13-03-01 – Extra Fine – High Finish – Engraved – Belgian Transition Revolver:
From the standpoint of condition, quality, and form  this is one of the finest guns I have owned. When I found it for sale while visiting in Colorado I couldnt get my wallet open fast enough. The 6.5 inch barrel exhibits 98% vivid factory blue. The cylinder has nearly that much just showing slightly more wear. The silvered frame, trigger guard, back strap, and butt strap are magnificently hand engraved with floral and foliate scrolls. There is even a bunch of apples or peaches engraved on the left frame. Bore is roughly .40 caliber or so Right side of barrel lug signed T.L. Hoist / Brevette / Cheratte These transition revolvers are so named because they are a transition in arms technology from the pepperbox design to the modern revolver design. There are dozens of variations on them, usually English and western European. This has the frame, and mechanical design of a pepperbox, but the hammer, grip, cylinder and barrel are like the early style Colts. This is roughly the size of a Colt Navy revolver. Top shelf in all respects.
A truly high quality antique arm
$2,850.00

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13-03-02 – Pre Lawsuit Production Pond Single Action 32 Caliber Belt Revolver –
This gun was made before the patent infringement lawsuit by Smith and Wesson was settled and is stamped “L.W. POND WORCESTER MASS” and also “PATd JULY 10, 1860.” (Later examples were marked “Made for Smith & Wesson”.) The gun has matching serial numbers of #689. This gun also has the rarer barrel release that is a long spring on the side of the frame. The gun is 100% original except for a properly replaced front sight, and it is mechanically perfect. (If I did not mention the sight you would never know it.) It is 100% complete except for the small screw driver which is usually found in the butt strap. Grips are fine+ A really affordable Civil War revolver…
$595.00 SOLD

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13-03-03 – Whitney – Plymouth Navy Rifle and Saber Bayonet:
About fine condition and very handsome. These heavy brutes were contracted for in 1861 in a quantity of 10,000 pieces. .69 caliber. 34 inch barrel. They were delivered in 1863 and 1864. This war horse is solid, 100% original, 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. All markings are crisp and legible including the stock cartouche of FCW Frank C. Warner. No rust, no pitting, no abuse. Just shows normal handling age. Good edges on the stock. Also included is the Plymouth Saber bayonet with most of its scabbard. (tip missing). This price on this elusive rifle should blow my competition out of the water
$2,950.00

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13-03-04 – Quarter Plate Tintype Five Guys:
Five Pards! Nice quarter plate tintype of five companions definitely taken in a crude studio in the field. There is a painted backdrop with a flag, but the fellow prominently seated at center sits on top of a barrel! No formality or pretense here, these guys are all business the real deal. The fellow on the right wears a short jacket open showing his NCO sash and the diamond of a First Sergeant just visible above the chevrons on one sleeve. On the left, brass buttons identify a non regulation sack coat. The other three soldiers wear simple fatigue blouses. All the visible trousers were tinted light blue, now fading slightly, but still evident. Some light scratches run across the image midway up from right to left, but do not affect the figures much, and some light crazing to the emulsion, mostly on the plain parts of the backdrop. Nice brass mat and frame, no case, and very displayable for a camp scene as is.
$345.00 SOLD

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13-03-05 – Haedrich marked Civil War Union soldiers cap box:
In the age of muzzle loading percussion rifles, muskets, and carbines every soldier carried one of these cap pouches on his waist belt to carry the percussion cap primers necessary to fire his weapon. This is a top notch example bearing the manufacturers stamp of Haedrich, Philadelphia on the inner flap. One-piece front, latch tab intact, brass stud in place and secure, as are the belt loops. This even has most of the fleece still present inside. The fleece served the purpose of preventing percussion caps from bouncing out of the box when the soldier was running with his cap box flap open. Extra fine condition. Reminiscent of the condition of the $5 surplus examples from the time I began collecting.
$265.00

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13-03-06 – Superb Condition The standard cartridge box of the Federal Infantryman- the 1864 Pattern box for the .58 Caliber Rifle Musket:
On the inner flap are the sharp markings of the maker, R. Nece of Philadelphia, and the oval stamp of H.H. Hartzel, the US Ordnance Department sub-inspector assigned to inspect Neces work. Both inner cartridge tins are present, which were often lost by soldiers or later collectors, all straps and buckles are also in place and tight. Some minor crazing to the finish on the outer flap (nominal), the oval embossed US is very sharp and jumps out at you from across the room. This is another throwback to the way we used to find these boxes, untouched and as issued, these were $15 to $25 when my circle began collecting. I recall as a teenager being incensed that Norm Flayderman wanted the outrageous sum of $40. Heck I could buy a cavalry saber with the scabbard for just a hair more than that. (And how dare Robert Abels price crappy old enfields at $90 to $130!) Extra fine condition and very solid.
$495.00 SOLD

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13-03-07 – Identified as-found identified Civil War infantrymans waist belt with plate and his bayonet and scabbard:
Mid-war arrow-back oval US belt plate on its correct belt with C-clasp retainer, along with its matching bayonet scabbard and bayonet. The set has been together forever: the buckle has a nice attic patina, the bayonet is mostly bright but with some discoloration at the tip, but no rust or pitting. The bayonet tip clearly shows heat discoloration undoubtedly used numerous times to hold a chunk of beef or salt pork over a fire for cooking. Belt and bayonet frog are bridle leather, originally black, now oxidized somewhat to brown. The scabbard is solid and the belt loop is good. The belt is horrible, shows lots of use, has two breaks and is missing a section, but preserves part of the belt where the soldier boldly inked his name on the inside: R.R. Mah. A search of CWdata for those two initials and a last name starting with Mah yields only Richard R. Mahoney of the 5th Minnesota, born in Ireland, and enlisted at age 32 on 2/19/62 at Washington County Minnesota as a Sergeant in Company K, who served until muster out on 9/6/65 at Fort Snelling, MN. His service period corresponds to the dating of the belt plate and to a bayonet scabbard with eight rivets, and the 5th Minnesota had some good service, mostly in the 15th and 16th Army Corps. They saw action on various expeditions and campaigns, such as Vicksburg, and some pitched battles including Corinth and Nashville, where the regiment saw its colors shot down four times in the assault and suffered 106 casualties, including Richard R. Mahoney, wounded on 12/16/64. Worn out for sure but cool and priced fairly.
$595.00 SOLD

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13-03-08 – Early War Production M-1860 Colt Army Revolver:
The standard Union cavalrymans sidearm. .44 caliber, 6 shot, 8 inch round barrel. Serial numbers 74082 all matched (except wedge), made in 1862 while the war was still picking up speed. Standard barrel legend
ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA
and
COLTS / PATENT
on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is well worn but the serial number is still visible. Grips are about VG though show battering on the bottom where someone apparently pounded tacks with it. (Undoubtedly done while hanging Wanted posters on telegraph poles) Cartouche visible on right grip. Left grip impressed with number or date of 1855, reason unknown but it has been there forever. Action tight. Mechanically perfect. 100% original and complete except for the wedge screw which is replaced. All metal is gunmetal gray. This old War Horse of a Colt definitely saw action in the Civil War. Worn yes, but handsome and has loads of character
$1,250.00 SOLD

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13-03-09-A – Civil War Navy Belt:
Navy material has always been scarce, especially in good condition. The navy tended to use and re-use material, modifying it as necessary, until it was no longer serviceable. Here is a very nice condition Pre-1862 USN belt for common sailors, used for accoutrements for gun crews and landing parties. No one knows when this style was introduced, only that in 1862 the Goodyear patent friction buckle came in and existing belts were then modified as opportunity presented itself. Here is an unaltered pre-1862 example in superior condition. Buff leather with the standing loop on one end and the flat brass hook on the other. This one shows traces of the original oval makers ink stamp on the inside. This would dress up that cutlass you own immensely and look great with the other USN accoutrements I have on this list as well. I havent had another in years. Far rarer than buff cavalry saber belts and far less expensive
$475.00 SOLD

13-03-09-B – Extremely Scarce 1861 Dated Regulation US Navy Yard, NY, made and marked holster for the Colt navy revolver:
These open top and open bottom holsters were the issue holster on the belt rig for US Navy personnel and can be seen in contemporary photos. They are more properly termed a scabbard rather than a holster. This one bears the ultra desirable date of 1861. Belt loop intact, solid body and sharp markings. Some crackling and crazing overall, but with a good look. The narrow retaining strap to secure the pistol is restored using a piece of original CW spur strap which I had saved for just such an occasion. These were scarce forty years ago now they are downright rare in decent shape.
$595.00 SOLD

13-03-09-C – Civil War Navy Cap Box:
Cap box with embossed USN stamp on the cover. Very nice condition Metzger made and US inspected cap box with the USN embossing on the cover. Very solid pouch, intact belt loops and latch tab, nice finish with good tones inside and out. These are often badly crackled and crazed. This one is in superior condtion. Extra fine.
$450.00 SOLD

13-03-09-D – Extremely Scarce USN pistol cartridge box for .36 caliber skin cartridges for the Colt and Whitney & Remington revolvers:
In superior condition, complete with original six-compartment ammunition tin inside for the .36 revolver and integral cap pouch sewn to the front with original latch tabs and belt loop. Beautiful smooth leather with deep finish and only the slightest scuffs here and there. These boxes usually show modifications for postwar use such as cutting away of the front of the box, or the interior cap pouch is often removed. If you are lucky enough to find one uncut and with a pouch, the tin is usually missing. This one has it all, and a sharp US Navy Yard (USNY) Boston stamp on the inner flap as well. This box is unaltered, still in its original CW configuration. One of the scarcer Civil War cartridge boxes. Excellent ++ condition. Front flap has two tiny slits where a small plate was once affixed and it looks like remnants of the loops are still present in the slits. I wager there is not another unaltered example for sale at this writing. Let me know if you find one!
$895.00 SOLD

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13-03-10 – Presentation Inscribed M-1860 Staff & Field Officers Sword:
Post Civil War production. Engraved on the top of the scabbard is a well worn inscription Presented to Lieutenant J.P. Emmet by his Patrons Feb. 3rd 1887. I will let you research the lieutenant. Sword is overall VG with nicely etched blade displaying eagle, US, etc. The spring retainer button for the folding clam shell was missing (as usual) when this surfaced. Helper Tom attached an immovable retaining button so the guard is always in the open position. The most intriguing aspect of this sword is the use of the word Patrons in the inscription. This may indicate that Emmet was an artist and that his supporters (Patrons) purchased him a sword when he embarked on whatever military or militia adventure caused him to don a uniform. Or maybe he was a well loved bar-keep and his patrons were just old beer swillers who wanted to show appreciation to the owner of their favorite watering hole. A mystery I will let you try and solve
$375.00 SOLD

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13-03-11 – Sharps Carbine Cartridge Box by CS Storms:
Carbine cartridge boxes came in a wide variety of patterns. This one is identified by Frederick Todd in American Military Equipage as for Sharps (.52) and similar type cartridges. The box is designed for belt use only, no sling buckles, has ears sewn to the flap, an inner tool pouch, riveted latch tab, and was intended for a single large open tin on the inside, which is now missing. Very nice condition, good finish, just minor scuffs, solid loops, and a very legible C.S. Storms makers mark on the top edge of the body over the implement pouch. Initials V and A carved on the side panels showing it was actually issued and minor flaking on the belt loops from actually being worn. If you are interested in scarce CW accoutrements or are a cavalry collector, this is for you.
$395.00 SOLD

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13-03-12 – Quarter plate tintype of Yankee infantryman with musket:
A bit dark, but this Billy Yank stands proudly in a photographers studio in front of a painted backdrop with his bayoneted musket at his side, and wears his forage cap, waistbelt with cap box and cartridge box on its shoulder sling. The photographer lightly tinted his trousers and gilded his buttons and accoutrement plates, which probably cost some extra. Very slight smudge to right of figure. I show an enhanced version of the image as well to give an idea of the content. Rehn, Philadelphia, photographers marking impressed on the embossed velvet facing pad. Scuffing to the leatherette case exterior and the hinge beginning to give way, but a good representative example of the Civil War armed hard image. The case is darn near worth the price of admission
$165.00

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13-03-13 – Full-standing corporal posed in a cheap photographers studio:
I could not pass this one up! His casual pose, sack coat open to show vest and watch chain, hands partway in his pockets, just accents his surroundings. A curtain or drapery has been positioned to his right to give it some class, but the bare wood side wall on his left is visible, one framed round or oval picture is hung up there (or is it a mirror to let you comb your hair?) and the base of the headrest is of course visible behind his feet. These elements were meant to be concealed behind an oval mat, the outlines of which faintly show, but this was definitely a cut-rate establishment. The photographer did tint the drapery and our subjects light blue trousers, but this has now faded and some of the light areas on the hands and shirt front show a bit of over-exposure. I love the detail of the side wall that would normally be hidden. Our man must have liked it- he does not look like the type to suffer nonsense gladly. Bargain priced for sure
$65.00 SOLD

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LA Times Online Article – Fort Hood shooting victims accuse U.S. of neglect, betrayal

Online Auctions / A Commentary. The last two days I searched eBay in the category Civil War Original Period Items filtering the auctions from highest price to lowest. And for the top 1200 items there were absolutely NO BIDS. NONE. ZERO. ZILCH. From nearly a million dollars in value down to a few hundred dollars in value there are no bids on the listed ebay auctions! My comment ??? This is a very good thing. It shows that collectors are paying attention and avoiding over priced and problem pieces. Online auctions are fraught with fake items, mis-described items, overvalued real items, fantasy pieces, garbage pieces . Finally it looks like the collector fraternity is learning. To help this process along, here is a quick tip on Civil War Badges for newer collectors. Do NOT buy any CW style officers hat insignia where there is a stamped brass numeral or stamped brass lettering inside a stamped brass wreath applied to a cloth backing. Those badges are bogus fakes 99.99% of the time. Likewise — corps badges made of two or three different kinds of cheap metal in silhouette fashion are likewise not real. Steer clear and save your money. Contact ebay and get the sellers of such crap kicked off. DWT

13-03-14 – Patriotic leatherette case and mat housing a noble looking line officer:
The case is separated at the hinge, but bears a wonderful eagle perched on a shield and trophy of arms with a ribband waving above it, embossed on both front and back in an oval on a geometric ground. The inside of the case adds to the motif with a patriotic mat embossed with flags at the bottom and US shields at the top. Our subject is a Union line officer, half length, seated with his hands folded, fatigue coat open to show his dark colored vest, leaning back slightly and gazing up and off to the viewers left with a kind of detached, noble gaze. The folks at home must have loved it. Very appealing image.
$185.00

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13-03-15 – Extremely clear sixth-plate tintype of an infantry corporal:
Full-standing shot in a studio, table visible off to the right and a chair he must have been waiting in pushed off to the left. He looks newly minted, the sleeves on his coat are just a tad too long and need the company tailor. He wears dark trousers, a short fatigue cap, waistbelt with oval US plate and a sheathed bayonet and cap box. The coat has the length and fit of a sack coat, but shows seven buttons and probably has eight, and displays shoulder tabs as well, indicating we are looking at one of many styles of state issued garment. He wears his chevrons typically low, at the elbow, and they seem to be corporals stripes. Nice, embossed red facing pad, mat and frame in place. Case is leatherette, embossed with geometric and floral motifs. Hinge intact. I have some paper work on this guy call for details.
$295.00 SOLD

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13-03-16 – They held the right at Gettysburg! Milo B. Eldridge, 137th New York Volunteers:
(Boy, did he knew how to pose for a photo!) Three-quarter length standing view, unusually close up, cradling a battle flag in his left arm, undoubtedly the regiments stars and stripes, wearing his double breasted field grade frock coat, fancy officers belt, and displaying his 12/20th Corps badge on his breast. Webster, Binghamton, NY, backmark, cancelled tax stamp on reverse. The 137th is an under-rated hard-fighting unit. They held the right at Gettysburg on Culps Hill and fought off several Confederate attacks in a fight that was much more celebrated at the time and for years after than that business on Little Round Top, and suffered 40 some killed and another 87 wounded. The regiment then went west with the 12th Corps, which merged into the 20th and retained its star corps badge, seeing more action at Wauhatchie, Ringold, Peach Tree Creek, and many other engagements. Eldridge enlisted at age 28 as the Captain of Company E on 9/5/62, was mustered in as Major of the regiment 9/13/64, and served until mustered out 6/9/65. A regimental history of the unit has just been published, but I have not had time to get it or dig out more information, but between the Official Records and that history, there is sure to be a lot out there. Even if this photo were unidentified, the composition and content would make it a winner. I paid nearly this much for it just so I could put it up on my web page. Super subject and history.
$675.00 SOLD

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13-03-17 – Discharge and pay documents for a member of Purnells Maryland Legion:
Two page document filled out and dated January, 1863, for David Corcoran of Purnells Legion. Corcoran was discharged on a Surgeons Certificate of Disability and this is his final statement of pay due him for six months and an allowance for traveling home, less the cost of some clothing he drew, netting a grand total of $33.60 by which to remember his service. Purnells legion was raised in Maryland under special authority of the War Department and originally consisted of nine companies of infantry, two of cavalry, and two of artillery, which served separately by branch of service in 1862. Corcoran shows up as Cochran in the database and had enlisted in Company C of the Legion on 10/2/61. During his period of service the regiment saw service in the 2nd and 12th Corps and took casualties at Catletts Station, Second Bull Run, and Antietam. Some edge losses and tape repair to folds, but Maryland stuff is not common.
$45.00 SOLD

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13-03-18 – Battle of Waterloo Related Early 19th Century English Military Handkerchief:
Roughly a foot square and decorated with images and figures from the Grenadier Guards, The 1st Regiment Life Guard, and the Royal Horse Artillery. All these units were part of the Victory at Waterloo. The 1st Regiment Life Guard is Englands most elite and senior military unit. The 1st Regiment LG was formed in 1788 and saw action in The Napoleanic War including Waterloo as did the Royal Horse Artillery and Grenadier Guard. Initially the members of the Horse Grenadier Troops which eventually formed the 1st and 2nd Regiments LG were blue blood gentleman and nobles and the Troops contained only commissioned officers no NCOs. Their corporals carried the rank of Lieutenant as far as the rest of the army was concerned. By 1788 the regiment was organized as a standard military unit with all ranks. I believe this handkerchief dates to the 1820 era and was likely made to commemorate the Victory at Waterloo. A very unusual and I am certain rare early textile.
$475.00

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13-03-19 – Cracker – Spanish-American War soldiers hardtack and joke:
Veterans always joked and told stories of army food, particularly army issued hard bread, or hardtack. Here is a nice example from the Spanish American War sent home directly by a soldier as a testimony to its durability and comment on its edibility- he just addressed it, stuck a stamp on it, and mailed it home. There are some chips edge loss, but we can make out pretty clearly that he dated it 1898 and penned his name, unit, and camp, at Mt. Gretna, Pa., around the edge and then addressed it in the center to a Miss J McKinnie, Greencastle, Franklin Co., Pa., and affixed a two cent stamp to get it through. The stamp shows a hand cancellation in ink, so it obviously made it. Either the soldier or the recipient also threaded red, white and blue ribbons through one of the holes, probably so that it could be proudly worn as a patriotic ribbon as well! A wonderfully colorful and rare artifact of our War with Spain.
$295.00

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13-03-20 – Very scarce Spencer ammunition box:
The original master cardboard box which held 42 rounds for the Spencer 7 shot repeating carbine and rifle. No cartridges are present, just the cardboard box as shown. The box is a heck of a lot rarer than the cartridges or the guns. Nicely marked green label: Forty-two, primed metallic cartridges for the Spencer Carbine, Cal. 50 Model 1865. Manufactured by the Sage Ammunition Works, Middletown, Conn. The box is solid and very displayable. Spencer guns saw a lot of use during the Civil War and also on the Western frontier after the war including the infamous Fetterman Massacre. Perfect to display with Civil War or Indian War items, and a must if you have a Spencer carbine. I sold another of these a few weeks ago and thought that was the last one I had. Digging around the shop I found this one hiding in a corner. This is the last one from a pile that came from the auction of the estate of an old timer who had bought the ammo to shoot back in the old days. Great display piece
$225.00

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13-03-21 – Rarer than the Civil War Infantry officers buttons is this Custer era example
with the letter I raised up off the shield.
$15.00 SOLD

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13-03-22 – Rare Pre Civil War Dragoon Button:
Mint condition with Mintzer raised mark back mark. Large coat size.
$75.00 SOLD

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13-03-23 – 1860 Dated Batty Powder Flask:
Large size rifle flask nicely marked and dated on the top 1860 Batty Springfield Mass. Plain body covered in leather. Batty is well known for his peace flasks. This plain example is the first such I have encountered. It may have been sold commercially or been a special order for a militia unit. The leather covered sides are a special feature for sure possibly applied to keep the flask from banging and making noise while on the march or on the hunt.?. The date of 1860 is nice you could certainly display it with a Confederate rifle or shotgun. The carrying rings were originally stitched to the sides of the leather cover but the stitching there has given way and the rings are gone.
$175.00 SOLD

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13-03-24 – Very Rare and Very Early Martially Inspected Colt Walker  Colt Dragoon Flask:
Referred to as the Walker flask by most collectors and reference books. It was made during the era of the Walker and the Second Contract Dragoon (aka Fluck Dragoon) and the First Model Dragoons. Overall VG to fine condition and nicely martially inspected. Body carries the legend Colts Patent as part of the embossing in the ribbon at the bottom. The hinged cover on the top is also marked Colts Patent, and the top bears two sets of US inspectors initials WAT and K. A damn rare flask in anyones book. A fine condition example of this exact flask sold at Julias Auction in 2009 for $6,900.00. It was only marginally nicer than this one. And in 2007 an identical flask to this one brought $5,175.00 also at Julias. I wish I could get the prices crazies pay at auction.
$3,650.00

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13-03-25 – 1873 – 45/70 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle Bayonet & Scabbard:
Overall VG to fine condition. A little oil will make this shine. Much factory finish and priced friendly
$125.00 SOLD

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13-03-26 – Trowel Bayonet for 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle:
Overall about fine condition. A very visual accoutrement, and one would think it should be listed as a curiosity except for the fact that we actually issued these to our infantry in large numbers. I would hate to think of the wound one of these would cause if the trowel was actually used as a bayonet.
$195.00 SOLD

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13-03-27 – Near Fine M-1860 Spencer Carbine:
100% original 100% complete, mechanically perfect barrel has much blue turning to plum. Interior block has vivid blue. Frame has kisses of silvery case. Both cartouches vivid, stock edges are sharp. Best Ive had in a long time
$2,950.00 SOLD

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13-03-28 – CDV Portrait General Grant and family:
Horizontal composite CDV of General Grant and family. No backmark, as is to be expected since the maker of the card utilized other photographers portraits to compose his charming view of the General and his wife seated with their children gathered about them. Very typical of the cards purchased by countless American families of the era to lend their family photograph albums some gravitas. This one also served to humanize the military man by showing him in a domestic setting, though two of the boys are shown in cadet uniforms also. A most affordable wartime CDV photo.
$25.00 SOLD

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13-03-29 – Rare CDV of George Armstrong Custer:
Nice length seated view photograph (NOT a lithograph) of the most famous US cavalryman in his major-generals uniform with a campaign hat tilted rakishly on his head. Trimmed across the top and bottom margins for album insertion, but not affecting the image at all- the bottom edge is trimmed at the bottom edge of the photographic albumen paper. This is a wartime produced image and was produced by a photographer who used Bradys from life image to make his copyright infringement copy. These photographic Pirate copies were commonplace during the Civil War. Made circa 1864. Dozens of wartime photographers pirated images of Custer and other notables to cash in on the desire of the public to own an image of the famous, but few of them did as good a job as the pirate who produced this cdv. These form an interesting collecting field of their own. No need to go into Custers full record- just to recap his fast promotion to general, flamboyant uniforms and energetic performance on the battlefield, leader of cavalry charges and expeditions, postwar service in the west until killed with every man under his immediate command at the Little Big Horn in 1876. A real Civil War cdv view at a fraction of the cost of a Brady or Gardner backmarked example.
$295.00 SOLD

13-03-30 – Scarce Navy CDV:
U.S. Naval officer Charles A. Cable. Nice seated view in his officers frock holding his cap in his lap with its summer white cover. Clearly signed in ink on the lower margin: Yours etc. Charles A. Cable U.S.N. Fredericks photographer backmark, Playfully inscribed on the reverse Charles Twelfth, which is probably a private joke to the recipient and likely an allusion to European royalty. Cable was Acting Assistant Paymaster 9/1/63, and mustered out 11/21/65. He also saw subsequent service as Assistant Paymaster from 7/23/66 to 12/5/66 at which time he left the Sea Service. Finding autographed wartime CDVs of USN personnel is quite difficult. A fine crisp image
$125.00 SOLD

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13-03-31 – Exceedingly Rare From Life – Brady View of General Grants Chief of Staff John A. Rawlins:
One of the scarcest Civil War officers to find photographically represented. Very fine wartime Anthony backmarked waist-up seated view in his brigadier generals uniform. John A Rawlins, was Grants most nearly indispensable officer. A lawyer in prewar Illinois, his brother had worked with Grant in Galena and John followed Grant into the army at the beginning of the war, joining the then unknown Grants staff as a captain. Rawlins is a key and undervalued figure in Grants success. As Grant rose, so did Rawlins, becoming major, lieutenant colonel, brigadier general and then Grants Chief of Staff. During Grants presidency Rawlins even served briefly as Secretary of War before succumbing to tuberculosis in 1869. Rawlings is period inscribed in pencil on reverse. Superb and very rare
$395.00

13-03-32 – CDV Major Robert Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter:
Very early cdv view by P. Haas of Major Anderson. Printed copyright information on bottom margin, Taken at Fort Sumter, February 8, 1861. This is a photographically produced image by Haas of an engraving with Andersons signature beneath it, in turn based on a vignetted bust photo of Anderson in his officers frock with epaulets. Foxing on the top of the albumen, not affecting the figure. Anderson had moved his command into Fort Sumter from other posts in Charleston and the original photo was taken while South Carolina was trying to get Washington to surrender and evacuate Federal facilities and the various southern states were forming the Confederacy. A most affordable Civil War CDV
$25.00 SOLD

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13-03-33 – CDV Full length standing view of a Union enlisted man posed next to a column:
Forage cap with company letter A visible at his side. Nice view of soldier who has clearly seen some field service. Mounted shell jacket worn open to show a dark colored vest. Infantry waistbelt with an oval US plate the photographer has lightly tinted to show it is brass, issue trousers and brogans. Very likely a light artilleryman, as that branch of service was more likely than a cavalryman to make use of an infantry belt. Laughlin, Philadelphia, photographer backmark. This is what the veteran soldiers in the field really looked like. A very pleasing view
$59.00 SOLD

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13-03-34 – CDV John Ericsson – The brains behind the Monitor! Dynamic from life standing view of John Ericsson:
2/3 standing view by Fredericks of New York with 1862 copyright caption at lower margin backmark. Ericsson is posed with his arms folded, looking off to the viewers left. A very confident and self-satisfied view, a feeling to which I would say he was entitled since his invention arrived just in time to save the Union fleet at Hampton Roads. Ironclads were not a new idea, but Ericsson had the imagination and engineering skill to add a moveable gun turret, which revolutionized naval design. The Monitor later foundered at sea, but in blocking the Merrimac the little vessel and its inventor were lionized in Washington, whose residents had expected to see the Confederate vessel steaming up the Potomac at any time. A scarce photographic subject.
$150.00 SOLD

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13-03-35 – CDV From life Fighting Joe Hooker by Washington photographers Philp & Solomons:
Shows Fighting Joe in his Major-Generals uniform with wonderfully rich shoulder straps, seated in an arm chair facing slightly to the viewers right. Very clear, very crisp, a small smudge above his left wrist, good tones. Period pencil id at bottom margin. Hooker (1814-1879) had served as a lieutenant in the Mexican War and was brevetted all the way up to Lieutenant-Colonel. He was a good divisional and corps commander in the Civil War who rose to the level of his incompetence by immobilizing his army at Chancellorsville and letting Lee and Jackson kick him in the backside. He redeemed himself somewhat in western service but when Sherman promoted O.O. Howard (whose troops had run at Chancellorsville) over him, he resigned from the army. Some, however, thought his main qualifications for command were that he looked like a general and had no political ambitions, though Lincoln worried he had engaged in loose talk about the country needing a dictator. A rare view of the man.
$125.00

13-03-36 – CDV General Jesse L. Reno:
Nice CDV engraved portrait of General Reno in his Major Generals frockcoat, midchest-up view. Period pencil id on reverse. West Point Class of 1846, two brevets in the Mexican War, brigade and division commander early in the war on the North Carolina coast. Reno commanded the 9th Corps in the field during the campaign of Second Manassas under Pope and then served under McClellan as the Antietam campaign began. In the fighting preceding that battle he was mortally wounded at Foxs Gap on South Mountain 9/14/62 as McClellan too slowly tried to take advantage of Lees separated forces. An affordable Civil War CDV image
$20.00 SOLD

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13-03-37 – CDV Portrait Lincoln:
Nice clear engraved bust view of Lincoln. Most families wanted a card of Lincoln to consort with their friends and relatives in the family album, but few had the opportunity or means to acquire one from Brady, Anthony, Gardner, etc., and contented themselves with the more humble engraved versions. This one is in nice shape with slightly clipped corners showing some family slipped it into their album circa 1863. With the popularity of Spielbergs movie, these original Civil War cards are suddenly getting hard to purchase. Here is a fairly priced example.
$25.00 SOLD

13-03-38 – One of Lincolns Team of Rivals. CDV engraving of M. Blair / Postmaster Genl.:
Mid-chest up view. Montgomery Blair (1813-1883) served in the army briefly and then went into law and politics, becoming one of the founding members of the Republican Party. Blair advocated a tough stance toward the south at the beginning of the war, but was eased out of Lincolns cabinet in 1864 by the more radical faction, yet remained a supporter of the President. A significant political figure in the Civil War. Nice wartime CDV engraving.
$15.00 SOLD

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13-03-39 – Alexander Gardner backmarked CDV:
This civilian has a pencil inscription along the bottom of his portrait that I cannot quite make out I show it here hoping that you might recognize the man as Gardners clients were usually people of note. But he may just be a guy. Next to Brady, Gardner is probably the most recognizable Civil War photographer and copies of his Photographic Sketchbook bring astronomical sums. Do you know him?

13-03-40 – Edwin Stanton. Nice period CDV engraving of Lincolns Secretary of War:
Attorney-General under Buchanan, Stanton (1814-1869) was influential in drawing a hard line against secession in the last days of the Buchanan administration and Lincoln brought him as Secretary of War. Stanton wielded vast power, prosecuted the war with vigor and persecuted those he thought disloyal. After Lincolns assassination Stanton opposed Johnsons leniency to the south, and in trying to remove him Johnson found himself impeached, though he escaped conviction. Stanton left, but was appointed by President Grant to the Supreme Court, which is a bit ironic, since Stanton had a lot to do with the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus during the war. Another of Lincolns Team of Rivals  and most affordable for a real wartime CDV.
$20.00 SOLD

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13-03-41 – CDV General Winfield Scott, from life view, Anthony/Brady backmark:
Period pencil id on reverse. Vignetted 2/3 view standing, which cannot have been easy for a man of his girth! Full dress uniform, wide falling embroidered collar and sword belt. Scott spent his life in the regular army and served splendidly from the War of 1812 into the War with Mexico and beyond. McClellan maneuvered him out of the army, but it was Scotts planning that laid much of the groundwork for the eventual Union victory. Minor stains and dirt, but an unusual view- mostly you see the vignetted view of him seated on a porch with his officers.
$65.00 SOLD

13-03-42 – CDV Seated Yank, Rhodes, Gouveneur, NY, backmark:
Portions of tax stamp, faint partial ink id at top rear edge. This is the typical fighting man. 2/3 seated view with his hands folded in his lap, wearing an issue fatigue blouse. His trousers show a double stripe, which was characteristic of NCOs in only a few units, so it might be possible to narrow down his service. Minor foxing and dirt.
$25.00

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13-03-43 – CDV Mary Todd Lincoln:
An original Civil War CDV put out by a photographer who retouched an existing portrait and issued it as his own.  length standing view of Mother, as Lincoln liked to call her, and another good example of the cards that made their way into countless family photo albums. A real wartime photo pre 1865
$25.00 SOLD

13-03-44 – CDV President Lincoln:
Another original Civil War CDV put out by photographer using someone elses work. A real wartime antique, once common, not nearly so now
$25.00 SOLD

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13-03-45 – CDV Uncle Billy Sherman:
Civil War wartime CDV of General Sherman by OBrien of Chicago, with his publishers information/copyright at the bottom margin. Vignetted bust view with the face from life and the major-generals uniform enhanced slightly. Minor foxing. A nice view showing how razor-thin he was. No need to go into his record- a fighting general from Shiloh to Bentonville, later General of the Army, perhaps most known for his initiation of urban renewal for the City of Atlanta. Slandered by some as insane, he famously said Grant had stuck by him when he was crazy, and he would stick by Grant, who was in turn being slandered as drunk. One of my favorite generals
$25.00 SOLD

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13-03-46 – 1880 1890 Belgian 6mm Flobert Parlor Gun:
I dont generally buy these but this one came in a collection of old guns, and I bought the entire pile. These little Flobert action rifles (like a rolling block) of the late 1800s were frequently used indoors. The shooters would use ultra light loads and after a nice dinner might adjourn for a little target competition in the large parlor room. Flobert, a Frenchman, in 1849 put a small lead ball in the mouth of a percussion cap – a “BB Cap” (Bulleted Breech Cap) – thereby creating a self-contained round. Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson patented the .22 Short in 1860 that was more effective than the BB Cap. This one appears to be 6mm Flobert, but may be 22 BB Cap. Condition is VG.
$150.00 SOLD