c. 1859 / BOSTON THEATRE / W. E. Burton as TOODLES / PLAY BILL Measuring approximately 5 3/4 X 15 inches, this original Boston Theater, Play Broadside, boasts the renowned comedian W. E. Burton. The bill touts the names of a number of the period theater’s successful actors and advises prospective attendees that A box in the second tier has been assigned for the use of Colored Persons who can only be admitted to this part of the House and Amphitheatre. This original advertising broadside is dated May 7, 1859 and remains in excellent condition with no tears or repairs. An outstanding piece of theatrical Americana, this bill will fit well in any quality advertising or ephemera grouping. (If you like period play bills try play bill or Our American Cousin in our search feature. )



 

Civil War era CONFEDERATE WAIST BELT A circa 1845-1850’s US militia tongue and wreath waist belt plate has been altered by removing the US on the tongue and applying a letter S in lead. Thus altered the plate is fitted to a belt fashioned from short strips of unfinished leather hand stitched together to provide the necessary length.. This offering is 100% original to the period and a wonderful example of the South’s make do effort and style of pressing pre Civil War military goods into service and utilizing what was on hand to outfit and arm its’ early war troops. The characteristics displayed in this piece have become a signature of the Confederacy to knowledgeable collectors. This piece is in exceptional condition with soft, supple leather and a fine, as issued, interlocking plate. As found and untouched after years of attic storage this exceptional waist belt is offered for the benefit of that knowledgeable collector. 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.


 

IDENTIFIED GAR Civil War Vet’s MEDAL The Grand Army of the Republic National Staff medal of Thomas G. Sandland who served in the Civil War as Sgt. of Co. C 47th Mass. Volunteer Infantry. In the G. A. R. regulation design of past staff with the buff suspension ribbon denoting national level rank, staff officers insignia with Massachusetts device and a beautiful serial numbered G. A. R. membership device suspended from a matching Pat. May 4, 1886 – June 22, 1886 marked eagle clasp. Cast from the bronze of Confederate cannon as required by G. A. R. regulation, the detail in this example is especially fine and remains in excellent condition though the silk ribbon demonstrates considerable age with the expected fraying and accompanying weakness indicative of it’s age. A scarce example that will display well this offering is an exceptionally nice memento of a time when the G. A. R. was one of the most influential groups in the post Civil War era. Additionally this example offers the desirability of carrying with it the knowledge of who it was worn by. The medal will be accompanied by our letter of provenance preserving it’s origin as having come from among mementoes of Sgt. Sandland. We will also send along an attractive little 1907 by-law and roster booklet from Sandland’s home Post 192 in North Attleboro. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!!. If you are new to our catalog and wish additional information or just to learn who we are, please check out our home page. Thanks for visiting our catalog!!
 

Civil War era STOVE POLISH / BOOT BLACKING A bit of stove polish shaved into a mite of animal fat, poured off a hot skillet and mixed into a portion of bees wax resulted in, if not the best, the most available, leather dressing / boot polish in the 19th century New England lumber camp. As such, a good stick of graphite base stove polish that had found its’ way into the Yankee lumberjack turned Union Volunteer’s haversack would have become a winter camp prize. Not only would it keep the camp stove presentable, but it would serve to make enough boot dressing to keep the company’s feet dry through the winter with some left for the spring mud season. We have discovered an original store box of Phenix Mfg. Co., Taunton, Mass. PREMIUM STOVE POLISH first introduced 1845, and are offering the label wrapped sticks individually and unopened as they came out of the box. Priced here by the individual piece as they would have been sold and used in the period, each purchaser will receive a nicely printed copy of the illustration (as shown here) as record of the original box with its’ libel bearing the Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1862etc. dating with the introductory date of 1845. A neat item for the Civil War personal item collector, country store or kitchen item enthusiast! All original literally out of the box . please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!!. If you are new to our catalog and wish additional information or just to learn who we are, please check out our home page. Thanks for visiting our catalog!!



 

late 1700’s early 1800’s SPURS Our illustrations will do best to describe this neat pair of early spurs except to advise the viewer that they are of iron with trace evidence of the original silver plating. A desirable early style with rowels of approximately 1 3/8 inches in diameter, these attractive spurs remain in pleasing all original and un-touched condition with an appealing rich natural patina ea evidence of age and originality.
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.

 

Civil War – Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren - Letter A true rarity in Civil War date, this April 17 1865 letter bears the signature ’J. Dahlgren / Re. Adml. Comdg.’ and was penned aboard the Flag Ship Philadelphia in Charleston Harbor. The letter is directed to Union Naval Lt. Commander, S. P. Quackenbush in command of the U. S. S. Mingoe and reads as follows: ’Sir, In reference to Joseph Spring an applicant for the position of Pilot at Georgetown. ------- Proof is required of his previous service, and it is also necessary to know if he has been in Rebel employ.’ The letter is signed ’Very Respt. Yr. Obt. Svt. / J. Dahlgren / R. Adml. Comdg.’ A rare Civil War document worthy of additional research.
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.

 

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  

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.