11-01-001 – Pair of Vintage Eyeglasses – These early spectacles have rectangular lenses and adjustable length ear pieces and silver frame. These likely pre date the Civil War. $45.00 SOLD

11-01-002 – Double Razor Case w/ Wonderful Wrapper Hagerstown MD and Chambersburg PA – This pasteboard case is designed to hold two razors, but was found by me with just the single razor shown. What makes this item so wonderful is the label which was added to the box during the 1850s or 1860s. The owner back then took the paper label off a cigar container and wrapped it around the razor box. The label reads… “Sold By / ? W Myers & Co / Hagerstown, MD. / And / Chambers burg, PA.” How cool is that. The razor is marked “Wade & Butcher’s / For Barbers Use” The protective wrapper makes this a most intriguing relic. $135.00 SOLD

11-01-003 – Yellow Tinted Shooting Glasses – These spectacles have yellow glass lenses that are frosted around the edges and clear in the center. The steel frame has hinged extensions to help them stay on snugly. $40.00 SOLD

11-01-004 – Sunglasses with Oval Frames – Brass framed sunglasses with non-adjustable ear pieces. The lenses are a blue color. $25.00 SOLD

11-01-005 – Smoking Pipe: – This pipe is about 6 inches long including the reed stem. The bowl is molded and fired clay. These clay pipes were abundant and used by everyone during the Civil War era and earlier. The bowl has a sooty residue from age old pipe tobacco. A perfect soldier personal item. $20.00 SOLD

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11-01-006 – Civil War Tin Shaving Mug: Classic Civil War shaving mug as carried by nearly everyone who wasn’t sporting a Rasputin style full beard. Has original handle and side compartment intact. Lacking only the little insert soap dish as are most of these. Measures 4 1/4 inches tall and 3 inches diameter with a 1 1/4 inch wide spout. $89.00 SOLD

11-01-007 – Scarce Government Contract G. W. Mix & Co. Cup – One of the scarcer issue items from the Civil War are these “Mix” cups. They are signed on the bottom in tiny letters which are always well worn. This is really appealing with smoothly tapering sides forming the shape of a classic coffee cup. Condition is about fine — rarity is great … a darn scarce Civil War cup that most collectors wait years to find. $350.00 SOLD

11-01-008 -Classic Regulation Civil War Issue Cup – This government iss mug is 4 inches tall with a 4 1/4 inch diameter, and holds roughly a quart. Not signed (none were) but classic with the large loop handle secured to the lip with two wire reinforcing loops passing from the handle around the lip of the cup. These reinforcing wires when present are a strong indication of 1850s – 1860s manufacture, regardless of the pattern of cup in question. This is the standard Union Army regulation issue drinking cup. They were eight dollars each when I started collecting. This one is a real fair deal in the 21st century at $275.00 SOLD

11-01-009 – Very appealing 1860s era drinking cup measuring 2 3/4 inches tall by 4 1/4 in diameter. The handle on this mug is soldered on both the top and bottom. If you view photos of camp scenes in Miller’s Photographic History or the various on-line photo sites, you will find countless examples of this style of cup shown in Civil War camps. Stamped “FANNIE” in the body of the tin. $79.00 SOLD

11-01-010 – Smaller Shaving Mug with Brush – This mug is a bit smaller than the previous one. It is 3 3/4 tall and has a diameter of 3 inches. This mug includes a period wood handled shaving brush as well. $ 110.00 SOLD

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11-01-011 – Decorated Powder Flask for Pistol – Measures 4 1/2 inches overall including the spout, and is decorated with Floral splays and patterns on both sides of the brass. This flask is missing the dispensing lever, otherwise fine, and is full of old powder and shot. A quite affordable early flask. $45.00 SOLD

11-01-012 -Rare Gutta Percha Powder Flask for Pistol – This one is a bit taller at 4 3/4 inches tall including spout, and has smooth unadorned hard rubber or gutta percha body. It is complete with the dispensing lever and overall excellent condition. These fragile gutta percha flasks are very scarce due to the fact that most were broken in the past 150 years. This one is a dandy… $185.00 SOLD

11-01-013 – Patriotic Eagle Colt Style Powder Flask – Measuring 4 1/2 inches overall including the spout, this is a very attractive patriotic flask. Both sides have identical Eagle designs with 13 stars, crossed revolvers, and an E Pluribus Unum Banner. 100% complete. Proper to display with a Colt Pocket revolver, Colt Root, or similar Colt type percussion revolver $175.00 SOLD

11-01-014 – Rare Civil War US Army Medicine Tin – This japanned tin is 1 1/2 inches square and about 3 1/2 inches tall. The label says “PILULAE QUINLAE SULPHATIS Such containing, three grams Sulphate of Quinia. Prepared at the USA MEDICAL PURVEYING DEPOT Astoria, L. I.” This is one of the government issue Quinine tins… getting very scarce…. $295.00 SOLD

11-01-015 – Wicker Covered Whisky Flask – This handsome 1860 whisky flask measures 5 3/4 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 3 inches, and is complete and excellent. It is covered in a tight woven wicker. This flask originally had four loops through which the carrying strap would go, though only the bottom two are still present. The screw top lid is attached by a chain, and still contains the original cork inside the lid. A classic Civil War personal item nearly identical to one I have in my collection identified to a Wisconsin soldier… $95.00 SOLD

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11-01-016 – Outstanding Early War Officer’s Buckle with Narrow Tongue & Original Keeper – This attractive buckle is very handsome and complete with the original Keep­er. It shows honest wear and handling with a handsome design. Both pieces bear matching bench numbers “62”. Try finding one of these in your local antique shop these days. Great having the matching keeper… $325.00 SOLD

11-01-017 – Dug Rectangular Eagle Buckle – This cool buckle has the early pattern narrow hook back, and was worn by an early war artilleryman of cavalry trooper. The applied silver wreath is no longer present. A great dug up relic… See how long it takes you to find on of these in 2011 using your trust metal detector. After hunting for two weeks without finding one you will think paying this price is cheap (which it is) — $195.00 SOLD

11-01-018 – Officer’s Buckle – This is a mid war buckle with medium width tongue. Very nice detail, great color, and priced friendly at . $260.00 SOLD

11-01-019 – Stud Back US Oval Buckle – This is the early war pattern stud back oval US buckle. Super condition just showing light wear and use. These were scarce when I started collecting back in the dark ages. Has oval studs on the reverse instead of the later and more common arrow hooks. $295.00 SOLD

11-01-020 – Cavalry Rectangular Eagle Buckle w/ Keeper – Standard issue eagle plate with applied german silver wreath… worn on the enlisted saber belts throughout the war. Plate has a deep uncleaned reddish patina. Comes with a keeper that fits perfectly (numbers not matched). $295.00 SOLD

11-01-021 – Oval US Belt Plate – A very fine dug-up from camp or battle field — solid — nice light pating showing that it was cleaned a little thirty years ago. $195.00 SOLD

11-01-022 – Rare Near Mint 3 Prong Eagle Breast Plate – This is in excellent condition. Almost New and has the scarce three prong back. These were used on the NCO and musician’s sword slings. A top shelf specimen… $395.00 SOLD

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11-01-023 – Fine Condition High Finish Moore Revolver – Among my favorite revolvers from the Civil War are these Moore seven shooters. This one has the long 6 inch barrel which is nicely blued and bears the rare marking of… “MF’D FOR SMITH & WESSON D. MOORE PAT. FIRE ARMS CO.” This marking is present and reflects the fact that this is one of the guns made and sold to pay for the settlement in a patent infringement law suit which Smith and Wesson won. This gun bears serial number 8022. Except for a proper replaced ejector rod wonderful Moore seven shooter is 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect. The barrel has loads of factory blue (70% to 80%), cylinder has much blue mixed and turning with plum patina, and the frame and backstrap have over 80% of the rich silver plating. The grips rate Fine or better and have a lovely color and patina. An extra Fine example of the long barrel Moore 7-shooter cartridge revolver. These guns were carried by innumerable Union Army officers and I have owned several with presentation Civil War inscriptions. A great investment grade antique…. $1850.00 SOLD

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11-01-024 – 1st Virginia Cavalry CSA Colt Revolver – One of Jeb Stuart’s Men: This old Colt pocket is also an Old Friend — an item I found and sold seventeen years ago… then bought again this year when it resurfaced. Our business truly is the ultimate in recycling. Originally, in 1994, long before internet Civil War research was available, I bought this at a local Michigan auction knowing only that the name on the back strap could be researched at the National Archives. There was no historical attribution on the gun, it was interesting mainly because someone had turned the barrel down to a round barrel like on a Colt Dragoon. This barrel alteration was something done as a novelty by some early Colt collectors in the years after World War Two, as a harmless practical joke for the purpose of confounding fellow collectors. After all, the guns were only worth two or three dollars back then, and a little lathe work on the barrel made for one heck of an interesting conversation piece. But what makes this Colt so wonderful is that it is legitimately inscribed on the back-strap with the owners name “John C. Herring”. After I bought it originally I paid a researcher to go to the National Archives and learned that only one John Herring served in the Civil War. Today current internet data confirms the same thing. John C. Herring served with the 1st Virginia Cavalry. The revolver bears all matching serial numbers except the barrel which was re-stamped by the elderly Michigan collector who owned this gun for many decades. The gun was sold by the then 80+ year old collector on Feb. 19, 1994 at auction in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I would doubt he is still alive now in 2011. It is in VG condition will matching serial #’s and nice grips. The engraving is very clear on the backstrap, and there are areas of silver plating in the protected areas of the brass. The cylinder scene is faint but areas of the design can still be seen. The 1st Va has a great history and fought in many of the most historic battles including Gettysburg and Spotsylvania Courthouse. What follows is a brief summary of their engagement at Gettysburg.
“Stuart’s plan had been to pin down McIntosh’s and Custer’s skirmishers around the Rummel farm and swing over Cress Ridge, around the left flank of the defenders, but the Federal skirmish line pushed back tenaciously; the troopers from the 5th Michigan Cavalry were armed with Spencer repeating rifles, multiplying their firepower. Stuart decided on a direct cavalry charge to break their resistance. He ordered an assault by the 1st Virginia Cavalry, his own old regiment, now in Fitz Lee’s brigade. The battle started in earnest at approximately 1 p.m., at the same time that Col. Edward Porter Alexander’s Confederate artillery barrage opened up on Cemetery Ridge. Fitz Lee’s troopers came pouring through the farm of John Rummel, scattering the Union skirmish line. Gregg ordered Custer to counterattack with the 7th Michigan. Custer personally led the regiment, shouting “Come on, you Wolverines!” Waves of horsemen collided in furious fighting along the fence line on Rummel’s farm. Seven hundred men fought at point-blank range across the fence with carbines, pistols, and sabers. Custer’s horse was shot out from under him, and he commandeered a bugler’s horse. Eventually enough of Custer’s men were amassed to break down the fence, and they caused the Virginians to retreat. Stuart sent in reinforcements from all three of his brigades: the 9th and 13th Virginia (Chambliss’s Brigade), the 1st North Carolina and Jeff Davis Legion (Hampton’s), and squadrons from the 2nd Virginia (Lee’s). Custer’s pursuit was broken, and the 7th Michigan fell back in a disorderly retreat.” Here is an opportunity to purchase a very eye catching early Colt with the dragoon style barrel and a truly remarkable history connected to the Civil War… $2250.00 SOLD

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11-01-025 – Smith and Wesson No. 1 Second Issue 22 caliber Revolver – This version has the flat sided frame with the curved cutout on the left side. The serial number is 116022. The gun has a nice look but shows some wear. The cylinder has no visible patent dates present, and does not rotate properly when the gun cocks due to a problem with one of the springs. The Rosewood grips are in very good condition and firmly seated to the frame. A most affordable 1860s Smith and Wesson… $195.00 SOLD

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11-01-026 – Extra Fine 4th Model Whitney Navy Revolver – This has a serial number in the 23,000 range produced in the early 1860’s and has an “O” stamped on the loading lever. Walnut grips are extra fine. 7 3/4 inch octagonal barrel bears crisp clear markings and generous remnants of factory blue. The cylinder scene is likewise Fine condition with an eagle, lion, shield and “Whitneyville” clearly visible… really nice and very legible. There is good factory blue in the protected areas, and hints of case color as well. One of the nicer Whitney’s we’ve found recently. $1675.00 SOLD

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Some Misc Soldier Personal Items & More – Use the photo as your guide.

11-01-027 – 1/6th plate tintype Union Soldier… he has a “76” and a 1st corps badge on his hat and would have been from the 76th NYV. A nice cased hard image priced right… $225.00 SOLD

11-01-028 – Tract Book Army Melodies… published in 1861… complete except for a miss ing back cover. Great personal display item. $95.00 SOLD

11-01-029 – Pocket Watch Case (case only) in silver embellished with a ferocious patriotic eagle on the cover and fine geometric pattern on the other. Inside the case, the only piece remaining is the brass cover that protects the works. It is marked, “Patent Lever / FULL JEWELLED / H. L. Tissot / LOCLE” This is the Swiss Manufacturer that was founded in 1853. Super display piece with soldier personal items. $95.00 SOLD

11-01-030 – US buckle … a dug example of the arrow hook pattern US buckle. The face of the buckle is in great shape and has very little wear. Top shelf example found with a metal detector years ago. $195.00 SOLD

11-01-031 – Circular Eagle Breast Plate – dug – deep ground patina – one loop intact on reverse – solid dug relic .. $100.00 SOLD

11-01-032 – Little Gutta Percha or Hard Rubber Pipe – 2 1/2 inches long, itsy bitsy and quaint… $55.00 SOLD

11-01-033 – Full Pack of 58 Caliber Rifle Musket Ammo – Ten Cartridges in Wrapper: Complete, unopened, and exactly what Billy Yank was issued in the field. He got four packs of this stuff (40 rounds) to carry in his cartridge box. This one is excellent in all respects including the extra friendly price… This is priced over three hundred dollars less than the tourist town shops … Heck we sell the individual cartridges for over a hundred dollars each! 10 cartridges, 12 wrapped caps, all inside the original wrapper … An incredibly great deal at…. $750.00 SOLD

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11-01-034 – Civil War USA Horse Bridle Rosettes: We have a matched pair marked by the US inspector “T. J. Shepard” and one more not marked. 1 7/8 inches in diameter. One pair plus a loose one for the incredibly low price of $225.00 SOLD

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11-01-035 – Wonderful Folk Art Decorated Leather Wallet: This is a really cool billfold with extensive hand done decoration. The wallet was owned by G. C. Lyman. He signed the wallet and dated it 1857. He inscribed a French phrase below his name, you can translate it, as well as the color scenes. Inside the wallet is a receipt from American Express Co. April 1857 when Mr. Lyman sent $70.25 to the Wm. Blair & Co. in Chicago. Wm. Blair & Co was a well known fence and wire supplier at that time and upon scouring the internet, I find record of a G. C. Lyman who was a farmer in Lynn, Pa. This is just a cool pre-war wallet out of Pennsylvania. $225.00 SOLD

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11-01-036 – Group of 6 coins – We have an 1893 Dime, 1907 Penny, 1943 Penny, 1863 Penny (cut), 1899 Penny, and a 1912 Nickel (nice). Don’t know where I got ‘em or what they are worth. If you spend $200 on this list may have this lot for five dollars… $5.00 SOLD

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11-01-037 – Rail Pass from 1866 – This pass was owned by A Furgusin and was good for a trip from Adrian Michigan to Toledo Ohio. This was a non-transferable ticket on the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Rail Road, and was issued from the account of “Engineer Eng 98 James Taylor” $20.00 SOLD

11-01-038 – 1889 Calender Page – This unique calender page is designed to showcase the many different corps badges that were used by the US army. The paper has two small tears, one in each of the top corners, but is otherwise in fine condition. 7 3/4 “ wide by 8 3/4 “ tall. $10.00 SOLD

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11-01-039 – Civil War Veteran Family Pictures – My recollection is that this is an Ohio or Michigan family. From left we have a 3 1/4 inch diameter picture of Ralph Drake Born July 22nd 1898 shown at 2 1/2 years old. Next is a 4 1/2 by 7 3/4 inch photo of Capt. Foley and Family at a Cemetery, note the Black Man in the background near the camp kettle. Last we have a 4 3/4 by 6 1/2 inch photo of a 4 horse team working the fields at Collins Farm. $10.00 SOLD

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11-01-040 – 19th Century Historical Pipe Bowl fashioned after Sir Wilfrid Laurier – This is a French/Canadian piece that depicts the historical Canadian figure, Prime Minister Laurier. He was PM from 1896 – 1911. A neat 19th century historical piece from our northern neighbor. $85.00 SOLD

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11-01-041 – CDV and Album / Drummer Boy Gilbert Vanzant 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry:

Perhaps the most iconic of all Civil War images is the “Little Drummer Boy” and this young Yankee is certainly all of that and more. The image is nicely inscribed front and back by Vanzant. Our little hero is shown in all his glory posed in a custom uniform as though he is ready to beat the Long Roll on his rope tension regimental drum. He was all of ten years old when he joined the 79th Ohio in 1862. Superb, striking, important, historical, and more. You can hunt every antique shop in your state and be hard pressed to find a CDV photo anywhere near as good as this one. I was not the original “finder” of the album, but when I was given the opportunity to acquire this spectacular photo I counted out the hundreds until I owned it. Gilbert Vansant was interviewed by J. F. Orr for The Story of Little Gib, published in Xenia, Ohio’s Gazette between February 28th and March 8th 1938. Here is some of what he said…

“With a bunch of prisoners we had captured were several boys apparently no older than myself. They were crying, being badly frightened. They had been told by their officers that if captured by the Yankees they would have their ears cut off, and be otherwise mutilated. I told them they would be well treated by the Yanks, and not be afraid, which had a soothing effect.” …

And…

“The first time I had a razor to my face was while in camp. Strolling down to the cook’s tent one day, the cook, seeing me, called: ‘Come in Gib, and let me shave you.’ Setting me on a cracker box, he lathered one side of my face, when he saw my father walking down the company street toward the tent. Not wishing to be caught, the cook took his apron and wiped the lather from my face; I stepped down from my perch, and he went about his duty as if nothing unusual had happened.” ~Gilbert Vanzant, 79th Ohio

Vanzant was the youngest soldier in the Union Army to complete a three-year enlistment. He was later appointed a mounted orderly and in that position showed incredible courage. Capt. William Hardenbrook of the 70th Indiana dispatched Vanzant to fetch a group of his troops, the Pioneers, in the midst of battle. Quoting Hardenbrook… “This noble, little trusty and brave soldier took the order, and in less than 30 minutes returned with my Pioneers. Reporting to me during the thickest of shot and shell, just as he rode up to me, my horse being wounded by a piece of shell from the rebel guns, he took my wounded horse to the rear.”

From Dyer’s Compendium 79th Regiment Infantry. Organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, August, 1862. Ordered to Kentucky September 3, 1862. Advance to Crittenden, Ky., September 7. thence moved to Louisville, Ky. Attached to Ward’s Brigade, 12th Division, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. Ward’s Brigade, Post of Gallatin, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to June, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Reserve Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to August, 1863. Ward’s Brigade, Nashville, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 11th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to April, 1864. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to June, 1865.
SERVICE.–March to Frankfort, Ky., October 3-9, 1862. Occupation of Frankfort October 9, and duty there till October 26. Expedition to Lawrenceburg in pursuit of Morgan October 10-13. March to Bowling Green, Ky., October 26-November 4, thence to Scottsville and to Gallatin November 25, and duty there till December 11. Moved to South Tunnel December 11, and duty there till February 1, 1863. Duty at Gallatin till June 1. Moved to Lavergne June 1, thence to Murfreesboro, Tenn., July 2, and to Lavergne July 29. To Nashville, Tenn., August 19, and duty there till February 24, 1864. March to Wauhatchie Valley, Tenn., February 24-March 10, and duty there till May 2. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 2-September 8. Demonstration on Rocky Face Ridge May 8-11. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. New Hope Church May 25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Golgotha or Gilgal Church June 15. Muddy Creek June 17. Noyes Creek June 19. Kolb’s Farm June 22. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff’s Station July 4. Chattahoochoe River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Operations at Chattahoochie River Bridge August 26-September 2. Occupation of Atlanta September 2-November 15. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Occupation of Robertsville, S.C., January 30. Lawtonville February 2. Taylor’s Hole Creek, Averysboro, N. C., March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett’s House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Mustered out June 9, 1865. Regiment lost during service 54 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 91 Enlisted men by disease. Total 146. Included with the CDV is the original leather photo album and a few civilian photos still inside. Album is extra fine condition. An important Civil War photograph with infinite appeal — $1,250.00 SOLD

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11-01-042 – War of 1812 Era Infantry Manual – Field Exercise and Manoeuvres of Infantry 1815 – This book was published in New York in 1815 likely as a result of changes and new tactics learned during the war of 1812. Inscribed on the fly leaf “Presented by Col J. A. Brown to Capt. J Lane and to his successes in office” and we also see the name “Guy D Carpenter” which was written much later. The book is just about 6” x 9” and an inch and a half thick. The repaired spine is a bit loose, and seems to be a pretty old repair. 360 pages, full of historical military tactics, enough to make any of us proficient as a line officer. A really cool book, and much earlier than most that come my way. This will soon be 200 years old! Pretty good item for such a low price…. $250.00 SOLD

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11-01-043 – Volume 1 of Hardee’s US Infantry & Rifle Tactics – This book was published in Philadelphia in 1861, and makes no mention of Hardee as the author, he having cast his lot with the rebels. It is signed in ink by owner Jacob Thomas in two locations. The book is 3.5” by 5” and an inch thick. The book is in very good condi tion with some handling wear to the edges of the spine and the covers. The book is solidly stitched and in good condition. $125.00 SOLD

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11-01-044 – Rare 1872 Custer Period U.S. Cavalry Tactics Manual- In all the years I have hunted for this old-stuff, I do not recall ever having a copy of this early Indian Fighter manual. Published in New York in 1872 this is the same tactics manual used throughout the Civil War written by Philip St. Geo. Cooke. It is 5 x 7 1/2 inches and is in VG condition. Half of the spine cover is loose, and the backmost blank page has been cut short, negligible. This book signed in pencil “J. A. B. Williams 15th PA Cavy. Vols. Co. H PVT 101st USCT 1LT 40th USCT CPT Disc. Jan 25, 1866” this data is accu rate based on a search on civil war data, which shows J A. B. Williams. Residence not listed; Enlisted on 10/10/1862 as a Private. On 10/10/1862 he mustered into “H” Co. PA 15th Cavalry. He was transferred out on 4/18/1864. On 4/18/1864 he transferred into US CT 101st Infantry. He was transferred out on 7/17/1865. On 7/17/1865 he transferred into US CT 40th Infantry. He was discharged on 1/25/1866. He may have had service in the US Cavalry after the war, but I will leave that research for you. A rare and historic manual proper to display with Custer and Little Big Horn artifacts. $325.00 SOLD

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11-01-045 – Indian War Pocket Sized Infantry Tactics Manual by Upton- This is a small 3.5 by 5 inch 1877 printing of the US Army Infantry Tactics by UPTON. It is in good condition but shows a lot of wear and is missing part of the latching mechanism that keeps the book closed. Printed the year after Little Big Horn $65.00 SOLD

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11-01-046 – Rare 1887 Cavalry Tactics Manual – A pocket sized 3 3/4 by 4 3/4 inch tactics manual. This is a 1887 New York printing of the 1878 revision of the US Army Cavalry Tactics. The book shows moderate wear, and there is a crease in the front cover. The latch tab is complete and functional, and there do not appear to be any missing pages. Great item to display with a trapdoor carbine, cartridge box, kepi, etc… Cavalry examples are much rarer than the infantry. $125.00 SOLD

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11-01-047 – Scarce Harpers Ferry Mississippi Rifle with Long Range Sight and Bayonet Lug: This is one of the rarer variants of the M1841 US Rifle … aka Mississippi Rifle. This M1841 rifle has an 1848 dated Harpers Ferry lock, long range rear sight, and the saber bayonet lug. It is Harpers Ferry all the way and original .54 caliber. The inside of the patchbox has the proper three router tip marks. The stock opposite the lock has the proper in spector’s initials “JLH” and these same initials are found inside the patch box as well. It has the Harpers Ferry lock, and Harpers Ferry barrel w Harpers Ferry proofs. There is a small hole drilled into the wrist of the stock just behind the tang, likely for use with a lollipop tang sight. The barrel is marked “A W / P” then “V / P/ (eaglehead)” and finally “184?” and near the bolster “W. C K”. The metal has an attractive rust brown patina overall. There is one small repair…. The bayonet lug was knocked off by the previous owner and he put it back using some super glue. I mention this for accuracy’s sake only — you would not notice it. Overall the gun is in VG + condition, and it is a very scarce and desirable variant of the M1841… $3250.00 SOLD

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11-01-048 – Fine Standing CDV Photo of General Samuel Crawford of Gettysburg Fame:
This biography excerpted from The Union Army… brigadier-general, born in Franklin county Pa., Nov. 8, 1829,
… entered the United States army in 1851, serving in Texas and Mexico from 1851 to 1857, and in Kansas from 1857 to 1860. He was then stationed at Fort Moultrie, and later at Fort Sumter, being one of the garrison there under Maj. Anderson and having command of a battery during the bombardment. He was then stationed until Aug., 1861, at Fort Columbus, New York harbor vacating his commission as assistant surgeon then, by becoming major in the 13th U. S. infantry, and in 1862 was commissioned a brigadier-general of volunteers. Gen. Crawford was conspicuous at Winchester and at Cedar mountain, where he lost one-half of his brigade, and at the battle of Antietam he succeeded to the command of Gen. Mansfield’s division, and was severely wounded. Early in 1863 he was placed in command of the Pennsylvania reserves, then stationed at Washington, and led them at Gettysburg, July 1-3, serving with great bravery. Subsequently he participated in all the operations of the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war, and was brevetted from colonel, in 1863, up to major-general, U. S. A., March 13,1865, for conspicuous gallantry in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg Five Forks and other engagements… He was retired by reason of disability caused by wounds, in Feb., 1873, with rank of brigadier-general, and died in 1892. This is a fine original “from life” CDV photo in excellent condition… $265.00 SOLD

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11-01-049 – Very Nice 1st Model Merrill Carbine: These Baltimore carbines have always been highly sought as they saw heavy service before and during the Civil War in the hands of both Union and Confederate troopers. Years ago I owned one inscribed on the patch box to a Virginian in Ashby’s Cavalry. This transitional first-second model is in NRA “very good +” condition. It is the earlier war production Merrill with the brass patch box and the button style ears on the lever release catch. (The earliest Merrill’s have flat “ears” on the lever release catch, the later Merrill’s do not have a patch box at all.) All of the parts on this gun have matching batch numbers and the gun bears serial number 9985. The inspector’s cartouche is clearly visible on the left side of the stock and the gun functions perfectly. It is 100% original and complete with no repairs and no replaced parts. The wood shows only honest handling and wear and retains strong edges. If you have been looking for a nice patchbox-style Merrill, you will be well pleased with this carbine. I think I have only had two of these in the last two or three years… $2,250.00 SOLD

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11-01-050 – 8th Illinois Cavalry 34 Star US Flag : I was contacted by the descendants of Joseph Hull 8th Illinois Cavalry and asked to help them sell the flag brought home from the war by their ancestor. The above photos will tell most of the story. Quoting the family — “I do know the flag was carried by the 8th Illinois out of Lombard Illinois and was returned back at the end of the war. There is no writing on the flag. Our great grandfather Joseph Hull was with this group. A group of ladies made the flag in Lombard, Illinois. I have the following history from our family tree: Joseph resided in Lombard, York twp, DuPage County, Ill, 300 acres at @.50/acre. He was a stock dealer, farmer, miller, butcher, and storekeeper. Raised a Quaker, later Congregational. He Emigrated April 1845 to Chicago, then to Bloomingdale township. Miliary Service, September 1861, 1 year in army…. “ End family quote.

The flag is roughly 3 x 5 feet in size… (a bit bigger) totally sewn construction with an intriguing and appealing star pattern in the canton. The condition is good and solid with the minimal damage and age clearly shown in the photos above. Accompanying the flag is an old family note detailing some of the history. I have checked the on-line sources and find trooper Hull did indeed serve for one year in 1861 and 1862.

Last month the Custer Guidon from the Detroit Institute of Arts sold for 2.2 Million Dollars — This flag is better looking and it too was carried by the cavalry blue coats … A wonderful and historic artifact…. SOLD SOLD

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11-01-051 – Early Civil War Rifleman’s Jacket: A most intriguing piece of uniform cloth. Originally surfacing from an ancient Kentucky collection and sold by the collector’s widow two decades ago …this jacket is as fresh an item as I have seen lately. It was sent to me by the man who bought it from the widow way back then. First of all it is a pattern of jacket I have never previously encountered. Note the rifleman’s green cord piping around the edges and on the cuffs, and the matching Eagle “R” rifleman’s buttons on the front and cuffs. I have never seen another jacket with such piping and buttons on grey wool. The grey wool initially makes one think the jacket may be Confederate… and there is a good chance it was worn by a southerner. But examining the coat closely we see evidence of it being better quality than most rebel jackets and the presence of matching US regulation rifleman’s buttons would tend to indicate the coat was made for a militia unit as opposed to a Confederate contract. In my opinion this is likely the coat of an 1860 to 1861 Kentucky rifle regiment (or company)… but there is no way to know for certain. The size is small — conforming to a size 2 army coat. The body is a tannish grey wool — very soft and showing some pilling of the nap. The soft texture of the wool indicates that the jacket was likely laundered during the mid 20th century. The coat is entirely hand sewn. The lining is a fine tan cotton, filled with an oakum or batting fiber filler and hand quilted. The sleeves are lined in the same tan cotton. The green piping is a woven cord and the buttons are pre war US Rifleman’s examples. The two interior pocket linings are brown polished cotton. The button holes are top quality hand stitched examples. The sleeves have a marvelously wide balloon at the elbow and an equally fabulous narrow cuff — looking much like the jacket John Mosby wore while posing with his rangers. The jacket has 9 large eagle “R” buttons up the front and three smaller ones on each cuff. There are some some minor areas of discoloration on the sleeves and on the inside lining, but nothing serious. It is 100% free of any repairs or moth damage. This looks for all the world like a Johnny Reb coat and there is a very good chance it was indeed worn by a southern soldier. But my experience tells me that it is a militia Rifleman’s jacket that was made circa 1860. A great piece of Civil War cloth and far more interesting than the surplus coats and jackets we see offered for sale. $4500.00 SOLD

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11-01-052 – Indian Fighter’s Gun – 2nd Minnesota Cavalry Smith Carbine: I just bought this outstanding piece of history last week as I type this. A friend had just picked it up and asked me to look at the carvings on the gun. As you can see in the photos the owner put all his data on each side of the butt stock. Examining the markings I could clearly see the carved inscription “Cop. L 2nd ???? Min ???” (Company “L” 2nd Minnesota) and knew immediately that this was 2nd Minnesota Cavalry as I have another 2nd Minnesota carbine in my collection, and it too is a second model Smith. Trying to decipher the name on the other side of the butt seemed impossible. I asked my friend what price he wanted and paid him. What had seemed impossible to read became easily identifiable when I consulted the roster of Company “L” 2nd Minnesota Cavalry. The first letter in his name looked like a J or an I or was it a T ??? but the following letters did not make any sense to me. The last name clearly began with a U. Well, when I ran down the hundred or so names in the company it became obvious why it seemed impossible to read this name… there it was — clear as a bell —- “Joachim Unze”. No wonder the name seemed impossible to read — what kind of crazy name is Joachim Unze for an American Civil War soldier? As it turns out Joachim was a pretty common German name during the 1860s. Our boy was born in Germany and hailed from Shakapee, Scott County, Minnesota when he joined the army. The 2nd Minnesota Cavalry is a most interesting unit. Instead of fighting Confederates they spent their service as Indian Fighters engaged with hostile Sioux on the northern plains and Dakota Territory. Following is an excerpt from the staple reference book The Union Army … “This regiment was organized during the fall and winter of 1863 and was mustered in during Jan., 1864. It was engaged in garrison duty, with occasional expeditions in pursuit of wandering bands of Indians until late in May, when it left Fort Snelling for the campaign against the savages. The 8th Minn. infantry, eight companies of the 2nd cavalry, Brackett’s cavalry battalion and Jones’ infantry, formed the and brigade of Sully’s division, under command of Col. Minor T. Thomas these troops left Fort Ridgely June 5, 1864, and effected a junction with the 1st brigade at Fort Sully on the Missouri July 1. The Indians were driven from their camp on Cannon Ball river and followed to the Little Heart river. The regiment participated and did effective work in the battle of Tahkahokuty mountain, where 5,000 Indians were strongly posted in the hills and ravines. Two men of Co. D were killed the following night, while on picket, Co. D and part of Co. A being detailed for that duty. It was in the two days’ engagement in early August, known as the battle of the Little Missouri, reached the Yellowstone on Aug. 13. On the return trip it had several slight encounters with the enemy. A detachment accompanied the expedition for the relief of Capt. Fisk and a party of 50 cavalrymen, who were escorting an emigrant train west. The regiment reached Fort Ridgely Oct. 8 and the several companies were on garrison and patrol duty at Forts Wadsworth, Abercrombie, Ripley and Ridgely, and smaller posts. They were mustered out as fast as regulars could take their places in the fall of 1865, except Co. A, which was mustered out April 2, and May 4, 1866. This is a very fine piece of historical Americana. The carbine is in NRA “very good” condition being 100% original and complete in all respects. It is mechanically perfect, and has an attractive and uniform untouched age patina on all surfaces… really attractive. It is and always has been a rare event to find historical arms inscribed by their owners… and this 2nd Minnesota Indian Fighter’s carbine is a top shelf example. I believe I have this priced very realistically at $2,850.00 SOLD

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11-01-053 – Rifled and Sighted Springfield M1842 Percussion Musket – A really nice example of the scarce “rifled and sighted” ’42. This Springfield is dated 1855 on the lock, and 1854 on the barrel. The rifled barrel is in superb condition, with sharp rifling in the bore and vivid proof markings at the breech. The gun is overall VG+ condition with gun metal grey steel, warm walnut stock, and strong markings. It is 100% original, 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. The stock has a few minor bumps and bruises but nothing of consequence. It shows only expected light handling and wear. The trumpet-head ramrod is original, has a touch of rust about 10 inches from the tip, and fits very tightly in the channel. One of the key Springfields for a 19th century arms collection. These rifled and sighted muskets are extremely scarce in nice condition like this. You will be well pleased at… $1795.00 SOLD

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11-01-054 – Extra Nice M1842 Harpers Ferry Musket – A really nice and totally honest example of the M1842 … and a Harpers Ferry to boot. Overall NRA “very good+” condition… has matching 1851 dates on lock and barrel. Stock exhibits two inspector’s cartouche stamps. Breech marking is clear“V/P/(eagle head)” and also has a “PB / P” and the 1851 date on the tang. The lock is also great condition and has very strong markings. “HARPERS / FERRY / 1851” and eagle over US in front of the hammer. The smooth bore is in fine condition. These Harpers Ferry made examples are highly sought because of their connection with the famed Virginia Armory and hence — possible connection with Confederate Virginia troops. Here is a great deal on a great gun…. $1595.00 SOLD

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