Civil War era CONFEDERATE GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE- CDV A nice Civil War ERA carte de visite photo of Confederate General, Robert E Lee. An attractive unbackmarked photolithograph in fine condition.
please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! If you are new to our catalog and wish additional ordering information or just to learn who we are, please check out our home page. Thanks for visiting our catalog!!

 

Civil War Regulation MOUNTED ARTILLERY JACKET A nice Civil War regulation mounted artillery jacket with wonderful rich blue wool, original bright red piping, eagle buttons and muffins at the back of the waist. This example has the standard coarse brown wool lining in the body with original U. S. Inspectors marking at the shoulder of the cotton sleeve lining. Not to be confused with the later (softer) Indian Wars examples we generally see, this jacket sports that scratchy wool more commonly considered indicative of Civil War issue. The original wool lining, so frequently missing from these jackets, is complete in this example but fraying, especially at the neck and arm pits, offers obvious evidence of age and originality. While jacket is otherwise sound and in excellent condition with no mothing or fading the seams, though complete, will require careful handling. A nice example from a vintage collection, this jacket will make a most eye appealing addition when set in with appropriate military equipage and personal gear. 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 - Gen. Phil Sheridan ADVERTISING CDV All in fine original condition just as it must have appeared when placed in a parlor photograph album in the period, this patent patriotically embossed CDV with it’s photo of Civil War Gen. Philip Sheridan, was an advertising hand-out distributed by Salisbury, Bro. & Co., Providence, R.I. . As purveyors of GOLD & GOLD PLATED JEWELRY the Road Island jewelers would have been an obvious local source of private purchase Corps devices, and other patriotic identification pins.


 

Rare SIGNED!! Gen. Joseph J. Bartlett CDV This nice strong E. & H. T. Anthony, Matthew Brady backmarked albumen photograph is signed on the back by the subject,’Very Truly Yours Jos. J. Bartlett, Brig. Gen. U.S.V.’ Bartlett began his service in the Civil War as Colonel of the 27th New York and was promoted to Brig. General of Volunteers before the close of 1861. With the exception of 2nd Bull Run General Bartlett is noted as having participated in every major battle of the Army of the Potomac from 1st Bull Run to Appomattox. Brevetted to Major General of Volunteers before the close of the war, Bartlett was honored by selection to receive the stacked arms of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox. A rare autographed view of the battle of Gettysburg, Brigade commander.
 

S. Carolina State Issue Mod. 1836 Johnson PERCUSSION CONVERSION The U.S. Model 1836 single shot pistol was manufactured c.1836 / 1844, was the last U. S. martial arm utilizing the flintlock ignition system, was the primary issue handgun of the Mexican war and, converted to percussion as many were, saw continued use in the Civil War seeing early war state issue to Union troops and more by Confederate states especially North and South Carolina, (marked NC and SC respectively). This example remains in excellent condition with good markings to include U.S. / R. JOHNSON / MIDDn. CONN / 1840 with proper Federal inspection marks on metal and wood and desirable SCmarkings. (The ramrod on this example is a replacement.)
A word on Confederate States markings & authenticity: There is no question that Confederate States markings on these martial single shot conversions bring considerable additional interest and with that desirability additional value. Accordingly it behooves the buyer to consider the authenticity of these markings when considering a purchase. As there is frequently some inconsistency in original markings, even for a given state, there is no substitute for experience when making a judgment. Minus extensive experience (as is most frequently the situation) good judgment exercised within the scope of common sense (general appearance, style of markings, matching patina, do markings look fresh, &c.) in combination with the experience and integrity of the seller is generally an adequate determinant. A proper inspection period must be providedduring which the item may be returned. (A three day inspection period from receipt of the item is the general standard. If that isn’t adequate be sure and establish additional time before the purchase.) In the end, the buyer must be comfortable with the purchase. Take your inspection period seriously. If you are not comfortable for any reason let your dealer know and return the item within your inspection period. Any reputable seller wants his client to be happy with the purchase as much as the buyer does. After all collecting is suppose to be fun and rewarding right! 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.


 

early to mid 19th century GOLD NUGGET / WATCH CHAIN This attractive, all original gold watch chain measures over 12 inches in length with an inch and a half drop chain securing a substantial natural California gold nugget with the indicative embedded quartz. (see: California’s Best Old West Art & Antiques by Brad & Brian Whitherell) Hand fashioned in the period from no fewer than 9 natural nuggets linked together by handcrafted gold chain (10 including the fob) this beautiful remnant of California’s gold rush era weighs approximately 35 pennyweight. (20 dwt= 1 troy oz.) Solid but with desirable evidence of period wear, this classic example of American country goldsmithing represents a scarce opportunity for the serious collector / investor. 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  

Identified 3rd MAINE – (wounded at Gettysburg) Mod.1863 SPRINGFIELD 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.) Those who we have had the pleasure of getting to know over the years will also testify that we have seldom offered the sale of items from our home state of Maine. We have indeed been fortunate over the years, partly due to our own diligence but mostly due to the Civil War military service of a high percentage of Mainers and big old family homes with lots of attic space and that insatiable Yankee habit of hoarding all things that came before them. In short, as a result of our own years of accumulation in such a fertile environment we are full to overflowing and despite our own Yankee instinct to gather, it is time to pass some treasures along. This old identified type 1 Mod. 1863 Springfield rifled musket has hung from the ceiling of our collection room, frequently referred to as our nest, for years and it is time to find it a new home. Left as found to preserve it’s integrity with only a dusting and wipe of oil now and then, this old Springfield remains solid and in nice condition save a missing rear site and ramrod. It sports a smooth deep chocolate patina on all metal parts to include it’s 1863 dated lock. The wood is in pleasing original and untouched condition with good evidence of period use and carrying but with no cracks or repairs. Of most importance to the collector / historian is the period scratch engraved identification on the side of the butt stock:Jos. P. DURGIN. Second in desirability only to the name are the period regiment and company issue markings 3/ F under the age patina adjacent to the federal inspector’s U on the butt plate. (The buyer will be happy with the originality of the identification else the rifle may be returned per our no questions asked return policy stated below.) One of three men from the Durgin family to serve from the Maine wilderness Forks Plantation, Joseph P. Durgin was thirty-six years of age when on June 4, 1861 he enlisted and was mustered in as a Private of Co. F 3rd Maine Volunteer Infantry. Durgin would serve as a member of the hard fought 3rd Maine Regiment as it participated in most of the important battles and movements of the Army of the Potomac from the first battle of Bull Run until the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. Though listed as wounded at Gettysburg, now 1st Sergt. Joseph Durgin would remain in the service as he joined the 17th Maine Infantry on December 15, 1864. [On return of the battle scarred 3rd regiment to Augusta, Maine on June 11, 1864, only 17 officers and 176 enlisted men were left to be mustered out. Sixty-four of these men, including Joseph Durgin, reenlisted and were transferred to the 17th Maine.] It was with this regiment at Spotsylvania Court House, on May 12, 1864 that Joseph Durgin would suffer a severe wound of the left elbow. Despite the severity of a wound from which he would suffer all his remaining life, Durgin would remain in the military to transfer yet again. On December 15 he transferred to Co. B of the infantryised 1st Maine Heavy Artillery He was discharged for wounds on March 4,1865. A nice honest piece from our own collection.
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.
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 era French Mustard Jar This classic Civil War vintage condiment jar will display well in any period grouping. The type is well documented by such archeological finds as that of the steam river freighter Bertrand (sunk in 1865) who’s wreck site yielded cases of French import barrelmustard jars; (see: Fig.68,The Bertrand Bottles by Ronald Switzer). This jar measures approximately 5.25 inches high and remains in nice condition with no discoloration, staining, cracks or chips. The jar is boldly embossed MOUTARDE DIAPHANE (‘Diaphane’ implying a very fine product) and LOUIT FRERES & Co. (see: Fig. 60, Civil War Bottles by Parks & Pasvantis)


 

earlier to mid 19th Century - FARCICAL REWARD POSTER Showing evidence of actually having been posted ( by virtue of it’s condition and tack holes at each corner) this little broadside measure approximately 7 X 8 ¾ inches and boldly proclaims: $5,000 REWARD – LOST – AT THE PARKER HOUSE HOTEL &c: DON RODERIGO’S POCKET BOOK - containing - Half-a-dozen Cane Bottomed Chairs, a Nankeen Chest of Drawers, a box of Mahogany Tapers, a Flint Waistcoat, pair of Glass Pants, &c; &c; further advising upon just where and who to return the pocket book to, Dr. BOCANKY who shot the Ethiopian with a wooden pickaxe and on and so on. Tender but relatively solid with old tape repair on the back, this neat old piece of comedy will frame up well to make an interesting and attractive wall hanging. A nice piece for the den or collection room, it seems to me this piece would go especially well in a legal office.


 

Antique DROVER’S WHIP This eye pleasing old rawhide whip is hand braided on a turned oak grip and measures approximately eight feet in total length. With lots of evidence of age, originality and some period use the whip remains supple and in excellent condition with no breaks, even retaining it’s period cotton thong tip. A must have on the Western bound wagon trail, Army supply train, or cattle drive, the classic 19th century braded bull whip generally got used up in the period seldom surviving to reach today’s collectors market. A desirable display item in any number of Americana categories. 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!
 

Mod. 1855 PINFIRE REVOLVER A nice example of the early breach loading pinfire system, this popular personal sidearm bears the distinctive Liege proof mark of the Civil War era and remains in excellent all original condition, fully functional and untouched with an attractive age patina. Patterned in the period from the French Lefacheux Model 1855 double action military revolver, these Leige proofed arms were purchased in some quantity during the Civil War by buyers of both Union and Confederate persuasion who scoured Europe for arms suitable for the eager American war time market. While the pinfire revolver was reliable and in the beginning at least, encountered on both sides of the Mason Dixon line, the difficulty in maintaining adequate supplies of ammunition soon lead to limited use by Union troops who had more alternatives than their Confederate counterparts. Thanks to Confederate blockade runners the pinfire maintained a rather consistent presence in the South through the war. In 1974 a crate bearing Confederate markings and containing un-finished parts for the Mod. 1855 pattern revolver was uncovered in Texas. These Mod. 1855 pattern components are thought to have passed through the blockade intended for completion and issue to Southern troops. (see: THE PINFIRE SYSTEM Plate 7-6 by Smith & Curtis ) A nice addition to any Civil War grouping, Union or Confederate the best known example of a Confederate used pinfire revolver is one carried by C. S. A. General StonewallJackson.
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 era French Import : CIGARETTE (CIGARILLO) PAPERS Offered here from an original package of same, found wrapped in period news print, is a single packet of 50 individual Lemaire - Daime tube cigarette papers. An import from a time when the more progressive (well to do) utilized such as a badge of social stature, the withdrawing of a single paper from the packet and filling it with a medium fine cut Virginia tobacco made a special statement. Dating circa 1860 / 1863 (see: Catalog of Cigarette Rolling Papers 1850 / 1950 by P. Ellis) original single examples, to say nothing of full booklets of 50, of these flattened tubular papers are extremely rare. Photographed here with a period quarter for size comparison, we have illustrated the original news paper wrapped package as found and individual packets (as offered for sale here) each containing 50 individual cigarette papers (Enter the number 3472 in our search feature to see a nice companion item.)


 

Pat. 1861 - MILLVILLE ATMOSPHERIC FRUIT JAR How often have those of us who enjoy such things read a Civil War trooper’s letter home, a page from a winter camp journal or other first-hand life account where a lonely for home soldier phrases the arrival of a carefully got up package of home preserves or has lamented the fact that he received such but alas the glass preserve jar had been broken in transit spilling the content? This offering of a #4 (quart) size preserve jar boldly marked MILLVILLE ATMOSPHERIC FRUIT JAR on one side and WHITALL’S PATENT JUNE 18th 1861 on the other. This country utility will make a wonderful companion piece in any Civil War collection and will go especially well in any winter camp, medical and sanitary fair grouping. Much more difficult to find than the more common MASON preserve jar of the period, this nicely marked and dated Whitall jar retains it’s equally well marked and dated glass lid and its cast iron lid clamp. All in nice condition with that pretty light aqua bubbled glass the jar remains in fine condition with no chips. A scarce collectable complete with original components each as collectable as the jar its self. An exceptional example of period every day life seldom seen today.


 

original ! Civil War vintage BORDEN’S EAGLE BRAND - milk tin In 1856, inventor Gail Borden received a patent for condensing milk. Borden reasoned that as milk is approximately 87% water, boiling off the water from milk in airtight vacuum pans would produce a concentrated product that properly sealed would not spoil. In 1857, Borden founded the New York Condensed Milk Company and by the time of the Civil War his factory in Brewster, New York was in full production of his Eagle Brand Condensed Milk. Borden’s Consecrated Milk in it’s tinned containers, vacuum sealed with a spot of lead, became a Civil War camp favorite among all who could afford such a treat from among the local camp sutler’s offerings (.50 to .80 cents a can!!). While the remains of Borden’s tin milk cans with the little telltale spot of lead on the bottom is a comparatively common recovery of many a Civil War camp or hospital trash pit, a complete, non-dug container, opened in the period and with any semblance of the original BORDAN EAGLE BRAND label remaining, is indeed a rarity. (see: Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields & Campsites of the Civil War by Phillips) A neat display item, this original tin, opened and used in the period, yet retaining identifiable remnants of it’s original BORDAN EAGLE BRAND label is a wonderful representation of one of the toughest Civil War collector categories, everyday common items of the common citizen and soldier. It is indeed difficult to imagine how such a simple relic could survive without being relegated to the trash.