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6034
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Civil War import - 1809 U/M Potsdam Musket – period alteration to Musketoon
Solid, in pleasing condition, and most importantly, clearly original to the period including the alteration to musketoon, this European import was originally designated the Mod.1809 U/M Potsdam Musket. This particular example was originally manufactured in Potsdam Prussia in 1831 as indicated by the date on the barrel flat. Originally manufactured as a flintlock with beech wood stock and a 29 7/8 inch .70 caliber smooth bore barrel finished bright. The arm featured brass furniture and measured 56 ½ inches in overall length. Per markings on the barrel underside the gun was converted to the more modern percussion system in 1841. This was done at the Danzig Arsenal. At the outbreak of the Civil War I 1861, Union and Confederate arms buyers scoured European arsenals in an effort to supplement domestic arms supplies. While as the war progressed and better domestic arms replaced the lesser quality outdated early import arms, many saw continued use by Confederate troops. While records indicate that nearly double the number of Prussian smooth bores were contracted for by Confederates, approximately 75,000 are clearly documented as delivered to the South in 1861. The vast majority of the number being the Mod. 1809 Potsdam U/M musket. Additionally the U.S. Ordnance Department purchased approximately 165,000 Prussian arms of which 100,300 were identified as smooth-bores in 1861 through early 1862. The majority of these smooth-bores were the Mod. 1809. (see: European Arms in the Civil War by Marc Schwalm, Klaus Hofmann) This offering is presented in pleasing as found and uncleaned condition with eye appealing deep natural age patina and good evidence of period use and carrying. Of special interest as having seen potential Confederate use, is the period alteration from a 3 band 56 ½ inch long musket to a more wieldy and easily carried 2 band musketoon measuring 45 inches in total length.
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 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.
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6012
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Civil War vintage - Industrial Knitting Machine Broadside
Short lived but a key supplier of machinery to a textile industry booming as a result of the Civil War, the Aiken Knitting Machine Co. was active only from late 1860 through the Civil War years. As demand fell off dramatically at the close of war, the Aiken Knitting Machine Co. found itself on hard times and was closed by 1867. Produced by war time New York steam job printers Baptist & Taylor, this approximately 10 ¼ X 16 1/2 inch broadside is printed on one side only for posting and remains in excellent original condition with some soft folds that will press out nicely and no rips, tears, repairs or stains. Well-illustrated, in addition to the knitting machine the sheet offers views of specialty machines for the manufacture of shirts and drawers as well as machines for the manufacture of socks. All high demand items during the Civil War years. A rarely surviving piece of Civil War ephemera, the only like example we are aware of is housed in the Princeton University, Library Collection. 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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5957
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1836 R. & W. Robinson / Military Button – TRADE TOKEN
With period pocket wear under a rich natural chocolate age patina this attractive 1836 dated R. & W. Robinson trade token was issued with the figure of an American Institute Excellence Medal on its face with the following on the obverse: Awarded to R. & W. ROBINSON For the Best MILITARY, NAVAL, Sporting & Flat Buttons 1836 Catalogued as a Hard Times token in the Smithsonian national collection, the name of the Attleborough, Mass. button manufacturer is synonymous with period military uniform buttons, federal as well as state. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !!
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5982
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Revolutionary War vintage - CASED MECHANICAL FLEAM
Offered here untouched and as found after decades of attic storage, this early mechanical fleam offers good evidence of age and originality yet remains in all original and functioning condition. Unmarked as to maker with the exception of an FD
touch mark on the sliding cover, this bloodletting or bleeding instrument retains its original travel case also offering good evidence of age and untouched originality with period use and carrying yet remaining solid at its leather hinge and retaining its original wire latch. Dating to the American colonial, Revolutionary War era such medical bleeding fleams saw documented use through the American Civil War era. Accordingly this example will set well in any medical grouping from the Revolution through the Civil War. (see: Neumann & Kravic’s ‘Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution & Howard Crouch’s reference book on excavated Civil War Artifacts)
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3912
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Civil War Veteran - CONNECTICUT NUTMEG – REUNION BADGE
Photographed here with a quarter for size comparison is an attractive Civil War veteran reunion badge. The nutmeg suspensions denotes Connecticut as the Nutmeg State. A neat all original item from the heyday of the G. A. R.
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Manufacturer: American antique
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5806
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88th New York IRISH BRIGADE Identification Disk
This attractive jeweler made identification pin was fashioned from a period silver quarter, smoothed on its face and engraved with the Harp and Shamrock design of the hard-fought Irish Brigade. The initials of the original wearer AO appear in old English under the harp. The back of the disk bears the stamped marking 88 NY (Clearly period to the piece but struck after the pin was made, the additional identification was likely the afterthought of the wearer.) Our research uncovered only one A.O. in the 88th N.Y.. Per the Regimental roster found in Vol. III of the 1893 publication of the N.Y. Adjutant’s Report Anthony O’Boye (a.k.a. Anthony O’Bogle) served as a Private in Co. E of the 88th. He was wounded art Totopotomy, Virginia and was listed as absent, wounded, at muster-out of company on June 30, 1865. 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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4206
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Lord collection Maryland Militia SHAKO HAT DEVICE
Illustrated here with a quarter as size comparison, our photos should do best to describe this nice antique militia plate except to advise that this specific piece emanated from the collection of Dr. Francis Lord and is published Vol. II p. 89 of his classic reference Lord’s CIVIL WAR COLLECTORS ENCYCLOPEDIA. We acquired this piece several years ago when we were fortunate enough to purchase several groupings from the personal collection of our longtime friend, Dr. Francis Lord. A pioneer Civil War collector from a day when nearly no one else paid much attention to the details of many now valued Civil War collectable categories, Francis authored the widely known, multi volume, pioneer reference, Lord’s CIVIL WAR COLLECTORS ENCYCLOPEDIA. While a lot of detailed knowledge has been gained as the interest and value of Civil War collectables increased so dramatically over the years, Dr. Lord’s first and second volumes in particular and his Civil War Sutlers & Their Wares continue to offer valuable and reliable reference to Civil War collectors. (Use Lord in our search feature to find other Lord collection items.) Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
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5964
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Rare! handcrafted Whaling Skiff BUILDER’S MODEL
An outstanding nautical relic from the 19th century heyday of New England whaling, this handmade construction model of the classic skiff design longboat will make an eye-catching addition to any quality period oceanic grouping. A rarely seen builder’s pre-construction model measures approximately 28 inches long X 7 inches wide with the telltale bow-beam reinforcement, flat bottom and square stern design of a New England harpooner’s skiff and would have served not only as a working model for the builder but as a sales model. Entirely hand fashioned of thinly block planed, one piece sections, iron pinned, and finished with a thick coat of natural bug-shellac, the piece offers good evidence of its hand construction. Square at the stern with a flat bottom and a beam reinforced bow to withstand strain placed on the skiff style whaling longboat of a successful harpooner and crew as the craft is drawn through a churning sea by an angry wounded whale. Referred to as a Nantucket sleighride by contemporaries, the occasion was the immediate result of a whale’s attempt to flee when struck by the tethered lance of a skilled harpooner. Secured to the now imbedded harpoon the coiled tether line would whir through the air as it left the skiff until it became as taught as a bow string fastening the little vessel and its crew to a very determined whale. The monster could drag the boat at speeds approaching 25 miles per hour with some species known to dive taking the longboat and occupants fathoms beneath the surface. The duration of the Nantucket sleighride depended solely upon when the whale became too exhausted to continue the fight. Once ended the sailors, if alive and able would kill the beast and harvest the oil.
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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5966
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Civil War era ‘Donut’ TRAVELING CANDLESTICKS
Original Civil War vintage lighting commonly referred to as donut candlesticks because of their appearance and size when collapsed and screwed together for travel. This offering is a complete four piece set from spun brass with the two screw together drip pans and two holder pieces. These traveling candleholders are approximately 3 5/16 inches in diameter and remain in excellent condition, unpolished with good evidence of age, originality and careful period use and carrying. A favorite of the space and weight conscious soldier who carried all he had on his back or in his haversack, original examples have become equally prized by lighting, Americana and Civil War collectors wishing to round out a display with that special personal look. Relatively available just a few years ago original. complete examples of these donut candlesticks have become difficult to find on today’s collector market. 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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5921
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Wykoff & Co. UNION BLUING - sealed! BOTTLE
Our illustration will likely offer the best description of this neat little UNION BLUING bottle except to say it retains its stopper and wax seal securing its content, stands approximately 4 ½ inches (illustrated here with a quarter for size comparison) and will make a nice personal display item without spending a lot of money. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !!
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5969
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Civil War era PROTECTIVE GLASSES
An especially nice neat pair of protective goggles of the Civil War era, this original example is fashioned with fine wire mesh side protection and glass lenses. Sometimes referred to as artillerist’s glasses these goggles were frequently used by an eye injured wearer to protect against further damage. An example of such use may be seen in a period portrait of nearly blind Confederate General Adam R. Johnson. (see: Time / Life TOUCHED by FIRE vol. II page 248 ) There is also a period photograph by Gardner of Blackfoot Indian Chief Sitting Crow wearing a pair of these goggles no doubt simply as a fashion statement. (see: D. Mark Katz - Life & Photographs of ALEXANDER GARDNER Retaining their original japanned tin pocket case, this pair remain in pleasing condition with original cord and good evidence of period use and carrying. A nice item for the optical or medical collector as well as the general Civil War era collector. 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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5973
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vintage folk-art carved and painted Sailor Whirligig
Our illustrations will offer the best description of this attractive old tar whirligig except to advise that our sailor stands approximately 9 1/4 inches heel to hat crown and shows good evidence of age and originality. He is hand carved and sports a milk paint finish. His arms with paddles turn easily by hand but are currently too stiff to spin in the wind. (Offered untouched and as found to preserve the integrity of its age and originality we would leave all as is.) 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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6039
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original Civil War vintage - tariff marked BONE DICE
Measuring approximately 5/16 inch square, we have the advantage of being able to unquestionably date the period of these hand cut bone dice by virtue of the remains the faint* CROWN (worn away)& G. R. faint but still remaining on one of the pair. These marks were required by British export law during the American Civil War era to record and enforce payment of export tax on gaming devices sent to the American market. A staple of the Civil War camp, period saloon or gambling parlor, this original pair remain in pleasing condition and yet demonstrate all the characteristics of period hand cut bone gaming pieces. Clearly hand cut with dots that are somewhat irregular and a natural age patina, these dice will be quickly recognized for what they are in your collection display. [ *Please note that these original CROWN & GR tariff marks were small and were impressed into the bone with red pigment rubbed into the light impression. With time and use most if not all of the original red pigment has been worn away in most cases leaving the faintest trace of the original CROWN & GR. Identification of the remaining tariff marking will requiring close examination of the rare old hand cut die.] A scarce find! 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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5979
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antique natural amber stem - carved meerschaum TOBACCO PIPE
This outstanding vintage carved meerschaum tobacco pipe offers that eye appealing rich honey color that comes only with time, handling and lots of pleasant period smoking. It’s intricate detail, quality of carving and immaculate condition, is set off by its natural amber stem and will best be described by our illustrations. In addition to it’s fine condition with no breaks, chips or cracks this beautiful equine motif antique tobacco pipe remains in it’s original hinged, fitted case. Left as found, the case remains in excellent condition and will show as fine with a light application of proper leather dressing (we would leave it as is). 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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5993
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W. & T. Avery / T. Beach - PATENT BALANCE SCALES
Described in period catalogue listings as Portable gold scales, field use beam scales comprising of a central metal support and two metal dishes attached by three metal chain each to a metal beam this beautiful set of c. 1830s gold scales still retains its original suspension cord for hand holding as was used in the field. The iron balance beam is marked AVERY in two places and measures approximately 10 ½ inches in length and remains untouched and as found with a touch of fine surface rust with a rich chocolate patina over all. Suspended from the beam by brass chain are two 5 3/16 inch diameter brass pans. Unpolished with attractive natural age patina, each bears the all-important W. & T. Avery / late T. Beach PATENTED marking. Dating : Founded in 1731 by James Ford the company passed to Thomas Beach and Joseph Balden, husband of Mary Avery. In the early part of the nineteenth century the business was passed to the Avery family who expanded the firm from a small local business to worldwide sale. The firm name became synonymous with quality and their portable patent balance scales were used in gold fields around the world. When Thomas Beach died in the early to mid-1830s the firm used the name W & T Avery / late T. Beach in transition. The partnership on W & T Avery was dissolved in 1865. All original and as found this wonderful set of early field use, portable gold scales should not be confused with the general use and much smaller boxed pocket scales on the period. This set will make a nice addition to any quality period display.
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