Consists of Ewing’s engraved M1849 pocket colt revolver, a pair major’s shoulders straps, and a chromo colored lithograph of “Lieut.-Col. Charles Ewing, Major Com’d’g 4^th Regt. N.J. Vols., Inf.”

The percussion, .31 caliber pocket Colt — Ser. No. 100244 (1855) — has six inch barrel and all the standard Colt markings, with matching serial numbers in all the usual places, “wedge” included. Back strap owner inscription, in cursive script: “Maj. C. Ewing 4^th N.J. Infantry.” Although the brass trigger and butt guard are somewhat worn, the barrel retains considerable original color coloring. Standard “Stage Coach Robbery” cylinder scene is crisp and legible. Indexing “action” crisp and sweet. Wooden grips exhibit minor dings with a two inch worn spot on the right. Bore is dusty with moderate pitting. Else VG plus, and magnificent display piece.

Smith Patent shoulder straps display a major’s “gold” bullion oak leaf, with hard bullion outer trim, exhibiting slight tarnish. Black staff & field velvet field has faded to a yellowish hue, with one miniscule moth nip. On the reverse, the black felt backing on both straps is tight & completely intact. In all, a very solid set of straps.

The Chrome colored oval lithograph of Lieut. Colonel Ewing is mounted in glassed, period brass frame, 5.5 x 4.25”, with removable tin backing. The colored image of the moustachioed, bareheaded officer is clean, bright and attractive.

Charles Ewing enlisted as 2^nd Lieutenant and was mustered into Co. “A”, 3^rd New Jersey Infantry, 4/27/1861; then mustered out in late July 1861, waiting to be promoted and mustered as Captain, Co. “B”, 6^th New Jersey Infantry, 9/9/1861. On 1/8/1863 he was promoted to Major, joining field & staff of the 4^th New Jersey Infantry, with later promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, 9/11/1863.

Serving as Captain of the 6^th New Jersey’s Company “A”, Ewing participated in McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign, Pope’s 2^nd Manassas campaign, and the Battle of Fredericksburg, before being promoted and transferred to 4^th New Jersey field and staff. With the 4^th New Jersey, Ewing saw action at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and commanded the unit in route to becoming its Lieutenant Colonel in September 1863. Through 1864 the 4^th New Jersey was engaged in Grant’s Overland Campaign, before being sent North to reinforce Washington against assault by Jubal Early’s forces, later joining Phil Sheridan in his autumn Shenandoah Campaign, before returning to assist Grant’s Army in the Siege of Petersburg. Ewing left the Army in March 1865, just prior to the final Appomattox Campaign. His 4^th New Jersey was mustered out 7/9/1865. During service it lost 158 killed or mortally wounded and 105 by disease for a total of 263. [Ewing’s earlier 6^th New Jersey was consolidated with the 8^th N.J., 10/12/1864. During service it lost 127 men killed and mortally wounded, and 72 by disease for a total of 199.]

Superb New Jersey Civil War grouping of artifacts of an officer who served with two front line state infantry regiments--as company captain of the 6^th, and commanding Major/Lieut. Col. of the 4^th.  [jp]

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