This unique grouping of Gettysburg relics, recently sold at local auction in May 2008, was once part of the private Civil War collection assembled by both the Rosensteel and Eckert families of Gettysburg. Family history holds that George D. Rosensteel, a long time relic collector, established a Civil War museum in Gettysburg in 1921. He subsequently added the fine relic collection of John H. Rosensteel to the museum. John Rosensteel, George's uncle, lived through the three days of fighting and began gathering war artifacts from the Gettysburg battlefield once the armies left the scene. In 1941, Lawrence Eckert married George Rosensteel's daughter, Angela, and began working at his father-in-law's National Museum. When the Rosensteel family sold the Ziegler's Grove property to the U.S. government in 1972, the family also donated the museum's relic collection to the National Park Service's Gettysburg Battlefield. Eckert was retained by the NPS and became curator of the huge relic collection at Gettysburg. During the same period, the Eckerts' began assembling their own personal Gettysburg collection, specimens of which are offered here. All the following relics are accompanied by an affidavit signed by their son, Richard Eckert, as well as a copy of the auction listing.
All the following relics are accompanied by an affidavit signed by their son, Richard Eckert, as well as a copy of the auction listing.
Brass pommel has a 3/8" high, domed cap and bears inspector marks "JH" along with a rack number of '78' on the brim. Entire brass hilt, including the pommel has acquired a mellow and pleasing bronze patina. Knucklebow features an arsenal rack number "47" deeply stamped unto the brass guard and the number '78' near the pommel. Affixed to the pommel with a piece of twine is a small (1" dia) identification disc stamped with the numeral "40". Original grips, strong and tight, consist of a turned, wooden handle with sixteen grooves wrapped with black bridle leather and encircled with original, double-twisted brass wire wrap, complete but slightly loose. Large portions of the leather wrap suffer from flaking and scuffing.
The undented, iron-gray scabbard exhibits a mottled salt & pepper-colored patina overall. It is in very fine condition with areas of dark oxidation on both sides. Drag is stamped with inspector marks "ADK". The large, iron ring bands are tight and hold the two sword suspension rings. Throat is unmarked.
A wonderful specimen of an Ames M1840 artillery saber from the personal relic collection of the Eckert family of Gettysburg.
(E2016) $2,250.00
A rare and highly desirable Confederate artifact in its own right, this Gettysburg found "Virginia Style" Rectangular CSA waist belt plate was once part of the personal collection of the Rosensteel / Eckert families of Gettysburg.
(R15505) $4,500.00
A rare Confederate artifact, this Gettysburg "Forked Tongue" frame buckle was once part of the personal collection of the Rosensteel / Eckert families of Gettysburg.
(R15508) $2,950
(M19554) $450.00
(M19555) $225.00