quality CIVIL WAR era AMERICANA

Civil War - Government Inspected - 19th Maine PRESENTATION SWORD A rare presentation Ames government contract, U. S. inspected and 1862 dated foot officer sword inscribed Presented to Lieut. H. C. NOYES by the members of CO. D 19TH REGIMENT, MAINE VOLUNTEERS. Lots of evidence of period carrying with a pleasant patina to the brass hilt and furniture where the gold gilding has been taken away by that period use. The leather scabbard has the usual evidence of flexing and wear one sees on carried swords but remains solid with lots of eye appeal. The original sharkskin grip with its twisted wire wrap remains in excellent condition and the blade remains in excellent condition retaining its original bright luster and beautiful soft frosting in its crisp near mint patriotic etching. Only a small darker patch on each side of the lower portion of the blade prevents us from simply grading the blade as fine. Of significance to the collector and student of Civil War Union issue swords are the ordinance inspector marks of John Hannis (J. H.) and the date 1862 on the blade just below the hilt. A rare feature prized by collectors as a mere 1,083 of the Mod. 1850 foot officers swords were government contract and so marked. An Ordinance inspected presentation sword is an exceptional rarity indeed as the inspected swords were intended for issue and as such surely would not have been offered for presentation unless someone had an in with a supply Sergeant (some things never change). As for Capt. Horace C. Noyes, he was a resident of Belfast then Portland Maine, enlisting on August 25, 1862 and was commissioned 1st Lieut. of Co. D 19th Maine Infantry. Having been raised, organized and equipped in less than four weeks, the 19th Maine numbering 39 officers and 969 enlisted men when it left for Washington on August 27, 1862 just two days after Noyes’s entry into the Regiment. (This may explain why the young Lt. was presented a sword from government stores rather than a more usual private purchase one which would likely have had to have been ordered.) The 19th remained in garrison at Washington until the end of September, when it went to Harper's Ferry, and was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd division, 2nd corps. Noyes was transferred to Co. B and promoted to the rank of Captain on November 1, 1862. Before mustering out in 1863 Noyes was to command Co. B of the 19th Maine Volunteers at the battle of Fredericksburg. The19th Maine’s Brigade was the second to cross the pontoon bridge remaining in the front and under a murderous fire for an extended period with most passing more than two days and nights without sleep. He was mustered out on February 20, 1863. An outstanding U.S. Ordnance Dept. inspected sword with the rarity of presentation and documentable battle history.
Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.


 

Confederate ‘make-do’ - SABER This likely unique handmade make-do saber measures 30 ¼ inches in total length and is offered here untouched and in totally original condition just as it came out of decades of storage. The hilt is a rather crudely cast brass, one piece grip and guard in the configuration most often associated with the Mod. 1841 Mississippi rifled musket. Leaded into this hilt is a boldly curved, blacksmith forged blade, measuring approximately 1 3/16 of an inch in width at the hilt. While the crude sand casting of a bayonet grip in the old Mississippi style is convincing alone, the leading in of the wavy un-fullered, black-iron blade and obviously original over-all age patina leaves little reasonable doubt that the piece is of Confederate origin. While examples of Confederate alterations of the popular Mississippi style bayonet are relatively well known by collectors, such alterations are generally for use as a side knife. This application of the Confederate type sand cast Mississippi hilt in combination with a saber length blade hand forged blade is quite unique.
A word about authenticity: Though the American Civil War ended well over 140 years ago, unique hither to unrecognized and unstudied examples of Southern ingenuity continue to come to the surface. While collectors have long recognized the diversity in effort necessary in the arming of the Confederacy, the surfacing of a new, unstudied example of that diversity is justifiably met with a cautious eye. Particularly in reference to edged weapons however, the knowledgeable collector / historian is seldom left without sufficient clues to reach a conclusion. Knowledge of construction methods, familiarity with honest aging affects on various materials, (patina) and common sense respect for the needs and creative ingenuity of the common Confederate soldier and Southern craftsman are the simple keys to a sound conclusion. Once these simple tools are open-mindedly applied, the question; is it really Confederate; often becomes surprisingly obvious. As with all of our offerings your satisfaction is guaranteed as follows: Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. A likely unique Confederate edged weapon reasonably priced!



Manufacturer: Confederate  

Revolutionary War era- DECORATED & IDENTIFIED POWDER HORN As honest as can be with a color and grain that is unduplicated except by period use and handling with 235 years of natural age patina, this beautifully decorated and identified powder horn, offers both beauty and history in one piece. Measuring approximately 3 ¾ inches across the widest point of the butt, this wonderfully shaped and decorated 1774 dated early American powder horn boasts the boldly lettered identification of its’ period owner along its’ 19 inch length. (The horn measures approximately 15 inches straight across from butt to tip.) Having the advantage of the knowledge that the piece emanated from a Connecticut estate, our search for EZRA TAYLOR quickly offered National Archives documentation of his service in Capt. Nobel Benedict’s Co., Bradley's Regiment, 5th Connecticut Foot, Genl. Wadsworth’s Division, Genl. Washington's Continental Army. (see: NARA - Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War)
Authorized, September 16, 1776 the 5th Connecticut Regiment worked its’ way through the myriad of assignments all too indicative of a newly formed army. First assigned to the 2nd Connecticut Brigade, then reassigned to the Main Continental Army, Bradley's fledgling Regiment saw engagements in the defense of Philadelphia and in New York. Among the first long term Continental Army RegularsCol. Bradley’s 5th Conn. wintered with Washington at Valley Forge and was gallantly engaged against the British in many of the War’s most renowned embattlements. One of its’ number receiving one of only three issues of the Purple Heart (the earliest version of the Medal of Honor) awarded during the Revolutionary War. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.


 

c. late 1700s / early 1800s BLEEDING CUP This nice blown glass cupping device with rolled rim and ground pontil, measures approximately 2 ¾ inches in height and is about 1 7/8 inches in diameter at the mouth with a bulbous base swelling to over 2 ½ inches in diameter. These glass medical devices were used in the widely utilized medical cure process of bleeding with this example dating in the late 1700s and early 1800s with use into the Civil War period. This cupping device or bleeding cup would be a staple in any physician's bag or medical chest of the period. A nice original hand blown example in excellent condition with no chips or flakes, this piece demonstrates all the characteristics glass collectors of the period appreciate. We are fortunate to have a small number of these of varying size shape and construction (use our search feature to see item #2710) and are offering them individually priced for the antique medical collector who would like one. ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting our catalog!!
 

Important ! SPECIAL PRICING NOTE These are lean times for many and for many more simply a good time to be cautious with a dollar.

In recognition of this we are placing additional emphasis on our long practice of offering a quality mix of material in all price ranges additionally we are reviewing our current pricing with an eye toward price reduction. Accordingly if you find something you’d like but would like to try for a lesser price send us an e-mail with a reasonable offer and if we can, we will do our best work with you. As always our goal is to provide visitors our site with a pleasant, entertaining and informative opportunity with an opportunity to buy at a fair price at all levels of the monetary spectrum.

Those of you who know us are aware that Janet and I have been chasing down antiques, collecting, buying, selling and swapping with a vengeance since we were youngsters in high school. (Don’t tell anyone but between us, that’s 45 years times 2 now for lots of years and lots of neat stuff.)

Our keen interest in what we used to call smalls, that is to say utilitarian items used in the daily life of common folk, military and civilian, has left us with a sizeable accumulation of interesting things, all getting more and more difficult to find at any price.

In our effort to place additional priority on buying opportunity reflective of a more conservative time, visitors to our site will be treated to an ever more diverse offering of quality collectables.

As in the past our highest priority will continue to be on authenticity, quality and client satisfaction.



 

US Pattern of 1833 DRAGOON EAGLE This nice all original pattern of 1833 US Dragoon cap device eagle remains untouched and as found after decades of storage. ( Illustrated here with a U.S. quarter for size comparison. ) Clearly original and not to be confused with later re-strikes, this example was struck from heavy sheet brass in a fine detail not seen in the later examples. This beautiful example retains its original heavy attachment wires and sports a wonderful natural patina. Buy with confidence! All direct sales are backed by no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased ! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item is being returned per these previsions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.
 

Civil War era Patent Medicine LABEL This attractive patent medicine label measures approximately 3 ¾ X 2 7/8 inches, is entirely original and dates to the earlier through mid 19th century. I. Newton was in business in Norwich, Vermont. Beautiful color and a neat piece to go with a period bottle or simply to display as is.


 

111 Ohio Infantry - identified Civil War date TESTAMENT This nice old leather bound testament measures approximately 5 7/8 X 4 ¼ inches and was published in 1865 bearing the owner’s name Francis M. Davenport gold embossed on the cover. A faint but legible pencil notation in the front states This Bible was carried – Francis M. Davenport – Co. K 111th OHIO – in the Civil War. In period ink on the back end paper is, Franklin General Hospital Nov. Dec. 2 1864 (needs research). Francis M. Davenport was 21 years old when he enlisted on August 22, 1862 and was mustered in on September 6, 1862 as a Pvt. of Co. K 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded on November 30,1864 at the battle of Franklin Tennessee and was discharged disability on May, 13 1865. (see: National Archives M552 roll 25) The testament is untouched with a solid binding and remains in excellent condition yet with pleasing evidence of period wear and handling. The general condition of this fine old Testament and the publish year tells us it was most likely given to Pvt. Davenport after his wounding, during his recuperation period. A nice honest personal item acquired at the old Ashland Ohio Civil War show years ago when such treasures would occasionally come through the door. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.


 

excavated Revolutionary War BULLET MOLD This neat little hand forged bullet mold measures approximately 4.25 inches long and would have cast a ball of about 36 caliber ball. Acquired from an accumulation of Rev. War period relics recovered many years ago by an old time Maine digger, this piece was found in a trash pit located outside the walls of Fort George in Castine, Maine. The site was occupied by the 74th Highlanders from 1779 until 1784. This was the last site occupied by British troops after the close of the American Revolution. A nice all original relic.
( Illustrated here with a quarter for size comparison. )

 

CDV of Capt. Wm. P. Jordan – 1st, 10th & 29th Maine Inf. A nice full standing view of Capt. William P. Jordan of the 1st, 10th & 29th Maine Volunteer infantry. The photograph is by Smith of Portland, Maine and may be identified by a view of Capt. Jordan in the Historical Data Systems database. Capt. Jordan served throughout the Civil War. ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting our catalog!!


 

Civil War era TIN MESS SPOONS We have a small number of these period, die struck, tinned sheet iron spoons and are offering them here individually for the collector who would like a nice original example to set in with a Civil War vintage cup, plate or other mess equipment. Will make a nice companion piece with a period medicine bottle. A nice period item without spending a lot of money.


 

Civil War era HARD RUBBER TATTING SHUTTLE This nice all original hard rubber tatting shuttle remains in excellent condition is photographed here with a quarter for size comparison. A nice original sewing item for the ladies basket or sewing kit at a reasonable price. As with all direct sales, we are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!
 

Civil War era percussion conversion - E. WHITNEY U. S. Mod. 1816 Musket A nice honest piece with appealing evidence of age and period use, this E. Whitney arsenal U. S. Model 1816 remains in excellent all original condition with that untouched but issued and used quality that is so hard to find today. A recent attic find this musket is complete and as issued with an 1834 dated barrel tang and lock. The lock also carries U. S. and crossed arrow markings over A. Webster and a bold E. WHITNEY. The U. S. Mod. 1816 musket enjoyed a long run in the military being manufactured at federal arsenals and by private contractors from 1816 to 1840. The .69 caliber smooth-bore was the last of the flintlocks and as such were found in considerable supply in both Northern and Southern armories at the outbreak of the Civil War. (Before secession Secretary of War Jefferson Davis is said to have caused the filling of Southern States arsenals with such ’surplus’ arms.) With arsenal conversion the percussion system, the old Mod. 1816 musket saw considerable service by both Union and Confederate troops remaining a common site on the battlefield through 1863 with many remaining in action for the duration of the Civil War. (see: Coates & Thomas Civil War Small Arms) An all too scarce opportunity to acquire a good honest U. S. made Civil War vintage long arm at a less than prohibitive price. As with all direct sales, we are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!

A note about firearms: WE SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE CONTROL OF MODERN FIREARMS AND EMPHASIZE HERE THAT THIS PIECE IS CONSIDERED AN ANTIQUE / COLLECTABLE AND IS THEREFORE OUTSIDE RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO COVERED (MODERN) FIREARMS. THE PIECE IS OFFERED AS A HISTORICAL COLLECTABLE ONLY AND THOUGH MECHANICALLY OPERABLE, IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FIREABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. PURCHASE OF THIS ITEM WILL CONSTITUTE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF AND AGREEMENT WITH THE ABOVE.


 

Civil War vintage BADGE Photographed here with a quarter for size comparison, this all original lead solder filled brass badge remains in excellent condition even to the retention of the fastening wires. A common design in the Civil War era, these filled, heart shaped embellishments, varied in size with the larger examples frequently seen on martingales and smaller examples like this one utilized on horse harnesses, belts and even on uniform coats and hats. In pleasing overall condition with attractive age patina, it’s smaller size would make this example especially desirable for personal use on a waist belt, coat or even on the crown of a forage or slouch hat. (see: Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields & Campsites of the Civil War by Phillips)


 

original - July 29,1865 RICHMOND TIMES A complete 8 page July 29, 1865 edition of the Richmond Times newspaper. As found folded as you see it here with wear through the 5.5inch center fold of the front page solid. Good reading as you can imagine with details of Jeff Davis to include reports of his condition at Fortress Monroe, his health and his trial. Lots of good reading to include advertisements and other material reflecting the early, just post Civil War life and attitude in the Capitol City. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best.