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.

(R10997) $1,250.00

This item is an unusual find; a Starr contract of 1812-1813 Cavalry Saber. With a provenance to the Dr. Stuart Collection, it was recovered in relic condition at Spangler's Spring in Gettysburg. Moderately pitted, it measures an impressive 38 ¾ inches overall. The Ricasso is clearly marked on one side with "P / HHP / N.STARR" in three lines and the outside of the knuckle bow is clearly marked with the letter P". The grips are almost intact; only a small piece of leather is missing. The knucklebow and Quillon are complete and unbent. The blade has a few light nicks that do not detract from the saber's overall appearance. This saber was not cleaned or otherwise fussed with. There is no scabbard with this saber. A total of 11,000 of this style saber were produced prior to 1817. This saber is a very attractive and appealing piece and would make a great centerpiece for a Civil War or Gettysburg display. This piece is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

(R11058) $2,950

Presented here is a Federal Model 1840 heavy saber, often referred to as the 'Old Wristbreaker' to the Civil War cavalry troopers who carried it. This wartime edged weapon is a battlefield drop and was lost sometime during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Found on the fields of the Ralph Butt Farm, this cavalry artifact is complete with its original metal scabbard and still has one of the leather sword straps attached to the scabbard upper suspension ring. The full-length 36" blade with the distinctive hatchet point is unmarked at the ricasso. Blade has no nicks or gouges and is covered with light to moderate surface rust pitting. Never cleaned, weapon retains its full brass hilt and pommel, both strong, tight and unbent. Hilt exhibits a pleasing, dark, chocolate patina and still has its original leather pad in place. Brass pommel is typical and resembles that of the Phrygian pattern. Grips are in poor condition. The uncarved wood handle is visible under loosely wrapped strands of the original twine wrap and original 22-gauge double twist brass wire. Approximately only 10% of the leather cover wrap is retained on the grips, and that amount is dry and flaking. No markings are visible on the pommel.

The hefty steel scabbard is strong and undented and has both suspension rings, mounts and a thick 'Philadelphia-style' drag. The upper ring retains its original, short leather sword strap that measures some 14" overall. The leather strap, which is quite dry and brittle, is looped through the ring and secured by one of its two large brass rivets. The undented scabbard has acquired a light coating of surface rust and grime.

A true battle veteran, this unidentified edged weapon from the Ralph Butt Farm at Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

(R11047) $3,950.00

Nice untouched attic/barn condition. 35" semi-curved blade with unstopped fuller. Chocolate brown patina with plum scattered light to moderate pitting. Leather ricasso washer intact. Brass knucklebow with 2-branch guard and pommel cap with very dark patina. Casting flaw on pommel cap, a trait often seen in Confederate castings. Wood base grip wrapped with original leather. Leather with several areas worn through to wooden base. Several rows of double-strand wire wrap remain around pommel cap area. Absolutely untouched relic. Ex-Bob Walters collection. This item purchased by John Geiselman from The Horse Soldier in the 1990s. Great Gettysburg relic.

(R11135) $5,500.00

Based upon a French pattern of edged weapon, this sword specimen found on the battlefield of Gettysburg resembles the Roman infantry sword. Unwieldy and almost useless as a weapon, this massive short sword, produced by the Ames Mfg. Company, served the foot artillery regiments as a brush and branch cutter on the battlefield.

The heavy artifact, once part of the Ollinger Collection, exhibits a 19" long blade that is straight, double edged and elliptical in design. A single broad fuller 10 3/8" long runs the center of the blade. Some 25" in overall length, weapon has a cast brass grip that is molded in a scalloped decoration that suggests a distinctive fish-scale design. Stamped near the hilt on one side of the blade is "UNITED STATES / 1835" while the opposite ricasso is marked with a spreadwinged eagle over " N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD". Brass pommel is decorated on both sides with an American eagle and shield.

Never cleaned, this edged weapon exhibits a pleasing dusky gray patina to the blade and a warm, mellow hue to all brass. Affixed to the brass guard is an old paper tag with the numeral "95" handwritten on it. This Gettysburg battlefield sword specimen, once part of the Ollinger Collection, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

(R11451) $2,950.00