl Combination zinc fuse adapters of the early pattern and a handful (9) of fired US minie balls. Never cleaned, all artifacts wear a light coat of surface dirt from the fields. This fine grouping, recovered from the West side of Little Round Top by Lester Little are identified in John Geiselman's collection by a small (1"x 4¾") paper label done in John's own writing.
(R17495) $1,895.00
This ensemble of Civil war artifacts was found on the Habaker Farm on a Federal Twelfth Corps hospital site sometime after the battle. The group consists twenty-nine Federal 3-ring minie balls, four canister balls, two Williams cleaner bullets, one Enfield .577 minie ball, one carved bullet and one distorted minie ball. In addition, there is one brass knapsack hook and a brass tompion. All bullets exhibit a thin film of white oxidation and some surface dirt. Brass relics exhibit surface dirt and a bronzed patina. These artifacts, all recovered from a 12th Corps hospital site on the Habaker Farm in Gettysburg, are in good condition and rest upon a medium-size white, oval ceramic plate. Items never cleaned. This mixture of battlefield relics from the Habaker Farm in Gettysburg are identified in John Geiselman's collection by his original tag in his own hand writing.
This fantastic grouping of artifacts is from the momentous Civil War battle of Gettysburg. Recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting, these bullets and assorted relics came from the position of Union General Neill's Division in the Swisher Woods area south of Culp's Hill. The ensemble of lead minie balls, together with some small iron, brass relics, is displayed in a large, 12" x 18" cherry wood / glass display case. The bullets in this artifact grouping consist of two hundred four, Union 3-ring .58 caliber minie balls; two .69 cal 3-ring mines; three round balls; three fired minies; forty-two 3-ringer misfired bullets, one misfired Williams cleaner and one.58 caliber "pain" minie. Also, there are seven CS Gardner .577 caliber minies, one rare .69 caliber CS Gardner that is carved; two other carved bullets and ten Williams cleaner bullets along with five Sharps carbine bullets. In addition, the group has one musket rear sight; one brass scabbard tip; small iron buckles; one sling hook; one iron lockplate screw; knapsack hooks and miscellaneous percussion caps, buttons, and grommets encased in leather. Group also exhibits a lead plug for a spherical caseshot projectile. Never cleaned, all bullets wear a coat of white oxidation. Recovered from the battlefield area near Swisher's Woods, this fine grouping is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his own contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is an assortment of various types bullets and paper cartridges. These all have provenance to Dr. Hill Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items and have the original lead gray color. Included in this lot are the following:
An unfired .54 caliber Burnside cartridge Three unfired type I .58 caliber Williams cleaner bullets, one with paper powder charge One unfired type II .58 caliber Williams cleaner bullet One unfired .69 caliber minieball Two unfired .52 caliber Spencer bullets Four unfired "buck" balls One unfired .52 caliber Sharps bullet One unfired center piece for a three piece Shaler bullet Three unfired .36 caliber pistol bullets One unfired C.S. 2-ring .58 caliber Gardner bullet Three unfired .58 caliber U.S. three-ring bullets with paper powder charge (one has a pressed and turned base) One unfired .58 caliber U.S. Gardiner explosive bullet that was cut in half width wise to reveal its insides A small lot of fired percussion caps
All items are uncleaned and original. This lot is identified in John Geiselman's collection a contemporary inscribed label and displayed in a 12 inch by 8 inch by ¾ inch black Riker box.
This item is a large lot of various relics. These were recovered in relic condition from the vicinity of Reynold's Avenue on the Gettysburg Battlefield, west of the borough of Gettysburg and site of the first day of Battle. Lightly to heavily pitted, there are approximately 55 individual pieces in this lot. Most of the items are remnants of small individual camp spoons including the stems and spoon heads. A few have attractive designs, most are brass or lead, a few may be silver and a few appear to have visible maker's marks. Other items in this large lot include razor remnants, a brass watch plate with missing gears, pocketknife parts, roller buckles, a section of a musket ramrod, a sword tip, and a few other unidentifiable parts that deserve research attention. Most of the items have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with; a silver spoon stem was lightly cleaned to relive the maker's mark ("IWG") and the engraved initial ("W"). This box of relics displays well and would make an excellent and inexpensive conversation piece for a Civil War or Gettysburg collection. This lot is displayed in a nice cherry wood glass covered case measuring 12 inches by 18 inches by 2 inches high. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label.
This is a nice small grouping of various type relics. They were found in relic condition at an unknown location on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Included in this grouping are bullets and an artillery sabot. The bullets include a fired .577 caliber Enfield bullet, a fired boxwood plugged bullet, and four flattened lead bullets (a few still show rings of a minie ball). The fired lead artillery shell sabot measures 2-½ inches by 1-5/8 inches by ¼ inch thick. The fired bullets and the sabot have some dirt residue and white coating of having been buried for years. All items have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with and are displayed on a small round 3-1/8 inch diameter white pottery dish marked on the underside with "IRONSTONE CHINA / BISHOP & STONIER / ENGLAND". This relic tray is identified to John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for a Civil War or Gettysburg collection.
This is a nice grouping of lead bullets and a U.S. belt buckle. They were found in relic condition on the Allen Schwartz Farm across from White Run just south of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Included in this grouping are 69 bullets and a U.S. belt plate. The bullets include 68 three-ring U.S. .58 caliber (dropped and fired including one pressed and turned base, two with a hole in the base, and one with paper cartridge residue around the base) and the 69th bullet is an unfired .52 caliber Spencer bullet. The bullets have some dirt residue and all show the white coating of having been buried for years. The U.S. belt buckle is an unmarked Pattern 1839 Regulation Infantry enlisted plate with two brass arrow belt hooks and the loop spade still whole and firmly attached. The brass face is lightly pitted and complete save for a small edge ding on the lower right. The reverse has some dirt residue and the lead filling is mostly complete except for a small part opposite the obverse ding. These relics are displayed on a china dish measuring 10 inches by 7-¼ inches and marked on the bottom with a British seal and the words "ROYAL IRONSTONE CHINA / ALFRED MEKIN / ENGLAND. This relic tray is identified to John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and is accompanied by a small white cardboard tag stating "FOUND ON ALLEN SCWARTZ'S / 2 FARM ACROSS WHITE RUN". It would make an excellent display item for a Civil War or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a nice grouping of mostly dropped bullets recovered from one of the major corps hospital sites after the battle. Displayed in an oval ceramic dish are ten dropped U.S. .58 cal. minie balls, many with dirt still in the cavity, one star base U.S. .58 cal. minie ball in dropped condition, two CS .58 cal. Gardner bullets dropped condition both with dirt in the cavities, three .69 cal. round musket balls dropped condition, one fired .69 cal. minie ball with dirt in the cavity, one U.S. .58 cal. Williams Cleaner type II Bullet. Also included in the display is an artillery "slider" from a percussion fuse and a section of a leather strap with iron roller buckle from a knapsack. Found in relic condition most of the bullets exhibit a light film of dirt. Identified in John Geiselman's museum with a handwritten tag that reads "3 Cor, Allen Schwartz 2 Farm". Tag meas. 2.5" x .75".
This item is a large lot of various relics. These were recovered in relic condition from the 2nd Corps Area of Operations on the Gettysburg Battlefield. With all items lightly to heavily pitted, this lot is displayed in a nice cherry wood glass covered case measuring 12 inches by 18 inches by 2 inches high. There are 84 bullets and over 55 other miscellaneous pieces. Almost all non-bullet items including many odds and ends made from brass, lead, and/or iron fragments or pieces of the original. The fired and dropped bullets include .69 caliber buck and round balls, U.S. .58 caliber three-band bullets, a Spencer cartridge and bullet, and a melted unidentified lead bullet fragment. All bullets show the light gray dust color from having been buried for years. The gun parts include a hammer, a barrel band, an Enfield trigger guard, an Enfield tampion, bayonet locking band, fired percussion caps, and two .58 caliber worms. Other items include camp items (i.e., three mid size spoons, three small forks, and a individual-kit knife), three small keys and one trunk lockplate, knapsack hooks, kepi strap buckles, miscellaneous roller buckles from cartridge boxes, a large iron nail, an iron spike (similar to a small railroad spike) and other unidentified bits and pieces. This lot would be an excellent candidate for further research and identification of individual pieces. None of the items have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an attractive Gettysburg display.
This item is a large lot of various relics. These items were recovered in relic condition from two battlefield locations: McPherson's Woods and Swisher Woods. This lot is displayed in a nice cherry wood glass hinged covered case measuring 12 inches by 18 inches by 2 inches high. It is segmented into two halves by columns of bullets and a gun tool for the locations from which the items were recovered. All relics are lightly to heavily pitted and/or rusted; there are approximately 43 bullets and another 45 pieces from McPherson's Woods and 51 bullets and another 70 pieces from Swisher Woods. Almost all non-bullet items including many odds and ends made from brass, lead, and/or iron are fragments or pieces of the original. The McPherson's Woods bullets include fired, misfired, and dropped U.S. .58 caliber three ring minie balls (at least one is a star bullet), .69 caliber round balls, a fired C.S. two-ring .58 caliber minie ball, a few Williams Cleaner bullets, a Spencer cartridge, and a flattened Burnside cartridge. All bullets show the light gray dust color from having been buried for years. Other items include a piece of a lead artillery shell sabot, roller buckles, military and civilian buttons, screw and rails, a cap box finial, brass grommets, a gun tool piece, federal and Confederate knapsack hooks, and other unidentified bits and pieces. The Swisher Woods bullets include fired, misfired, and dropped U.S. .58 caliber three-ring minie balls, a fired .69 caliber round ball, a fired C.S. two-ring .58 caliber minie ball, and a fired pistol ball. All bullets show the light gray dust color from having been buried for years. Other items include buckles, a grommets, knapsack hooks (some with leather bits still attached), a canteen stopper, military and civilian buttons, a drawer pull, and other unidentified bits and pieces. This lot would be an excellent candidate for further research and identification of individual pieces. None of the items have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label and would make an attractive Gettysburg display.
This artifact grouping is one of the oldest and most unusual combination of relics that adorned John Geiselman's collection. All these items are from the early days of North America and relate to when Cortez, the Spanish explorer in the New World, overran the country we now call Mexico. Included in this collection is a large, wicked-looking, iron spur; one, large, iron broadaxe head; a smaller ax or hatchet head, and a single, grape-shot iron ball. The heavy, Spanish-style spur measures 9¼" long overall and features a large, nasty-looking iron rowel with seven 1½" long tines or spikes. The rowel is supported by a 3½" long iron bar that itself is connected to the spur shanks via a small horizontal hinge. Each side shank terminates into a wide flare with a single cutout for the bootstrap. Piece wears a dark brown patina and has a moderate coat of rust and pitting overall. Also included is a large, heavy iron broadaxe head that exhibits a good deal of rust flaking and has lost some of the blade edge near the tip due to rust erosion and breakage. Relic measures 8¾" long from blade edge to back of axhead. Blade edge is approximately 6" long. Axehead opening is intact and was made to fit a 2½" wide by 1½" thick axe handle. The smaller iron axehead measures a total of 5¼" long, including a 3½" long hatchet blade with a 1½" wide diameter iron band that secured a wooden handle. Small axehead, still strong and tight, shows moderate rust and wears a pockmarked surface. The last relic item in the grouping is a 2" piece of grape or canister ball in very rusted condition. Surface is heavily pockmarked and does exhibit an old paper label, the size of a postage stamp, affixed to the surface. The handwriting on the label appears to be of ink but it is hard to discern. Words 'ruins, old and grape" are a few of the legible words on the tag. Included with this set of relics is an old paper tag written by John Geiselman who described the items as "RELICS FROM CORTEZ ARMY / WHEN OVER RUN MEXICO 1519 / OUT OF MUSEUM IN BALTIMORE / HESS". Geiselman most likely purchased the artifacts from the individual Hess, who got them from some museum in Baltimore. No time frame given for either transaction. This artifact selection is identified in John Geiselman's by his own paper label.
Previously sold by us and recently reacquired as the original buyer has lost his job. Here is a massive Confederate 'Fayetteville' type sabre bayonet found after a fire in a local barn on Cemetery Hill on the Gettysburg battlefield. This heavy artifact, once part of the Flohr Collection, exhibits a cast brass grip and guard that appears to be one piece. Grips have a distinctive fish-scale design and the guard is missing the ring portion that would attach to the rifle's muzzle, probably the result of a bullet strike. Also missing is the spring-latch release mechanism at the top of the grips. This standard bayonet measures 26½" long overall with the blade portion at 21½" long. No markings are visible on blade or grips. The steel blade, thick and heavy, has an unstopped fuller and exhibits a prominent "S" shaped curvature, most likely caused by the effects of tremendous heat from the barn fire. Never cleaned, this rebel edged weapon exhibits a pleasing dark brown patina with just a hint of light surface dirt and rust to the exterior. A Gettysburg battlefield artifact, this Fayetteville sabre bayonet specimen was recovered after a fire in a barn on Cemetery Hill and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(R10790) $3,250.00
This is a nice English Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket Socket Bayonet. It was recovered by Norbert Ollier in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. Lightly to moderately pitted with some rust and dirt adhering, the blade measures approximately 17 ½ inches long, 20 ½ inches overall; there are no missing parts or pieces. The pitting prevents identification of the markings on the blade face. During the Civil War, thousands of arms were imported by the C.S. and U.S., particularly from England. The appropriate bayonet was included with the firearm. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(R17489) $395.00
This item was previously sold by The Horse Soldier during the initial releases of the John Geiselman collection and was just recently re-acquired. This English Enfield Pattern 1856/1858 Sword Bayonet and Scabbard is an outstanding find from the John Geiselman Collection. It was found in near-new condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. If you are looking for a pristine and uncommon Battlefield find, this is the one for you. This sword bayonet has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with and will display very well.
The bayonet has mostly original shiny steel surfaces and a few small areas of some light pitting from old rust. The yataghan blade has a fine edge, is very sharp, and measures approximately 22 ¾ inches long, 28 ¼ inches overall; the blade tip is unbent and undamaged. The Quillon, crosspiece, and muzzle ring are complete and undamaged but attractively colored with a dark green discoloration. The black leather checkered grips are complete and undamaged although very lightly worn. The leaf spring operates perfectly and is secured with a screw (identifying it as a Pattern 1858). The Ricasso is boldly stamped "CHAVASSL" in an arching bold mark. The hilt is intact, undamaged, and lightly pitted but attractively toned.
The scabbard is in excellent condition. This sword bayonet comes not only with the scabbard but the belt loop attachment. The scabbard measures 22 ¼ inches overall in length. It is made of black leather with attaching throat and chape. The black leather is pliable but has some light crackling; all stitching is firm and solid. The frog stud is intact and firmly attached to the throat. The frog stud and chape appear to be made of brass and have a dark green patina; the throat appears to be made of steel and has a light, but attractive pitting. The belt loop measures 8 ½ inches long, is made of black leather, and is securely attached to the scabbard throat. The belt loop's leather is pliable but, under magnification, shows a few signs of light crackling. The belt loop includes an outer strap with a roller buckle across the throat. This strap is intact and still functions. The roller buckle is made of brass and has a light green patina. The belt loop's stitching is all intact and solid. There does appear to be an old square cut through the belt loop's hanger. The carrying soldier probably did this.
The Pattern 1856 Enfield Sword Bayonet was approved on January 24th, 1856 and intended for issue to the Rifle Brigade and Sergeants of Infantry, though other units later used them. In 1858, this style bayonet was modified by changing the method of attaching the leaf spring from rivet to screw. This sword bayonet is the 1858 style. During the Civil War, thousands of arms were imported by the C.S. and U.S., particularly from England. The appropriate bayonet was included with the firearm. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a museum listing and would make an excellent Gettysburg Collection display item.
(R11061) $1,850.00
Recovered from Culp's Hill on the Gettysburg battlefield, this iron socket bayonet is in very good relic condition. The bayonet, which appears to be the Model 1835/1840 pattern used with the model 1842, .69 caliber musket, measures 20½" long overall with a 2 5/8" long socket. Specimen retains about half of its collar band. Never cleaned, this bayonet does exhibit moderate surface rust with light pock marks. A nice recovered item from the Culp's Hill area of the Battle of Gettysburg, this bayonet is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
(R13791) $250.00
This item is a very rare 1st Model Spencer Rifle Socket Bayonet. John Geiselman recovered it in relic condition on Culp's Hill in Gettysburg. Moderately pitted with some rust, it's major flaw is a broken tip thereby measuring 16 inches overall. Because of its rarity, it is worthwhile to describe this bayonet in great detail. Nearly identical to the M1855 socket bayonet, this rare Spencer bayonet has some differences worth noting. The socket locking ring stop pin is positioned further around the socket and the blade's flutes are cut through the elbow giving the corner a squarish appearance when compared to the Model 1855 bayonet. Additionally, this bayonet does not have the M1855 "US" marking below the fuller of the inner blade and an intact Spencer bayonet measures 18-½ inches in length instead of 18 inches. The characteristics of this bayonet is explained in an article "FIRST MODEL SPENCER BAYONET IDENTIFIED" by Paul D. Johnson and Joseph R. Marsden, which appeared in the Journal of the American Bayonet Society [Winter 1998, vol. 26, pp. 1-8.], and which accompanies the bayonet. Johnson and Marsden base their identification on the 1862 correspondence of ordnance Major P.V.Hagner to Chief Ordnance officer Gen. James Ripley. In early November, Hagner wrote as follows commenting on the first Spencer bayonets that had been issued earlier to Col. Copeland's 5th Michigan cavalry: "Upon further examination I find that the bayonet of the Spencer Repeating rifle differs chiefly from our musket bayonet [M1855] in having one half-inch greater length of blade. Were this corrected, the musket bayonet scabbard would receive this bayonet. I respectfully recommend that the company be required to change their bayonet [from a length of 18-½ inches to M1855 length of 18 inches]. Later that month Hagner wrote to inform Ripley that Spencer's bayonets were not made by the company but at "Northhampton" and that "some thousands" had been finished and could not be altered without delay and great expense. This being so, Hagner proposed to "receive those finished and provide scabbards for them and to change at once to the U.S. pattern in the current make." In other words, he recommends furnishing 18.5" scabbards for those already made, but suggests to Ripley that the company immediately conform to the U.S. M1855 specifications and an 18" bayonet length. This accompanying article helps clears any mystery surrounding the first Spencer socket bayonets; they are rare and highly desirable. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a wonderful addition to a Spencer, Civil War, or Gettysburg display.
This item is a nice U.S. Model 1855 .58 caliber socket bayonet waist belt scabbard. Identified as a Type II scabbard for the dark leather frog and two brass attaching rivets on the collar tab, this scabbard is in very good condition. The leather is complete and mostly pliable; there is some crackling especially near the bottom of the scabbard. Ninety percent of the tan stitching is tight and secure; the waist belt loop stitching is partially loose. The two brass waist belt loop-attaching rivets are intact except the upper washer is missing. The brass finial has a nice original patina and is 3 ¼ inches long and firmly secured with two small brass rivets. With provenance to the Arch McClain Collection of Gettysburg, this item was recovered in relic condition at an unknown location in Gettysburg. It is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent display item for a Civil War or Gettysburg Collection.
Previously sold by us as item R11404 and just reacquired, this artifact is one of the cap insignias that the US Army 'Dragoons' or mounted branch of service adopted in 1833. It features a brass, stamped eagle device affixed to a larger brass, eight-point start backing. Device measures 2½" long x 2½" wide and is superb condition. Found on the Old Smith Homestead in Gettysburg, this highly detailed, stamped gilt eagle insignia exhibits a beautiful mellow bronze appearance to its face surface but shows a small bend at the tip of two of the tallest sun rays. Reverse originally held four individual wire fasteners that were soldered to the back but they are broken off and have been replaced by a modern repair to enable the device to be displayed on a board. The eagle is the Napoleonic type adopted by the British after the Battle of Waterloo and altered by omitting the lightning in the talons and adding a wreath to the breast. Never cleaned. A wonderful artifact, this unusual brass hat plate was from the Old Smith Homestead at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(M20282) $495.00
This item is a rare Confederate/Militia Clipped-corner Belt Buckle. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on the Wheatfield. Lightly pitted with some dirt still adhering, it measures 3 ¼ inches by 2 ¼ inches. It is made of a thinly stamped brass plate usually with a brass tongue and iron belt loop. The loop and tongue are unfortunately missing from this piece; however, remnants of the mount for the brass tongue still show. This type belt buckle was designed to be worn with a cotton web belt by Confederate/militia units.
Previously sold by The Horse Soldier, and just reacquired, here is a very fine, maker-marked, U.S. brass oval belt plate in wonderful condition found on Oak Ridge within days or weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg. Once part of the Chritzman Collection, this fine, brass U.S. oval 'puppy-paw' belt plate specimen is complete with all hooks and wears a dark mellow patina on the face. Backside exhibits a dusky gray / green coloring with standout markings of "W.B. SMITH / BROOKLYN". Never cleaned, this fine US oval belt plate, recovered from Oak Ridge soon after the battle, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by John's own contemporary inscribed labels.
(R17498) $495.00
Very fine condition oval US Pattern 1839 with arrow-style hooks. Brass face with raised US Pattern letters with very light patina. Bridle leather belt with numerous holes for size adjustment. Leather has age crackling and is dry. One end with sewn belt loop. Nice relic appearance. No maker's mark visible. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Recovered from an undisclosed location on the battlefield of Gettysburg soon after the fighting is this original, brass, English, three-piece 'Snake' buckle still attached to its matching leather waist belt. Once part of the Dr. Hill Collection in Gettysburg, this rig is in remarkably fine condition. The buckle consists of a brass, 1 5/8" long, 'S' shaped, double-headed 'snake' and two, brass loop belt hooks, each 2¼" long and ¾" wide. The black buff leather belt measures 38" long x 1¾" wide and is equipped with one brass belt adjuster with clasp and a single leather belt loop. All leather is strong with no cracking or rips but it is slightly stiff and dry and appears to have been blackened or darkened some time ago. One end of the leather belt is looped through a brass looped belt hook and sewn back on itself with original, white thread stitching, still tight and strong. Opposite end of belt is run through the second brass looped hook (keeper) and secured with the brass belt adjuster. The ornately decorated 'Snake' portion of the buckle is securely attached to a protruding brass ring integral to the brass loop hook. When worn, the snake attaches to the ring on the opposite brass loop. No arsenal or maker's markings are visible on the belt. This leather waist belt rig from the Gettysburg battlefield is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Previously sold by us and just reacquired, this is a wonderful example of a US cartridge box plate found in Gettysburg most likely soon after the battle. In very fine condition, dark patina, slight nick at lower left edge. No maker mark. Some indentations and scratches on reverse. Loops are intact and not bent. Piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing, and still has his hand numbered label with "52" on reverse.
(R17487) $425.00
Previously sold by us and just reacquired, here is a very nice, like new, and original U.S Eagle Breast Plate. John Geiselman obtained it from the Minnick Collection of Gettysburg recovered items. Toned a pleasing golden brown, it has a die struck brass face that measures a circular 2 ½ inches; the back is lead filled with the two attaching loops undamaged and intact. There are no stamped marker's marks visible on the back. The brass face has the "Dingee" eagle design with a few very minor edge dings from soldier's use; otherwise, this piece is very attractive and in excellent condition. It is accompanied by a small circular paper tag with John Geiselman's inventory number "79". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag.
(R17488) $475.00
From the battlefield of Gettysburg comes this leather cavalry sword belt rig in good condition that was picked up soon after the fighting. Found on East Cavalry field, this belt specimen measures 35" in length, has a width of 1¾" and is equipped with brass furniture, such as the belt keeper, belt hook and sword hanger hook. Two leather loops are attached via small rivets to the belt near the brass keeper. One loop supports a small brass ring that in turn supports a 2¾" long, modified sword hanger. Second loop slides and is adjustable. Leather appears to be of russet coloring, a bit dry and it does show some surface crazing, but overall the piece is still strong and supple. Black thread stitching is intact and strong at the keeper. No arsenal or maker's markings are visible on the belt. This altered cavalry sword belt rig from East Cavalry Field is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This Civil War artifact is an original drumstick holder accoutrement as worn by Federal drummer boys as part of their uniform. This brass breastplate, still strong and intact, was found at Gettysburg sometime after the battle. The example has acquired a dark brown patina and exhibits moderate surface dirt and wear. Piece is missing its thin brass belt clasp on the back and exhibits a dime-sized hole at the top center of the backing plate. Measures 3.5" high by 3" wide. This brass drumstick holder, found in Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
This outstanding Union cavalry carbine leather cartridge box specimen is in wonderful relic condition. Once part of the Nerbert Olier collection, the intact and complete accoutrement was found on the Rummel Farm on the East Cavalry Gettysburg battlefield within a few days of the battle. The cartridge box measures 8" long, 3.5" deep by 2.75. Leather is stiff but strong overall and box retains the complete outer flap, inner flap with both 'ears', and unbroken closure tabs for the tool pouch inner flap and outer flap. Cartridge box retains its wooden block with 20 holes pre-drilled for the .52 caliber bullets. Box bottom has its brass finial, and one roller buckle. One roller missing. Vertical belt loops on backside appear to have been cut off by the trooper and field modified with a single horizontal strip of leather. This allowed him to wear the box attached to his carbine shoulder sling. Surface dirt only. Slight surface crazing. This Union cavalry specimen is from the Rummel Farm in Gettysburg and Nerbert Olier collection. Artifact is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
(R15230) $1,800.00
This item is a very nice Pattern 1861 Elongated Cartridge Box for .69 caliber Ball ammunition. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. Produced prior to February 1862 when orders for the .69 caliber box ceased, this cartridge box is in good condition. It is in remarkable condition for being a recovered piece so it must have been found soon after the battle. This piece has light to moderate crackling throughout and has some failed stitching on the sides and inside top flap. Most of the black bridle leather is still pliable but with a few spots of mold. The inner cover has the end flaps intact and there is an unreadable marker's mark. The inner implement pockets are intact with the closing flap complete; the brass button is sturdily attached and the two roller buckles are present with only one part of the left leather attaching loop loose. The box cover has a plate with heavy "US" letters and has an undamaged sewn closing strap. The plate measures an oval 3 ½ inches by 2 ¼ inches and has a raised outer edge. It is attached to the box cover with a heavy two looped wire. On the reverse of this cartridge box, the left shoulder strap stitching has detached; the remaining are complete and firmly stitched. The waist belt loops are complete and firmly riveted and stitched to the box. There are no tins with this cartridge box. This cartridge box is very attractive and would make an excellent addition to a Civil War or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
(R13793) $1,895.00
This item is a very nice Pattern 1861 Cartridge Box for .58 caliber Ball ammunition. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. This piece is an interesting one to study: the outer flap was cut down long ago. Confederates often modified cartridge boxes such as these; the leather was removed and could have been used to repair other leather items such as shoes, to facilitate easier access, or even to mark graves (as Gettysburg author Gregory Coco suggests). The modified outer flap has a neatly cut edge and dimensions of 3 ½ inches long by 6 ½ inches wide; there is an old rivet in the center of the new end flap that was added mostly likely when it was used. The entire box has moderate to heavy crackling throughout but has almost all the stitching intact; the reverse has some weak but intact stitching. Some of the black bridle leather is still pliable and there are signs of dirt residue. The inner cover has the end flaps (ears) firmly attached and there is no marker's stamp visible. The inner pocket has two bullet tins firmly in place. These tins are lightly rusted but complete and unbent. The implement pouch flap, closing loop, and latch tab are complete and intact. Both shoulder belt roller buckles are missing; the bottom brass finial is intact and firmly attached. On the reverse of this cartridge box, the shoulder belt loops and the waist belt loops are intact and firmly stitched to the box. This cartridge box is very attractive, would make an interesting conversation/speculation piece, and would make an excellent addition to a Civil War or Gettysburg collection and/or display. It is identified from John Geiselman's collection by contemporary tag.
Previously sold by us and just re-acquired, this remarkable leather artifact is a true and original 'Johnny' box that was picked up soon after the fighting had stopped at Gettysburg. The black-dressed, unmarked, leather specimen was found near Long Lane on the fields that witnessed Longstreet's Assault, more commonly called Picket's Charge upon the Federal line at the High Water Mark.
We have consulted with leading Confederate leather experts for our description of this box. The cartridge box is very similar to the pattern produced at one of a number of North Carolina Arsenals during the war and was used to carry .54 caliber ammunition. This veteran CS accoutrement measures 6½" high by 6¾" wide by 1¾" wide and still retains its full leather outer flap, inner flap, both 'ears', thin tool pouch with cover flap and tab; lead finial and two iron roller buckles at box bottom.
Shoulder sling is missing, as are both metal tins and the outer flap closure tab. Backside of this cartridge box exhibits two vertical leather loops and two horizontal shoulder sling loops, all-intact and still strongly stitched. The vertical belt loops show signs of sagging indicative of the piece being worn on the waist belt of the soldier. All leather is remarkably strong but quite stiff and does exhibit areas of cracking and crazing about the outer flap along with some tiny wormholes near the implement pouch. Large outer flap exhibits a prominent upward roll due to the effects of drying and somewhat to the natural tendency of the infantryman to curl the flap for easier access to the cartridges.
The leather on the box sides, bottom and back are in very good condition. Never cleaned, this cartridge box exhibits just light surface dirt.
This Confederate cartridge box, a super battlefield pickup found at Long Lane just days or weeks after the fighting ended at Gettysburg, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(R11269) $7,500.00
Presented here is rare Confederate pattern, .54 caliber, leather cartridge box in remarkable condition. The leather ammunition holder was recovered near Long Lane in Gettysburg soon after the battle. This unmarked piece is being re-released because of additional information that was gathered in reference to it. It is identical to the pattern of box produced at North Carolina Arsenals, this leather accoutrement is an original 'Johnny' box that is slightly smaller than the US .58 caliber cartridge box. In very good relic condition, the box is constructed of dark black tanned leather that has been machine stitched with no rivets.
Once part of the Bob Walters Collection of Aspers, PA, the black leather specimen was found at Long Lane, scene of Pickett's Charge, shortly after the battle. This accoutrement specimen measures 7" high by 9¼" wide by 1¾" deep and has both tins, its full leather outer flap, inner flap, both 'ears', implement pouch and tab, outer flap closure tab, brass finial and two iron roller buckles at box bottom. No sling. Backside of this specimen has its two vertical leather loops and two horizontal shoulder sling loops intact, all strongly stitched and riveted. All leather is remarkably strong but does exhibit scattered areas of cracking and crazing about the outer flap and ears. Leather on the box sides, bottom and back is in very good condition. Never cleaned, this cartridge box exhibits just light surface dirt.
Presented here is a North Carolina Arsenal pattern .54 caliber, leather cartridge box in remarkably well-preserved condition with almost no cracking or crazing. The black leather specimen was found at an undisclosed location on the battlefield within days of the fighting. Artifact is of the pattern box produced at a N. C. Arsenal during the Civil War and is slightly smaller than the US .58 caliber cartridge box. In very good relic condition, the box is constructed of dark tanned leather that has been machine stitched with white heavy thread and is without rivets. The outer flap, backside and vertical loops of the box are a bit distorted from storage but still strong. This infantryman's cartridge box measures 7" high by 6¼" wide by 1½" deep and has its full leather outer flap, inner flap, both 'ears', implement pouch and tab, outer flap closure tab, and lead finial. Box is missing is two ammunition tins, both iron roller buckles at box bottom, and the shoulder sling. All leather is remarkably strong and in very good condition. Original closure tab on the outer flap is intact and show cracking and scuffing but is not ripped or distorted. A pear-shaped lead finial is securely attached to the box bottom. Two small perforations in the lower half of the outer flap exterior are visible and made to accommodate a brass oval plate, now missing. However, a slight oval imprint of the missing plate's mark is evident on the leather surface at that location. Inner flap is strong and supple and has six, small, triangular snippets cut from one corner near the ear. Backside of this box specimen has its two vertical leather loops and two horizontal shoulder sling loops intact, all strongly stitched. The left-side vertical loop exhibits a pronounced curl along the loop edges indicative that the soldier wore this cartridge box on his right side attached to a waist belt. Never cleaned, this cartridge box exhibits just light surface dirt. A super battlefield pickup just days or weeks after the fighting ended at Gettysburg, this .54 caliber "Johnny box" cartridge box is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is an original U.S. Percussion Capbox recovered soon after the Battle of Gettysburg. It was found in Gettysburg near the Seminary. This piece is in good condition; the outer flap has moderate crackling with some rough leather spots; the inner flap, wool liner on the inside of the box, and nipple pick are missing. The capbox bottom has only minor crackling with only a few scuffmarks. It measures approximately 3 ¼ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches high by 2 inches deep. The belt loops with rivets and the stitching are mostly intact with a few weak stitches. The stud-closing flap and stud are intact and usable. There is a maker's mark visible on the cover flap but the only words readable are "U.S." in the center of an oval stamp. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(532-01) $895.00
Previously sold by us and just re-acquired, this Confederate leather percussion cap box is a super fine example of a scarce 'Johnny' relic percussion cap box. In remarkable condition, the artifact was found near the Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg within days of the famous Pennsylvania battle. Once part of the John Geiselman Collection, this complete and strong artifact exhibits original seam stitching still strong and tight and displays a total lack of brass or copper rivets in the construction. Box retains its small lead finial located at the bottom of the box. Finial is slightly loose. Bridle leather is in very strong condition and exhibits just light surface crazing. Piece wears a pleasing dark plum coloring along with a light film of surface dirt. Accoutrement still has both 'ears' or side covers stitched on the inner flap. No maker's mark is visible. This box had a wool fleece pad inside but it is long gone, as is the nipple pick. Accoutrement exhibits its original single, wide leather belt loop sewn to the backside and it exhibits some distortion indicative of moderate to heavy belt use. Box proper appears slightly sunken as normal. Never cleaned. A true rebel veteran, this scarce and wonderful Confederate percussion cap box was picked up from the Jennie Wade House area within days of the Gettysburg battle and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(R10823) $6,500.00
This item is a Confederate Percussion Capbox recovered soon after the Battle of Gettysburg. With provenance to the William Chritzman Collection of Gettysburg items, it was found soon after the Battle along a stone wall on Culp's Hill in Gettysburg. The stitching on this cap box failed and consequently, it comes in three pieces: the back with closing flap, front compartment with finial, and the inner flap. It is made of thicker than normal leather that now is hard and brittle. There is only minor crackling and a little waviness. One leather side flap is still intact and firmly stitched to the inside flap. The brass closing finial is intact, firmly attached, and has a closing strap. The front compartment measures 3-½ inches wide by 2-½ inches high by 1 inch deep. The back and closing flap measures 6-¾ inches long by 3-¾ inches across. The inner flap measures 3-¼ inches long by 3-3/8 inches across. There are neither belt loops nor rivets on the back. There are no maker's marks visible. The outside front flap has an incomplete and unidentified design with a crudely etched arch with X's. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make a nice addition to a Gettysburg or Civil War collection or display.
This leather, Confederate percussion cap box is a fine example of a scarce, 'Johnny' percussion cap box. In remarkable condition, the artifact was found in nearby Hunterstown within days of the famous Gettysburg battle. Once part of the Deatrick Collection, the artifact exhibits only seam stitching which is still strong and tight and displays a total lack of brass or copper rivets in the construction. Box is missing its lead finial normally located at the bottom of the box. Bridle leather is in very strong condition and exhibits light to moderate surface cracking with some crazing. Piece wears a pleasing dark plum coloring along with a light film of surface dirt. Accoutrement retains only one 'ear' or side cover on the inner flap. Inner flap also bears a clear, strong stamping of the unknown maker "Wm J.A." in small, 1/8" high block letters. This box had a wool fleece pad inside but it is long gone, as is the nipple pick. Accoutrement retains its two original, leather vertical belt loops sewn to the backside and they exhibit some distortion indicative of heavy belt use. Box appears slightly sunken or misshapen. Never cleaned. A wonderful artifact, this scarce, Confederate percussion cap box was picked up from the fields in Hunterstown within days or weeks of the Gettysburg battle and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This black leather, US percussion cap box is a very fine example of an early Gettysburg battlefield recovery found near the Wheatfield. Once part of the Sponseller Collection, this leather accoutrement is in strong and tight condition and appears to have been picked up within days of the battle. Piece exhibits both seam stitching, which is strong and tight, and two, brass or copper rivets in the construction. The black bridle leather is still in remarkably supple and strong condition and exhibits very light surface cracking with some crazing and a few spots of surface scuffing. Not sunken or mis-shapened. Accoutrement retains both 'ears' or side covers on the inner flap as well as its leather closure tab. Box has its wool fleece pad but the wool now gone. Cap box still has its nipple pick. Stamped in crescent shape upon the face of the inner flap is the maker's mark of "E. Metzger / Phila". Backside of this box has two, original, leather vertical belt loops. Stitching tight. Never cleaned. A Gettysburg battlefield artifact from the Sponseller Collection, this leather percussion cap box was picked up from the Gettysburg battlefield within days of the battle and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
(R13792) $975.00