GROUP OF ITEMS IDENTIFIED TO PRIVATE LEWIS NAUMAN, 79TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS

$1,995.00 SOLD
Originally $2,650.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 129-12

This lot consists of an early double-bag knapsack named to Nauman, his cartridge box, waist belt with plate, cap box, bayonet and scabbard and canteen.

The first item is Nauman’s knapsack. The exterior is in good condition. Still pliable with only light wear scattered throughout. There is a round hole approx. 1.00 inch in diameter on the back side. Both shoulder straps are present with all hardware. Both cross straps are also present but one is missing the hook. All the leather of the harness is dry and crackled but complete. The bottom edge of the bag has both the shoulder strap adjuster buckle and the brass anchor hook on the other side. None of the three straps or three roller buckles which hold the pack closed remains. On the top the anchors for two blanket straps are present but there are no straps. The interior has a single bag with all four closure straps. One has been torn off of the flap but is present. The other side has four flaps that fold to make another pocket. The two roller buckle closures are present but only one of the two straps is whole. Written in pencil in the top of the knapsack is a very light inscription that reads “79th PA.” and running at right angles to this is “LEWIS …MAN.” The name is written very lightly and is difficult to see.

The cartridge box is the Pattern of 1861. The outer flap has little surface finish left and what is there is crackled. Attached to the flap is an oval Model 1839 “US” cartridge box plate still anchored by the original leather thong. The face of the plate is in good condition with a nice light, smooth patina. The leather closure tab is still attached to the underside of the flap but is split. The inner flap is in better condition with no surface finish loss but it is dry. One ear is missing off the side. Stamped at center is a maker’s mark that reads “MANUFACTURED BY J. E. CONDICT- 55 WHITE ST-NEW YORK.” The interior has both tins and the implement pocket however the flap to the pocket is missing. The bottom of the box has both roller buckles and a round brass finial. The back of the box has both the sling and belt loops. One of the belt loops has torn just above the rivet. The body of the box matches the rest of the leather, somewhat dry and flaking. Some of the stitching on the back of the box near the outer flap base has split.

The waist belt and plate are in good condition. The leather is smooth and supple and only shows light wear. The Model 1839 oval “US” belt plate has a nice light patina on the surface which matches the plate on the cartridge box. The reverse of the plate has both of the “puppy paw” style hooks and tongue as well as 100% of the lead fill. The edge of the plate near the letter “S” has a slight bend to it no doubt from use.

The cap box has a shield front with a split latch tab attached underneath. The leather on the outer flap is in good condition. The inner flap is in like shape with both ears. The interior has no fleece or pick. The body of the box is solid while both belt loops on the reverse are complete but torn near the bottom. The very bottom of the box has a round brass finial.

The bayonet scabbard is the Pattern of 1861 Type II with a sewn bridle leather frog anchored by two copper rivets. The body of the scabbard and the frog are somewhat dry and have some light surface loss. The seam down the center of the scabbard body is tight and the brass tip is present. The frog is torn at its apex. The bayonet is the standard Model 1855 socket bayonet. The locking ring works and there is a good “US” stamping on the blade flat. The metal surfaces are dark and have some scattered rust and pitting.

The last item in the group is a bullseye canteen with cloth cover and sling. The body of the canteen is in good condition with a gentle wide dent on one side. The spout is pewter and is marked “HALL ROHRMAN PHILA.” The brown cloth cover is threadbare and has good sized holes on each side. One meas. approx. 3.75 x 2.50 inches while the other is approx. 3.00 x 2.00 inches. The linen sling is curled from age and dirt and has been knotted which is a sure sign of use. There is no pull ring or stopper but part of the twine that once held the stopper is present.

Lewis Nauman was born February 3, 1840 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was residing in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania when he enlisted as a Private in Company G, 79th Pennsylvania on September 27, 1861. The 79th served in the western theater of the war and saw action at Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Buzzard’s Roost, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Moon Station and Bentonville. During its service the regiment lost 219 men killed, wounded and captured. Private Nauman was discharged on August 11, 1865. After the war he married and raised a large family. At some point he moved to Wooster, Ohio where he died on September 18, 1916 and was buried there in Wooster Cemetery.

Sets of identified accouterments are rare. This is a nice early war set named to a soldier who served throughout the war. With the items is a letter tracking ownership of the group back to the picker who bought it from the family.

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