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18-07-01
18-07-01 …CASED METROPOLITAN 36 CALIBER NAVY REVOLVER: … Far rarer than a Colt and much more affordable. The Metropolitan Arms Company made only 6,000 of these revolvers between 1864 and 1866 to take advantage of the gap in Colt production caused by the Colt factory fire. Closely modeled on the Colt 1851 Navy, the Metropolitan Navy is also six shot and .36 caliber. A secondary martial pistol, it was not the subject of Federal contracts, but made its way into the war by way of private purchases by officers and others. This one is boxed in an original blue velvet lined dealer or factory casing with all dividers present and solid. Present in the case is a capper, powder flask, bullet mold, nipple wrench – screw driver tool, several round and conical bullets and several pistol size percussion caps. The revolver has matching serial 2296 throughout, including the wedge. The barrel assembly has about 90 percent coverage in thin factory blue with lighter edge lines. The balance of the steel is a subdued gun metal grey. It has a very visible cylinder scene (99%), and some faint traces of faded case color on the lower part of the frame and hammer. Mellow tone to the brass. Tight wood to metal fit. Good finish to the grips, just a couple of handling marks and a little roughness to the finish at the upper right. Good mechanics and bore. Nice undisturbed mellow patina to the brass capper and flask, with a couple very small dings to the latter. A good amount of blue left on the nipple wrench. Faded blue turned to brown on the mold with the handles more gray from handling. The case has good finish and comes with its key as well. It has more value than the revolver itself. A very nice Metropolitan nicely presented in the rare box casing. I will sell the revolver by itself for $2,150.00 and the casing with accessories for $3,500.00 or I will sell the whole kit and kaboodle for $5500.00
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NOTE: In case you did not know this trick….
To enlarge the photos hold down the control key and press the + (plus) key a couple times. To return to the standard size hold down the control key and press the – (minus) key a couple times.
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18-07-02 … 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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18-07-03… A Wonderful Top Shelf Patriotic Bowie Knife for the US Market by Bunting…
Robert Bunting is recorded as early as 1837 as a Sheffield maker of knives and dirks, and American hunting knives. This is a great early example of his work. Alittle over 10 inches overall with 6 inch blade. Classic German-silver and mother of pearl paneled grip with an American eagle under an arc of stars perched on top of an American shield with oak and laurel branches underneath. Foliate upper and lower panels, separated by the mother of pearl sections. Great shape. No chipping to the mother of pearl and no bends to German-silver hilt. Double-edge spear point blade with good edges and point, “Bunting and Son” maker stamp at the ricasso. Complete with its original red leather and pasteboard scabbard showing some gilt blind-stamped decoration. Throat and tip still in place, complete with the small fastening button. Tip has a small dent that has pulled it a bit further from its proper seat, but it is still in place. Some minor wear to the red finish and edges of the scabbard. A very showy knife made expressly for the American market, probably between 1845 and 1861. Auctions Imperial sold a very similar patriotic Bowie at auction in 2009 for $7,000. Following is a link to that page.
https://new.liveauctioneers.com/item/6221527
Compared to theirs, ours is a true bargain. (If you know the current owner of that auctioned knife please send him a link to ours.) A superb early patriotic American Bowie Knife with sheath… $1650.00
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18-07-04….
PREWAR TIN MILITIA CANTEEN CORRECT FOR US OR CS DISPLAY
Most dealers and collectors will optimistically label any tin drum style canteen “Confederate”. This one could well have been carried by a Johnny Reb, but the style is actually a commercial militia pattern that could have been acquired by any unit early in the Civil War, US or CS. I have owned a couple with documentation to 1861 New Hampshire soldiers, and have another similar example in my personal collection inscribed by and identified to a Penna soldier. This one has a concentric ring applied just inside the outer edge, somewhat like a signal corps canteen and is stamped out in two pieces joined by a raised soldered seam around the outer edge. Has all three square strap brackets for a shoulder sling, and the spout widens somewhat for easier insertion of a cork stopper that was likely retained by a simple string or cord. The tinned iron body shows some finish loss and the underlying iron shows brown, with some thin standing rust that adds character. A real nice example of a very scarce 1861 or earlier canteen. Hundreds of times rarer than the highly sought bullseye canteens, but not much more money… A fresh find…
$295.00
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18-07-05 … AFFORDABLE COLT POCKET WITH 6 INCH BARREL:…
1849 model Colt pocket revolver, serial number 212,582, giving it an 1862 production date. Gray metal with scattered light pitting overall on barrel assembly and cylinder. Lighter scattered pitting on frame. Grips show a repair to the lower right with a piece of wood patched in and some disturbance to the varnish in doing the repair. Some scattered dings to metal and wood here and there. Light peppering overall. Cylinder is a bit rough, but barrel address is legible. Replaced wedge and screw, otherwise complete. Indexes “ok” if you point the muzzle up. I try to avoid using the word “never”, but examining the butt strap here I am convinced it was never marked with a serial number. A well-used Colt “forty-niner” that was very popular with early western travelers, being intended to capitalize on men heading to California during the Gold Rush. These were also very popular side arms for Civil War officers, being lighter to carry than the Navy or Army models. This one shows age and use, but doesn’t deceive with any hidden flaws. A great value at..
. $585.00
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18-07-06 … Extra Fine Cooper Double Action Revolver …
An extra nice Cooper third model pocket revolver showing lots of case color on the frame and hammer and lots of nice blue on the cylinder and barrel. These double-action .31 revolvers were made in Pittsburgh and then in Philadelphia starting about 1864. This has matching serial number 11213, placing it early in the third model series that Flayderman says started about number 11,000. Very nice even mellow patina to the brass. Practically unblemished varnished grips, just one or two fingernail size indentations. The best part is the color: luminescent blue on the cylinder, a thin blue on the barrel showing bright just at the high points of the ridges, and a swirl of those “gasoline on water” colors you want to see on a frame. Full, correct three-line barrel markings for this model which omit the 1859 patent information and add 1863 dates, just a bit lightly stamped in the second and third lines toward the right (these were not as elegantly applied as Col. Colt’s.) A very nice gun that will make you want to upgrade most everything else in your collection … vadcg-ej-16895
… $1,550.00
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18-07-07…DARLING AND HARRIS MICHIGAN MADE OVER & UNDER MULE EAR SIDE HAMMER RIFLE & SHOTGUN COMBO:… You have to love side-hammer guns: like the wife of the old farmer, who was, “not much for pretty, but hell for strong.” This one sports a 45 caliber rifle barrel over a 12 gauge shotgun barrel. The mechanism was simple, but effective. The upper barrel is stamped “ ..]rling. C.H. Harris Otsego Mich” on the top (and also marked “cast steel,”) the left being partly obscured by the long rear sight. This is certainly the mark of William K. Darling and C.H. Harris, who worked as gunsmiths in Otsego (Allegan County) Michigan and are recorded in Chapin’s 1867-1868 business directory for the state, though they were certainly in business much earlier. This gun must have been a good one and well liked by the owner. The tang has provision for a lollipop peep sight in addition to the standard sights present on the top of the barrel. Double set triggers actuate the side hammers. The top hammer cocks and functions. The shotgun hammer has good spring tension but the sear is worn and it will not stay on cock. The ramrod is side mounted on the left. The trigger guard is rather crudely cast, and the gun is decorated sparsely with a small brass patch box in the right butt, which still has some patches in it, a small compartment on the underside behind the trigger guard tang for caps, and an inlaid silver crescent moon on the left butt flat. The lock is mounted with a single side screw. A wood screw shows on the upper left butt flat just forward of the brass crescent butt plate, but what its function was is unclear since there is no repair, and it doesn’t appear to secure any part of portion of the gun. A very folky rifle, full of character circa 1860 $1,150.00
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18-07-08…. ENLISTED CIVIL WAR NAVY BELT… This is the 1862 pattern of seaman’s belt that replaced the old brass hook and standing loop design with a Goodyear patent friction buckle. These belts are very simple and very, very scarce. They were made in buff and in bridle leather, as this one is. The belt has good color and is flexible, with some scattered wear spots from abrasion. There is one deep scuff, shown in the photo, where the belt had been left in the buckle which marred the surface finish on the belt. Sailors wore these to carry cutlasses, pistols, cartridge pouches, etc. as part of landing parties, but also on gun crews in expectation of either boarding an enemy or being called upon to repel boarders. A scarce regulation Civil War navy accoutrement belt. About 100 times rarer than an army belt and buckle but priced about the same. $495.00
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18-07-09 … 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 … $10.00
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18-07-10 … Identification Disc of Samuel T. Dow, 15th New Hampshire / Served Two Hitches …
The 15th NH was one of the regiments recruited for nine months service in late 1862. Many understood the duty was to be auxiliary service to enable troops already in the field “to strike the rebellion a staggering and fatal blow,” the regimental historian’s words. Such was not the case. These 9 month regiments frequently found themselves in as deadly circumstances as any. Samuel T. Dow resided in Northwood and was 22 when he enlisted on 9/12/62 as a private and mustered into Co. D of the 15th NH on 10/8/62. The regiment was assigned to the Department and Army of the Gulf, where it became part of the 19th Corps and found itself taking part in the siege of Port Hudson from late May until early July, 1863. It took part in several assaults and lost 30 of its men killed or mortally wounded during its service. At some point Dow acquired this WAR OF 1861/ EAGLE disc and had the following brief information stamped on it: S T DOW/ CO D/ 15th REG/ NHV. Dow survived to muster out with the regiment 8/18/63. He either liked army life, or the prospect of a bounty, and reenlisted in the 18th New Hampshire as a sergeant in Co. I on 2/28/65. This was a late war regiment that served in the 9th Corps during the Petersburg Campaign, losing 1 officer and 4 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. Dow’s luck held, however, and he survived once again to muster out on 7/29/65 … zfbe-17184-150806
… $695.00
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18-07-11 … 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… $185.00 Sold
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18-07-12 … Original Bullet Molds For “Hall’s Rifle” and so marked ….An extremely scarce piece of early American militaria are these single cavity, round ball, 52. caliber steel bullet molds which were made at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal. You will look long and hard to find one of these “sleeping” at a gun show or auction. I got this one out of an ancient collection of Hall guns and related. It is fully functional with decent cavities. The “Hall’s Rifle” markings are clear. Good condition with only a little pitting. It has a clearer “Hall’s Rifle” stamping on the other side, much clearer even than it appears in the photo. Doing a Google search today I find McPheeters Militaria page has a very nice example offered at $1500. Mine has some pitting so I am pricing it friendly at … $475.00 Sold
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NOTE: In case you did not know this trick….
To enlarge the photos hold down the control key and press the + (plus) key a couple times. To return to the standard size hold down the control key and press the – (minus) key a couple times.
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18-07-13 … General Custer CDV From Life By Mathew Brady …
Among the most sought of all Civil War personalities is unquestionabl
George Custer. Here is a fine “from life” standing pose of Autie as he was known to his family. Bears back mark of Brady / Anthony. Controversial, heroic, bombastic … you love him or you hate him. In 1945 President Truman said ” I don’t see how a country can produce such men as Robert E. Lee, John J. Pershing, Eisenhower, and Bradley and at the same time produce Custers, Pattons, and MacArthurs. Priced lower than identical views sold at auction over the past three years ….. $795.00 Sold
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18-07-14 … CDV STANDING VIEW OF A 7th NEW YORK SOLDIER …
Crisp early war view by Fredericks, New York, of a member of the 7th New York State Militia, one of the very early-war northern regiments rushed to Washington in 1861. Led by Colonel Marshall Lefferts, the regiment federalized three times. The first on April 19, 1861, just days after Fort Sumter. It mustered in for thirty days and served in Washington. In May, 1862, it went in again, for three months, and was stationed for most of that period in Baltimore. In June, 1863, it mustered in for another thirty days during the Gettysburg campaign, served at Baltimore and Frederick, Maryland, and then returned to New York City to help put down the draft riots in July. Our man holds his rifle at parade rest with bayonet fixed and has his overcoat thrown over one shoulder, showing its colored lining (the 7th NY had them lined in red.) He wears a low crowned cap with a “7” inside a hunting horn on the front, and around his waist seems to be an NCO belt, though no chevrons or pants stripes are visible. He has a serious look and a fashionable set of muttonchop sideburns with his moustache, giving him the appearance of a well-heeled member of that exclusive militia regiment. The fact he is wearing his overcoat suggests we are looking at an image of their first mobilization, when they rushed south to save the nation’s capital. A stong early war image
… $225.00
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18-07-15 … 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
… $225.00
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18-07-16 … 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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18-07-17… Interesting CDV of “Fisherman at Work” …
Photos of people smiling during this period are very unusual. Portraiture by photography was regarded by many as a formal presentation of oneself to the world with no room for frivolity. This fellow, however, was happy in his work: “The ‘Fisherman’ at work, fishing on land. Stringing a big “fish” for the college,” according to the printed caption pasted on the reverse. This cheerful bearded fellow sits a marble top table with inkwell close to the camera and pen in hand, apparently writing a letter on a portable writing desk he has set out on the table. Fitting the printed caption is a portrait of a fish on the lid of his writing box, that he displays for the camera. The allusion to being “a fisher of men” seems pretty clear and the reference to a college then implies a religious institution, though “stringing a big ‘fish’ for the college,” may refer to securing a donor for a school or something of that sort. If he is, indeed, an educator it might be possible to identify him. The printed caption suggests there are more images of him out there. There is a good story here in any case and it’s an intriguing and entertaining photo … Didn’t sell at $135, so we’ll mark it down for Christmas …. $95.00sold
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18-07-18 … U.S. Navy Officer George A. Flagg Jr. …
Nice vignette portrait bust of a USN cadet by Fowler, Newport R.I. “Opposite U.S. Naval Academy.” Flagg entered the US Naval Academy as a midshipman 9/21/61 and graduated 11/22/64. He made Ensign 11/21/66; Master 12/1/66; and Lieutenant 3/12/68. He died 6/20/69. A very crisp view of the young naval officer
… $65.00
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NOTE: In case you did not know this trick….
To enlarge the photos hold down the control key and press the + (plus) key a couple times. To return to the standard size hold down the control key and press the – (minus) key a couple times.
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18-07-19 … 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 sold
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18-07-20 … EPAULETS GALORE 1…
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 ¼ of an inch which would indicate use by a lieutenant. Your basic line officer’s insignia
… $195.00
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18-07-21 … EPAULETS GALORE 2 …
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
… $350.00
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18-07-22… 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
… $1,500.00
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18-07-23 2nd MODEL BURNSIDE CARBINE:
Only about 2,000 of these second models were made in 1861 and 1862. Instantly recognizable because it used no forearm, these carbines were numbered consecutively with the first models, which had used a tape primer. Overall Very Good condition. This one is serial number 2359 and shows legible Burnside Rifle Company and Burnside patent stamps overall, as well as the “Cast-Steel 1861” barrel stamp. The patent stamp on the breech is just a tad light on the left. The stock has good color, shows a few use dings, but has a tight fit to the frame, with a few dings behind the hammer. The frame shows a mix of gray and translucent brown, the nipple is good and the mechanics fine. The barrel has full coverage of brown patina. The sights are in place, with the rear sight showing some blue. The breech block is largely silver gray, with perhaps some hints of faded case on the edges of the lever. The butt swivel, sling ring and side bar are in place. These carbines were issued to many cavalry regiments, including the 1st Maine and 1st New Jersey, but they also made their way into the hands of the First Rhode Island Infantry for use at First Bull Run. 100% original. 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. A key Civil War carbine, and very scarce as well….
$3,200.00
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18-07-24 … 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 … $750.00 sold needs new price
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18-07-25… CIVIL WAR SURGEON’S MEDICAL STAFF SWORD… Very scarce US model 1840 regulation sword for officers of the medical staff. Regiments were allotted a Surgeon and an Assistant Surgeon, and in later 1862 a second Assistant Surgeon, to attend to the medical needs of the men. In addition to their “MS” hat insignia and green sashes, they were distinguished by the pattern of sword authorized for their wear. This has the correct straight blade with elliptical cross section that sets it apart from later versions. The grip is brass with a pineapple shaped pommel finial, and a molded grip with acorn, oak and acanthus leaves surrounding oval panels with American eagles in them. The crossguard consisted of two scrolling branches, also decorated with floral motifs, and two shield-shaped langets, one blank and the other with an “MS” and stars surrounded by draped laurel sprays. The scabbard is likewise brass, with floral decorated mounts, the upper one bearing two carrying rings and the lower mount, one. The brass has an even, medium patina with just a minor small dent or two near the drag. The blade is medium silver gray with visible etching showing a US eagle and motto, a mix of floral sprays and a military trophy, and a swirling, leaf shaped cartouche inside which is etched the dealer’s name: “W.H. Horstmann & Sons Philadelphia”. Thillmann shows this pattern on page 152 of his Army Swords, and postulates that it may be an earlier version of the Hostmann pattern since it shows a more refined hilt casting, with greater depth and detail. I love the way that maker’s cartouche is etched as well. $1,650.00
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18-07-26 … EXCEPTIONALLY RARE PAY DEPARTMENT STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD …
One of the holy grails for American sword collectors is the Model 1840 Pay Department Officer’s Sword. The scarcity due to the department being very small. Thillmann notes that they are very scarce: he examined only four for his book, all of them by Ames. He states, “it is believed other cutlers made Pay Department swords.” Well, here is one! This sword is the regulation pattern: nearly identical to the 1840 Medical Staff sword, but with “PD” in Old English letters in silver on the shield shaped obverse langet, set over stars and surrounded by a wreath. Retains the correct pineapple finial on top, with an eagle cast into an oval panel on each side. Several things set it apart from the Ames examples (other than having no Ames mark on it.) The panel holding the eagle is round rather than the elongated oval of the Ames castings, details of the grip casting differ slightly, and it has a taller ferrule at the grip base. The closest parallels I find are the grips on the Horstmann and Tiffany medical staff swords shown by Thillman. Other differences include the blade etching pattern and the use of “Pay Department” rather than “U.S. Pay Department” on the etched blade panel. The sword is certainly an import sold by one of the US military goods retailers. It is interesting to note that on the upper mount, rather than a star, is what looks like an acorn and leaves. Thillmann shows a Klingenthal made medical staff sword with flower design in this position. The acorn and leaves look a lot like a US navy insignia. The blade etching on this example is very visible, showing a dull silver against a grayish background. The etching pattern is a typical mixture of floral motifs and trophies of arms. But, on one side a US flag emerges from the cluster of spears and a ribband extends on either side of a floral scroll, with stars on one side and the word “LIBERTY” on the other. The scabbard is the regulation gilt brass with a double ring top mount. The tip of the scabbard shows an old repair. The heavily cast original drag was lost or damaged and was replaced with matching piece of brass, apparently from another scabbard, since it shows some light engraving. A very scarce sword that you will not likely encounter again in the near future …. $1,750.00
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18-07-27 … COLT SECOND MODEL DERRINGER …
Made from about 1870 to 1890, this .41 caliber was a handy vest pocket gun. The walnut grips on ours are good, showing deep checkering and just the slightest of wear around screwplate on the left. The fit to the metal is tight. The scroll engraving shows just the lightest of wear, also on the right, and metal is a smooth, dull silver overall with some hints of gray and a bit of brown on the barrel. Matching serial number 1534 on the butt and underside of the barrel. Correct Colt barrel markings on the top, just a tad light on the left, but with a very visible “No 2” at right and sunrays just aft, at the top of the receiver, and another bit of scroll engraving just behind the hammer—this was about the only Colt that indulged in engraved details like this. Small crack in the tang. A nice early western “back-up” piece that might be a card-player’s or traveler’s ace-in-the-hole.
$695.00
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18-07-28 …. EXTREMELY HANDSOME AND APPEALING FRENCH 1822 PATTERN CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER WITH INTERESTING GRIP …
This sword is unmarked but is obviously a French 1822 cavalry officer’s saber with a raised palmette (floral design) on the upper quillon area of the brass guard and the standard cast floral motifs along the edges of the pommel cap. This is the pattern that Ames copied for our US 1840 sabers. It was also copied by the Thomas-Griswold Co. for their CS cavalry officer’s sabers. The grip is unusual and really appealing in having a starkly rectangular configuration … flat on all four sides. This feature is most of the reason I bought this super old sword. The grip contour reminds me of early First Empire officer’s swords. The sharkskin and wire binding are excellent. There is a narrow separation line from age along the top edge but the grip is tight. A thin red cloth washer is in place under the guard and the blade is plain, with no etched motifs. Excellent condition overall. The scabbard is steel, with carrying rings, drag and riveted throat in place. The blade is largely bright, with a little brown appearing near the ricasso. The scabbard shows some light surface rust near the drag, but is mostly a bluish gray. Perfectly acceptable for Union or Confederate cavalry displays.
$975.00
18-07-29 … CLASSY FRANCOTTE PERCUSSION PISTOL ALSO MARKED SHARPE, LONDON …
Streamlined overcoat or traveling pistol with a “crown over AF” maker’s stamp (A. Francotte) and Sharpe, London dealer’s mark. About 45 caliber or slightly larger. Overall length 10.5 inches. Very simple, round, deeply curved grip with a hinged butt cap which opens to reveal a place for caps. The frame is deeply engraved with floral scrolls on both sides and the top, which also shows a Sharpe / London retailers stamp. The octagonal barrel shows lots of thin original blue with just some gray showing from wear on along the edges of the flats. The hammer shows bluing as well, and also floral scrolls matching the work on the receiver. Liege stamp at left front of frame. The swivel for the captive rammer is in place. The mounts are German silver. The grips are very good and the pistol still shows a lot of its attractive, period tricolor look. A very showy gentlemans pistol of about 1850.
$750.00
Sold
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18-07-30 …. REMINGTON NEW MODEL POCKET REVOLVER AND SUPER HOLSTER…
These elegant spur-trigger pocket revolvers were made in percussion from 1865 to 1873. This has very nice grips with no chips and substantial blue left on the cylinder and barrel- a bit stronger on the left and top than the right- and some light traces on the rear of the frame as well. The backstrap and butt show a dull gray. Barrel markings on the top barrel flat have the 1858 date only. This is what Flayderman calls the “third type” with the iron trigger sheath and trigger. The wood to metal fit is excellent as are the mechanics. A real bonus is the presence of its original military style belt holster with a full flap showing some tooling along the edge and full fastening tab and cross loop. The reverse belt loop is narrow with black horseshoe buckle to enable it to be mounted and dismounted from a belt without having to take the belt off. A nice, crisp looking revolver with an incredibly scarce holster.
$1,350.00
Call us @ 419-842-1863
18-07-31 …. 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 … $30.00 Sold
Call us @ 419-842-1863
18-07-32 …. 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 … $100.00 Sold
Call us @ 419-842-1863
18-07-33 …. 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 … $80.00 Sold
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18-07-34 …. 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 … $15.00 Sold
Call us @ 419-842-1863
18-07-35 … Nathan Starr 1816 Contract Musket Lock Plate With A Southern Flavor …
A southern picker who sends us stuff from time to time found this at a flea market in his area. It is a lock plate from an 1816 Starr contract musket that still shows the “Middt’n/Conn/1834” date behind the hammer and the U.S. over the starburst forward of the hammer with traces of the “N. STARR” underneath. The hammer shows it to have been converted to percussion in a crude but military looking style. Someone might recognize it as the work of a particular arsenal or southern workshop. I think it’s neat no matter what. Neat southern relic … noco
… $25.00
Sold
Call us @ 419-842-1863
18-07-36 …. CASED EPAULETS FOR A FIRST LIEUTENANT OF THE 6th INFANTRY …
Original fine condition Civil War epaulets for the dress uniform of a 1st Lieutenant assigned to a 6th regiment of infantry. He could have been with the regular army or any one of the state units. The case is the standard tinned and lacquered iron tole with a folding wire handle on top and simple latch on one side, with an interior hinged compartment that supports the epaulets when cased and could contain other insignia or fittings. The epaulets are regulation gold bullion with the medium width fringe indicating a line officer, and small silver bars indicating a first lieutenant on each. On the round pad section of each is a bullion rondel with medium blue center on which is embroidered a bullion “6.” There is some wear to the bullion and one little bit of mothing to the blue inside the loop of one numeral. One crescent has a slight dent and the other shows a small rectangular stain that might clean. The undersides are good, with the red and maroon silk lining largely intact and the “left” and “right” marked locking bars in place. The locking studs have staff officer button tops, so we might be looking at a pair of regimental adjutant (or other staff member) epaulets. A really fine set that could complete an officer’s uniform, or be displayed as a stand alone artifact.
$495.00
Call us @ 419-842-1863
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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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