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15-12-01 … 15-11-66 … CDVs, Letters, Epaulettes and Pocket Watch …

EFFECTS GRANT FAMILY SHILOH BATTLE LETTER INCLUDED: Effects of Daniel L. Grant 77th Ohio Vols. and others. Database shows Daniel L. Grant …
33 years old. Enlisted on 11/22/1861 as a Private. On 11/22/1861 he mustered into “K” Co. OH 77th Infantry. He died of disease on 7/13/1862 at Corinth, Mississippi.
A really cool large archive of paper items, photos, watch, and epaulets. First are 14 civilian Letters or partials from the 1850s Caroline Grant. A printed hymn. A pretty 5×7 red and blue ink caligraphy dove. 4pg newsy letter on Union stationery from soldier D.L. Grant ??/25/1862 from camp Pittsburgh. A folder of clippings and notes. Letter 6/20/1862 from Wm. F. Cox civilian… religious war related, erroneously reports that McClellan has taken Richmond and the stars & stripes fly over the city. Letter 3/13/1864 four lg pages from Caroline Grant, civilian but great content… “a union soldier came home on sick furlough… he lived a few miles from here… he was an old man who had 2 sons in the army. Well he had 2 rebel neighbors, one was a gt grandfather the other was his son. They way laid Mr. Prater (the soldier)
and the youngest rebel shot him and killed him dead … his wife and daughter ran to the door and saw him laying dead”. The letter goes on to tell of the arrest of the younger rebel and that they had to hire extra guards for the jail and feared the copperheads would come to help him. Cool letter. Next a Lg 4 pg civilian letter from Hattie with war commentary to her cousin Rebecca … “… You said that your sons was not going into the army unless they was drafted. Don’t think hardy but ??? think strange if I had 25 sons they might all go but one & if I was not lame he might go too, for all the rebels they killed someone else would not have to kill …” Great content and more. A 3 page soldier letter large May 25th 1862 Camp No8 Tennessee… from Caroline’s husband Daniel L Grant… he wants to come home… they have the rebels surrounded except in one place… If they should come this way we have cannons here that is fourteen feet long and they carry twenty four pound balls … we have 650 cannons on our line … 5/17/1862 from Camp No 8 Tennessee another DL Grant letter on patriotic stationery Newsy, he did not receive the testament she sent him, but he has one and reads it nite and day,… / One large page 5/15/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn… newsy separated at folds… / 2 pages 4/24/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn newsy…/ 4 pages
BATTLE OF SHILOH 4/12/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn says they were in a hard fight and lost a great many men … “… the battle lasted two days … there was six men killed and seventeen missing … the remainder of that little band still stands for the Union… some of the names of the kild and wounded I shall not mention … God protected me from the balls of the enemy, it rained lead and hailed iron all the time for two days and a half but we still held to the stars and stripes and gained a glorious victory …” /
2 page 3/17/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline newsy // 3 page 3/22/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn Patriotic Letterhead… newsy / / 4 page 3/6/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn Patriotic Letterhead … we are expecting a great battle in a few days at the railroad at the town called Corinth and they say that after that battle we will come home … / / 2 pages pencil 3/22/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn Patriotic Letterhead… newsy.. faded / / 3 page 3/27/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn Patriotic Letterhead … I just fed my mules for I am a drawing 4 mules and waggon hauling supplies for the army and a getting twenty dollars a month … / / 1 1/2 page 2/16/1862 from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn Patriotic Letterhead… newsy / / 2 page 4/10/1861 (2) from DL Grant to Caroline Camp Pittsburgh Tenn … newsy // 2 pgs ink to DL Grant from C. Moore “.. I am glad to learn you are enlisted in the service … Should we have a war with England or should France and England attempt to raise our blockade of the South ports I shall enlist myself and influence all I can to do so immediately. This is perhaps the only hope of the Rebels…” Also included are Locks of hair and calling cards … A manuscript cure for diptheria. two partial soldier letters, a partial 1852 letter, Two newsy postwar letters. 1869 pencil letter.

Also included is a large size silver hunting case key-wind pocket watch from the Hampden Watch Company bearing serial number 179,890 showing manufacture in the early 1880s. I suppose this belonged to Daniel’s son. It runs well and has a wonderful chain with large rectangular links. Next included is a fine pair of Civil War 2nd Lieutenant’s epaulets, owner unknown at this writing but possibly mentioned in the piles of civilian letters and notes that I have not carefully read. And finally two CDVs of Seth Kinman the famous hunter, frontiersman, and friend of Abe Lincoln. The Shiloh battle letter is worth two or three hundred dollars, the other letters are easily worth three or four hundred, the watch is worth $100 easy, the epaulets $100 easy, The 2 Kinman CDVs $250 easy… the total easy sell value of the individual elements is 950 to 1150 … Here is a deal … The Entire Lot Bargain Holiday Priced at …
… $750.00 – SOLD

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15-12-02 … Missouri Confederate “Bushwacker’s” / Partisan Ranger Archive and Named Southern Cross of Honor …
Fantastic archive with a super manuscript unit history / personal memoir / James Wallace of Franklin’s 2nd Northeast Missouri Cavalry and Pindall’s 9th Battalion Missouri Sharpshooters, CSA… by James T. Wallace, 2nd Lt. Co. D.

In Missouri prewar strife between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces, and fights of neighbor against neighbor, created a lethal concoction of war and personal vendetta that frequently led to fighting with no quarter and murder. James T. Wallace signed up as a private in Co. B of the Second Northeast Missouri Cavalry, under Col. Cyrus Franklin, organized in late July, 1862. They joined a small brigade of cavalry under Col. Joseph C. Porter. “This regiment was raised and doing duty in North East Missouri where it was almost constantly in the presence of superior forces of the enemy and were often engaged in action against him,” reads a fragmentary history of the unit in CS records. Some such riders characterized themselves as Partisan Rangers. Federal forces regarded them as guerrillas and bushwhackers. Their Lieutenant Colonel, or intended Lieutenant Colonel, was actually captured, tried and executed as a guerrilla. After Porter’s defeat at Kirksville, MO, in August, 1862, the regiment scattered- many trying to get across the Missouri River to join Confederates in Arkansas. Wallace was captured in Lewis County, Missouri, on 9/22/62 and sent to Alton, Illinois in December “for trial or exchange.” He was recorded there as, “Bushwacker, Franklin’s” and “one of Porter’s band.” Fortunately for him, he was paroled and sent to City Point, Va. for exchange by order of 4/1/63.

He rejoined his company, which had become Co. D of Pindall’s Battalion of Sharpshooters, and was appointed Second Lieutenant. The battalion started with two companies “thrown together” in late 1862, expanded eventually to six, and was designated the 9th Missouri Battalion of Sharpshooters. They served in the Trans-Mississippi Department for the entire war, being part of Parson’s/Burns’s Brigade of Hindman’s and Price’s Division, then Burns’s Brigade of Parson’s Division, and finally in the 1st Missouri Division, 2nd Corps. During the time Wallace served with them they took part in the battles of Helena, Pleasant Hill, Camden and Jenkins Ferry. They were surrendered by Kirby Smith in May 1865 and paroled. Wallace signed his parole in Shreveport 6/1/65 and headed home. Ironically, many of the veterans who had survived the war, perished in the sinking of the transport “Kentucky” on that return journey in June. This family archive includes Wallace’s named Southern Cross of Honor, a cabinet card photo of him taken about 1890 with his name on the back, a manuscript poem addressed to him on the Battle of Helena, written by another veteran, and most importantly a well worn and shaken manuscript (in Wallace’s own hand) journal into which he reiterated his “war diary” on numbered pages. It is extremely well written, Wallace was an educated man with a great talent for writing. The account starts on page 29 of the journal and runs to page 142 in clear full pages in ink. The journal begins “The Roll of Co D Pindall’s Bn of Sharpshooters” with some history … they were made up of exchanged prisoners… etc… Plus roster. Then there is a list of the officer’s and more roster. The diary portion is headed “A Journal of Experience and Observations during the Civil War”. This is Wallaces memoir taken from his diary. He begins “From the very first outburst of excitement throughout the country my sympathies were with the South…” He discusses the Fugitive Slave Law and other causes of the war. “at the outbreak of the war I was but 18 years old.. much occurred to embitter my feelings toward the union… my father’s farm… was stripped of horses and the winters corn and bacon… nothing was safe above ground, not even life. ” He tells of burying the valuables, hiding in the woods, and hating the north. He relates that northern officers committed all forms of crimes with impunity. He is arrested in 1862 along with his father and brother as southern sympathizers. He historically relates all the early war battles… he comments on Gen Grant at Belmont. On page 49 of the journal he begins his personal experiences in earnest. He and his brothers went to Troublesome Creek to enlist. They had many men but no artillery. One of their band was tortured to death (presumably by yankees). They were chased by the Yankees until Col. Porter decided to halt and make a stand at Kirksville, Mo. He gives great detail… “Although our men behaved handsomely… our arms were entirely unfit for the use required of them… The enemy were wise enough to keep out of reach of our squirrel rifles. … With their long range muskets and artillery they swept the streets and knocked to pieces the frail wooden houses… they were… out of our reach… I had the satisfaction of firing with my old rifle about 24 shots… ” He goes on in great detail about Stockton in Macon County, the capture of Palmyra, an engagement at some place called Beckett’s. He tells of conning a Union man in his home into believing they were Yanks in search of rebs, and having him lead them to a Confederate camp he knew of three miles distant. His first surrender is detailed …” While our party of about 8 persons was divided they (the yanks) came down in force upon four of the boys and killed two of them. Uncle Joe Fields and John Caldwell. James Caldwell only escaped by leaving his horse and flying through the thick brush on foot. … The enemy refused the two who fell any quarter, but shot them to pieces in a brutal manner. The rest of us… made good our escape.” The journal is chock full of absolutely rip-roaring, first hand accounts on every page… written by the Rebel Partisan Ranger who lived them. It would require dozens of pages to dutifully describe the contents of this fine journal, but I do not have the energy to do so. Suffice it to say… you will love it. Also in the group is a clipped portion of Wallace’s obituary and some correspondence regarding the loan of the diary by his daughter to an institution in the 1950s.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a western theater archive. Personal accounts of the war in that theater are very hard to come by. Soldiers, guerrillas, partisan rangers and bushwhackers were constantly on the move with much less ability to write letters home or keep diaries than their eastern counterparts. The engraved/named Southern Cross of Honor to a Partisan Ranger is unheard of rare. The journal is a manuscript treasure. An outstanding rebel grouping
… $1,750.00 – SOLD

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15-12-03 … Regulation Union Army Haversack …
One of the rarest pieces of federal equipment is the tarred canvas haversack, and here is a nice one. These bags carried the infantryman’s precious treasures of coffee, bacon, hardtack, vegetables, and personal items. This specimen is whole and solid and displays very well. It has one of the tin buttons still inside the bag as well as the closing tab and roller buckle on the outside. The leather securing the roller buckle has been reattached as shown in the photo. . There are also two expert repairs where the shoulder strap meets the bag … these repairs were facilitated using original tarred canvas taken from an original knapsack, and are not noticeable unless you look very closely. A solid and rare example of the Yankee haversack and priced a pile lower than the tourist town relic shops …
noco
… $1,450 – SOLD

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15-12-04 … Regulation Union Army Haversack …
Very similar to the above but showing just a little more age. One of the rarest pieces of federal equipment is the tarred canvas haversack, and here is a nice one. These bags carried the infantryman’s precious treasures of coffee, bacon, hardtack, vegetables, and personal items. This specimen is whole and solid and displays very well. It has all three of the tin buttons still inside the bag which originally held the white muslin cloth liner (food bag) which is missing as always. It retains the closing tab, but the roller buckle portion is gone. There are a few repairs to separations in the canvas which are shown in the photos. A solid and rare example of the Yankee haversack and priced a pile lower than the tourist town relic shops. …
noco
… $1,250.00 – SOLD

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15-12-05 … 1849 Dated Harpers Ferry 1842 Musket with Bayonet …
This was the last of the US .69 smoothbores for infantry of the line and the first of the percussion system for them as well and, of course, Harpers Ferry will always have a bit of romance attached to it as the “southern arsenal.” This has nice light brown tones to the wood and deep pewter and faded brown to the metal. Moderate rounding to the wood edges, traces of a cartouche on the offside. Clear V/P/eagle barrel proofs. Lockplate with mottled faded grey and clear Harpers Ferry markings and 1849 date, making it just after the Mexican War, but made in plenty of time for early service in the west. Some slight pitting to the bolster from firing, but not much surrounding corrosion and a tight wood to metal fit at the breechplug tang. Hammer screw and nipple are older replacements. The rod is a reproduction. Minor chip in wood at rear of lockplate, nice sharp edge along wrist behind the hammer. Three short vertical lines and a “7” carved in the outboard butt stock flat, that could also be an upside down Roman numeral “LIII” (“58.”) Mechanically good, all swivels, bands, springs and bayonet stud in place. With this comes an original .69 bayonet in good condition that has been with it for a long time. A nice example of a U.S. regulation arm firing “buck and ball” that was widely used during the war. Fresh from a local collector’s estate … A fellow ordered this a few weeks ago and never sent his payment.
It takes all kinds Bargain priced …
ejj-may
…

Musket with bayonet … $950.00 or Musket by itself $850.00 – SOLD

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15-12-07 … Pards! With Troubling Note Inside …
Nicely tinted quarter plate tintype taken in a studio, the backdrop showing a wilderness scene on the left and a military camp on the right. The friends wear four-button sack coats and forage caps with their arms over each other’s shoulders. Their cheeks and hands are lightly tinted red and the trousers are a regulation light blue. The buttons have been very delicately gilded. This is a cut above the usual coloring job by 1860s photographers, much finer quality than most. This comes in its original “leatherette” case that has a very unusual molded floral design front and back that mimics and rivals the earlier thermoplastic union cases. The hinge has a repaired separation, the mat, frame and glass are present. Inside the back of the case in pencil are notes to a photographer indicating copies are to be made, likely albumen photos, specifying two 8 x 10 copies of the man on the right, “vig[nette]” and one number 2 frame. This note likely indicates that our man on the right did not survive the war. His family requesting two vignette albumen portraits of him by himself would tend to indicate he was no longer alive to sit for a portrait. A very nice memento of military service where friendships were formed that lasted a lifetime, however short that might be for a soldier
… $245.00 – SOLD

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15-12-08 … Cased Tintype of Wisconsin Iron Brigade? …
Very crisp just-about-full standing view of a soldier in regulation Hardee hat with full belt rig: waist belt with oval US, fully visible cap box and cartridge box on its shoulder sling showing the eagle cross belt plate. He also wears a thick woven sling that likely supports a commercial or state issue haversack. At his side is an Austrian Lorenz with its sling and bayonet fixed, the mouth of the empty scabbard visible at his hip. The whole thing has a slight western feel, probably due to that haversack strap. The Hardee hat and Lorenz have me thinking Wisconsin troops in the Iron Brigade, of course, though there is no insignia visible on the hat to prove the hypothesis. We do know for sure that the Wisconsin Iron Brigade soldiers were issued Lorenz rifles, and that their commander ordered the men to paint the metal parts with black paint. And we know they were famous for wearing Hardee Hats unlike most other infantry brigades. Two good pieces of evidence. In any event, it’s a darn nice armed image- very clear and not impeded by any sloppy gilding of the belt plates. Comes in original case with mat, frame and glass. A great example of a likely Iron Brigade soldier
… $465.00 – SOLD

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15-12-09 … Fully Armed Cavalryman with Carbine and Flag …
It was unusual for enlisted troopers to wander down to the photographer with all their many weapons, so armed images of such are rightly prized. This one is clear and shows a fully armed cavalryman displaying not just his saber and pistol, but his carbine as well. Our man has turned up the brim of his forage cap so as not to shadow his face, and wears the regulation mounted “shell” jacket with its shoulder scales in place. He has pulled his Colt Army out of its holster and shoved it into his belt to be better seen and pulled his saber across his lap, showing a tangle of straps that are the saber slings, but also with a nice view of his fixed saber knot looped through the saber hilt. The resolution of the image is strong enough that it even appears to be a buff knot, where his other accouterments are bridle leather. He has also managed to get out of camp with his carbine and carbine sling. The sling shows prominently across his chest and the carbine leans against his knee, showing its barrel and enough of the forestock that it looks to me like a Burnside. His rectangular eagle saber belt is partially visible. The photographer did touch up is shoulder scales, buttons, and the hilt and wire of the saber, but not too offensively and the content more than makes up for it. Some minor scratches from the mat, and a spot at the bottom left on his knee, but not affecting the carbine. One additional nice touch is that our man is posed sitting next to a small table draped with a U.S. flag. I don’t see a swallowtail indicating it’s a guidon, but the size is just right for a company flag. A very nice armed image with a patriotic touch … bjj-17275
… $495.00 – SOLD

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15-12-10 … Boar’s Head 20 Gauge Shotgun …
This is a handsome double barrel 20 gauge Germanic percussion shotgun circa 1860 with exceptional hand carved ferocious wild boar’s head on the bottom of the butt stock. Nicely engraved in many places. Not marked by maker. The barrels are 30 inches long and the overall length of the gun is 47 inches. The trigger guard and finial are steel and nicely engraved. The locks have small amounts of refined engraving. The beautiful steel tipped hickory ram rod is original. This is a quality shotgun, 160 years old in Very Good condition. 100% original, 100% complete, mechanically perfect. The only slight wart is a tiny 1 inch tiny crack on the left forearm just above the escutcheon plate for the barrel key. This is a wonderful antique gun on its own terms and is totally appropriate to display with Confederate Cavalry effects. A great looking old powder burner at a very affordable price! … bej
… $365.00 – SOLD

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15-12-11 … S.A.W. Stereoview of the Third Illinois on Their Way to See the Elephant …
Stereoviews were all the rage for home entertainment in the late 19th century, bringing foreign scenes and current events right into the parlor in 3-D. Titled “The 3rd Ills. Vols. Newport News, Va.,” this stereoview shows the men drawn up in a long line of battle, wearing cartridge belts, campaign hats, blue campaign shirts tucked into trousers, and blanket or shelter tent rolls over their shoulders in light marching order. File closers are behind the line and a few officers in front. Running down the line are their stacked .45-70 rifles: ever wondered what a “stacking swivel” was for? The 3rd Illinois organized in May, 1898, trained at Camp Chickamauga until late July, when it moved to Newport News and then sailed to Puerto Rico. It saw combat in various skirmishes, resulting in one private killed according to some sources, before returning to the US in November. This is a nice view of the regiment heading off to an uncertain future … 3 1/2″ x 7″ … noco
… $35.00 – SOLD

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15-12-12 … President McKinley Stirs Up Some War Fever …
In 1898 McKinley gestures to the crowd in Quincy, Illinois, from a stars-and-stripes bedecked speaker’s platform in this stereoview. The title of the stereo card quotes him: “Whenever the Flag is assailed our only terms is unconditional surrender.” Aside from the grammatical error, the likelihood that the USS Maine blew up by accident, and that the war ended with an armistice and a treaty … it’s a darn fine inaccurate patriotic sentiment worthy of any politician, of any party, at any time. Huzzah! A clear view of the late, martyred President, at the beginning of the “splendid little war.” … 3 1/2″ x 7″ … noco
… $35.00 – SOLD

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15-12-13 … 1830 US Infantry Tactics …
Leather bound volume of tactics for light-infantry and riflemen, published in Boston 1830. Aimed at getting militia and state troops up to snuff with the regular army, this manual lays out the various formations and maneuvers of an infantry unit and is the sort of thing officers of the New Orleans Grays and the like had in their baggage when they went off to the Alamo. Leather bound, with plenty of wear to the covers, and some stained and sprung pages, this still preserved many of the instructional diagrams and plates showing soldiers in the bell crown shakos of the era in various drill poses and motions. This formed the basis for tactics in the Mexican War as well.

Measures roughly 5 x 8 inches in size. 138 pages. For some reason each page is numbered at the top and the bottom of each page with different numbers. The top numbers are the proper page numbers as far as I can tell. Works well in a display of early militia gear but is also key to understanding military tactics of the period. Solid, complete, some wear and foxing on page edges. A lot of book for very little money … za
… $165.00 – SOLD

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15-12-14 … Pewter or Britannia Whickey Flask …
Nicely marked by C. & J.W. Hawksley of Sheffield, this pewter pocket flask preserves its screw top and the removable upper cover that acts as a cup. Hawksley was a well-known maker of all sorts of hollowware in copper, brass, silver, german silver, etc. and is perhaps best known to us a maker of powder flasks. I show an 1848 advertisement for the firm that lists both powder flasks and “dram bottles” among his offerings. This would make a nice addition to a display of officer’s effects: the all metal construction is appropriate for expected rough handling on campaign. It is especially appealing in that no idiot with an electric pen has yet inscribed Grant’s name on it. An honest piece … when closed, measures 3 1/2″ x 6 1/4″ in size … noco
… $95.00 – SOLD

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15-12-15 …
Buff Leather Infantry Waist Belt …

Nearly identical to one we sold last list but with a different pattern US buckle.

Regulation US infantry belt and plate. I may be showing my age, but I remember when Bernie Mitchell and George Gorman bought a mess of these out of the old H.K. White’s military goods shop. Back then lots of the “kids” wore them to reenact or skirmish with. This has the ever durable “Buff Leather”… being rougher and tougher than the standard harness leather belts we usually see. Collectors have always liked “buff” because it has held up better over the past 150 years. This is the standard rig… using the arrow hook US plate and having the brass C-clasp keeper on the leather. Issued black, these belts oxidized to brown soon after issue from iron mordants in the dyes. This one shows some minor staining to the cream color interior and various rubs to the face of the plate, which still has a lot of its original gilt. It’s a very nice example and pretty close to how it looked 150 years ago. Still flexible, and worth setting up with a comparable cap box and scabbard to make a complete infantry outfit.

Compare other dealers at 550 to 650…..

Same great deal as the last list
… $495.00
– SOLD

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15-12-16 … Armed Union Infantry Soldier …
A nice patriotic mat embossed with flags, sailing ship and cannon, borders this 6th plate tintype of yankee foot-slogger displaying his rifle for the camera. He wears a forage and regulation infantry frock, whose tall collar he has turned over for comfort. The piping on his collar and cuffs is visible. The photographer has lightly gilded his buttons and chinstrap buckle and outlined his waist and crossbelt plates. His belt, cap box and cartridge box on its shoulder sling are clearly visible. His rifle has its shoulder sling and the prominent cheek rest shows it to be one of the European imports that were so common in the hands of early and mid-war troops. His cap displays regimental insignia, three brass numerals that are reversed in the tintype of course, but seem to be “105.” This limits his state to Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio or Pennsylvania. There is crazing on the center oval portion not covered by the mat and a few spots and some discoloration concealed by the mat, but the image displays well and is a nice representative armed image with a patriotic mat and full leatherette case. A nice additional touch is that the soldier or a loved one has attached a small spreadwinged eagle to the velvet pad opposite the image, making for a very nice presentation … bjj-17275
… $245.00

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15-12-17 … Very Scarce Whitney Federal Contract M1861 Springfield Rifle Musket …
An extremely scarce contract for the collector. Not as scarce as the New York contract listed above, but darn scarce. 1864-dated Model 1861 .58 caliber “Whitneyville Contract” percussion rifle-musket in VG to near fine condition. This musket was a product of Eli Whitney’s firm called the “Whitney-ville Armory”. All steel surfaces are attractive attic plum brown patina with strong markings, except the barrel date. The stock edges are sharp. No cleaning, no burnishing, no alterations…. overall strong “attic found” condition. Lock is marked with eagle over ‘U.S’ to the right of the hammer and the date “1864” behind the hammer. Under bolster is “WHITNEY-VILLE” in strong sharp stampings. Barrel proofs of VP & eagle’s head are sharp. The barrel date is obliterated by pitting at the breech. This great old musket is 100% original, 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. Rear sight is the proper early 1855-1861 style short range sight with the little
“back porch”
on it. Ramrod is straight style which is proper for this model. Bore has rifling but not sharp. Federal stock cartouche visible and legible on left side opposite the lock, between the two lock screws. Whitney was slow to fill his federal government contracts, except for the famed Plymouth Navy Rifles. He supplied Connecticut with 61 style muskets ahead of his federal contract. He initially agreed to manufacture 40,000 M1861 US Rifle-muskets for the Federal government early in the war. After he finished his Plymouth rifles, and his Connecticut contracts, he voided his first federal contract and signed one to supply 15,000 of these M-1861 muskets instead of the 40,000 he originally promised. He did so cleanly, and to federal specifications, in 1863 and 1864. This is one darn fine example of this scarce Federal Whitney ’61 Springfield … 40″ barrel … 56″ overall length. You can attend ten gun shows and will not likely see one of these contract muskets offered for sale …
eej

… $1,550.00

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15-12-18 … 1862 Dated Musket M-Rifle Enfield …
Cal. 58. … 39 bbl. … Another very scarce US contract musket. This is a nice “as found” example of an 1862 dated “M” rifle as made by J.P. Moore & Sons in New York City early in the Civil War. These guns are fairly scarce and for many years were thought to be Confederate. When I began collecting as a kid, “common wisdom” dictated that these were absolutely CSA muskets. sThey appear in several texts as Confederate, some with North Carolina agent stamps in the stock. Current knowledge states they are unquestionably New York contract guns. Very scarce guns, but not Confederate. This musket is all original and complete, along with an Enfield bayonet in a New York contractor marked scabbard. Bayonet and gun metal are all dark and uncleaned and match very well. This gun conforms almost identically to the British Model P1853 Enfield rifle musket, having brass nosecap, trigger guard, buttplate and lock escutcheons. Balance of the gun is steel, including the Enfield style slotted ramrod. Gun overall is very good and sound, metal being dark with gentle surface pitting No discernible bbl markings, Lock marking of eagle holding a shield with “M” and 1862 date are well struck and easily discerned. Stock is sound and solid with numerous small storage dings and dents. There are a pair of initials “PR” carved opposite lock in stock. Accompanying bayonet matches gun perfectly. Blade is gray and smooth. Accompanying US regulation bayonet scabbard is sound and solid with areas of crazing and stitching is loose over half its length. Very scarce and very desirable … afjj-bjj-exhaa
Musket by itself … $1,675.00 … Musket with bayonet and scabbard … $1,925.00

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15-12-19 … Scarce Remington Contract 3-Band Springfield Pattern 1863 Musket …
Remington is believed to be one of only two makers to produce muskets that exactly followed the model 1863 Springfield specs. The other is the S Norris & WT Clements Made for Massachusetts musket. This Remington contract is a rare piece. The gun is in VG condition and has matching 1865 dates on the lock and barrel. The lock is crisp and gun metal grey in color. The barrel and bands are attic rust brown with some moderate pitting. This has the last pattern Springfield rear sight with one leaf and a peep hole in the center of the leaf. The stock has sharp edges, normal handling dings, and a clear cartouche of “OWA”. This is tight, solid, totally original and complete, and very scarce. Finding this late war Remington for sale is a rare event. It is one of the scarcest of CW contracts to acquire, and this is a wonderful example…
ajgg
… $1,495.00 – SOLD

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15-12-20 … Nice Cased Tintype of an Armed Cavalry Sergeant …
6th plate tintype in a nice thermoplastic (“composition”) case with geometric motifs. Three-quarter length seated view. Our man wears a mounted shell jacket with buttons and chevrons lightly gilded indicating he’s a cavalry sergeant. His open jacket shows a dark military vest beneath, also with brass buttons. He wears a saber belt with the rectangular eagle plate clearly showing.

The top of his revolver holster shows at his side and he has unholstered his pistol and shoved it into his belt for a more warlike pose as he holds up his saber for the camera, the weapon still secured to the saber slings and sporting a saber knot as well. The photographer has lightly tinted his cheeks red and has also touched in part of the cloth draping the table at his side. His trousers, too, seem to have been very nicely tinted a delicate light blue. A nice example of the yankee horse soldier and an NCO as well. These were they guys who kept the company running on a day-to-day basis. Image and thermoplastic case … bej-17275
… $365.00 – SOLD

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15-12-21 … Watervliet Arsenal Rifle Sling …
A late 1860s to early 1870s rifle sling measuring 63 inches. Clearly marked with the Watervliet Arsenal stamp, the slide is there, and the standing loop is still present and firmly attached as is the round brass wire hook. These are often torn or damaged from actual field use or people trying to get them off a an old rifle. This is in decent shape and with a US arsenal mark. Perfect to put on a CW musket but technically for the Allin conversion rifles due to the longer length … noco
… $95.00 – SOLD

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15-12-22 … Incredibly Rare Cincinnati Ohio Bahn Frei Bowie Knife …
A rough condition but very rare Bowie knife from the period 1845 to 1860. This style of hilt is well known on the Cinti., Ohio made saber bayonets intended for Turner rifles. The Turners were German Americans who formed formal shooting clubs in the U.S. Many were in Cincinnati. Much rarer than the bayonet is this Bowie knife. It is constructed identically to the bayonets but is clearly a Bowie knife with no provision for attaching to a gun. A truly “bad-ass” Bowie knife with a vicious clipped point. The blade measures just under 11 inches long. Overall length is just under 16 inches. It is wonderfully formed with a curved false edge leading back 3+ inches from the tip. Condition is solid, but the cutting edge is chewed up and thin from corrosion. There is heavy corrosion on the back third of the blade, more evident on the right than the left, but the knife is solid and untouched. If you want a real Civil War period clip point Bowie that has not been assembled in someone’s basement during the last forty years, this is a hell of a knife. To put things in perspective… there are likely a hundred or so of the bayonets in existence. There are likely less than a dozen of these knives. The bayonets in scabbards bring around $3000 each. Not mint, but solid and striking. About as cool a knife as I have found … cjjj
… ON HOLD

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15-12-23 … Vol 1 and 2 of 1856 Patent Office Report …
Published in 1857 these are the first two volumes recording patents issued the previous year. There is tons of information on inventions to aid mankind in the areas of metallurgy, civil engineering, surgical and medical instruments, etc., but of special interest to us are the sections devoted to “firearms and implements of war.” Bound in brown cloth, blind stamped covers, minor chipping. Original owner name in faded brown ink on flyleaves. Still relatively tight and in good condition, these are valuable primary source material in researching 19th century arms, and rather a testimony to American inventiveness on all fronts … from tom-m
… $195.00 for Both Volumes

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15-12-24 … Cased Standing Soldier With Enfield and Revolver …
Clear sixth-plate full standing view of a Federal infantryman with accoutrements and bayonetted Enfield. Our man stands bareheaded in front of a plain backdrop, though with the photographer’s studio rug visible at his feet. He wears the regulation infantry 9-button frock showing its piping on collar and cuffs. His oval belt plate is partially visible behind his hand as he grasps his rifle at “parade rest.” His revolver is tucked into his belt. The rifle sling, Enfield rear sight, knurled ramrod head and British style bayonet blade show well. He has switched around his cartridge box to make it appear on the correct side, though that of course placed the sling plate on his back. He has also fixed his bayonet and adopted a dead-on stare at the camera: he means business. His cheeks have been lightly tinted, there is no gilding, and the clarity is very good, even the veins on his hand stick out. Full embossed leatherette case with facing pad, mat, glass and frame. A nice one … bjj-17275
… $295.00 – SOLD

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15-12-25 … Dead Real 1861 Dated 1840 Pattern Import Cavalry Saber …
I’ve had a few of these over the years, but very few. Very early in the war we dated and sometimes inspected these import heavy cavalry sabers. I have only seen 1861 dates, and very rarely we see US inspector’s marks. These are almost certainly imports brought in by a specific contractor to supplement his own arms contracts, though there is an outside possibility they are by an American subcontractor working for the same purpose, much as Emerson and Silver supplied 1840 pattern blades to Horstmann. In any case, this is a nice variant in very good untouched condition. The grip has original wire and leather, showing just some honest wear. The pad is present on the underside of the guard. The blade is a very light silver gray with just some darker gray spotting here and there. The scabbard shows brown and the patina matches the untouched aged brass of the hilt. A very pleasing and honest sword with the potential for further identification as weapons researchers continue to unearth new information. Finding any saber dated 1861 is rare… these import example are even moreso … d-17275-bradf
… $650.00 – SOLD

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15-12-26 … 1864 Cavalry Saber by Emerson & Silver with Matching Inspected Scabbard …
Nice 1860 pattern light cavalry saber by Emerson and Silver dated 1864. Blade shows bright with some dull silver and thin gray clouding, but with a good edge and point, no pitting and very legible markings on either side of the ricasso. A bonus is that the inspector mark on the blade, DFM, is also found on the drag of the scabbard. Inspector marks on the drags are often invisible from wear and age so its nice to see them. It’s doubly nice that these match the blade marks since swords and scabbards were switched around so often. The scabbard is a dull gray with some brown patches and some dappled pitting on the drag, but the rings and throat are present and there are no horrendous dings or dents. The pad is still present on the underside of the guard. The upper part of the counterguard has a downward turn that shows something hit it at some point, leaving a small gap between the brass and the start of the leather and wire wrapped grip. Original grip leather and wire present and tight. Some abrasion to the very top of the grip letting some of the wood show through. Nice mellow patina to the brass. A good example of the regulation cavalry trooper’s weapon. Priced like a Christmas present … d-17175-bradf
… $595.00 – SOLD

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15-12-27 … Grant Portrait CDV …
Sometimes said to be the most photographed man of the nineteenth century, Grant is shows here in his major-general’s frock coat, displaying his two stars on his shoulder straps. This is a retouched vignette image taken from a life portrait and has no backmark, which is almost always the case with such “pirate” images. An enterprising photographer decided to cash in on the craze for his portraits but wanted to avoid suits for copyright infringement and so did not mark his products. Purchasers were none the wiser and the General looked just fine in this pose, gazing out from the album across from Aunt Alma. A real Civil War CDV, priced lower than most modern copy photos
… $15.00 – SOLD

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15-12-28 … Seated Bearded Yankee Enlisted Man …
This is how most soldiers sent their images home: posed rather plainly, seated in a photographer’s studio. Still, the folks back home were glad to get it- who knew if the soldier himself would make it back? The beard makes our man appear older than he probably is, but he poses seated, length, in his enlisted frock coat. The sleeves seem a tad baggy for him. Perhaps it is a new issue. A tad light with a slight stain on his knee
… $15.00 – SOLD

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15-12-29 … S.H. Young and Company Cap box with Full Wool & Pick …
Nicely marked on the inner flap, “S.H. Young & Co. / Newark/ N.J.” with a sub-inspector mark by White on the flap. Some crazing and minor finish loss to the cover and belt loops but visible cartouche and very crisp maker mark. Best of all, the fleece on this is 100% and the vent pick is still there. The fleece was a narrow strip sewn into the back top edge of the box to keep the percussion caps from jumping out if the flap were left unfastened. In the intervening 150 years, generations of moths have feasted on these and it is very uncommon to find one now with the fleece intact. The small wire vent pick was secured inside with a small loop and was used to clear debrist in the vent from the nipple to the breech of the barrel. These, too, have mostly been lost over the years to careless handling or the idly curious. This one is complete as issued. Complete with wool and pick! … noco-bradf
… $145.00 – SOLD

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15-12-30 … Crossman Marked Cap Box With Pick …
Another good Civil War cap box. The essential piece of gear for every soldier armed with a percussion weapon, which means most of them. This one has a crisp “Crossman/ Maker/ Newark” stamp on the inner flap, with some of the fleece left inside, and the vent pick in place. The belt loops are secure and the latchtab is made of one piece with the outerflap and is not torn. I always like to use these to complete a belt set, but they show a lot of variations (Fred Gaede has had a book in the works on just this piece of gear for a couple of years) and they make a collecting subcategory of their own, showing changes in design, improvements of different sorts, and some false steps. This is a nice example and one of the most affordable pieces of real Civil War field gear you can find … noco-bradf
… $125.00 – SOLD

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15-12-31 … Millard 1862 Cavalry Saber / Battle Damage??? …
Rare Contract Millard Light Cavalry Saber: Regulation M1860 US cavalry saber made and marked by “D.J. Millard / Clayville NY / U.S. CEW 1862”. In 1861 Millard was awarded a small contract for 10,000 light cavalry sabers, and all specimens I have viewed bear the date of 1862. This one is attic brown condition and fresh out of a local home, brought to me by one of our pickers. The leather and twisted wire on the grip are completely gone. This exposes the raw wood grip which is polished and shiny from over a century of handling and caressing. Of note is the deep divot in the grip that appears for all the world to have been caused by a projectile. My guess is that it was caused by a pistol ball in a cavalry fight. This is speculation of course, but that ancient hole sure looks like a bullet strike. It would also explain why the wooden grip was saved and polished to show off the strike. Blade is smooth grey steel, scabbard attic brown. The brass guard is a richly patinated as any brass I’ve seen. The drag is deeply inspected CGS. On a scale of one to ten this saber rates a 7 or 8. A good solid saber. A scarce and desirable maker. Can’t prove it, but looks like a bullet struck weapon to me …
ejj-jpal

… $550.00 – SOLD

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15-12-34 … 15th Vermont Identification Disc …
Abraham Lincoln pattern identification disk belonging to Josiah H. Winslow, Jr., Co. B 15th Vermont from Walden, Vermont. This is the pattern with the bust on Lincoln on one side bordered with his name, “President US” and “War of 1861.” Winslow enlisted in the 15th Vermont as a private on 9/8/62 and mustered into Co. b on 10/22/62. This was a nine-month unit that saw a lot of campaigning during its service but suffered most of its losses to disease. It ended up in Stannard’s brigade, which played a key part in repulsing Pickett’s Charge, but with the exception of two companies, it was assigned as guard to supply trains and escaped being in the battle. Winslow was mustered out 8/5/63, but apparently decided he was lucky in the army and reenlisted in the 4th Vermont on 8/26/64. This unit was by then serving in the 6th Corps in the Shenandoah and during his service with it saw action and lost men at Opequan, Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Petersburg. He survived to muster out on 6/19/64, perhaps wishing he picked up his chips and stayed home after his first enlistment …
noco-bradf
… $795.00 – SOLD

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15-12-35 … Infantry Second Lieutenant Shoulder Straps …
Civil War or very early Indian War shoulder straps. These have the high borders which I general associate with later straps. However these have the classic alternating dead and bright bullion edge border which is typical of 1860s embroidery. This in conjunction with the jacqueron wire borders, and open backs tells me they are 1860s or a little later. The “raw backs” are typical Civil War construction. The centers are a medium blue for infantry. The ends of the outer jacqueron wire border have pulled away in a couple of places, but could be tacked back in place easily. A nice set for an line officer who was expected to be with his men in the thick of the fighting … age-17088
… $225.00 – SOLD

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15-12-36 … Hartford Conn. Stamped US Cap Box with Wool and Pick …
noco-bradf?
… $145.00 – SOLD

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15-12-37 … INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE LIGHTED MAGNIFYING GLASS / PERFECT FOR INSPECTING ANTIQUES …
You have undoubtedly seen collectors at the shows running around with one of these magnifying glasses in their hand. There’s a good reason … they are SUPER! Months ago I bought one for myself and loved it. Then the local guys wanted one and I bought another half dozen for them at $25 each at the next show … Then I bought another one for me when I arrived at a show and discovered I’d left mine at home. I figured with as many as I was buying at retail, I might as well buy them in bulk and sell them at the shows and on the web page. These are absolutely essential for anyone buying antiques at shows or auctions. The intense illumination from the twelve LED light sources and 2x magnification exposes “artificial age” such as cold-blue on metal or amber shellac on wood. Shine this light and you will see if someone has “aged” or repaired the item you wish to buy. The magnification accompanied by the intense illumination reveals cracks and repairs that the naked eye cannot pick up. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included) …
$25.00

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