MEXICAN WAR - CIVIL WAR ERA 1846-1865

Click For Directory

or use your back arrow for other Miscellaneous sections
 

THIS IS A HUGE SECTION, nearly 100 ITEMS...GREAT VARIETY...PLEASE SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM

Drummer Boy CDV, Bugler & Drummer Boy Tintypes, Civil War Soldier Stencils, GAR Veteran Souvenir Canteens, Presentation Silver Tea/Coffee Service, Shoulder Straps, Framed Lincoln Portrait, Chevrons, South Carolina Housewife, Tobacco twists, Cavalry Hat Insignia, Dug & Non-dug Clay Pipes, Magneto, Civil War Drum, McClellan Tableau, U.S. Army Camel Bell, Confederate Bonds, newspapers, Harper's Weekly, Frank Leslie's news magazine, watch fobs, portfire staves, knives, forks & spoons, Civil War ammunition and cartridges, mechanical pencil, inkwells, stencil ink, Civil War matches, much more...check through these listings

1MCW  -  CIVIL WAR DRUM, POSSIBLY CONFEDERATE.  More Photos, Click Here  Most collectors would like a drum for their display, but find the eagle drum too expensive.  Actually, most Civil War drums were undecorated, which makes owning a true, representative drum very economical…that is if you get it from us.  Everyone else offering this drum would have the price $300 higher.  Brass body, once tin plated.  Now aged nearly black, with bright tin at the upper and lower edges, next to the dark blue rims. 12" high, 16 1/2" in diameter. Original heads.  Top one has a 2” tear at the edge.  Bottom has 9” tear near edge.  Rope and leather tugs are accurate restoration replacements.  Attractive drum in better condition than most – and at an extremely low, low price. And, what is more interesting is that many of this exact type drum were used by the Confederates.  While we can't prove which side used this drum, but based on my nearly 50 years dealing with Civil War material, I believe it is more likely Confederate.   LOW SALE PRICE $495

2MCW  -  SOLID GOLD CIVIL WAR PATRIOTIC BELT BUCKLE TURNED INTO A PIN  Click on thumbnail photos for larger views  On Layaway  I believe 14kt. 2 1/2" tall and weighs 0.4 ounces.  The entire convex face is covered with engraved rococo C & S scrolls, surrounding several patriotic motifs to include at top a spread eagle with ribband across the chest with "UNION"; on the left side is a standing "LIBERTY" over American Shield; on the right side is a standing "COLUMBIA"; at the bottom is a panoply of U.S. flags with American Shield at center.  There is a bear perched on top of the shield.  Some time during its active use, the center rod in back, with hooks, was removed and a straight pin and clasp was added.  Quality, very professional.  Just changed it to a broach from a belt buckle, which because this is jewelry grade, that someone would prefer to wear it as a pin, is completely logical.  Condition as fine as when worn.  Three initials engraved on rear, believe to be E.G.N. (or E.S.N.).  I've never seen anything from the Civil War, in the line of patriotic jewelry, to exceed this.  And in 50 years, I've only seen about six total.   $850

3MCW  -  LARGE JEWS HARP  More Photos, Click Here  A favorite instrument of Civil War soldiers.  If you know how to play it, it will produce various twangy tones.  I've seldom been able to get one to work.  This is, I think, about as large as they get.  Exactly like several Civil War specimens we've owned.  Can't tell you exactly how old this is, but it does show age.  Fine condition.  4 1/8" long.  $25

4MCW  -  MAGNIFICENT SILVER SERVICE PRESENTED TO A CIVIL WAR VETERAN AND HIS WIFE.  More Photos, Click Here  The 31½” long tray has engraved within a 7” oval central panel “Presented to/Capt. L. G. Theodore Bruer & Lady/by the members and ex-members of/F. Comp. 5^th REG. N.G.S.N.Y./on the celebration of their/SILVER WEDDING/October 17, 1874”.  Capt. Bruer served in the N.G.S.N.Y. prior to the Civil War, during the Civil War, and well after, as the inscription shows.  His Civil War service will be briefly described below with Xerox copies of records provided.  The area of the tray surrounding the ornate presentation panel has leafy sprays, ferns, flowers and birds, and is marked on bottom “Rogers & Bro./ Triple Plate/1401”. All the following items except the last are marked the same. The set also includes three tea/coffee pots, graduated from 11½” to 10” high with lion paws and lion masks at top, floral engraving on the sides, hinged lids.  The set also includes three matching serving vessels: 9” high, domed lid sugar bowl with lion mask handles, leaf and flower engraving and an open wash bowl with gold washed interior, 4¾” high. The set also includes a creamer with lion mask handles, 5¼” high. The last item is a mismatched footed covered butter dish, also marked “Rogers & Bro./Triple Plate/1884” with very similar engraving, 9” high.  This magnificent set includes in total eight pieces all together, making this an extraordinary set originally – and to have survived, is amazing.  Capt. Bruer, age 38, enrolled April 23, 1861 at Brooklyn to serve 3 months in the 28^th Regt., N.Y.N.G. and was one of the very first regiments to answer the call and arrive in Washington DC to protect the Capitol.  Capt. Bruer also enrolled June 19, 1863 at NYC to serve 30 days as Capt., Co. F, 5^th N.Y.N.G., which served in Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, Carlisle and Chambersburg (at the time of the Gettysburg campaign).  In a formal setting, it would be appropriate for use even today, not to mention that it is a sumptuous display.  Condition is excellent, showing a good deal of careful use.  Some scattered spots of wear to the silver plating on a few pieces; all else very good.  We displayed this set in our Gettysburg battlefield home for years.  Priced at a fraction of this beautiful and historic set's value.   $995

5MCW  -  SILVER CIVIL WAR PATRIOTIC BELT BUCKLE  On Layaway  A very scarce silver version of the classic solid gold buckle which is one of the best pieces of patriotic jewelry produced during the War.  Essentially the same designs and shape as the gold buckle. 2 1/2" tall.  Curved surface to conform to the body.  Deeply engraved face, the designs consisting of: inverted spread wing eagle at top over ribband with "UNION"; on the left side is seated "LIBERTY"; on the right is standing "COLUMBIA".  The bottom has crossed U.S. flags with shield at center.  As background, the space is filled with C & S rococo scrolls.  The back has a central bar with teeth to grab the belt.  Overall excellent used condition.  And in 50 years, I've only seen about six total, and the others have been in solid gold.   $395

6MCW  - LARGE FANTASTIC DRUMMER BOY TINTYPE  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   5 x 7”.  Large and crisp.   Studio pose.  Young fellow, perhaps 8-9 years old, dressed in Zouave uniform – a very popular outfit for young boys to adopt.  It includes a very undersize kepi, Zouave shirt and trousers, and calf length socks to imitate gaiters.  He has a white cross belt and drum sling from shoulder to hip.  His drum with flag on the front, is on a table next to him.  He holds a pair of drumsticks in one hand and a patriotic flag in the other.  He holds the sticks as if he knew how to use them.  A great image of a subject and size seldom seen.  Surface is a bit uneven, having some bends, crinkles, etc., but does not affect the crisp image.  From our personal collection.  Absolutely original from the Civil War period.   $295

7MCW  -  ORIGINAL PAIR OF CIVIL WAR CORPORAL'S CHEVRONS  More Photos, Click Here  6” wide, 8 ¼” high.  Dark navy stripes on cadet grey wool backing (bluish grey).  Exactly as used on several state jackets of the early militia entering the War – New York as one good example. Excellent condition, though both have a few small moth holes.  Upon closer examination, the two are not exactly the same, though I’m convinced they were on the same jacket.  These came together with other related material about 35 years ago, and they were in storage all this time.   I attribute the minute differences on these chevrons to the fact that they were the product of a room full of ladies, turning out all manner of stuff on their treadle sewing machines – each item essentially hand made.  Thus, each would have minute variations. I am entirely convinced that this is a pair, used together, and that they are together because they came off the same coat.  I am confident when you see these in person, you will be convinced they are a pair, and will appreciate seeing the slight variations that came from a routine wartime contract.  $195

8MCW  -  CIVIL WAR TINTYPE OF ARTILLERY BUGLER   Click on thumbnails for larger views  Sale Pending  Very rare subject.  We found very few during our entire 50 year career dealing in militaria.  Seated, 3/4 length soldier in state militia uniform - typical dress for very large proportion of the Army, as most were militia, until Federalized later in the War.  Typical dress jacket with cross frogging. Lighter trousers.  Relaxed kepi in his lap, with crossed cannon insignia on front.  His right arm rests on a bugle - probably mid-length (regulation Artillery), but not possible to judge the length exactly, the way it's held.  Crisp. Clear.  Has mat and glass.  2 5/8 x 4".  $125

9MCW  -  CIVIL WAR ERA SMALL RELIGIOUS OBJECT  More Photos, Click Here  Almost 1 1/2" tall, thin sheet metal capsule.  One side hinges open exposing a tiny cast metal figure (1 1/16" tall) which appears to be female, holding what appears to be a crucifix and flowers.  Not sure if this is a saint or the Virgin Mary, but seems to be a Catholic object. This is from the same family of objects as shown on page 82 of Lord's "Civil War Encyclopedia", Vol. 1. Case is stamped "GERMANY". Excellent.  Some wear on the statue.  $35

10MCW  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR CAVALRY OFFICER’S HAT INSIGNIA  Click on each thumbnail photo for larger view  3 ¾” wide, stiffened black velvet backing with applied, stamped brass crossed sabers with false embroidered, embossed surface.  Held to backing by bent wires.  Has a tarnished “7” above, standing for 7^th Cavalry, though I can offer no evidence it designates THE 7^th Cav of a few years later – though the insignia would be the same.  Fine condition.  Intended to be sewn to a slouch hat.  A bit dusty.  $395

11MCW  -  G.A.R. "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC" VETERAN'S SOUVENIR GLASS CANTEEN  More Photos, Click Here   From the 33^rd National Encampment of 1899, in Philadelphia, PA.  Face of clear glass canteen has beautiful, full color G.A.R. membership badge backed by lush green wreath and large crossed flags, all applied as a single label under glass, bonded to the face, in a slightly depressed, convex circle.  The event text is found at the top of this decorative face.  This “label-under-glass” technique is very fragile, and few survive.  There are no cracks in the face.  The reverse side has raised letters U.S. at center.  Has a screw spout with original pewter stopper.  There are small depressions where wire sling guides once were.  One goes all the way through the glass body.  These glass canteens are rare, especially in fine condition.  It took me years to acquire one this fine.  Measures 4 3/8” diameter.  From our collection.  $375

12MCW  -  TINTYPE OF MILITARY MUSICIAN - CIVIL WAR  Click on thumbnails for larger views The dating is based on the fact that his shako is large and taller (than those dating a bit later).  Secondly, we found that tintypes with this particular size and shape generally dated early War.  Irregardless, this is a superb image.  The subject is a 2nd Lieutenant who is wearing a militia dress coat with 3 rows of buttons on chest.  Trousers have a wide stripe down the legs.  He holds his very fancy shako on his lap.  His right arm rests over a 3 Valve Trombone.  The tintype is in original fancy paper mat, with arched top.  Mat is a little rumpled at the bottom from the tintype being slid in and out.  The tintype itself measures 2 1/8" wide x 3 3/8" tall; overall in the mat it measures 2 7/16" wide x 4" tall.  Very clear and crisp.  $95

13MCW  -  CIVIL WAR TINTYPE - MILITARY MUSICIAN - BUGLER  Click on thumbnails for larger views  Very rare image and subject matter.  We encountered very few images with period instruments during my 50 year career in militaria.  Crisp studio pose.  3/4 length pose of seated musician.  He wears what appears to be a standard enlisted uniform modified to look dressier.  Trousers are lighter than Navy blue jacket and appear to have narrow stripe down leg.  He rests lis left arm on table next to him, which has a regulation Cavalry bugle, typical of Civil War period, and which we've sold numerous exact examples.  The bugle retains braid/cord.  Image has brass mat and glass in case.  Measures 2 3/4 x 3 1/4".  Attractive original case with embossed faces.  Quite excellent.  $125

14MCW  -  FAMOUS CIVIL WAR QUACK ELECTRIC HEALING MACHINE  More Photos, Click Here  A classic medical marvel of the period, which when I was last at the Smithsonian, showed up as a centerpiece in three separate medical exhibits.  Quite a quality machine making a marvelous display.  Called “DAVIS & KIDDER’S PATENT MAGNETO ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR NERVOUS DISEASES”, prominently displayed on the large and ornate label inside the lid, which also shows vignettes of the machine in use, plus listing full directions for its use. The machine was patented April 15, 1854, though this one is not dated.  I know the date because others I have had over the past 45 years, were dated. The machine comes in a fine solid mahogany case 10” long, 4¾” high and 4½” deep.  Has hinged lid.  Inside case is a brass framework which supports brass gears and pulleys which, when the crank on front is turned, it rotates a double coil on front of a large U-shaped magnet.  Two electrodes attach to wires which come out of each end of the machine, and these were put in contact with any part of the body thought troubled. When the machine was cranked, a pulsing electric current went to the hand held electrodes.  I’ve tested the machine, and it works!  The “fan belt” is replaced and should be tighter.  At times, should these machines refuse to work, the problem is usually a bad contact with the probe wires, or slight adjustment of the coils which must not touch the magnet. Totally complete and very good.  Full label, just toned from age.  Nice finish to wood, and handsome with brass reinforced edges.  This machine was pirated by numerous different companies, and we’ve even had specimens from Europe which stole the technology.  About as fine as these machines come.  Wires are very old, but probably replacements.  All else original.  $375

15MCW  -  EXCELLENT GEORGE MCCLELLAN ELECTION OF 1864 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LAPEL PIN  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Gorgeous brass matted photo portrait of McClellan backed by a fabric red-white-blue flag ribbon.  Stick pin on back.  Photo frame 1" high.  Photo is very crisp and made by the same process as CDV's (albumen print).  Flag ribbon is 2" wide, and bright.  Scarce political pin, enormously significant...McClellan opposed Lincoln in 1864.   $450

16MCW  -  SUPER RARE CIVIL WAR ANTI-CONFEDERATE LAPEL BADGE  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  The text is "UNION FOREVER - NO COMPROMISE WITH TRAITORS".  This is a shield shaped, stamped sheet metal badge with message impressed.  Metal is silver colored, and print is black.  Condition is excellent, with a small amount of missing black.  Stick pin back.  1 3/8" tall.  It is seldom that such an emphatic badge appears on the market.  We've owned this one over 30 years.  $450

17MCW  -  PHOTO BROOCH OF GENERAL JOE HOOKER  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  1 5/8" in diameter, consisting of a fancy stamped brass border (circular with scalloped border), around a circular 1 1/8", celluloid covered photo portrait of Hooker.  Pin back.  About good as new, except brass is tarnished darker.  Have no information which would explain the issuance of a brooch/lapel pin with Hooker's portrait except that it was one of several different portraits available at one time showing the then current Army commanders - in much the same manner as the CDV portraits which were available of the favorite commanders.   $75

18MCW  -  ZOUAVES d'AFRIQUE CIVIL WAR HAND CARVED PIPE  Click on thumbnail photo for larger view  Has full unit identification carved on the bowl, plus a spread eagle emblem on the face, the wings wrapped around the sides, and on the shield "114 (over) PV".  The rear of the bowl has the raised letters "C/ZD'A".  A fairly small pipe 3 7/8" long.  Probably a commercially made pipe which the soldier carved.  Has a bone or ivory mouthpiece.  Very excellent condition, and was smoked.  The unit was founded September 1861 by Charles T. Collis.  The unit fought from Fredericksburg Virginia to Appomattox, and maintained its fancy Zouave uniforms all the while.  During his retirement years, Collis maintained a fancy home on Confederate Avenue in Gettysburg, north of Pickett's Charge, today known as Red Patch (and currently owned by great neighbors of ours when we lived there).   $375

19MCW  -  CIVIL WAR PATRIOTIC RING  Click on thumbnail photo for larger view  Gold plated brass.  Has two parallel rows of raised stars which encircle the ring, within a narrow raised border.  Prox size 8+.  Quite familiar with the style.  Over my 50 year career in the militaria business, I've seen several similar, which were excavated in campsites or battlefields.  Frequently the soldier's name was impressed on the inside surface, but this one has no name.  Very good used condition.   $150

20MCW  -  UNIQUE ELECTION PIECE OF 1864 FEATURING GENERAL McCLELLAN   More Photos, Click Here  A Heroic Tableau.  Finally relieved of his command, McClellan was free to openly oppose Lincoln in the presidential election of 1864.  That he wouldn’t or couldn’t engineer a victory while in command of the Army of the Potomac, seems to be explained by his having joined the Peace Party.  What this is, is a very dignified tableau of McClellan on a horse in a most heroic pose, as if he were already immortalized in statue.  It is a three-dimensional figure about 12” high, with a handsome bronze finish, probably of a stamped sheet brass or bronze.  Beautifully framed with shadow box effect against an olive green paper textured like velvet.  Very excellent original walnut frame with gilt inner border.  The most expensively created electioneering piece we’ve seen in nearly 50 years in the militaria business.  Frame is nearly 22” high.  The figure’s base is well signed, as well as patent dated June 1864.  Condition very excellent.  Paper backing probably an early replacement.  This paper has a slightly noticeable crack along the statue base.  What the tableau’s exact purpose was, can’t be said for sure, but it was almost surely to present his image to the public as one of strength and leadership – as the enlisted soldiers saw him, and not as his superiors knew him.  Extremely rare election piece. (Lots of reflections in the photos)  $695

21MCW  -  RARE U.S. ARMY CAMEL BELL  More Photos, Click Here   Originally made for U.S. Army Camel Corps introduced by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis in the 1850's.  During the Civil War, the Army apparently used these bells with Cavalry horses (see Lord's "Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia"), and then, after the Civil War, the Army apparently used them on mule pack trains which followed expeditions against the Indians, as evidenced by one being dug at Ft. Apache Arizona.  Made in at least three sizes, the largest definitely for the camels.  These are really hard to find.  This is the mid-sized, 3 3/4" in diameter and 3 5/8" high.  Case in silvery brass and with the Army Coat of Arms in raised design in three places on the sides, separated by sunbursts under stars.  Sand cast, so detail is not great, but still very handsome, and has a remarkably brilliant and beautiful tone.  Top has wide, rectangular belt loop for strap around neck.  Fine condition.  Just a great find.  $325

22MCW  -  SOUTH CAROLINA CONFEDERATE SOLDIER’S HOUSEWIFE  More Photos, Click Here   Virtually never found in the public market, due to its great utility and common status – they were simply used up and not saved. Yet, to the soldier in the field, this was one of his most important personal possessions.  In the form of commercially made housewives purchased by thousands of soldiers North & South, for their great utility in carrying buttons, thread, needles, pins and more – but this one is entirely hand made.  When unrolled flat, it is 13” long, and 5¼” wide. Exterior or backside is dark brown wool, probably homespun, edged with faded yellow wool ribbon.  Inside has 4 panels, top to bottom, red, white, red, and faded light blue.  Bottom two are pockets.  Top white panel has several crescent flaps for holding pins and needles (several still there).  The entire interior is decorated (all hand sewn and unequivocally ORIGINAL) and it is unmistakably SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORIGIN.  Top panel has crescent moon (S.C. symbol since the Revolution), middle red panel has star, and bottom faded blue panel has Palmetto tree flanked by S.C. (all pieces individually cut and sewn in place in layers).  Entire inside has the same yellow edging on backside.  Importantly, there is even a possibility that the original owner can be identified, as the top flap of the needle holders has the initials “J J” embroidered on.  Condition is very good, but because it is all wool, it has some scattered moth holes.  The ribbon which wrapped it shut is mostly there but frayed and has some stains. Examination under dual spectrum ultra-violet confirmed that no modern materials or thread exist in the housewife.  For a genuine Confederate soldier’s personal item, this is a great rarity and an important find.  $695  Sale Price

23MCW  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR CLAY PIPES   Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   When I purchased these 35+ years ago, I was told they were excavated from the remains of a pipe factory in the Maryland/Virginia vicinity, which had burned down during the Civil War.  These are the exact type I've personally dug in Civil War camps.  Plain red clay which took a bamboo stem (not included).  Fine condition.  Each...$25...Buy three or more, pay $20 each

23MCW (CONT).  -  ORIGINAL DUG CIVIL WAR CLAY PIPES.  Have only three with more decorative reeded sides, which are dug.  See photos above.  Each...$30  Buy all 3 for $75

24MCW  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR RED CLAY PIPES WITH ORIGINAL BAMBOO STEM  More Photos, Click Here  Photos show representative examples  Just pulled these out of long term storage.  Really nice.  New condition; never used.  Absolutely original.  Exactly what sutlers sold and exactly what I've excavated at camps and battlefields.  Red clay head with reeded sides (parallel grooved).  Stem is a straight piece of bamboo drilled out and tapered on the end going into the clay head.  Each...$35...Buy three or more, pay $30 each

25MCW  -  CIVIL WAR WOOD MATCHES  Click on each thumbnail photo for larger view   Decades ago, militaria dealers had these fairly often.  These came in flat strips 1 13/16 x 2 1/2".  The wood is scored, and whenever you needed a match, you broke one off. Each strip has about 17 matches, and along one side, each match head is narrowed, and has a little bit of red chemical which long ago, lit when rubbed.  Original packages held 5 strips.  These have long since disappeared from the market. These were in boxes we put away 35+ years ago.  These are great soldier items guaranteed Civil War.  Per strip...$15

26MCW  -  PRIME CIVIL WAR TOBACCO TWISTS  Click on thumbnail for larger view  Familiar to most Civil War soldiers and the common form of buying it.  Shown in Lord's "Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia", except his is missing a good deal of the narrow end.  We have a few fine specimens in the best shape we've ever had. Not much flaking.  Have basic size, with a bit of variation within each (all were hand made), around 5 1/2" to 6" long. Essential for a display of soldiers' effects.  Many have been found with their gear from the War. Only a few left.  Each...$45  Photo shows representative examples

27MCW  -  A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL LINCOLN MEMORIAL  More Photos, Click Here     A superb engraved portrait surrounded by patriotic vignettes, within a unique Civil War era patriotic oval metal frame with domed glass.  We paid $960 for it at least 15 years ago, when we collected Lincoln material.  Frame is 21" tall, is of gilded brass with brass finished sheet iron backing plate, and cast brass spread eagle on shield with flowing ribband standing on top of the frame.  Surrounding Lincoln's portrait are four complex scenes and at top is a scene of people with a covered wagon and a group of ex-slaves walking (I assume homeless due to the War).  At the bottom is a figure with sword and flag standing on a dragon labeled "Rebellion" and one with a female figure next to an eagle on shield...figure gestures to scene symbolizing prosperity.  At bottom center are clasped hands over "UNION".  Has an 1864 copyright referring to basic art.  And has line "Assassinated April 14, 1865", this indicating about when this memorial was published.  Frame has some tarnish and wear to gilt.  Print excellent with some subtle damp stain.  You couldn't find a more handsome formal portrait of Lincoln, especially this early (1865).  Domed glass will present a challenge for shipping, and we will have to calculate the charges based on your zip code. For obvious reasons, the photos show lots of reflections.  $895

28MCW  -  SCARCE AND IMPORTANT ACCESSORIES TO SCARCE MODEL CIVIL WAR EPAULETS   More Photos, Click Here  This scarce model was worn by the U.S. Marines, as well as many state units, of which the Civil War Army was mostly made up. This epaulet model had the feature of being worn either with or without wood cord fringe.  The Marine fringe was red.  I’ve seen yellow fringe for state cavalry units.  The brass frame to hold the fringe is the next difficult part to obtain, if you have the epaulets…missing the fringe.  We offer a matched pair of the brass fringe holders.  The epaulets had open undersides to the crescent ends, into which these fit.  Fine condition.  Only about the third set we’ve found in 30 years.  $35

29MCW  -  A FABULOUS CIVIL WAR ANTI-CONFEDERATE COCKADE  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Dramatic and rare.  The finest example we've encountered in 50 years as a militaria dealer.  For decades, I collected this type of material, and we are now starting to let it go since we've retired.  Sinister in effect, and in wonderful condition, giving the full effect of its design.  Consists of a black silk cockade 3 1/8" in diameter, with two black ribbon drops hanging 2 1/2".  Affixed to the center of the cockade, is a hand painted miniature shield with "DEATH TO TRAITORS" printed in an arc over a skull with crossed bones below.  Background is a pale blue with dark blue border.  Done on thin sheet metal with stick pin back.  Mint condition and a gem.  You're not likely to ever find anything better.   $595

30MCW  -  1830-60's PATRIOTIC COCKADE  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Worn at a patriotic or political event, generally to express support for the cause.   Consists of an off-white silk ribbon cockade in heart shape with three short ribbons off the bottom.  Affixed to the center is an exquisite stamped foil spread eagle over American Shield over wreath.  Eagle is gold, shield is blue with gold stars plus red & silver stripes, and wreath is gold.  Entire foil emblem is fine.  Cockade is 4" tall including ribbon.  Emblem is 1 3/4" tall.   $175

31MCW  -  IMPORTANT ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR NEWS MAGAZINES  More Photos, Click Here   Representative sample shown  A weekly, profusely illustrated publication, and the second most popular national periodical during the War.  “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper”.  We acquired a good number of these from 1862 to 1864, and will sell them, as they come.  These are roughly 11 x 16”, and 14-16 pages (7-8 sheets).  Filled with War news and pictures, as well as great advertising, from medicines, corps badges, I.D. tags, gun, and mess kits.  Papers are all used showing handling…they were probably read by several family members, then saved.  Folded edge will have some generalized shallow fraying as they were once bound.  See what the people saw in the way of their most trusted news coverage.  Offered at half our price several years ago.      Each…$18   Buy 3 or more…$15 each  Buy 6 or more...$12 each

SEE THE EARLY WARS MISCELLANEOUS SECTION FOR 1810 AND 1812 NEWSPAPERS

32MCW  -  THE MOST IMPORTANT CIVIL WAR NEWS MAGAZINE  More Photos, Click Here    Representative sample shown  “Harper’s Weekly - A Journal of Civilization”, 16 pages (8 sheets), 11 x 16”, profusely illustrated, always filled with War news, as well as fiction, small anecdotes, and fascinating and useful advertising of many soldier related items, for instance tobacco pouches, binoculars, mess kits, stationary, I.D. and corps badges, guns and more.  Center usually has full 2-page picture of latest action of interesting event.  Very good condition.  Spines will show some wear and possibly shallow fraying from having once been bound in a book.  No Civil War collection can convey the essence of the War and the times, without some of these…they held the images through which the population saw the War. This lot was actually subscribed to and collected by a Massachusetts soldier, Lt. George A. Reed, Mass Minuteman (6^th) and the 26^th, who served 1861-65 and who survived passing through the Baltimore Riots which decimated his regiment.  These date 1862-1865.  They are all equally excellent and interesting.      As they come…Each $24   Buy 3 or more…$21 Each   Buy 6 or more...$18 Each

33MCW  -  CIVIL WAR-INDIAN WAR PERIOD LITTLE POCKET MECHANICAL PENCIL   Click Here for Photos  3/16” in diameter, 2 ¾” long.  Brass with fine decorative embossed surface design.  Rear has little ring to attach to cord or chain.  Typical of pencils carried for little pocket notepads.  Some even came with little tube pockets for such pencils.  Very good.  $25

34MCW  -  AMAZING!! ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR PORTFIRE STAVES  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  These were a type of flare, used to fire cannon of the type not using friction primers.  It was a cardboard tube roughly 18” long and ¾” in diameter, filled with a solid, even burning powder.  Many years ago we acquired a few of these, and put them away for the future.  We’ve uncovered them recently during our move.  Because these break easily, some are a bit shorter than the full 18”, having a bit broken off.  Also, due to their great age and relatively fragile nature, some of the surface of the cardboard has become a bit flaky, on some.  Yet, these are still valuable and rare artillery tools, virtually non-existent in the market today.  Buy a few to ship together for one charge.  Full Length Each…$25 (3 or more $20 each)  Almost Full Length Each…$20 (3 or more $15 each)

35MCW  -  PAIR OF EXCAVATED CIVIL WAR BRASS EPAULETS  Click on each thumbnail photo for larger view   Also called “shoulder scales”.  Worn by enlisted men on their shell jackets and 9-button frock coats.  Never a favorite with the men, they often disposed of them in the field whenever they thought they could get away with doing so.  Therefore, these shoulder scales have frequently been found in latrines dug out at the campsites.  Very attractive collector items, especially sought after by dug relic collectors.  We have two pair, dug together, totally uncleaned, with heavy patina, somewhat pale green in color, with a sandy texture.  Complete, except for one flat retainer strap for the underside.  A loose one is included. The underside of the scale area is heavily rusted.  The crescent ends, normally crushed when dug, are not deformed.  The crescent end slipped off the scale and at the attachment point due to the deterioration of the backing, I reattached the two parts with epoxy and it is virtually an invisible repair.  These were dug near Harrison’s Landing, Virginia about 40 years ago. This is all the information that was with them after being in storage 30+ years.  Each pair...$195

36MCW  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR KNAPSACK HOOKS  Click on thumbnails for larger view   Representative sample shown  Brass. Came in left and right orientation.  Sold in pairs.  Consists of a disc shaped stud on one end of a heavy brass hook.  Prox. 1 3/4" long.  About good as new.  Minor tarnish. Have a few pair from very old inventory stash. Each pair...$12

37MCW  -  BRASS MAT AND GLASS FOR DAGUERREOTYPE OR TINTYPE  Click on thumbnails for larger views  Appropriate for any image from the early dags to late tintypes.  Fine shape.  Brass mat, glass and thin edging.  Very good condition.  2 3/4 x 3 1/4" exterior dimensions.  $25

38MCW  -  CIVIL WAR to CENTENNIAL (1876) PATRIOTIC PEN WIPES  Click on thumbnail photo for larger view   Belongs in every soldier display, along with pens, ink well, housewife, etc.  These were used to clean the pen points.  Basically an oval piece of thin leather, 3 1/2" long, with serrated edge design. One has a neat little red/white/blue shield sticker on the side. The other has a bust of George Washington sticker on the side. Mint, unused.  Set with one of each...$8      Buy three or more sets...$5 each set

39MCW  -  CIVIL WAR HAND BLOWN GLASS INKWELLS  Click on the thumbnail photos next to each letter below  Excavated in a camp in Virginia about 40 years ago.  We’ve had these in storage nearly as long and only pulled them out when preparing to move.  Several styles were found, most quite rare, due to their fragile nature.  Guaranteed original, and illustrations of the fact that at least in this camp, the umbrella style inkwell was seen far less than many other shapes.  Price guides rate these in the $50-100 range.  Due to the rarity of most of our forms, I believe they rate a price near the higher amount.  However, as we’ve retired and closing out our collections, we’ll price them at bargain levels.  Some of these still have the original $35-40 price tag from at least 30 years ago.  AS AN ADDED BONUS, if you purchase an inkwell below, we will add a free set of pen wipes (38MCW).

A.  We call this one the School House Design.  Prox. 1½ x 2” rectangular base with roof and chimney – the latter being the spout, which is sharp edged being the pontil.  The roof has two lengthwise gutters, one each side of the chimney, on which the pen could rest.  Pale greenish clear glass.  Should be $75.  Now…$50

B.  8-Sided Glass Inkwell.

C.  As in B. above.  Have 3 a bit heavier and a darker, clear green.  Somewhat better looking.  Now…$40 Each

NOTE:  MOST OF THE FOLLOWING ARE ONE OF-A-KIND, or perhaps two.  Several are extremely rare.  The listing as a whole is most illustrative of the variety used by the soldiers and sold by the sutlers.

D.  8-sided, pale greenish clear glass.

  E.  8-sided, pale greenish clear glass.  Taller than D. above.  Prox. 2” wide and 3 1/8” high, including spout (sharp edged).  Have two.  Should be $65.  Now…$45 Each

  F.  Round Bottom with center spout on top.  Have three with minor variation between each.  Prox. 1 3/4" to 2” in diameter and 2 1/2" to 2 3/4” high, including spout.  Pale greenish clear glass.  Unexpectedly rare.  Few were found.  Should be $50.  Now…$35 Each

   G.  Square Bottom.  Perfect size for lap desk.  1 ½” wide and 2” tall, including spout with sharp pontil lip.  One side has raised letters “J. FIELD”.  Nearly clear, palest green glass.  Only one.  Should be $55.  Now…$40

H.  Bee Hive Shape.  Only one.  Couldn’t think of a better way of describing it.  Dome-shaped with  spout on one side. Rarest of the rare – only one noted.  2” diameter base.  Prox. 1 7/8” tall, including spout with     sharp lip. Pale greenish clear glass.  Some thin whitish ground stain inside.  Should be $125.  Only…$75

 I.  Civil War Medicine Bottle.  Came with lot of dug inks.  3 7/8” tall.  Flat sided, chamfered edges.  Pale bluish green clear glass with some whitish ground stain. Neat little relic.  $15

40MCW  -  G.A.R. "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC" VETERAN'S SOUVENIR CANTEEN  More Photos, Click Here  Sold at G.A.R. reunions such as the National Encampments.  Very scarce G.A.R. memorabilia, especially this form, the miniature white china canteen with full color G.A.R. membership badge on one side.  The reverse side has color portraits of three presidents – Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley…all assassinated.  Canteen is 4 ¾” in diameter, and has three sling loops like the real Civil War canteen.  Also a functional spout.  Loops and lip of spout have worn gold finish.  Information which came from the seller decades ago in that the original soldier owner was R. A. HANNA OR HANRA, Captain from New Jersey.  Have nothing more to go on.  Fine condition.  The last time I remember seeing any of these for sale, the price was over $500.  From our collection.  $375

41MCW (C, D, G below)  -  CIVIL WAR  SHOULDER STRAPS   These straps came from an old collection.  (Photo colors are as close as we could get them, with slight variation).

Click on each thumbnail for larger view    (C) -  VERY EARLY ARTILLERY LIEUTENANT’S SHOULDER STRAPS  1 3/8 x 3 7/8”.  Not only early, but a good chance they were on a Zouave officer’s coat.  Very narrow, and not especially tall silver bullion borders, dulled with tarnish but still silvery.  Edged with tiny spun brass wire, probably gilded, on the inside, and silver spun wire on the outside.  The facing is crimson velvet.  The undersides and backing are red.  The extra color on sides and back strongly suggest the straps were on a more colorful uniform such as Zouaves.  Very nice condition showing light use.  Handsome straps of the type and rarity long absent from the market.  $625

  Click on each thumbnail for larger view   (D) - CIVIL WAR CAPTAIN OF INFANTRY SHOULDER STRAPS  1 7/16 x 3 15/16”.  Could have been worn into early Indian Wars.  Nice narrow, tall gold bullion borders, with the thin gilt worn off, making the bullion look like lightly tarnished silver.  Edged with spun brass wire. Tall, narrow silver bullion captain’s bars embroidered each end.  Tarnished lightly and matching borders.  Facing is sky blue wool.  A little dusty.  Back sides faced with lustrous black fabric neatly sewn in place by hand.  No snags or moth holes.  $475

  Click on each thumbnail for larger view   (G) -  CIVIL WAR CAPTAIN OF INFANTRY SHOULDER STRAPS  1 3/8 x 3 7/8”.  Very narrow bullion borders with fine spun brass wire edging.  Tarnished to a dark silvery grey with gold tones along the lower edges.  Captain’s bars tarnished to dark silvery grey. Couple bars have a few strands of bullion loose at one end.  Could be very carefully tucked/glued back in place.  Facing is dark blue grey fabric, once probably a bit darker, and totally suggestive of uniform coat fabric/color.  Back sides are leather faced with gold name and logo of “Horstmann Bros. & Co./Philadelphia”.  Boards show use but very good.  $450

26MCW  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR SOLDIER STENCILS  Click each thumbnail below for larger views What follows are the few remaining from a small group of Civil War soldiers’ stencils, which I have collected over nearly five decades in the militaria business.  Stencils are exceedingly rare, and desirable personal items.  Aside from their obvious purpose of providing a way for marking ownership of personal property and clothing, the stencil served as an I.D. tag, allowing fellow soldiers to identify their body, should they be killed in battle.  Few stencils have survived, and have always been an important component of collections or displays, based on its highly personal nature.  All the following are absolutely guaranteed original.

1.   1 9/16 x 4 3/4".  Standard design where very thin brass sheet goes over internal stiffener.  Text is “M. MORESYC. CO. I, 47^th Mass. Regt.”.  Very good condition.  Very light patina on front – heavier on back.  $395
2.  1 3/4 x 3 13/16”.  Standard construction.  Text is “C. F. LAWRENCE. CO. I. 2^nd. ME. CAV.”.  Well used condition.  Fairly dark tarnish.  $395
3.     Full ALPHABET Civil War brass stencil.  4 1/4 x 6 1/2” sheet brass, with four horizontal lines of letters punched in.  All letters are capitals about 9/32” tall, and all are fine.  & sign, period and comma are also included.  $195

Click For Directory

or use your back arrow for other Miscellaneous sections
 

Questions on a listed item? Click Here

Copyright © 1998-2010 Debra & Dale Anderson