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6069
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½ plate post-Civil War era tintype – ARMY SURPLUS / AMBULANCE
Remaining in nice condition save a small scuff in the emulsion (above the tree line on the right) were calling this 1/2 plate tintype post-Civil War simply because the ambulance wagon is unmarked and seems to be in civilian surroundings. Though the scene may be Civil War vintage, it seems more likely that the wagon is a, period common, post war repurposing via army surplus. A second wagon visible behind the first appears to be of the same design though of lighter color. An interesting outdoor view who’s history and circumstance has unfortunately been lost in time. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6068
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Bangor, Maine Contract – Civil War CARTRIDGE BOX with SLING
Offering the desirable Maine maker markings A. W. DECROW – MAKER – BANGOR ME., this .58 caliber Civil War cartridge box is complete with sling strap, lead filled brass US box plate and eagle breast plate, original tin inserts, original roller buckles firmly in place and with complete leather closure tab. The leather shows age checking as you can see and there are two reinforcements on the back of the sling strap. The leather remains pliable and solid with no stitching issues. Thinning out some of the treasures from our fifty plus years of accumulation, this cartridge box will be of particular interest to 2nd Maine and 20th Maine enthusiasts for the strong Bangor, Maine regimental makeup. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
If you have an interest in neat Maine related Civil War period things you may enjoy our museum site at:
MaineLegacy.com
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5965
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original! Redding & Co. Boston – RUSSIAN SALVE TIN
Well documented by Civil War site digger historians and period print advertisement, it seems that these little die stamped tin containers saw common use once the original content was used up. Seldom seen in any kind of condition save partial excavated examples, these little boxes made handy containers for stamps, thread, salt or anything that would fit. Listed in Civil War vintage Boston directories, Redding & Co. marketed their RUSSIAN SALVE (composed of bee wax, perfumed oil and glycerin) as a pain extractor that reduces the most angry-looking swellings and inflammations, heals sores, wounds, burns, scalds, etc. as if by magic. [ 1864 Harpers Weekly ] This original example with its military motif REDDING & Co. lid remains in excellent condition and will make a nice addition to any Civil War personal or medical cure groping. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !!
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5926
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mid 1800s -Joseph Lingard, Sheffield – TAILOR / SEAMSTRESS TOOL
A product of Sheffield cutler Joseph Lingard whose name is seen on all manner of quality mid 19th century cutlery from the finest American market bowie knives to medical and special purpose tools from sheers, tweezers and a number of specialized combination tools such as this knife, thread cuter, seam pick, and textile tweezer, tailor / seamstress tool. An especially nice companion piece in any period sewing basket or Civil War vintage textile / tailor grouping. A specialized piece seldom seen. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !!
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6035
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original! Civil War McDowell Pattern Forage Cap – RAIN COVER
This attractive Civil War private contract rain cover was fashioned from coarsely woven cotton textile, tarred and designed for use with the classically high Civil War issue bummeroilcloth. A pleasing example to look at as in offers good evidence of age, period use and originality yet remains in exceptional condition, solid seams with no rips or tears save an small period stitched repair to one of the side button holes. (see illustrations) This impressive original rain cover remains supple as original yet maintains its shape and character when set out for display. Would go nicely over an original bummer or simply displayed adjacent to a forage cap. It is not an overstatement to say this is the most pleasing original Civil War rain cover we have seen in our nearly 55 years of visiting museums, viewing some of the finest private Civil War collections and seeking out such treasures in the wild. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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5996
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Scarce period Southern Red Pine - SKITTLES GAME
Originating in Europe well before the 1700s the game of skittles was a mainstay of English pubs well before immigrating to America where the ten-pin version is now considered a forerunner to modern bowling. Popular here both as a parlor game where the pins were set-up in diamond fashion on the wood of carpeted floor, the game of skittles was also played out of doors and was popularly played by children as well as adults. Emanating from a history as an English pub or drinking game, by the time of the American Civil War the game was popularly played by common folk and high society alike, indoors and out by children and adults. ( An example of such a ten pin and ball skittles game had been on display as part of the period memorabilia of the Jefferson Davis, White House of the Confederacy, home section of the old Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond.) Complete with 10 turned Southern red pine pins and ball, the pins show desirable tail-piece marks of a hand lathe. Equally appropriate to home or winter camp and with good evidence of age and period use yet remaining pleasing to the eye, this scarce antique skittles game set will go well in any quality period grouping. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6071
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folk-art carved BAR SET
Found in among our accumulated cultch this neat old bar set is clearly out of our usual time period but full of character such that we couldn’t resist it. All in nice condition yet with good age, while the figures depict an earlier time, we’d guess this hand carved from native white pine bar set dates to the 1920s or 30s. The tallest figure stands approximately 7 ¼ inches. Aside from the above, our photo illustrations will speak best for this wonderful folk art carved and painted bar set. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6036
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original! Civil War period used – Nickeled Bugle
Our illustrations will offer the best description of this impressive Civil War bugle except to advise that it measures 14 1/8 inches from the rim of its 4 3/8 inch diameter floating bell to the rim of its classically shaped period mouthpiece. (see: Civil War era MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS by Elrod & Garofalo ) Presented as found, uncleaned and unpolished to preserve its integrity, this attractive all original and period bugle shows lots of desirable evidence of period use and carrying while remaining in pleasing unrestored and unworked on condition. Unsigned as to maker, the original, as manufactured, heavy nickel plating remains in pleasing condition with lots of evidence of age with no flaking or marks through the nickel. Save the slightest wear through the edge of the bell in one location where a well patinaed brass base metal (visible only upon very close inspection) this beautiful old bugle would appear to be entirely of nickel. An outstanding find in a market awash with later examples pretending to be Civil War, this old bugle will please the most discriminating 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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5915
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Civil War era Pat. June 4, 1861 – INKWELL
A scarce first patent example of the much more frequently encountered later Pat. 1861 / 1864 variation with pen holder, this earlier Patent June 4, 1861 inkwell remains in excellent all original and as found condition after decades of attic storage. The spun brass base measures approximately 5 inches in diameter with a glass ink reservoir set in with a patent dated hinged pewter top. With pleasing evidence of period use and an attractive age patina that comes to brass only with time this piece even retains its original plaster base filling. A nice piece for display or use this piece will go especially well as a period writing instrument companion. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6042
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Pat. 1851 GREASE LAMP by S. N. & H. C. Ufford - Boston
Popularly used into the early post-Civil War years, primarily due to inexpensive and readily available fuel in the form of animal fat, lard and even strained cooking grease, the Ufford GREASE lamp clearly saw considerable use in many a country farmhouse and undoubtably offered up lighting on more than a single Civil War winter camp table. It would be there that the obtainable fuel would be especially appreciated. Fashioned from tinned sheet iron with a 6 3/4 inch diameter base the lamp stands approximately 7 inches with an applied brass label; S. N. & H. C. UFFORD. / 113 COURT ST. / BOSTON / KINNEARS PATENT / FEB. 4. 1851 this example offers good evidence of age with plenty of period use yet remains solid and in pleasing condition. As is our usual practice we have left this neat old lamp as found, leaving the decision to carefully clean it up to the new owner. (We’d leave it pure, just as put away.) . 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! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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5909
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mid 19th century E. S. CURTIS - MASTER INK
This neat looking Civil War vintage stoneware master ink is approximately 2.25 inches in diameter and stands about 5.5 inches high. It remains in excellent condition with no cracks or damage and retains all of its’ original glaze. This master ink is nicely maker marked GEORGE SKEY – WILNECOTE – TAMWORTH. George Skey established his stoneware works in Tamworth in 1860 and quickly became a world leader in the manufacture of all manner of stoneware containers. His stoneware beer bottles will offer Civil War collectors the most prevalent example of his product. Of special interest is the period label SUPERIOR BLACK INK PREPARED BY E. S. CURTIS, BOSTON. The Society of Inkwell Collectors advises that E. S. Curtis appears in historical directories for the years 1847-1848 and made powdered ink only. Its customers were given instructions for mixing and filling stoneware and glass containers. E. S. Curtis also supplied labels to be applied to their customers' bottles. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6057
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44th Mass. Inf. - Captured Confederate Blockade Runner - Enfield FORAGER
A desirable find for the Confederate collector or collector / historian who especially appreciates the interestingly historical side of Civil War collectables, this all original to the period offering was a purchase of arms buyer Caleb Huse who, at the outbreak of the Civil War, traveled through Portland, Maine to Europe with orders from the Confederate States Government to buy all the long arms and accoutrements he could arrange. This nice old B 44th Mass. marked Potts & Hunt forager began its evolution into the American Civil War as part of a shipment intended for Confederate issue but when the steamer was captured passing through the tentacles of the Union Anaconda Plan, the British made Pattern of 1853 Rifled Musket was taken as spoils of war and brought as part of the captured blockade runner cargo before prize court for adjudication. In accordance with prevailing wartime Prize Law for ship captures at sea, if the court ruled in the Navy’s favor, the ship and cargo would be sold at auction, with half of the proceeds going to a fund for disabled sailors and the other half awarded to the officers and crew of the vessel that captured the blockade runner.
While it would require research, if one wished it is quite likely that prize court records exist that would establish the precise identity of the Confederate blockade runner that our Potts & Hunt Enfield was taken from on its way to prize court and purchase for issue to the 44th M V M. ( There are several references in the Civil War years New York Times to presiding Judge Sprague and activities before the Boston District U. S. Prize Court. ) Thanks in part to 44th Mass. Vols. regimental historian Cpl. James B. Gardner’s firsthand account ( RECORD OF THE FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA IN NORTH CAROLINA published in 1887), we know on page 44 that The regiment is armed with Enfield rifles captured from an English steamer and their belts, bayonet sheaths, and cap pouches were similarly obtained. A further, firsthand account is recorded in 44th M V M veteran John J. Wyeth’s Leaves from a Diary Written while Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass., Dep't of No. Carolina (Boston: L. F. Lawrence & Co., 1878) when on September 14, 1862 while still in camp at Readville, Mass. he writes; Our guns are on the field somewhere, they are Enfields. Further that: It is reported that our arms are a lot captured from a blockade runner and intended for the rebels. On September 24 Wyeth writes, Our rifles have been delivered.
Lost in time whether, as we suspect, this forager began its association with the 44th M V M as an extra of the Regiments Enfields that was altered for foraging in the field, or was altered by its owner after mustering out. Alteration work to 47 inches in overall length with a 31 inch barrel altered to 69 cal. smooth bore, is clearly period and of pleasing quality with a well contoured fore end utilizing the original brass nose cap with bead front site and notch cut barrel band rear site. Utilizing the original Enfield ramrod rather than a lighter civilian style wooden ramrod, seems to lend credence to the likely hood that the alteration dates to military camp use. Of interest with respect to the 44th Mass. forager is an account on page 123 of the earlier mentioned Regimental History by Cpl. James B. Gardner that points to a particular reliability the regiment placed on foraging while in North Carolina. On the occasion of approaching a number of pigs, lean and active as hounds writes the 44th Veteran, many were sacrificed to appease our hunger. He advises further that had it not been for their foraging success we could hardly have gone so far into the enemy’s country. He states that no meat was given out after our start, that their five days rations were consumed in three days. Indeed at one point in the march some received only a single piece of hardtack in a forty-eight hour period making the fruits of foraging a primary source of food.
In deference to the intricacies of Confederate markings in this collecting field, we will rely here on our photo illustrations to describe markings that will be evident to the knowledgeable Confederate Tower collector. We will point out the classic armorer chisel match markings frequently referred to as roman numerals on Confederate arms and the bold P&H marking of known Confederate supplier Potts & Hunt. (For reference to these and other Confederate Enfield characteristics we highly recommend the groundbreaking The English Connection by Russ Pritchard Sr. and C. A. Huey.) Just visible in the wood adjacent to the butt plate tang is the small circle viewer marking as is referenced on page 115 of the above with a photo illustration and, ’This mark appears on the comb of the stock of a Pattern of 1853 by Potts & Hunt of London’. Not a critical piece of information in light of the obvious Confederate lineage demonstrated by this piece, it should be pointed out that the lock plate and hammer offer two incised lines around the periphery. Rarely observed on Potts & Hunt London marked actions, this feature seems indicative of early Civil War Confederate purchases Potts & Hunt arms. Upon close inspection we find a lightly period inscribed Masonic Device on each side of the butt stock. Saving the worst for last, the forward ramrod guide has some period solder reinforcement where it is fastened to the barrel. While clearly period the reinforcement is of lesser quality in workmanship thus worthy of mentioning. (Could easily be remedied but we’d leave the field repair as part of the gun’s history.)
As for the 44th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia it can be said the unit was raised to fill the Massachusetts quota under Lincoln’s 1862 call for nine month troops. Its nucleus was the 4th Battalion of Infantry, M. V. M. Organized at Readville, Mass. and mustered in September 12, 1862 the 44th moved North Carolina in late October. Here the Regiment in Action at Rawl's Mills, the Demonstration on Newbern and Foster's Expedition to Goldsboro whereupon, of particular interest with respect to our Potts & Hunt forager, Co. B of the 44th Mass. was detached for outpost duty at Batchelor's Creek until May when the Company rejoined the Regiment in Newburn eventually to participate in the Expedition toward Kingston then to Dover Road and finally return to Boston where it was mustered out on June 18, 1863. Regiment lost during service 12 men killed and mortally wounded with an additional 29 by disease.
An outstanding offering, pure period original with an appealing natural smooth chocolate brown patina on iron components and an attractive age sheen on brass and wood. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
A note about firearms: WE EMPHASIZE HERE THAT THIS PIECE IS CONSIDERED AN ANTIQUE / COLLECTABLE. IT IS OFFERED AS A HISTORICAL COLLECTABLE ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FIREABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. PURCHASE OF THIS ITEM WILL CONSTITUTE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF AND AGREEMENT WITH THE ABOVE.
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6040
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Inscribed cane of Col. Joseph A. Gerk – St. LOUIS, MISSOURI POLICE CHIEF 1925 /1934
Fashioned from a stout tree branch, steamed and bent to form a classic cane grip, the significances of the natural shaft has unfortunately been lost in time baring some additional research. Fortunate for the collector / historian though is a silver band classically engraved Col. Jos. A. Gerk St. Louis. Born in 1876 of German immigrants, the native Missourian recorded No in response to the 1930 US Census inquiry, Attended School? yet he owned a Radio Set and could record his occupation as Chief of Police St Louis, Missouri. Our research found that Gerk worked his way up through the ranks to serve as Chief of Police from April 9, 1925 to October 1, 1934. An outstanding piece of Americana from The Gateway To The West in a time when the Chief of Police would have had some stories to tell. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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6013
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19th century Charles E. Hires Co. - ROOT BEER EXTRACT - Bottle
A neat little piece of Americana this early extract bottle stands about 4 ¼ inches and remains in excellent condition with nice color and no chips, cracks or staining. Offering all the characteristics of 1800s manufacture, this attractive little bottle is boldly marked HIRES HOUSEHOLD EXTRACT / FOR BREWING ROOT BEER AT HOME / Manufactured By The Charles E. Hires Co. / Philadelphia, Pa. U. S. A. Marketed as an extract of sixteen wild roots and berries, Hires presented his concoction at the 1876 Centennial Exposition with the claim that it would purify the blood and make rosy cheeks. While his decision to call his product beer resulted in some public opinion issues and drew the wrath of the Women’s Christian Temperance League, Hires Root Beer became a must have of soda fountains and ice cream parlors across America. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !!
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6015
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Winchester Repeating Arm Co. – 5,000 - .32 Short Rim Fire – Ammunition Box
Another find from a corner cleanout, we have owned this wonderful old dovetailed Winchester Repeating Arms Co. ammo box for years using it at antique shows to hold for sale paper ephemera. (It served as a TV stand on a bedroom dresser for the last 15 years or so.) Any way this attractive old ammo box is constructed of 9/19 inch thick pine, dovetailed at the corners and measuring 11 ¾ x 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 inches high. The eye appealing old ammunition box shows good natural age color with good evidence of originality and use while remining in eye pleasing, solid condition. Marked on both sides; Small Arms Ammunition / Metallic Cartridges / Winchester Repeating Arms Co. / New Haven, Conn. U. S. A. and on both ends; Winchester / 5,000 / .32 Short Rim. / Blank all in that period impressed print that is pressed into the wood. A classic round first introduced in 1861 for use in the popular new Smith & Wesson Number 2 revolver that was so widely used as a private purchase side arm in the Civil War, the .32 Short, Rim Fire remained popular as a revolver and light rifle cartridge for years. Usually repurposed till they fell apart and ended up as kindling, the survival of these heavy old ammunition boxes was quite limited making them a popular but difficult to obtain favorite among antique and obsolete ammunition collectors. An attractive display item. 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. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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