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16-02-02
16-02-50 … HONEST TO GOSH GALVANIZED YANKEE’S STARR CARBINE …A Galvanized Yankee was a Confederate soldier who changed sides. Here is a gun actually carried by an Arkansas Reb turned Yank.
This is a real field-used percussion Starr carbine. Serial number 4907. Gray metal overall with darker gray spotting and patches, but only scattered light dappled pitting. Very legible Starr patent markings, serial number, barrel inspector. Both sights in place. Good action and good fit of wood to metal. Nice patina to brass buttplate and barrel band. Wood is solid, but has dings and wear to upper channel edges of forearm.
Carved prominently on the right butt flat is “W. J. Keen” with the “N” backwards. A smaller date, “1865” is carved next to that, and underneath is a five-pointed star and the beginning of some other carving that was perhaps interrupted by his commanding officer telling him to drop the pen knife. I also see a more lightly scratched in “William J. Keen” and a deeper “J. W.” and “K” on the other side (given that he put his “N” backward, he probably reversed these initials as well.)
William Jasper Keen (1838-1884) married three times and sired seven children. He also had identical careers in the CS and US armies, making it to First Sergeant each time and then being busted back to Private. He left farming in Conway County, Arkansas, and enlisted in the Confederate 31st Arkansas Infantry at Springfield, Ark., on Jan. 8, 1862, as Second Sergeant of Company C and was promoted to Orderly or First Sergeant, the top NCO in his company, on May 27, 1862. For some reason he was busted to private, an indignity he took poorly, being reported “absent without leave on the roll of August 31, 1862,” and noted as “supposed to be deserted,” on the roll of Dec. 31.
He managed to get himself captured by Union forces at Reynoldsville, Tennessee on January 31, 1863, but if he hoped to stay out of the CS army he was disappointed. Sent to City Point, Va. as a prisoner of war, in February, he was exchanged at Fortress Monroe on February 15, 1863, and apparently returned to Confederate service. Not to be deterred, he deserted again, and was captured by Union forces as “a deserter” at Corinth, Mississippi, on Aug. 1, 1863. He then took the oath of allegiance, “and passed north.”
Career opportunities for a man with his skill-set were apparently limited, however, and the prospect of bounty money was tempting, so he signed up a month later in the Union 3rd Arkansas Cavalry, enlisting at Lewisburg, Ark, in Co. B as a Sergeant on Sept. 23, 1863, bringing with him his own horse, valued at $40.00, which the government later purchased. He then followed a familiar career path, making 1st Sergt. 11/29/63, and once again being subsequently reduced to the ranks.
In contrast to some “galvanized Yankees” who were sent off to fight Indians, the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry saw action against Confederate Guerrillas and bushwhackers. Having fought against his former comrades, Keen perhaps decided deserting the Union army presented unacceptable risks and he remained with the regiment until May, 1865, when he and some others in the outfit petitioned for discharge on the grounds that their recruiting officers had promised them one year of service, not three. The separation was apparently amicable.
A dead-real identified Starr with an interesting cavalry history to a truly interesting soldier, from a highly desirable state. Arkansas items are darn scarce. Gun is NRA Very Good… 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect … $3,250.00 – SOLD
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16-02-52 … 1812 VINTAGE KETLAND AND CO. FLINTLOCK … British flintlock pistol intended for militia, trade, or naval service. Original flintlock, nicely marked on the lockplate “W. Ketland/ & Co.,” a prolific British gun making family. Circa 1812 to 1820. Round iron barrel 9+ inches long, about .50 caliber. Brass butt cap, side plate, triggerguard, and ramrod thimbles. Decorative leaf-shaped engraving on barrel breech, tang and triggerguard. Full stocked to the muzzle. Mechanically fine. Silver gray on the midpoint of the barrel. Darker at muzzle and breech with some shallow pitting near the frizzen, on the top jaw, flash pan and lock plate, but the markings are visible. Wood is good. Minor scratches and dings.
These pistols made their way to America as trade goods on the frontier and into the hands of militia groups through various military outfitters. Three small spots on the offside flat might even indicate it had a belt hook at one point, indicating it could also have been part of a shipboard arms chest. Gun is NRA Very Good… 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect A nice piece from the early westward expansion of the U.S. Priced right. Fej A heck of a lot of gun for very little money … con-llo … $850.00 – SOLD
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16-02-53 … LONDON .50 CAL. FLINTLOCK PISTOL … Very nice overcoat or coach flintlock pistol with a Barnett marked lock that features a safety catch and waterproof pan, and with a 6 � inch octagonal barrel marked “H. Nock London” on the top flat. This being the legendary Henry Nock, one of England’s most prolific gun makers. He operated from 1772 to 1804. It appears that fellow London gun maker Thomas Barnett (worked 1796 to 1833) utilized a Nock barrel, or Nock utilized a Barnett lock. Stock is plain, with just a small oval thumb plate, with good edges, nicely grained. Single lock screw on the left side. The trigger guard is fully engraved with a swirling floral motif and has a figural forward tang. Faded British blue turning to brown overall, ramrod missing, this is an easy replacement. Flat oval escutcheon for the barrel key, matching the thumb plate in a way. Short ramrod thimbles. A simple, classy, large-bore pistol carried in cases by travelers on coaches as the road system improved, and in the overcoat pocket when about town. Gun is NRA Very Good… 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect A handsome ancient flintlock and very affordable … xegex … $750.00 – SOLD
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16-02-54 … SHARPS 22 CALIBER FOUR-SHOT PEPPERBOX … The Sharps four-barrel derringer was manufactured in a number of variants from 1859 to 1874 and are a collecting field of their own. Our example is a Model 1A, showing a straight standing breech and straight grip to frame juncture, with vine-and-leaf gutta-percha grips. Correct circular Sharps markings around the hammer screw on each side: company address and 1859 patent. 3-inch barrels, .22 caliber black powder rimfire. Grips showing just some softness of detail from handling. Untouched patina to the brass with some stains. Markings legible. Barrels bright with mixed gray and brown spotting. A patch of crusty brown on the right near the muzzle. Sight in place. Barrel-release button is a replacement, requiring a little extra umph with your thumb to push it up and slide the barrels forward. Matching serial numbers 18352 on butt strap and underside of barrel assembly. Some crustiness on the hammer and firing pin, mechanically functional. These cleverly designed guns loaded by sliding the four-barrel assembly forward. A rotating firing pin on the face of the hammer then discharged them in turn as the hammer was cocked. Priced extra friendly at … cjj … $395.00 – SOLD
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16-02-55 … BRASS HANDLE SABER BAYONET … Civil War brass hilted saber bayonet with short mortise for the bayonet lug. Umarked, but like those used for the Joslyn, Merrill, and Justice rifles. Inner diameter of ring is .93 inches. It looks about like a Remington Zouave bayonet but lacks inspector’s markings. I am too lazy to get the book out and research it. Nice mellow untouched patina to the brass. Functional locking button and spring. Steel is silver gray mixed with dark gray and brown coming up underneath. You research it … bjj … $275.00 – SOLD
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16-02-56 … WHITNEY PERCUSSION CONVERSION MUSKET … Chambered-breech percussion conversion of a Whitney made flintlock. The lockplate is his 1812 pattern, produced from 1812 up to 1822, and supplied to the US government and various states. The beginning of the scroll stamp with “N. Haven” is visible on the bottom of the lockplate. Some of Whitney’s design elements formed the basis for the 1816 pattern US muskets. Smooth metal, dull gray with darker areas; swivels, bands, springs, etc., in place. Old period trumpet form rod, if not original to it, of the same period. Good wood with just the usual handling dings commensurate with its age. Three digit number stamped on some parts, are likely bench numbers assigned during its conversion. This uses the chambered breech system whereby the breech of the barrel was sawed off and the new breech with powder chamber, bolster and percussion nipple was added as an integral unit. Hence the visible line just forward of the bolster. The date of the musket likely placed it out of running for the first rounds of conversions in the 1850s. By 1862, however, the chambered breech system had proven it could produce a robust long arm and contracts were let for converting older muskets that had remained in storage or been turned in by various states and had thus far escaped conversion. The nipple shows wear from hammer impact, but there is not a lot of corrosion around the breech from the caps, so the gun was fairly well cared for and would make a good addition to a collection of early war arms. A rather scarce Civil War longarm …
con-lee … $875.00
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16-02-57 … CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER … Nice Clauberg marked saber for an officer of the Union cavalry. One of the larger Solingen makers and exporters, Clauberg’s name and trademark standing knight appear at the ricasso. The brass hilt has a pleasant medium patina. The triple-wire binding and sharkskin (or rayskin) grip are both in place, with just light wear on the high points. Blade is silver gray with very visible etching: floral motifs around “US” on one side, and around an American eagle on the other. Very good edge free from nicks and point undamaged. Buffer pad still present at blade shoulder. Scabbard a pewter gray showing some faded blue/brown with minor spotting. Nice brass mounts: drag, two middle mounts with carrying rings, and throat, all with geometric and floral motifs matching elements of the hilt. Cavalry officers’ sabers are a category unto themselves and present an interesting range of quality and variations. All are sought due to our fascination with the most romantic arm of the Civil War army. Sword scholar John Thillmann devoted an entire book to just cavalry and artillery sabers. This would make a nice addition to any collection. A fine officer’s pattern 1840 cavalry saber in handsome brass mounted scabbard … ajjj … $1,650.00 – SOLD
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16-02-58 … M.C. LILLEY AND COMPANY SWORD … Crisp 1902 officer’s sword by M.C. Lilley and Company of Cincinnati. Lilley got into the regalia and military goods business around 1870 and became one of the biggest dealers, staying in business until about 1916. This is a very nice example of his 1902 officer’s sword, the last of the US regulation officers’ sabers and intended for all branches of service. We usually find these swords in pretty crumby condition with plating flaked and rust coming up. This one is real nice. The blade and hilt are super, the grip is unmarred, and the etching is vivid in frosted panels. There is a slight bit of freckling coming up on the scabbard, but nothing egregious. This is one of the nicest I have seen in a while. A very affordable US edged weapon … ge-mila … $145.00 – SOLD
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16-02-59 … IDENTIFIED 17th OHIO ORDNANCE OFFICER’S INSTRUCTIONS … Scarce 1863 dated government book of instruction for the use of ordnance officers in filling out quarterly returns. A key book in administering the army, where officers would be held personally liable for any shortcomings that seemed to appear from faulty record keeping. Very clean, clothbound copy, blindstamped in gold on the cover with the Ordnance Department insignia. On the flyleaf is the signature of Quartermaster Samuel Hurd of the 17th Ohio: “S.H. Hurd / Q.M. 17th Regt. / O.V.I./ May 23″ 1863” Hurd enlisted in that outfit as the Quartermaster Sergeant at age 25 on 8/22/61. His CWData record shows he made Quartermaster 11/26/63, and was detailed Acting Assistant Quartermaster for the Army of Georgia 4/4/65, and mustered out 7/16/65. (The date of May in his inscription may simply indicate his posting to that department in the regiment rather than his rank, or could indicate he was serving in that capacity and merely received his commission in November.) The 17th Ohio served in the Army of the Ohio and the Army of the Cumberland, spending most of its time in the 14th Army Corps. They saw action at Stones River, Chickamauga, Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta and elsewhere, losing 6 officers and 71 enlisted men in killed and wounded. A key book in understanding how the army functioned owned by an officer in a fighting regiment …
ajj-con-kut … $235.00
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16-02-60 … MEXICAN WAR ERA SILVER OFFICER’S SWORD KNOT … Sword knots were originally functional, being attached to the sword guard and wrapped around the owner’s wrist so he would not lose the weapon if it were knocked from his hand. The knots remained functional in the cavalry, but took on a distinctly decorative role with most officers’ swords. Silver bullion knots are associated with the pre-Civil War army when silver and white were the standard infantry colors. This one likely dates to the Mexican War period and is in nice condition with the strap in solid condition with no tears, wear or breaks It is complete with bullion slide and intact knot and bullion fringe. This would dress up a silver mounted officer’s sword to beat the band. Top notch condition … noco-con … $350.00 – SOLD
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A TRIO OF BULLION OFFICER’S SWORD KNOTS Two in gold and one in silver. All have very good straps, knots and tassels and have the bullion slides as well. Showing just a tad darker than the one above, but still very, very showy. Ready to dress up any officer’s sword and bring it up to “regulation.” 16-02-61 … Sword Knot (A) … Standard Civil War knot in superb condition … noco-con … $225.00 – SOLD
16-02-62 … Sword Knot (B) … Civil War or later knot with blue center in bottom of the tassel. Excellent … noco-con … $135.00 – SOLD
16-02-63 … Sword Knot (C) … Silver Bullion knot similar to Mexican War example above but showing more wear and oxidation … noco-con … $250.00 – SOLD
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16-02-64 … SUPER COOL ANGRY DOG CARVED FLINTLOCK PISTOL CA. 1750 … An incredibly appealing early French flintlock pistol with figural carved butt in the form of a dog showing its teeth. Arthur says Fido’s angry. I think he looks friendly and cuddly. Both my dogs look like that when I come home! In any case this art is akin to the use of predators and hunting animals on the pommels of swords. This pistol is iron mounted, with a simple two-stage barrel, octagonal to round, separated by a ring. Relatively short barrel, 4 3/4 inches long and .55 caliber. Cloud-shaped side plate mirrored in swirling rococo clouds raise-carved around the breechplug tang. Lockplate marked “Duche a Tulle,” the latter being one of the well-known sites of French arms manufacture in the 18th century. The barrel shows a stamp that appears to read “Desack” followed by a word starting “Eub…” This is applied with two dies and is possibly an owner. ? The metal is in the white, smooth, with just a dusting of age gray. Minor handling marks, slight softening to the raised carving, superb dog’s head. Functioning lock. A superb, artistic, classy pistol with a lively design, fast approaching three hundred years old …
con-llo … $2,850.00
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16-02-65 … EPAULETS GALORE 01 … Old South Flavor… Nice pair of gold bullion epaulets with yellow silk undersides and long double wire hooks to attach them at the shoulder. Intact bullion strap, brass crescent with bullion edge, bullion fringe with minor wear. Under the .3″ diameter bullion fringe is a layer of very fine bullion fringe… a fancy feature seldom seen. Something out of Gone With The Wind. A showy pair of epaulets. The width of the fringe would indicate a line officer, but the construction indicates they are more likely from a well-to-do militia outfit and so some of the rules are out the window. A nice addition to a display of pre-war arms and equipment of the “elegant elite.” … $225.00 – SOLD
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16-02-66 … EPAULETS GALORE 02 … Lieutenant’s… A similar set to the above, but with some staining to the top of the straps and minor loss to the yellow silk undersides. The bullion measures roughly � of an inch which would indicate use by a lieutenant. Your basic line officer’s insignia … $195.00
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16-02-67 … EPAULETS GALORE 03 … Field Grade… Impressive wide-bullion epaulets in very good condition, just one light stain near the edge of one strap. Like the above sets, this one is set up to fasten using just simple wire hooks, but the width of the bullion fringe indicates they are intended for an officer carrying the rank of major or above. If you have a pair of embroidered silver stars you could lay them on top for display purposes and be proper for a general. Excellent condition with nice yellow silk undersides … $295.00 – SOLD
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16-02-68 … EPAULETS GALORE 04 … Mexican War Colonel? of Infantry Silver bullion epaulets with blouse size silver eagle-I eagle buttons. This is a nice pair showing both the branch of service in infantry silver/white and the use of the Mexican War and pre-1854 pattern silver infantry “eagle-I” buttons. A pair of holes on either strap shows they previously carried rank insignia. While the diameter of the bullion measures slightly larger than that prescribed for captains, and slightly smaller than Major and above… I believe these were worn by a colonel. If I look carefully I see the faint outline of eagles wings on one strap … $395.00
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16-02-69 … INCREDIBLY RARE USMC BUGLE BY WURLITZER … Rudolph Wurlitzer started in business in Cincinnati in 1857 as an importer and dealer in musical instruments and fancy goods. He had a number of army contracts over the years. This is a VERY scarce example of his work for the US Marine Corps marked in early script engraving above the bell: “U.S.M.C. / Rud. Wurlitzer / Mfrs / Cincinnati.” Dating to the 1870s, this is the bugle carried by marines on US ships as the country began to take its place among the world powers. Untouched patina to the brass. Simple rolled bell with a few dents, but nothing horrible or unexpected. A collector added a red cord, which I have left on it. This is a very tough Marine Corps piece to find. It is the first one I have encountered in over forty years of dealing artifacts … and it likely will be years before you have a shot at another one. Semper Fi ! … $3,500.00
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16-02-70 … ENFIELD ARTILLERY CARBINE … One of the scarcer English longarms is this Artillery carbine or musketoon. They are perfect for display with Johnny Reb effects as the Confederacy imported at least 4,500 of them. (Cook & Brother even copied the pattern.) These carbines were intended to give an artilleryman a long arm that would not get in his way during his service of the piece. In Confederate service most of them ended up in the hands of cavalry or infantry. Set up for a saber bayonet, the gun mounted sling swivels on the upper band and lower buttstock. Ours is missing the lower swivel, which can easily be replaced if someone wants to. There is a hole in the trigger guard that was likely for the nipple guard chain but looks like it was enlarged for a swivel, which would seem like a make-do American style modification. The lock is nicely marked TOWER 1859 forward of the hammer and VR + Crown behind the hammer. While we generally associate the VR marking on a gun lock with weapons used inside the British Empire, there are known VR marked guns used during the Civil War. The numbers marked on the butt plate tang of this carbine are NOT Confederate control numbers. They are likely English rack or inventory numbers. There is also a viewer’s mark on the right butt flat that bears two letters in a circle. The rear sight is a 700 yard ladder style as opposed to the folding leaves frequently seen. Also, the knurled head on the ramrod is a little smaller than I expect to see, though the rod is clearly of the Enfield style. I assume the rod is a variant or possibly a replacement. Aside from the question on the rod, the gun is NRA Very Good… 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect. The only wart is a spot of plastic wood a previous owner applied to a blemish. It is a thumbnail size spot just forward of the lock. If you want a proper gun for display with Confederate effects and don’t want to spend twenty five thousand dollars on a Cook & Brother, here’s the piece for you … $1,100.00 – SOLD
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16-02-71 … HARPERS FERRY – 1835 DATED … A crusty “as found” Harpers Ferry 1816 pattern musket dated 1835 with an arsenal cone-in-barrel conversion to percussion. Crusty brown at the breech but smoothing out toward the muzzle. Full length, bayonet stud in place. Clear lock plate markings both behind the hammer reading “Harpers/ Ferry/1835” and forward with the Harpers Ferry style eagle and US. An untouched, attic-condition musket. Bands and swivels in place. Rod long gone, though it could be replaced. Wear, scrapes and abrasions to the wood, but with a nice set of initials carved in the left butt flat, “Wm. B. P.” and five small notches that indicate he was keeping score of something and no reason to not think they were kills. This gun came from my friend and fellow Michigan collector, Doc. Singelyn, and he is absolutely convinced the gun was used by a reb. His note is still attached to the gun with his comments. The note closes by admonishing all future owners of the gun … “This gun should never be cleaned!” There is some slight burnout near the bolster as is expected on a good old war musket that was really used. As the southern counterpart to Springfield, the Harpers Ferry armory has always had a strong Confederate association. There’s no telling where this musket went with certainty, but it has the look of a great untouched relic of the south … f … $795.00 – SOLD
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16-02-72 … 1864 DATED MANSFIELD AND LAMB … Nice 1860 pattern US light cavalry saber made and dated 1864 by Mansfield and Lamb of Forrestdale, R.I. Blade is steel grey and VG. There are some traces of the original cross polishing at and above the ricasso, with very sharp markings. Buffer pad is present at blade shoulder, grip leather and wire are original and complete in nice condition. Scabbard is smooth brown with not dents or damage. Drag, mounts and throat in place. Medium tone to the brass, which has an ancient application of lacquer on it giving it a gilt appearance. Inspector JM on the ricasso, who is identified by Thillman as possibly John Maggs. The drag has the initials “WEH,” who is listed by Thillman, but recorded as unidentified. A very good example of the characteristic weapon of the Union cavalry during the Civil War … f-16759 … $795.00 – SOLD
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16-02-73 … COLT FOUR-SCREW ARMY MADE IN 1861 … A nice all-matching 4-screw Army, numbered 20152, showing it was made in 1861, and one of the early revolvers intended to be issued with a detachable shoulder stock, an idea that was soon abandoned. Smooth, warm brown metal overall with sharp numbers. Clear barrel address and cylinder patent markings, though no scene. Interestingly the worker at Colt who stamped the cylinder serial number intended to apply all five digits but ran out of space. He stamped 2015 but had no room for the last numeral 2. Nipples fine. Mechanically perfect. Good wood grips with just a slight chip out of the top right at the join with the frame. A few minor dimples and a little bit of roughness on the butt with one small hole that looks like it might have mounted a lanyard ring. Crisp mechanism. Screw heads not buggered and all are original except for the wedge screw which is a proper replacement. These .44 caliber Colts are the major Civil War handgun and the quintessential, cavalry sidearm next to the saber. An all-matching, early production Colt Army that will be hard to match for condition and price in today’s market. Better looking than most we see for sale … noco … 1,795.00
– SOLD
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16-02-74 … IDENTIFIED AMES USN 1852 PATTERN OFFICER’S SABER … Light rayskin or sharkskin grip with the twisted wire binding. Nicely detailed brass hilt with muted gilding remaining on much of it. Minty blade, with very visible blade etching and most of the original factory luster. It is etched with the Ames company name and address etched just above the ricasso and a mix of patriotic and military motifs including an anchor and “USN” in a scroll on one side and the officer’s name “A.D. Baird” on the other. Brass mounted leather scabbard in superb condition with typical Ames heavy navy mounts with ropes figures into the carry ring mounts and a sea serpent curled around the drag. The blade on this is certainly wide enough to fit typical Civil War dimensions and the officer’s name could not be clearer, but we are at a dead-end in identifying him. We have searched every USN officer named A D Baird from the Civil War through the early 1900s without luck. He does not show up in the USN rosters. Our best guess is that he is a volunteer officer or perhaps a contract surgeon or a Revenue Service officer or ???. In any case, this is an exceptional sword with vivid etching in great condition that displays very well. With information being added daily to the web it might still be possible to identify the owner in the near future. A real looker … afbe … $1,750.00
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16-02-75 … NEW YORK DEPOT CANTEEN … Canteens made at the New York depot are recognizable by their use of a chain to hold the stopper rather than the cord or string used elsewhere. This one is in great condition with a full gray/brown wool cover that has just one or two pencil point moth nips, a full strap is super condition and the stopper and chain in place as well. Always regarded as the soldier’s key piece of equipment, this pattern canteen came into use about 1858. About as recognizable a piece of Civil War soldier’s gear as there is and hard to find in this clean condition any more. Put it with a nice belt rig, knapsack and haversack, and you are ready to go …
cejzx-120225-hamil … $395.00 – SOLD
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16-02-76 … 69 CALIBER CARTRIDGE BOX AND BOX PLATE DEFINITELY CARRIED IN THE WAR … The regulation issue, early war, Civil War Union infantryman’s .69 caliber cartridge box. Loads scarcer than the common .58 caliber examples. This is the early war version using just a straight line of stitching to secure the latch tab and shoulder belt buckles on the bottom of the box. Designed to be worn on the waist belt or the shoulder belt, these boxes were intended to hold forty cartridges. The oval box plate was intended to keep the flap down even if unlatched in combat. An inner flap and side ears help protect the cartridges and a small pouch on the front of the box held the soldier’s gun tools. This one needs only the internal tins to be complete. But why bother? Ordnance inspectors often commented on soldiers’ tendency to throw them away once drawn in combat to access the ammunition in their lower compartments. Rufus Dawes of the Sixth Wisconsin made especial note of this. The contour of the belt loops show it was actually issued and worn. The plate is original and bears a super patina. Good early war cartridge box perfect to display with an 1816 conversion or 1842 musket … ycjju-r-ber … $435.00
– SOLD
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16-02-77 … 1863 DATED SPRINGFIELD … The 1863 Springfield introduced some changes to the 1861 pattern that was so popular. The S-shaped beveled hammer was an improvement, and the cleanout screw on the bolster was eliminated. Less successful was elimination of barrel band springs. It was soon discovered that firing would dislodge the new clamping bands and in the 1864 pattern the band springs reappeared. This is a well used, yet good condition example with clear 1863 U.S. Springfield lock markings. The eagle on the bolster is weak, but the lock plate Springfield eagle is vivid. The wood is good overall, but loss of finish to one side of the butt and some rust on the butt plate show it was in a damp environment for a time. There is some surface rust around the nipple. The lock screws were slightly shortened by a previous owner and the tips are recessed below the face of lock plate. Both these faults could be improved with some TLC. There is some burnout next to the nipple, which shows use, but that’s okay for an 1863 dated long arm that likely saw a good two years of service. The rear sight is in place but lacks the long range leaf. The short range leaf is present. The inspector’s cartouche is clear on the left side, which is a good indicator the wood was not cleaned. Original rod is in place, the inside of the cup has been filled with lead, likely by someone shooting round balls. The bore is smooth Rear swivel is present, front swivel needs to be replaced. Mechanically functional. Here is your “deal of the day”…. A complete Civil War Springfield musket for … ejj-150502 … $850.00 – SOLD
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16-02-78 … CAVALRY SABER LIKELY CONFEDERATE USED 1861 DATE … Here’s one for the books… 1861 dated US 1860 pattern light cavalry saber. Probably an Ames product, but with no maker’s name and address on the ricasso. The opposite has a clear “JH” inspector’s stamp and the last three digits of 1861 visible. The “US” stamp above the JH has been altered to a “CS”, and not done recently. Who did this is anyone’s guess, but thousands of Ames sabers were definitely sent south just before the war. I’m guessing that someone in a Confederate armory actually changed the U to a C out of some sense of indignation at seeing the northern motto… but I certainly can’t prove it. This does have a crude Roman numeral “XVIII” cut in the pommel cap, a typically Confederate way of bench marking swords and scabbards, but seemingly unnecessary on an Ames product that has not been repaired. The presence of the US inspector’s initials “JH” would tend to indicate acceptance by the US, unless “JH” was working at the Ames factory and Ames pulled the saber for shipment to Virginia in early 1861. There are no inspector’s initials on the drag. Full original grip leather and wire are VG++. The pad is present at blade shoulder. Mixed light gray blade with silver showing through, good edge and point. Scabbard an even brown. Medium tone to the brass. An interesting 1860 cavalry saber that really gives you cause to ponder a southern association. In any event darn rare with the 1861 date, and I’m not charging extra for my speculations … gjj … $950.00 – SOLD
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16-02-79 … Captain Butler Ward’s Chess Set and Letters – 74th Illinois, Injured at Stone River … The 74th Illinois recruited in the fall of 1862 at Camp Fuller in Rockford, Ill., and served in the Army of the Ohio and Army of the Cumberland. Ward resided in Rockford, officially enlisted on 9/4/62 and was commissioned Captain of Co. K to date the same day. During Ward’s service the regiment saw its first action in December in a skirmish at Nolensville, followed by some of its heaviest fighting at Stones River, where it lost 8 killed, 35 wounded and 42 missing or captured in two days of hard fighting. 15 letters in total … mostly civilian wartime letters from wife, a few pre war, most wartime civilian letters to Capt Butler or his family… and a couple soldier letters . One soldier letter from August Todd to Butler’s wife relates … “… Your poor husband was seriously injured, in the back and side by the falling of a tree which was struck by a cannon ball. Marcus Parmalee is no more. He was killed by the concussion of a shell and a young man by the name of Tilmley in Co K was killed …” Then we have a letter from the tree injured Butler Ward himself to his wife. He writes from the hospital � “I suppose you have received a letter from Lieut Lakin informing you that on the 31st of DEC during the battle I got hurt by the falling of a tree. Well it was quite a blow, for I did not know myself for 24 hours … Henry Heagle is in the room, he got a ball in the leg below the knee and the other day the doctor cut out the ball … he is very nervous and much afraid …” His wife details the gathering people in the community to share news of the battle, the grief of Mrs. Parmalee, and efforts to send boxes and supplies to the men of the company. Butler Ward resigned his commission in March, 1863, and chances are it was related to his Stones River injuries.
Ward’s chess set is missing a few pieces, but substantially there and housed in a reddish/orange painted box with his name scratched in the cover, along with seven small dice. Together with the letters they are a nice display of wartime items representing camp life, but with the extra association of belonging to an officer who was in one of the fiercest battles of the war. He may have had the chess set with him in the hospital. Neat grouping that displays great … $450.00 – SOLD
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16-02-80 … SIGNED CDV of LT. COL. ARTHUR CHARLES DUCAT … – A great clear and sharp image of Mr. Ducat taken in Chicago by Hesler. It is signed on the back “My Family And Friend Arthur C Ducat Lt. Col Inspector Genl / Stevenson? Tenn Aug 24th 1863.” He served with the 12th Illinois Infantry throughout most of the war, until he resigned February 1864. He later made Brigadier General by Brevet in March of 1865. They took part in the terrible battle of Shiloh, being engaged nearly all the time of the two days. They later saw heavy losses at Corinth MS. Ducat left the regiment before they headed down to Atlanta in the summer of ‘64. A great autographed Illinois CDV … hj-choj … $275.00
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16-02-81 … YANKEE PRIVATE CDV … An unidentified Yankee private is seated next to a table in a photographer’s studio. His issue four-button fatigue blouse is open, showing a vest, necktie and watch chain, so he is a bit better dressed than his army blouse, trousers and brogans would indicate. No backmark and nothing to go on for the identification of the soldier, but he seems to be at ease wearing standard army fatigue gear and has the air of a veteran … noco … $40.00 – SOLD
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16-02-82 … CDV SOUTHWEST VIEW OF BATTERY NO. 1 … Brady album gallery card number 365, taken by Barnard and Gibson during McClellan’s peninsular campaign. Clear view of heavy caliber Parrot guns in their fortifications. Copyright information at bottom front and descriptive label on reverse. Some staining to card and label but very clear view with just a couple of small spots. McClellan was an Engineer by training and methodical in building fortifications that he planned to use in a cautious advance against Richmond, starting with his planned siege of Yorktown. The guns and engineering were impressive and photographers were anxious to document them. For the folks back home this was a nice proof of northern industrial might and McClellan’s scientific approach to war. A nice early war view, when people still thought the war might come to a swift conclusion … abe-cjohn … $250.00
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16-02-83 … CDV of MAJOR GENERAL NATHANIEL PRENTISS BANKS, USV … – This is an Anthony print of a Brady Negative, and shows a 3/4 view of the General in full dress gear. He has on his Epaulets, and is carrying his fanciest dress sword. You can even see the elaborate ring mounts on his scabbard. There are a few nicks on the left side of the backing paper, but the image is in very good condition, with a small stain behind his shoulder … noco … $75.00
– SOLD
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16-02-84 … Signed CDV Career U.S. Regular Army Surgeon John E. Summers – Mexican War, Civil War and Indian Wars! … Served 1847 to 1886. A character-filled portrait of bearded officer in double breasted frock with shoulder straps in a vignette mid-chest view. Van Stavoren, Nashville, back mark. Signed in ink “Jno. E. Summers / Surgn. USA” … This is John E. Summers, who was a surgeon in the US Army (the usual meaning of “USA” in period inscriptions.) He was from Virginia and became an Assistant Surgeon during the Mexican War, on 12/13/47. He made Major and Surgeon 5/21/61; Lt. Col. and Medical Inspector from February to October, 1863. His record in Heitman picks him up again as Lt. Col. and Surgeon in 1880, and Colonel and Surgeon in 1885, retiring in 1886. One published biography relates that he served on the Indian frontier until 1862 and his assignment in 1863 was as Medical Inspector of the Department of Tennessee, and that he served under Grant at Vicksburg. This ties in well with the Nashville backmark of the photo. After the war he was medical director of the department of the Dakotas and then of the Platte, on the staff of Hancock and Crook respectively. Most medical doctors who served in the army did so as volunteers and returned to civilian practice when their war was over. Summers wasn’t just an M.D., he was also a career soldier. One heck of a lot of history packed into this CDV … gj … $250.00 – SOLD
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16-02-85 … 34th New Jersey CDV… Nice two-thirds length seated view of William Hudson Lawrence, 34th New Jersey and Brevet Brigadier General. Crisp view with nice tones of Lawrence in an officer’s sack coat with double-bordered major or lieutenant colonel straps. Lawrence was a New Jersey native who signed up as a private in the 7th NY State Militia and then joined the 14th US Infantry 5/14/61 as a First Lieutenant, making Captain 10/25/61, and was discharged for promotion to Colonel in the 34th New Jersey on 11/9/63. He served until 8/3/65, receiving army brevets as Major and Lt. Col. and finally a brevet as Brigadier-General of Volunteers (all dating to March 13, 1865) for gallant and meritorious service. The 14th US served in the 5th Corps while Lawrence was with them and he is mentioned in the ORs as commanding Co. F of the second battalion of the 14th US at Chancellorsville and some additional research might turn up some other good details on him. Lawrence took a leave of absence to command the 34th NJ and tried to get it attached to the Army of the Potomac, but it ended up being stationed in Kentucky, where it took part in several skirmishes and one “sharp action” at Clinton, KY. It was transferred to the Department of the Gulf in April, 1865, where it took part in the assault on Spanish Fort and other Confederate fortifications, where it lost 3 killed and 15 wounded. The photo is exceptionally clear and has a Weitfle’s, Newark NJ photographer’s backmark. The identification is modern pencil, but is confirmed by a photo in Roger Hunt’s illustrated book “Brevet Brigadier Generals.” . Nice CDV … lot429-cow … $125.00
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16-02-86 … Supremely Rare CDV Vice President Hanibal Hamlin: In the 45 years I have collected Civil War photos I believe this is the first image I have had of Lincoln�s first Vice President. In 1861, Hamlin of Maine became Vice President under Lincoln whom he did not even meet until after the election. Maine was the first state in the Northeast to embrace the Republican Party, and the Lincoln-Hamlin ticket thus made sense in terms of regional balance. Hamlin was also a strong orator, and a known opponent of slavery. While serving as Vice President he urged both the Emancipation Proclamation and the arming of Black Americans. He strongly supported Joseph Hooker’s appointment as commander of the Army of the Potomac. When Lincoln was renominated, War Democrat Andrew Johnson of Tennessee was named to replace Hamlin as Lincoln’s running mate. Lincoln was seeking to broaden his base of support and was also looking ahead to Southern Reconstruction, at which Johnson had proven himself adept as war governor of occupied Tennessee. Hamlin, by contrast, was an ally of Northern radicals (who would later impeach Johnson). Lincoln and Johnson were elected in November 1864, and Hamlin’s term expired on March 4, 1865. In other words Hamlin served as Vice President for the entire Civil War except the last five weeks, and Johnson served as VP for only five weeks. This is a truly Super image, extremely rare, from life, with Matthew Brady � Anthony back mark. A must for a display of Lincoln or War related images … cej … $450.00
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16-02-87 … Beautiful Eagle Motif Tongue Wreath 2-Piece Interlocking Buckle: My favorite form of waist belt plate is this interlocking tongue and wreath design. This specimen is absolutely stunning in terms of die work and condition. The federal eagle is on a lined field and surrounded by stars. The wreath is a finely executed laurel wreath design Circa 1845 and perfect for display with early war US or Confederate effects. The fit is nice and batch number markings are still legible on both parts. I have owned a few examples over the years and this is an extra pretty one … bjj-tvdbcxvz-12520 … $795.00
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16-02-88 … Standard Issue US Oval Belt Buckle … The regulation waist belt plate worn by Union infantrymen. Overall good to VG with some denting on the edges. Has arrow hooks and flat prong. There are at least two patterns of US buckle that utilize a flat prong on the back as opposed to the more prevalent beveled prong… and this is one of them. The most common flat prong example has the Boyd & Sons style face but with no maker’s mark. A good solid CW buckle … afj … $235.00 – SOLD
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16-02-89 … CW OFFICER’S EAGLE BUCKLE: A fine, attractive specimen of the rectangular officer’s ‘eagle buckle’ with fine detail to the face, and solid wreath integrally cast into the plate. Shows light age, pretty patina, and has mid war medium width tongue that has been re-soldered in place … $245.00 – SOLD
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16-02-90 … BEAUTIFUL YANKEE ENLISTED & NCO EAGLE BUCKLE … Solid example of the cavalry, artillery, and NCO eagle buckle with applied German silver wreath. Brass has pleasant light age patina. The casting is great. These eagle buckles were worn on the cavalry and artillery saber belts as well as the NCO waist belts. Once common, these are becoming downright scarce … bbe-17008 … $295.00 – SOLD
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16-02-91 … Scarce Small Oval US Buckle … This small M1839 US Oval Buckle goes properly with a brown buff leather belt – or a great display item on its own! This early pattern US oval plate that is roughly 30% smaller than the standard size buckles. Not to be confused with the medium sized buckle which has a double stud back. This pattern has a single arrow hook on the back. The buckle itself is roughly 2.75 inches by 1.5 inches. Perfect for early war 1861 accoutrement display. … b-stoll … b-stoll … $395.00 – SOLD
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16-02-92 … Eagle Breastplate … Non dug and attractive circular eagle plate with top shelf undisturbed age patina. These were used on the infantry cartridge box shoulder strap. Metal loops on the back are still in great condition … aej-140329 … $245.00 – SOLD
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16-02-93 … Oval US Boxplate … Identical to the US oval buckles, but having two iron wire loops on the back for securing to the flap of the cartridge box. Fine non-dug condition … adj … $225.00
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16-02-95 … 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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I am always interested in buying ANYTHING from the American Civil War… Guns, Swords, Civil War Muskets, Knives, Uniforms, Flags, Medals, Badges, Diaries, Letters, Autographs, Buttons, photographs, tintypes, daguerreotypes, Insignia, Camp Items, Battlefield Relics, canteens, Drums, Etc… Call 419-842-1863 and ask for Dave Taylor.
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