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Dave Taylor P.O. Box 87 Sylvania, OH 43560
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16-06-01
16-05-36 … SCARCE PATTERN OFFICER’S SWORD BELT … These heavy duty officer’s belts with the massive circular brass rings are sometimes referred to as Artillery Officer’s Belts. They are extremely scarce and were made for heavy duty. Many years ago the late collector/dealer Bill Turner of Maryland had one with a Confederate 2-pc CS buckle on it. Very solid with handsome early war eagle buckle with matching keeper. High quality with artistic sewing on all stitched areas. Several repairs as shown, all well done. The long saber strap is 80% restored. Has both saber hanger straps. Perfect for display or use on a mannequin…. djj-nrm … $695.00
SOLD
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16-05-37 …CIVIL WAR ISSUE CUP UNQUESTIONABLY CARRIED IN THE WAR… Standard Civil War style soldier’s mess cup made of tinned iron with clenched seams and the handle secured with wires over the lip and a rivet at the bottom. This is known among some collectors as the “New York style” mess cup. It mirrors the standard US issue mess cups issued to recruits by the US government, but is made of a tad thinner gauge tinned iron and stands a fraction of an inch taller. Mess gear was supplied to new soldiers by the recruiting service and while the states were in charge they contracted out for different styles. This style has turned up often enough in early war New York soldier’s effects to make it pretty clear it was the style being issued at the Elmira Depot to regiments rendezvousing there before heading south. This one was actually issued and used. There are a couple of minor dents and dings. The tin has obviously heated up and ran slightly as the liquid inside boiled away over a campfire. The soldier personalized it a bit by scratching in his initials “DM” on the front face and the bottom of the cup. A key piece of issue field gear…
noco … $365.00
SOLD
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16-05-38 … YANKEE CAP BOX SOLDIER MARKED “G.A.L. Co. G” … Nice early war cap box with a one-piece front and no rivets on the belt loops. Circa 1861 – 1862. The soldier carved his initials “G.A.L.” in block letters on the inside of the flap and put his company, “Co. G,” in script beneath it. Too bad he wasn’t motivated to add his regiment. The vent pick and fleece are long gone, but the flesh strip is still in place and the box has very good color and finish with just light scuffs and a wrinkle or two. A nice issue piece personalized by the soldier himself some 150 years ago. We know this one was really there… ark-bj … $175.00
SOLD
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16-05-39 …SOLDIER’S OHIO PRINTED HYMN BOOK… Small yellow cardboard bound hymnal sized to fit in the pocket. Cover graphics are legible with just minor dirt and stains. Displays very well as part of a soldier’s personal effects. They were handed out by various charitable organizations to soldiers passing through major cities. This one was published by the Christian Commission in Cincinnati and would thus be perfect for a western soldier’s collection. Ohio imprints are much scarcer than those from NY and Phila. This one is a darn nice example. 96 pages. Very solid…. ej-mil … $125.00
SOLD
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16-05-40 …1864 GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN / ISAIAH HOOVER 20th INDIANA BATTERY… Another example of a typical soldier�s pocket religious volume. This one is an 1864 printing by the American Bible Society in New York of the Gospel of St. John. Some chipping to the binding as shown, but typical of the books handed out to soldiers on their way to the front. Measures roughly 4 x 3 inches. Inscribed on the fly leaf in period pencil is �Isaiah Hoover�s Book�. There are two soldiers in the Union army with that name. Isaiah C Hoover in the 3rd California� and Isaiah with no middle initial in the 20th Indiana Battery. I bought this at the Chicago Civil War Show from a dealer from Indiana. So I�m pretty sure our man is the Hoosier Battery Soldier. I�m sorry our ex photo guy did not get a picture of the inscription but he failed to do so on this one. Our soldier served from September 1862 through June 1865. Here is the history taken from The Union Army In the early part of 1863 the guns of the 20th were turned over to the 11th Ind. battery and the members were assigned to duty in the fortifications of Nashville in charge of the siege guns, remaining on this duty until the late summer. Through the persistent efforts of Gov. Morton and Capt. Osborne a new set of guns were secured and the battery was assigned to field duty. It was engaged in guarding the Nashville & Chattanooga railroad from early in Oct., 1863, until the following March� It took part in the battles and skirmishes that followed and after the battle of Jonesboro moved into Atlanta. It left Atlanta Nov. 5, and moved by rail to Chattooga, where it was assigned to Gen. Steedman’s command. With that army it moved to Nashville and took part in the battle at that place in December. It pursued Hood as far as Courtland, Ala., and after a short stay there proceeded to Chattanooga, where it was assigned to the reserve artillery remaining on duty in the fortifications until ordered to Indianapolis in June. It reached Indianapolis June 23, 1865, with 125 officers and men, and was mustered out on the 28th. During its term of service it lost 21 men by death; 23 by discharge and 25 by desertion….
noco … $175.00
SOLD
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16-05-41 … POCKET DIARY … Nice example of a small pocket diary printed in New York for the year 1864. Measures 4 x 2 ½ inches. Filled out in pencil by a woman or most of the year. She fills each day in… washing, making cozies, making pillow cases, crocheting, attending church, visiting friends and family, going to the wharf to get on the boat. She was very active making cloth goods and visiting. A good representative example of the War Time diary and when displayed with other typical Civil War soldier’s personal effects, who can guess what the content is when displayed? A real diary from 1864 that displays like a million bucks, and is quite interesting in its own right…. noco … $95.00
SOLD
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16-05-42 … MASS. MARKED CARTRIDGE BOX WITH SMALL US PLATE AND BELT W/ LARGE US BUCKLE … A nice 1841 pattern rifleman’s cartridge box with five-compartment tin. Maker marked on the inner flap by Boyd and sons of Boston, and stamped on the outer flap “MASS” as an indicator of state ownership. This is a scarce early version of the cartridge box with no rivets on the belt loops and no implement pouch on the box. Boyd and sons were early accoutrement makers and had a US contract for 5,000 sets of rifle accoutrements in 1845. This box likely dates to that period considering the early small size box plate on the flap. The latch tab is missing, but otherwise this is a really nice example. The belt is a typical early to mid war belt with the open brass C-clasp retainer, with a puppy paw plate. The box plate is the very scarce small size M1839 plate. The buckle is the large size. The buckle appears to be an excavated plate that was cleaned. The box has an early round fastening stud and the belt plate shows the early method of putting a washer over the standing posts and peening them over to make the oval fastening studs. A scarce box and belt rig…. noco … $1,150.00
SOLD
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16-05-43 …CARBINE SOCKET … Regulation Civil War carbine socket used to keep the carbine from flailing around when the trooper was mounted by putting the barrel of the carbine into the socket. A shoulder carbine sling supported the weight of the gun, the socket held it in place. The socket was buckled to the D-ring joining the quarter straps and girth strap on the trooper’s right side of the saddle. A real Civil War cavalry accoutrement at a darn friendly price. Twenty years ago we met a family in the Pacific Northwest that had purchased hundreds of these for nothing and were selling them as pencil holders. We ordered hundreds for around a dollar each and made a killing selling them for $8 to $12. This year I am cheap at … $69.00
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16-05-44 … WREATH HAT INSIGNIA … Stamped brass wreath with two brass fastening pins soldered on the reverse. The wreath comes in a wide variety of forms and is difficult to date exactly. They were popular for framing branch of service letters, state designations, etc. throughout the mid to late 1800s. I date this one as post Civil War… but fine for display. … noco … $20.00
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16-05-45 … EARLY 1830s EAGLE STAMPED BRASS HAT OR SHAKO INSIGNIA … This would be a good addition to any collection of US military insignia. These stamped brass eagles came into fashion early on US military headgear as small cockade decorations. By 1821 they had come into their own and were popular up to the 1850s and even into the Civil War in some militia. There are tons and tons of reproductions out there. Here is a real one, showing the remains of the solder attachment points on the reverse for fastening wires or loops. Medium patina with some darkening in the recessed areas. A nice example of US military headgear insignia. See Campbell and O’Donnell’s book on the subject for the variations and dating, pages 67 to 118 cover the topic. This one is medium to large size… three inches across the wings. This same eagle is found on the 1830s oval belt plates. … noco .. $80.00
SOLD
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16-05-46 …EARLY BATTLEFIELD PICK-UP EAGLE “A” BUTTON … Nice example of a Schuyler, Hartley and Graham back marked Union artillery officer’s eagle-A button. Dark patina around the edges, but some gilt remaining around the eagle. An early pickup judging from the condition. S. H. & G. were one of the big military goods dealers of the period. I know of at least one good collection that focuses specifically on their material. A nice button that you know was really there … noco … $35.00
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16-05-47 …GEORGIA DUG SOLID CAST “CSA” BUTTON … A solid cast, hollow-back, CSA button. Integral shank. Reddish brass patina with brighter brass from rubbing showing on the high points. These are scarce buttons and always have been. I thought this was non-dug when I found it but the owner told me it was found by a friend of his years ago metal detecting in North Georgia. Condition is about fine…… noco … $495.00
SOLD
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16-05-48 … SIX EAGLE “I” BUTTONS … Nice assortment of Infantry officer eagle-I buttons. Three show a silver wash and early Steele & Johnson back marks indicating manufacture in 1854 or before. Three are gilt, indicating 1855 and later manufacture. The blank back and the extra quality gilt buttons are CW, the Steele and Johnson Manfacturing Co. backmark places that lone button about 1875. So we have two Civil War examples, three pre Civil War examples, and on post war example. All six for a wholesale price of … noco … $120.00
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16-05-49 … TWO CIVIL WAR GEORGIA BUTTONS … Two different makers and backmarks of Georgia state buttons. Mintzer on the left and Horstmann and Allien on the right. The Mintzer is a fairly bright; the Horstmann and Allien more subdued. Both are non dug. Both for … $175.00
SOLD
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16-05-50 … THREE EAGLE “C” BUTTONS … Three large size cavalry officer’s eagle-C buttons. The left and center button are Civil War buttons. The button on the right is later from the Indian Fighter era. The beginning of a nice collection: three different makers and backmarks- one early treble gilt and two different Waterbury Button Co. impressions. All for “one money” as they say … $95.00
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16-05-51 … Three Miscellaneous Buttons … The left hand button is a post CW Illinois state seal. The right hand button is a post war Georgia. The center is one of the infamous 1950s-1960s era fake Confederate Navy buttons. Put the middle button in an auction and watch dumb people bid to the moon … noco … $25.00
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16-05-52 … Gutta Percha Hand-Carved Bead … This one is an odd ball. It came with all the above buttons. It is a button shaped chunk of gutta percha inscribed as shown. It could be a carved and gilt love token. Tokens inscribed with a loved one�s initials became fashionable as gifts in the 1850s. Coins were typically used because of the silver content, with one side polished off and engraved and the other side mounted with a T-bar pin. The carving is intriguing. The five-pointed star reminds me of Mississippi buttons. The wreath around the star gives it a real military flavor. The initials �CVA� within a wreath on the other are unknown. The engraved details were then highlighted with gilding. A nice period example of decorative folk art. $30.00 … noco … $30.00
SOLD
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16-05-53 … W. DUPE OXFORD PERCUSSION PISTOL … Nicely engraved single-shot large bore .52 caliber percussion pistol converted from flintlock, signed DUPE. This being William Dupe of Oxford, England. He worked 1810 – 1830. In the catalog / inventory of the renowned A.F. Brooks collection, a pair of pistols (listed as items 121 and 122) are listed marked DUPE and are classified as being from Petersburg Virginia. Assuming the same maker, it is interesting to see that Dupe shipped to Southern Virginia. Profuse floral engraving on the trigger guard, breech plug tang, and hammer. Border lines and some floral details on rear of lock plate. Sliding bolt safety to rear of hammer. Flash guard behind the bolster is likely the one present during the flintlock era. Oval thumb piece. Checkered round grip, half stock with single key and german silver forend cap. Larger round trigger guard is reminiscent of a dueler, but the barrel length suggests a traveler’s weapon. Octagon six inch barrel is light silver in color with a small patch of gray on the left flat just aft of the front sight. Ramrod is a crude replacement not worthy of this nicely detailed pistol. If I kept it I would improve the rod. In 2011 at Bonham’s Auction in England a cased pair of very similar Dupe pistols brought over $8,000.00 US (5,625 British Pounds). Here is a link that you can copy and print into your location bar if it does not show up as an active link … https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19002/lot/530/ …. Here is a lonely singleton priced like a red haired orphan… cjj-17067 … $595.00
SOLD
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16-05-54 … OFFICER’S 1851 PATTERN EAGLE SWORD BELT PLATE … Regulation 1851 rectangular eagle plate for the sword belt. In contrast to the enlisted men’s plates, which were made on contract and issued by the government, officers (and the occasional NCO with some extra cash on hand) purchased theirs privately from military goods dealers. The die strikes were generally far better than the enlisted plates and were given a gilt wash on the plate and silver on the wreath and sometimes the stars. This usually wore off quickly, but the quality of the detail is obvious even after 150 years. This one has a very attractive mellow age patina and would look good with any officer’s effects. It is in truly “attic found” condition and is super except for the missing tongue on the reverse. The missing tongue could be replaced, but I am selling it as it was found and saving you a hundred and fifty bucks. A real CW officer’s buckle for only … $135.00
SOLD
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16-05-55 … 1851 ENLISTED EAGLE PLATE WITH PARTIAL WREATH: … The fellow who sold this to me literally got it in a junk box at a house sale. Regulation enlisted sword belt plate as worn by all cavalrymen, mounted artillerymen, infantry sergeants, and members of the NCO staff. This is the wider, one-piece wreath variety with the run rays all around the central motif. This has a medium patina and shows some wear to the high points, indicating it was actually issued and worn. It was cleaned in the not too distant past. The German silver (nickel silver) wreaths were sweat soldered on the plates and this one has the lower portion broken away. Still, it is a real one, not one of the many reproductions and fakes out there, so I have discounted it to make it affordable and you can still sleep at night without worrying what chemical was applied to give it a fake patina…. noco … $125.00
SOLD
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16-05-56 … EMBROIDERED CIVIL WAR US OFFICER’S EAGLE INSIGNIA … Splendid example of the Civil War officer’s regulation side-eagle insignia for the Hardee or dress hat. Where enlisted men were issued stamped brass eagles to hold up the brim of their dress hat, officers were on their own to purchase fancier embroidered patterns. This one still has lots of the original gilt on the eagle and clouds and the stars still show silver. The jacqueron wire border is in place, just a bit loose at the 8 o’clock position, which could be tacked down. Metal inner stiffener in place. Cloth in place on the reverse as are the two fastening loops, which are bent upwards from storage. A top notch example of the regulation insignia. You can attend a thousand garage sales and you won’t find one of these any more…. noco … $595.00
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16-05-57 …ETHAN ALLEN .22 CAL. SIDEHAMMER REVOLVER … A great small size defender. Overall grey and plum patina. All original and complete. Mechanically fine. The grips are top notch. About 1500 of these 7-shot rimfire pistols were made between 1858 and 1865. Among the 1500 there are a lot of small variations for the collector to seek out. These were intended as pocket pistols and are perfect as part of a Civil War “personal items” display or an early western display of gamblers effects. Not many officers wanted a heavy Colt or Remington banging on their hips on a long march, and the self-contained cartridges were a big plus. In my personal collection I have a 22 caliber revolver carried by a Chaplain in the 10th Michigan. A very nice example you will have to look hard to surpass… noco … $365.00
SOLD
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16-05-58 … EARLY WAR US BUCKLE MARKED BY W. H. SMITH BROOKLYN … Large size 1839 pattern oval US belt plate, the characteristic belt buckle of the Civil War Union infantry. This one has the early war stud or “puppy-paw” back and is maker stamped as well by W.H. Smith of Brooklyn, one of the well-known suppliers of accoutrement plates. Non-dug, with a nice medium patina that looks great on its own or could go back on a belt if you have one. A couple of minor edge dings, full lead solder back, some rubbing to the two o’s in Brooklyn, but a very clear stamp. Maker marked plates are very scarce and have always been collectible. Here is a classic… noco … $350.00
SOLD
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16-05-59 … SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR … It’s nice to find a real example! There are a lot of copies out there. The medal originated among the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1898 for award to Confederate veterans. (It’s still a crime in some southern states to wear one of these unless you are a Confederate veteran.) This has a nice Crankshaw, Atlanta, maker’s mark on the upper bar, a functional pin, crisp lettering and design on both sides of the cross, and a nice mellow patina. A good companion piece to a Confederate display of wartime and postwar relics… noco … $395.00
SOLD
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16-05-60 … NICE COVERED CANTEEN WITH STOPPER AND STRAP … Excellent condition smooth-sided Civil War canteen with original gray wool cover and sewn strap. A quintessential example from the New York Depot, which specified a chain to retain the stopper rather than a thick string. It has minor dirt and stains to the cover and strap, but no holes and no open seams. A little abrasion to the strap at the top edges of the upper brackets, which is typical. A very nice example of a key accoutrement. One of the nicer ones on the market … noco … $465.00
SOLD
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16-05-61 … LARGE BORE AUSTRIAN MARTIAL PISTOL … Roughly 72 caliber, this jumbo horse pistol is very similar to our US Model 1842 pistol but does not show near the quality of a US made gun. The lock is marked 857 which represents a manufacture date of 1857. The anchor behind the hammer may indicate navy use, but the gun is a cavalry pattern and void of any belt hook which is usually present on 19th Century European naval pistols. I personally doubt the anchor represents navy issue. I will let you research further to uncover the meaning of the anchor. Overall about VG condition. Has the original captured ramrod. Mechanically good though only holds on half cock. Full cock does not hold. I’ll let you mess with filing the sear. All original and complete except tang screw is an old replacement and the S shaped escutcheon is replaced. Trigger guard has a lanyard loop at the rear. The soldier would loop a cord of leather around his wrist and tie it through the brass loop on the back of the trigger guard so that the pistol would not fall to the ground should he drop it, or have it knocked from his hand. A big old Yosemite Sam style pistol priced friendly … zxbejll…. $465.00
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16-05-68 … WILLIAM ROSE 1812 CONTRACT CAVALRY SABER … Relic condition, but very scarce War of 1812 US dragoon saber by William Rose. The Purveyor of Public Supplies contracted with Rose for 500 sabers in March, 1812. Ours follows the example pictured in The American Sword as number 27. The metal is pitted overall, but about 2/3 of the wood grip remains and the edge and point are good. If anything the missing wood enables you to see the underlying construction of the sword. Bird�s head pommel, with the blade tang secured by a nut. Iron backstrap, ferrule and P-shaped guard. The blade is curved with a single edge and clipped point. The strongest point of our example is not only the �W.Rose� marking stamped on the spine of the blade, but the legible �V� over �MW� stamped on the ricasso, which is the view mark of Marine Wickham the US inspector of arms in Philadelphia. His initials sometimes show up as a simple �W” and also as �MTW.� The example shown by Peterson has a small �W� over a large �V. No scabbard, of course (Rose�s contract specified iron scabbards,) but a very rare and hard-to-find saber intended for US light dragoons and thus a significant piece in a US edged weapons or War of 1812 collection. A wonderful and rare relic of the War of 1812 … noco … $650.00
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16-05-69 … 1857 DATED BATTY “PEACE FLASK… America’s most handsome powder flask. There are several different patterns of the peace flask, so called from the clasped hands motif, probably symbolizing more fidelity than peace per se. Batty made two: one in 1847 and another in 1857. This is an example of the latter work. Copper body with no significant dents or creases, and with intact seams. Brass cap and adjustable spout charger clearly stamped “Batty / Springfield Mass” along with the date “1857.” Small US inspector’s marks present at well. Spring and thumbpiece operate fine. Impressive embossed motif of a US eagle surmounting a pair of clasped hands inside an oval sunburst cartouche surrounded by 20 stars, all over a trophy of arms with a superimposed shield bearing a large “US.” Slightly deeper bronze tone to one side of the flask than the other, but both have an attractive mellow, aged patina. Both of the correct 1857 pattern round rings are present for mounting on a shoulder belt. Overall fine condition, A very attractive example of the die-sinker’s art in itself, and also a key US accoutrement. … noco … $495.00
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16-05-70 … WORMAN & ELY MESS SET… The Worman and Ely patent mess set was one of the big sellers to Civil War volunteers going into the field. In the early years of the war mess gear was supplied by the various states to their volunteers so there was a bit of hodge-podge of types. Inventors stepped forward as well with some new gadgets that seemed to promise convenience and ease of use. The Worman and Ely system used the usual three pieces of mess gear, a fork, knife and spoon, but put a slot in the handle of the spoon to enable the fork and knife to slide in and lock one another in place by friction. The handles of the fork and knife were also hollow to reduce weight. This is a good example with all three pieces and the spoon and knife showing the patent stamp: “Worman & Ely / Phil’a / Feb 4, 1862” This set was actually used and would make a great display set. There is a little rubbing on the lower line of the patent on both pieces, some slight corrosion, and the knife blade loosened somewhat and was secured by the simple addition of a small rivet to keep it in service. Some soldier was not about to throw away a knife purchased with his own money that he could simply repair. Years ago our friend Paul Loane showed us one of these in the original pasteboard box with graphics. He told the story that the lady antique dealer who sold it to him had it tagged as a Boy Scout item and priced at just a few shekels. A great CW personal item. … noco … $465.00
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16-05-71 … SPANISH AMERICAN WAR M1896 KRAG RIFLE… NRA Very Good to fine condition �96 Krag with lots of blue on the barrel and receiver, and visible cartouches. The .30-40 Krag was copied from the Danish Krag Jorgensen rifle and was the first repeating rifle firing smokeless powder adopted by the US government. It first saw action in the Spanish-American War and was welcomed by troops fortunate enough to be issued them. Many of the volunteer regiments went into the field with the old .45-70 trapdoors, and found their gunsmoke attracting unwanted attention from the Spanish Mausers. This one is serial numbered 44217 on the receiver, along with the correct �Model 1896� and �Springfield Arsenal� stamp. Some rifles in this serial range were issued to the 5th US Infantry The barrel has most of the original deep blue finish, and the receiver has much of its gray-black oil-quenched dark case coloring, now faded slightly. The wood is excellent, showing two overstamped �P� firing cartouches on the underside and the rectangular inspector cartouche at the left wrist. The cartouche is very visible but the lettering and date inside are not legible. The reason being that the wood has some buildup of linseed oil which could easily be thinned. About 62,000 of these were made between 1896 and 1898, with serial numbers starting at 35,000, so ours is pretty early in the production run. This is an extremely nice example of a classic American martial arm and one that is played a key part in US arms development. Made pre 1899 so antique and legal to ship. … noco … $850.00
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16-05-72 … HANCOCK’S VETERAN CORPS JOSLYN RIFLE… Created in late 1864 as an incentive for veteran soldiers to reenlist, General Winfield Scott Hancock was assigned to command of a new army corps to be designated the First Veteran Corps. Not to be confused with the VRC (the Veteran Reserve Corps,) This organization used Hancock�s well established reputation as a soldier to draw enlistments from discharged able-bodied veterans who had at least two years of army experience. It was intended to be a formidable force in the field, though the war ended before it saw any engagements. Part of its lure was also the use of advanced weapons, and the promise that the soldier could keep his rifle when he was discharged. A number of Henry rifles inscribed to men of this unit exist and also numerous Joslyn rifles. Here is a nice example of a Joslyn Breech-loading rifle inlaid in the stock with the corps badge of Hancock�s veteran corps. The Joslyn rifles are not conversions, but the first true breech-loading cartridge arm produced at a national armory. Roughly 3,000 were made starting in January, 1865, using breech assemblies supplied by the Joslyn company that were like those used on their carbines. These were mounted on newly made rifles using altered locks but specially designed stocks for this action, which fired a self-contained copper .50-60-450 cartridge. Ours shows the standard 1864 dated lock that these rifles used, and the Joslyn patent marked receiver with swivel breechblock and serial number 1220 on top, which matches the number on the receiver tang below it. The barrel shows smooth gray and faded steel, the breech block assembly and hammer still have a lot of faded mottled case color. The buttplate is a bit dark, but the lockplate is bright and has a crisp 1864 date aft of the hammer and an eagle/US/ Springfield forward. The action is good and the wood to metal fit is tight. The wood has a pleasing medium brown tone overall. All swivels and bands are in place, as is the cleaning rod. The badge of Hancock�s veteran corps is nicely inlaid in the right butt flat using a lighter colored wood. The motif is the standard seven-pointed star of the corps, though without the central cut-out circle, which would have been tough to do in this case. The badges were first issued in May, 1865, but the design had been known before this. As early as December 3, 1864, just days after the creation of the corps, Hancock was soliciting several business firms for the design of the badge (see Phillips, page 102.) It is not known if any of these rifles made it into combat in the Civil War, but they do show up in some early postwar photos in the hands of soldiers, and they are a significant US military shoulder arm made in very limited numbers. Scarce rifle. Scarcer still with iron clad unit ID. Ram rod is correct style but was likely from a rolling block rifle… noco … $1,895.00
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16-05-73 …UNION ARMY KNIFE COMBINATION MESS GEAR IN ORIGINAL BOX … I have never seen another of these in the original pasteboard box. Nice example of a combination fork-knife-spoon marked “ARMY KNIFE� over �UNION� on the fork and �KNIFE Co.� over �NAUGATUCK� on the knife. This is in fact the Union Knife Company of Naugatuck, which operated from 1851 to 1885. Wood slab grips, brass spoon, iron-bladed knife and fork. These were a popular wartime combination mess set purchased by volunteers, or their well-wishers, in hopes of making life in the field easier. Mess gear was issued by the recruiting services and was generally pretty ugly stuff. These were supposed to hold up better and be more convenient than fishing around for separate utensils in a haversack. This one still comes in its �leatherette� pasteboard carrying case that is far rarer than the mess gear itself. Many of these have been excavated in Civil War camps and can be seen, in whole or in parts, in the books on excavated artifacts. They even show up in period photos as a soldier shows off his new-fangled gadget to the folks back home. Excellent condition and super rare with the box … noco … $650.00
SOLD
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16-05-74 … EARLY WAR FOUR-SCREW COLT ARMY … Nice early example of the classic 1860 .44 Caliber Colt Army Revolver showing the four-screw frame indicating its intended use with a shoulder stock. Serial number 43032, matching on all parts except the wedge which bears 17320. This gun was manufactured in 1862, the wedge came from an 1861 gun and was likely replaced in 1862 when a trooper lost his wedge. Colt patent markings on lower left of frame. Barrel markings are a little rubbed on “New-York” and sighting groove has been cut into “America.” Cylinder markings are very legible, scene is about 20%. Metal is uniformly smooth and silver gray, and was obviously cleaned at some time in the late 20th century. Some darker gray spots near the muzzle and just forward of the cylinder, likely from firing. Grips rate excellent with no dings or chips and a tight fit to the metal. Mechanism is good and bore is decent. The quintessential cavalry sidearm in a desirable early-war configuration and NRA very good condition… noco … $1,895.00
SOLD
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16-05-76 … WORLD WAR TWO THEATER MADE COMBAT BOWIE KNIFE / INSCRIBED … I have always been fascinated by genuine fighting Bowie knives, and this one really grabbed me. While attending a specialty antique show I spotted this knife on display. I thought it was a $5,000.00 pre Civil War 1840s knife when I saw it lying in the seller�s glass case. When the seller handed it to me I was amazed to see it was a WW-II knife. The price was a fraction of $5,000.00 so I bought it on the spot. Of all the WW2 knives I have seen, this one is among my favorites. Superb form, spear-point blade, raised center ridge on the blade, and stepped ricasso� like US made Mexican War era knives. I have seen the multi-thousand dollar WW2 Nickels Knives, where Mr. Nickels used a US Buffalo Nickel coin to fabricate the pommel cap, and serve as a signature on his handsome ww2 Bowie Knife blades. His knives are famous, well made, and very expensive. In my opinion our knife is better� better form, better quality, larger size, wicked appearance, and inscribed with the owner�s name and date. Despite the fact that the maker of our knife is unknown as of this date, it ranks among the best known examples of any 1940s theater made knife I have ever seen. This spectacular combat blade is engraved with the owner�s name and date. The blade is deeply marked in script �Raymond H. Lewis / US Army 1944�. I am sure that at some time in the near future it will be possible for us to research ww2 soldiers the same way we research Civil War soldiers today. I am sure Raymond H. Lewis has quite a story to tell. This knife is just under 13 inches overall with a blade that is just under 9 inches. A truly wicked fighting knife. Superb on all front … noco … $675.00
SOLD
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16-05-77 … PAIR OF SIXTH PLATE TINTYPES ARMED OHIO SOLDIER AND HIS WIFE EACH WITH A RARE REVENUE STAMP … These images were purchased at auction in Van Wert, Ohio in the Spring of 2011. I purchased them from a good friend in May of that year after he attended the auction. Per the family the father and two sons were named Potts and none of the men survived the war. According to CivilWarData there are nine men named Potts from Ohio who died in the service. Van Wert is a stone’s throw from Indiana, and there are eight more Potts men who died from that state. Perhaps an intense search of Census and military records might identify the family and individual men. That task is too time consuming for us to undertake. The images are fine sixth plate tintypes. Each bears a pair of revenue stamps on the reverse, including a rare 2-cent Playing Card stamp on the reverse of each. These 2 cent perforated Playing Card stamps carry a Scott’s Catalog Value of $350 and a realistic retail value of $150 to $200 each. I gave some consideration to trying to soak the stamps off the tintypes, but with my “all thumbs” capabilities I would probably ruin them. Each image is in very fine condition with VG clarity and VG contrast. There are a couple insignificant mat rubs on the soldier. They are housed in a common pressed paper “leatherette” case with split spine. I feel the images are worth $450, the stamps are worth $300 if successfully removed… I’ll sell the whole kit and kaboodle for … noco … $550.00
SOLD
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16-05-78 … SUPERB HAND TINTED SIXTH PLATE TINTYPE YANKEE SERGEANT … Really a beautiful standing portrait of a a Union Army infantry sergeant wearing his regulation 9-button infantry frock coat with sergeant’s chevrons on each sleeve. The photographer is anonymous though one of you photo historians might recognize the patriotic backdrop and which studio it came from. The photographer was truly an artist on two fronts. He produced an excellent photograph with superb clarity and contrast. And his ability as a painter is obviously pretty good. The light blue trousers, light blue chevrons, green and yellow grass. He managed to tint but not distort or cover. Really a top drawer image. Housed in a full common leatherette, pressed paper, case with split hinge. One of the prettier Civil War tintypes I’ve seen. … noco … $265.00
SOLD
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16-05-79 … YANKEE SOLDIER’S GUN BELT Exactly as shown in the illustration of the soldier at the top right of this entry. A very solid and supple leather set. Classic US oval buckle with arrow hook back, struck in the same die style as the Boyd & Sons Boston marked plates. My theory is that these well known plates are likely Boyd & Sons plates made prior to the 1864 directive for makers to mark their goods. This style buckle is one of three known to have utilized flat tongues. Waist belt, cap box, and holster are all black harness leather. The belt has excellent finish and is very solid. The soldier removed the keeper or adjuster as is seen 98% of the time on belts that were actually issued. Holster also has outstanding finish and no tears or breaks. It shows light use but no abuse or damage. Cap box has some finish loss on the cover, overall solid, and retains the nipple pick inside. Both belt loops are firmly in place. The inner flap is marked “Storms & Co. New York”. Overall fine condition and very appealing. The entire rig for… $1,050.00
SOLD
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16-05-81…. PISTOL CARTRIDGE BOX WITH ARTILLERY INSIGNIA … Gaylord marked pistol cartridge box. Good mid-war and mid-sized cartridge box for the .36 and .44 caliber revolvers that were standard issue to mounted troops. This one shows some finish loss from flexing and use, but “E. Gaylord/ Chicopee / Mass.” stamp is crisp and very visible on the reverse. Gaylord was one of the big contractors for leather gear and this would be a nice addition to fill out a Gaylord marked belt rig. Slight repair to the one side of the latch tab. The crossed cannon are nice and showy, but are old reproductions added by an early collector. The internal friction panels to hold the cartridge packs are still in place … noco … $200.00
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16-05-82… COVERED CANTEEN … Regulation 1858 pattern smooth-sided Yankee canteen. Most of the time when these show up out of an estate they are stripped and rusty. This one preserves its original brown wool cover, has just some minor staining and wear, no holes. Part of the original cork is still in the spout and a piece of the original strap is with it, too. Not bad after 150 years! Friendly priced at …
aej … $195.00
SOLD
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16-05-83…UNDERHAMMER PISTOL BY CASE, WILLARD & CO. … Eight inches overall length with a four inch barrel. Octagon to round barrel. About .41 caliber. Curly maple stock and grip. Front and rear sights, brass back strap, no trigger guard, as is typical for the type. Marked on the top strap: �CASE WILLARD & CO. / NEW HARTFORD CONN.� in two lines, along with a �CAST STEEL / PATENT� stamp in two lines on the left of the octagonal frame. Mechanically good, nipple not battered, a bit of rust on the cup of the hammer. Small chip of wood out next to the hammer at right. These pistols were simple, rugged, and popular for their streamlined design that made them easy to conceal in a boot top, waistband, or vest. The bottom-mounted hammer also gave them a clearer line of sight in aiming and the front and rear sights on this one shows accuracy was a consideration. A nice early American percussion pistol that would look great with a frontiersman or keel boat display as an example of a serious defense weapon. Very attractive with the brass trim and curly maple grip. Ca 1845. …cbe… $ 545.00
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16-05-84….English Box-Lock Flintlock Pistol by Gill… Near fine condition … These were the British derringers of the early era: small pocket pistols that could be carried discreetly for self-defense by gentlemen in town, travelers, and even the military officer: Stephen Decaturhad a pocket pistol something like this when he shot a Barbary pirate he was wrestling with in a close-quarters boarding action. Plain, flat-sided grips with some dings and handling marks, but no breaks. 6 ¼ inches overall, about.45 caliber. Nice marking of “Gill” (the well known British arms maker anddealer) between some rudimentary flags, etc., on the side plate. Short turn-off barrel with lug enables the pistol to be tightly loaded at the breech, meaning it can fire a “forced ball” with much greater power at short range than you would think. Faded blue on the steelgiving a stronger purple toward the muzzle and mixing with gray toward the back. A nice little gun … noco… $495.00
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16-05-85 … 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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