EVERY ITEM COMES WITH A 3 DAY INSPECTION PERIOD.
SHOW AND TELL - NOT FOR SALE!
Here's something that I just got from a friend. He found this when cleaning out an old house years ago. This is actually an invitation to the 3rd Annual 72nd Indiana Wilder's Brigade Re-Union in Lafayette, Indiana on Sept. 21, 22 & 23rd 1881 but folded out and laying flat it looks like a nice broadside! Unfolded it's just about 8 X 10 inches in size and has been printed in 3 colors. I can't tell you how rare it is to have this piece as most did not survive! There are some spots and one little corner is lacking but overall very good and colorful!! Check out the pics! Outstanding !!!
Here's definitely something you don't see every day! This is a stamped metal Old West Chuckwagon Pantry! This one is marked on the bottom 'CINCINATTI STAMPING' as well as some other things. Take a look at the photos. There is a floor bin with sifter, a coffee grinder with the handle on the side, top lifts up to load various ingredients, doors open, front tilts down and tilts back up to lock to keep the ramrodders from raiding it. There are horizontal stored tins with little porcelin tops on them that unscrew to show sprinkle holes ( a couple of the tin containers are missing). The piece is 38 inches tall and 31 1/2 inches wide. It's base is 12 3/4 tall to the step back. The piece is also 18 inches deep. The tin pantry was slipped into the back of the chuckwagon, generally taking up all the room from side to side. There is was easy accessed by the cook who was very possessive of his supplies. This is a great piece and one that most will not have in their collections! This fine piece with original finish can be yours for $1200.00 This must be picked up in person due to the size and the weight unless you want to pay considerably for shipping. OUTSTANDING !!!
Here's a Civil War Era Bass Drum that I just picked up from a gentleman from Indianapolis. This is a 14 3/4 inch by 24 inch drum that seems to have a walnut shell and perhaps the rims are maple. This is a rope drum and does not have the metal hooks that sometimes go over the rims. The rope tension snare drums were made of the skin of an animal's head stretched over the open end of a cylinder-shaped wooden shell. The edge of the skin was soaked and then lapped (tucked) around circular flesh hoops. The flesh hoops were held in place by wooden counter hoops, and the tension of the wooden counter-hoops controlled the tension on the heads. They used leather braces, known as "ears," to adjust the tension. The shell of the rope tension drum was made of several different types of plywood. Ash, rosewood, white holly, and maple are a few examples of the different types. This example has the tension rope broken in one spot leaving a hole with no rope in it. Also, the leather ears are kind of hard with 3 of them broken. Also, there is no makers lable on the inside. The heads are in good condition showing water spots but no tears or breaks. There is a hook in the shell for attaching the drum strap. These drums were popular with the military as well as the various militia groups and bands of the era. There is no writing or other indication of who used this nice rope tension drum. A nice Display Piece !!! $450.00
I just took in trade this Battle-Ax Flag Pole finial that most likely dates to the Civil War. The US Navy used this type. The battle-ax ornament is used only atop the national color used for ceremonial purposes or displayed ashore on the Navy Flag and the naval infantry battalion flag. I've looked at pics of these finials and the spike on the back has a blunted point while this one has a rather sharp point. Machine threads were introduced in 1840 and the threads in the base of this one are machine threads. The Finial measures about 10 inches tall by 4 1/2 inches wide and weighs about 1 pound. Todd's Military Equipage 1852-1872 shows a variety of other designs used for Flag Pole finials besides balls which includes miniature halbred heads, several eagle designs, leaf-blade spear tips, pike/lance-type spear heads, etc. Nice piece with a mellow gold color. $375.00
Here's a Civil War Era shovel in pretty darn good shape for it's age. This one is built differently than shovels today with the metal shovel part being much thicker than the modern shovels. This one is over 38 inches long and the only markings on it is an unknown to myself logo with a number 3 below it as well as FALLS CITY and STEEL under that. The bit/blade is 12 inches tall by almost 9 1/2 inches wide and has seen much use. The handle is one piece with a long rivit ran through the grip so it would not break as well as below the grip. Be sure to check out the pic of the published civil war shovels below the pics of this one. Rare to find! $75.00
Here's a small dug pick head. I have included a pic from Lord's Civil War Encyclopedia that shows a very similar one. Some pick heads like this one were dug at the Crater. This one is a little over 13 inches long and missing the handle. Good dug condition! $45.00
Here's an unusual thing to offer on this kind of site but here goes. This is an Edison cylinder was record in original box. The top of the box is marked 10th Regiment March. I don't have a Edison record player so I was able to download this tune on the computer and listen to it. It was quite good! I don't know if this is the right record or not but it is an original Edison record. The box is in quite good condition and so is the record. Look at the pic! $25.00
Here's a US Marked Indian War M-1874 Tin Drinking Cup . This cup has been around as evidenced by the dents in it. The cup has a small hole punched into it that would have been dangled from a hook on the soldiers belt of knapsack. This hole was a soldier modification and not as issued. The handle has a nice deep US embossed in it. The cup measures 4 inches in diameter and is a little over 4 inches tall. There is some pitting to the bottom but not bad and definitely says 'I've been there'! $95.00
Here's an unusual item. This item could have been used for retreiving drop forged cannonballs from the heat or for loading hot shot into the cannon. Sometimes red hot cannonballs were loaded into the cannon to fire into wooden forts or other wooden obstackles to embed and start a fire to open it up or breech the wall or door. This is a pair of tongs the correct attachments to lift 2 1/2 inch cannon balls or grape shot for either purpose previously mentioned. These tongs are entirely hand forged and quite crude and unusual! They measure 21 1/2 inches long and completely close around the 2 1/2 inch ball so you can move them with one hand. Complete with the cannonball for $125.00
Here's several pieces of old eating ware that I picked up from a friend of mine which includes 3 tine and 4 time forks as well as knives. Most of the knives are wooden handled with pewter inlays but a couple of them have gutta percha handles. There is even one large cast iron spoon that is with the group. I don't know anything about this large old spoon but each piece we have is $5.
SOLD!
Here's a well worn fractional currency 10 cent paper bill that measures about 3 inches by 1 3/4 inches. Like I mentioned well worn but here. This is a Liberty Fractional Currency
1869-1875 10 Cent 4th Issue.
Fractional Currency was issued by the United States from 1862 to 1875. During the Civil War, the hoarding of coins required the U.S. Government to issue the making of this interesting short-lived series of notes. Notes were issued in denominations of 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 cents. There were 28 different, major types of these unusual notes issued. They remain legal tender to this day.
The front of this 10 cent, 4th issue note features a portrait of Lady Liberty. The reverse features a number ten with beautiful, intricate detailing that indicates the value of the note. Well Worn. See pics.
Yours for $10.00
Here's another item that I traded for. This one is a 6th plate tin of what appears to be a soldier or perhaps hunter standing at attention holding a double barrel shotgun. He also has a bag on his side. This one just smacks Dixie but who knows. Some emulsion loss to one side not affecting the image. This comes in a fair half case. No ID. Take a look at the pic and decide for yourself. $125.00
Here's an old large booklet measuring about 8 1/2 X 11 inches entitled THE STORY OF GETTYSBURG IN PICTURES and put out by Blochers of Gettysburg. If you bought it there it would cost you 50 cents but if they mailed it to you it would cost 60 cents! You couldn't send this for 10 cents extra now! I believe this booklet dates to the 1920's due to one photo that has like model T Fords in it. There are many full page photographs in here. The last couple of pages has some damage to them but not bad at all. Nice colorful end pages!! $25.00
Here's a saddlers knife that is used to cut the leather used in saddlery. This knife has a blade that is over 5 inches wide. The entire tool is over 6 1/2 inches long. This one shows lots of use and age! $35.00
Here we have a wonderful late 19th century through turn of the century Grand Army of the Republic hat in the derby style so popular with the aging Civil War veterans of the time. Fitted with the gilded brass wreath of the GAR. The hat is worn considerably and the wreath with the GAR is tarnished. It's the pin back variety. The silk bonding around the hat brim is worn quite a bit. The inside is better with the wide hat band. The only marking inside is the original stamp of The United Hatters of North America trademark. Bat Masterson wore a tall derby similiar to this one. No hat size listed in the hat but believe 7 1/4 or so. Unfortunately, no history accompanies this hat. Nice old hat! $225.00
This is a large original print of the Andersonville Prison Stockade in Georgia. This print measures about 20 X 26 inches and has been laminated to protect it. It is entitled LET US FORGIVE BUT NOT FORGET and lists figures for the Prison Stockade and Hospitle. Several figures have numbers next to them and those key figures are talked about in the text. Chilling to read some of the text! An original that had not been laminated to protect it was in a recent auction being valued at $1,000 to $1,500 but since this one is laminated I would like to get $250 out of it. It could use framed to flatten it out. Nice clear print!
Celebrate and honor the 150th anniversary of the Civil War by purchasing a brand new in the shrink wrap DVD of Gettysburg! Gettysburg (1993)
254 min - Drama | History | War
In 1863, the Northern and Southern forces fight at Gettysburg in the decisive battle of the American Civil War. This was the best movie made about the Civil War since Gone With the Wind in 1939. The original was released in VHS so now is your chance to get a brand new copy in DVD. Special Features include
Behind-the-Scenes Documentary The Making of Gettysburg narrated by Martin Sheen
Vintage Oscar Nominated Documentary The Battle of Gettysburg narrted by Leslie Nielsen
Cast/ Crew Interview Gallery
Battlefield Maps Outstanding! I have a very limited supply of these fine DVD's.
$9.95
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell
Writers: Michael Shaara (novel), Ronald F. Maxwell (screenplay)
Stars:Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen and Stephen Lang
Here is a commercially made tin silver plated fife with pewter cheater! This is kind of a rarity. This is a 6 holed fife but acts more like a whistle as there is no plug in the tube. It has a very good sound quality and you could play it today! There are numbers stamped on the body indicating a mold or part number. There is no county of origin on this piece indicating Civil War or post civil war up until 1892 or so. The metal tube is the thin kind of metal. The cheater or mouthpiece is in excellent condition. The silver plating is thin is a couple of spots but mostly still there. This is a nice piece and unusual! $95.00
Here is 1/2 of an 8 inch shell being the wood fuse plug type. There are numberous cracks in the piece and a piece of steel imbedded on the outside where the shell struck something. This shell is reported to have been found in Southern Indiana next to the Ohio River. This is a gun-boat shell from a smoothbore cannon. Nice and unusual! This shell has not been cleaned or coated and has very jagged edges. Nice display piece!!! $325.00
Here's a dandy little manual that I have entitled 'MANUAL OF GUARD DUTY, UNITED STATES ARMY.--- APPROVED JUNE 14, 1902.--- NEW YORK. ARMY AND NAVY JOURNAL. 1903. Inside it's id'd in pencil to Roy E. Butz. fair to good Army and Navy Journal New York 1903 pocket-size, 97 pages, wraps, index, covers somewhat soiled and stained, some wear to spine edges Scarce manual, immediately post-Spanish-American War. Pocket-size manual measures approximately 3-3/4" x 5". RARE !! $75.00 Look at the pics.
Here's a nice pre-war Civil War document that we recently picked up. This one is from the 'Office of Army Clothing & Equipage, Philadelphia, October 27th, 1858'. Pre-war documents are hard to come by. This one in essence says 'Sir, You will have turned over to the 2 -- Department at this place with the least possible delay invoiced to the comms. officer comp(any) 'K' 2 Regt. Artillery at Fort Hamilton U.S.? for use of that Company. V one company order book V one " company mon. report Do. I am, very respectfully your obt servt. Chs, Thomas. AQMGenl.? Capt. Geo Gibson Jr.-.-.U.S.Army, Schuylkill, Arsenal.' This is a folded document and there are some things written on the back as well. Some items are hard to read but think of the fun you'll have trying to decypher what it says!!! Here is what I believe to be the bio of Assist Quarter Master General Charles Thomas:
Charles Thomas
Residence was not listed; a 59 year-old US Army Officer.
Enlisted on 8/1/1856 as a Colonel.
On 8/1/1856 he was commissioned into US Army Quartermaster's Dept
He was Retired on 7/29/1866
(Prior service in US Army since 08/13/1819)
Promotions:
* Colonel 8/1/1856 (Colonel & Asst Quartermaster General)
* Brig-General 7/5/1864 by Brevet
* Major-Gen 3/13/1865 by Brevet
Other Information:
born 4/13/1797 in Philadelphia, PA
died 2/1/1878 in Washington, DC
Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- Dyer: A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Heitman: Register of United States Army 1789-1903
- Brevet Brigadier Generals in Blue
- Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Commandery of MOLLUS
(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com
Here is some information that I discovered on Capt George Gibson Jr. that came from an old biographical scetch done sometime around 1886 .
374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE GIBSON, third son of Chief Justice Gibson, of Pennsylvania,
and grandson of Col. George Gibson, of Revolutionary fame, who was
killed at St. Clair's defeat, was born at Carlisle, Penn., April 4,
1826, and received his education at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn.
April, 1853, saw him appointed a military storekeeper in the
Quartermaster Department of the Army, which position he retained until
May, 1867, rendering service in the Quartermaster General's office at
Washington, also at Albuquerque, New Mexico, Schuylkill Arsenal,
Philadelphia, when he was appointed a captain in the Eleventh Regular
Infantry, and assigned temporarily to duty in Washington as approving
officer of requisitions made upon the clothing, camp and garrison
equipage by the troops congregated about that city. June, 1863, saw
him serving with his regiment in the field (Army of the Potomac), being
shortly afterward assigned to duty with Gen. Sykes as commissary
of musters and inspector-general of the Fifth Corps. He also served as
acting assistant inspector-general of the provisional brigade at Gen.
Meade's headquarters, rejoining his regiment at Richmond at the
conclusion of the war, upon its being assigned to the duty of
garrisoning that city. Here he was placed in charge of all matters
pertaining to the colored people of that city and the adjoining county
of Henrico, and shortly afterward was made acting assistant inspector-
general of the Department of Virginia, under Gen. Terry, and of the
First Military District of Richmond, Va., under Gen. Schofield. While
serving in the later capacity he was temporarily placed in command of
the sub-district of Ft. Monroe, comprising that post, as well as
Norfolk, Camp Hamilton and Yorktown. January, 1868, he was promoted
major of the First Infantry, and placed on duty, by orders of the
Secretary of War, in the War Department, as recorder of a board of
claims. June, 1869, saw him assigned to the Fifth Infantry and command
of Ft. Hays, Kas., being shortly afterward placed on duty at Ft.
Leavenworth, under Gen. Pope, as acting assistant inspector-general,
Department of the Missouri. From this place he was transferred, by
orders of the War Department, to Memphis, Tenn., as a disbursing
officer, under direction of the adjutant-general of the army, where he
continued until July, 1876, when he was placed in command of the
cantonment on Tongue River, M. T. (afterward known as Ft. Keogh), where
he remained up until the time of his promotion as lieutenant-colonel of
the Third Infantry (March 20, 1879), when he was assigned to the
command of Ft. Missoula, M. T. Here he remained until his final
promotion to the colonelcy of his old regiment, of the Fifth Infantry,
at Ft. Keogh, August 1, 1886, at which place he is now serving
The paper of these old documents is excellent quality as no acid is used in their manufacturer. Ther are no tears in the folds. The quality is great even if the content is not. Charles Thomas did go on to become a Major General by Brevet and George Gibson Jr. did go on to become a full Colonel and both their signatures are on this document. That's a plus! For the pre-war document with the two signatures $55.00
SOLD!
Here's an excellent example of a Civil War Patriotic Token that I've had locked up for years. This is the penny sized token that has ARMY & NAVY over an anchor with laurel leaves along each side on one side and THE FEDERAL UNION - IT MUST AND SHALL BE PERSERVED on the other side with 13 stars under that representing the original 13 states. This token is in very good + condition.
"Early in 1862 all metallic currency was gradually withdrawn from circulation. Citizens, anticipating the possible increase in value of all metals, commenced hoarding gold, silver and even copper to such an extent that in a short time there were no metallic coins of any denomination in circulation. Tradesman were thus forced to issue a medium that would supply the place of small coins, and the first of these issued on account of the lack of the proper Government currency made their first appearance in Cincinnati in the Fall of 1862. In the Spring of 1863, New York followed this example. The first to be made in New York was the Lindenmueller currency, of which a million pieces were struck. William H. Bridgens, the die-cutter, then issued the Knickerbocker currency, which consisted of numerous varieties, and were struck in large quantities."
"The issue of similar pieces became general throughout the Eastern and Middle Western States, until it was estimated that not less than 25,000,000 of these private tokens were in general circulation, which must have included between 7,000 and 8,000 varieties."
"These little coins filled the wants of the trades-people, and were accepted as a means of exchange for the value, which was usually one cent. They undoubtedly were a source of great relief and convenience; but their irresponsible character soon attracted the attention of the Federal Authorities. It is said that the Third Avenue Railroad of New York requested Lindenmueller to redeem a large number of his tokens, which they accepted in the course of business, but he laughingly refused to do. The railroad had no redress, and it is not improbable that incidents of this character forced the Government to put a stop to their issue. This was done by the passage of an act of Congress in 1864, forbidding private individuals from issuing any form of money."
Get this fine little example for $35.00
Here is a Civil War mourning tintype in 1/9th plate. The case is the thermoplastic case with the patent markings of the Union Cases present. The photo is of an antebellum lady with her earrings, necklace and ring gold enhanced. She is wearing a black mourning dress. Inside her case is a black jet piece of jewelry mounted on the velvet liner with lace. Perhaps, since she is alone, she has lost her husband in battle. Many thousands of widows were made during the Civil War. Outstanding quality! $95.00
I just picked up several Civil War era fifes so here they are:
1. the first one is a very nice single keyed fife with an original pewter 'cheater' at the blowhole. This piece has no cracks present being a 2 piece model with no makers marks noticeable. It needs a new pad in the single key. Still makes some sweet music! 11 1/2 inches long. $295.00
2. This is an original Fife with a light finish. I believe the piece to be walnut. This fife measures about 17 inches long with nice silver end caps that measure about 2 inches long themselves. This piece has a logo on it with GEO CLOOS above and CROSBY below. There are no cracks in this piece. $195.00
3. This fife is just about like the one above but is darker in color and the logo on it simply has CROSBY about it. This one is also 17 inches long with 2" silver ends and no cracks. Nice! $195.00
4. This one here I call the 'bright Crosby' as it has a more gloss finish than the others but is still original with an original finish. This one is just like no. 2 with the same logo and markings but has a darker finish. This is another outstanding piece! No cracks. $195.00
5. This last wooden fife is real nice being smaller at 14 1/2 inches long with 7/8 inch brass end caps. There are no markings on this piece but the finish is very nice. The piece is slightly warped but there are no cracks and it should play very nicely! $95.00
6. This last fife is an all metal fife that was used before the Civil War and after as well. This one was most likely used after the war into the 1870's 1880's and 1890's as it is nickel plated. There is no country of origin on it so I believe it was made before 1890. This piece is 15 1/4 inches long and the plating has been worn through to the brass at the finger holes and where the thumb would have rested. There has been a modern 'cheater' added to the piece as some point. Still a nice piece! $95.00
SOLD!
Here's a couple of pairs of Artillery/Casement goggles that you can see from time to time on the market. There is a photo showing a Confederate General wearing a pair in TOUCHED BY FIRE vol. 2 page 248. The caption reads 'Generals on the other side felt the same sting of lead. Brig. Gen. Adam R. Johnson was shot accidentally by his own men in a mishap tha talmost completely destroyed his eyes, leaving him virtually blind.' General Johnson wore goggles to protect what eyesight he had left. . I've been told that even some infantry work them to keep exploding caps from entering their eyes on the battlefield. I have 2 pair here in the original metal cases. One is in a silver plated tin I believe while the other is in a japaned tin oval container. The bid difference in these 2 sets is that the one in the silver case has green lenses while the set in the japaned case has clear lenses. Both have the wire mesh sides to keep debris out of the eyes. Nice pieces! The strings that hold them on the head may have been replaced at some point. Collectible and belongs in every artillery display!!! $85.00 / choice.
Here's another piece I couldn't resist. I have a history with the Medical field having worked on an ambulance as a career for 10 years. I retired from the EMS Ambulance service in 1990 but I'm still involved through the Fire Service and have a great interest in all things medical, especially old and antique things. Anyway, this is an original 11 X 14 orange medicalsign that was used for quarantine of SCARLET FEVER. It's in good condition but does exhibit some rain drops here and there. As you can see this sign is from Fillmore County Board of Health from Minnesota.
Minnesota was organized as a territory in 1849 and by 1852, the population was estimated at 20,000. Fillmore County, named for President Millard Fillmore,was created by an act of Territorial Legislature on March 5, 1853 when it was subdivided off what had been Wabasha County. At that time, Fillmore County included all of present-day Fillmore and Houston counties, most of Winona and some of Olmsted. Later legislation creating Houston, Winona and finally Olmsted counties reduced Fillmore to its present size of 24 townships. The county seat, designated originally at Chatfield, was later moved to Carimona, with the final move to Preston in April of 1856. The townships were organized in 1858 when Minnesota became a state.
Anyway, I believe this sign to be from the 1930's or 1940's and would look great on a physicans wall for display or any medical display of the period. There are 3 thumbtack holes in it as well. No markers marks are visible. $35.00
Here's a soft cover book entitled 'GETTYSBURG' WHAT THEY DID HERE' The Standard Historical Guide Book on GETTYSBURG with Numerous Maps and Illustrations.' This book was written by L.W.Minnigh, author, lecturer and Guide in 1924. The book is in generally good condition and consists of 172 pages. The pages are all very good and in great shape. The covers are taped on but it doesn't look bad. Great piece! $30.00
Here we have two professionally framed prints by the same source. The first print is entitled 1799 IX 1802 CALVARY - INFANTRY - ARTILLERY and are obviously American as confirmed by the American Flag flying on the left side of the print. The frame measures over 23 inches by 19 inches and the print itself is 17 X 13 inches. Excellent piece and would look great on your wall ! $35.00
The next print is the same dimentions as the one above and shows an Indian War era military scene. The print is entitled I8 XLII 88 ENLISTED MEN - STAFF CORPS & ARTILLERY - (FULL DRESS). Both have excellent color and look aged. Very nice! $35.00
Here's a fairly large photo of General Winfield Scott otherwise known as 'Old Fuss and Feathers' because of his disposition. He was much too old to be on active duty during the Civil War but he started out in a very important position anyway. Born near Petersburg, Va. on June 13, 1786, having already served as the country's general-in-chief for two decades, America's preeminent military figure-perhaps the most celebrated since George Washington, Scott was nearly 75 when he commanded the Union armies at the start of the Civil War. By that time, Scott, a Virginia native who refused to join the Confederacy, was clearly nearing the end of his brilliant career.
Hero of the War of 1812 and Black Hawk War, commander of U.S. forces in the Mexican War, unsuccessful Whig presidential candidate in 1852, Scott, called "Old Fuss and Feathers" because of his devotion to military pomp and protocol, now suffered from gout and vertigo, weighed more than 300 pounds, and could no longer ride his horse. Because of his infirmities, he required a field commander and urged Lincoln to appoint his fellow Virginian Robert E. Lee to the position. George B. McClellan, who got the post after Lee turned down the Union commander's personal appeal, soon began to resent Scott and took to contradicting him in staff meetings and snubbing him in public.
By then, however, the general-in-chief was being amply ridiculed elsewhere as well. Blamed for the Union's dismal showing in the first months of the war, Scott received sharp criticism for his "Anaconda Plan," in which he recommended a naval blockade to press the Confederacy while the Union gradually developed its armed forces for what he anticipated to be a long struggle. Although Scott was more clearheaded on the subject than the majority of military and political figures-Union and Confederate alike-who believed the war would conclude quickly, many suspected Old Fuss and Feathers was growing senile.
On November 1, 1861, after another Union battlefield defeat at Ball's Bluff, Lincoln accepted Scott's standing offer to resign. Succeeded the same day by McClellan, he retired to write his two-volume memoirs, travel through Europe, and see the essential elements of his Anaconda Plan ultimately prove effective in the waging of the war.
Scott lived to see the Confederates defeated, dying in West Point, N.Y., May 29, 1866. Though he was buried at West Point, he never attended there.
Now back to the photo. This photo appears to be an albumin photo due to the satin finish when holding the photo sideways. The card measures about 4 inches by 6 inches while the print is 2 X 3 3/4 inches in size. The card is marked with the photographer info below the photo. The mat is original and from Richmond, Indiana. This photo, as it is, is a fake- made to deceive. You can see where the original photo was removed and this one was glued in it's place. If you look at the photo under magnification you will see matrix dots. The magazine type photos from the early 20th century on has the same type of dots. However, this photo looks great and is very useful as a teaching tool. It also looks great on the wall. If you never magnified it you would never know the difference. Knowledge is power! Check it out. Remember, it's a fake! $30.00
This next photo is an excellent fake as well. It's made just like the General Winfield Scott photo and looks like an albumin photo made with egg whites but it is not. This is made from an original photo somewhere and shows 5 Plains type Native Americans holding up weapons. This photo is obviously made the same and probably from the same faker. The photo card is 7 1/2 X 4 inches with the photo being 2 3/4 X 3 3/4 inches. Excellent content but crudely put together. Again, knowledge is power! Use this as a teaching tool. Again, you couldn't tell this was not an old photo unless you magnified it for clarity. $30.00
Here's something you don't find empty very often. This is an original Civil War era Photo Album with latch. The leather cover is in good condition with a little wear and breakage on the back album cover hinge. The only major thing wrong with the outside is that the front cover is missing one of the little porcelin buttons. The inside spline is separated some in the front but can be easily repaired. There's room for 48 photos back to back in the CDV sized album. The album pages are gilted on the edges. It's a little stiff but probably hasn't been opened for years. Still a fairly good album that would be great for you to place your CDV's in. $65.00
Here's a great little item! This is a small all brass Album that contain 4 different photos. There are photos of a gentleman that I believe I have seen but I can't remember who he is as well as photos of Union General Rosecrans and Union General Tecumseh Sherman. On the reverese of the Sherman photo is a woman that I believe to be Mrs Sherman. All of the photos seem to be CDV type or Gem paper type. The album closed measures about 3/4 inch wide by 7/8 inch tall! Incredibly small! The album has a brass ring at the top which runs through a 1838 4 Pence English Coin! Again, this album is incredibly small and rare to find! $350.00
I found this medical book in Michigan. This is a small book entitled THE INVALIDS GUIDE by C.M.FITCH and was published in 1857. Look at the pic of the cover page for further information. The book is illustrated as well. 191 pages being hardbound and in very nice condition! RARE! $150.00
Here is a Militia Canteen from Tennessee. The piece measures about 6 1/2 inches across from 1 side to the other. The canteen has a screw top and the top is present. The original red cloth is well worn but most of it is there. The sling is a replacement that closely resembles the original. No dents. Most likely Militia used. Nice collectible! $195.00
Here's something I don't see every day but was excited to have found. This is a pair of 19th century leg irons! I've seen pics just like these in Lord's Civil War Collectibles but they could have been used during the wild west times as well. If they could only talk! They are somewhat rusty but not bad and both locks work. I have a key for them but it looks like a reworked key and maybe not the original. I can't find any markings on them but they most clearly resemble the Tower leg irons from the 1860's thru the 1880's or so. No display is complete without them! About 21 inches long overall.$375.00
SOLD!
Here's an exceptional pair of civil war / indian war sunglasses. This pair has the straight ear pieces and not the curved ones of latter glasses. The lenses are convex and green in color. No cracks or breaks are present. Dark colored glasses were also used for medical reasons such as measles and sphyllis. I've been told that Doc Holliday of the Gun fighters era wore a pair of glasses similar to these. These glasses are very nice! $65.00
This is one of the best ambrotypes that I have ever seen. This is a 3 inch by 3 1/2 inch oval ambrotype of a beautiful 1850's / 1860's Civil War era lady. My pics cannot begin to capture the beauty of this image. This lady has hand coloring to her face and hands. The clarity is outstanding. The image is housed in a velvet frame that is complete with locking push button clasp. The velvet is a dark blue and again my camera did not pick up the beauty of the piece. There is some wear around the edges of the case from handling but it's still beautiful. You can see a little chip of glass on the plate in the upper right hand side that is stable and doesn't interfere with the ambro at all. This image came from Indiana just south of Indianapolis. Outstanding quality! $145.00
Here's an 18th century Medical Canteen that could have been used during the Civil War thru the Indian Wars. Medical Canteens were actually used like hot water bottles for treatment of the injured and sick and not really to drink out of. You could drink out of them but that wasn't their intended purpose. Medical canteens are kidney shaped or curved to fit against the body for the theraputic warmth. This model is an all copper canteen with brass bail at the top. This canteen also has the metal screw top cap that was present during the Civil War. This piece shows many dents and dings having been heavily used. The canteen measures 6 1/4 inches tall by 10 inches long. It's also 1 1/8th inch thick and all of the seams are soldered as they should be. There are no makers marks anywhere on this piece. The canteen has been cleaned in the recent past but left alone should exhibit patina in a reasonable amount of time as copper turns rather quickly. There were many types of these canteens available. Makes for a nice medical display! $145.00
SOLD!
Here are 2 pairs of blue lensed glasses. Both are Civil War era or before. 1 pair has the sliding ear shafts and the other has the folding ear shafts. I was just reading a book entitled 'COWBOY CULTURE - THE LAST FRONTIER OF AMERICAN ANTIQUES' and on page 239 under CHEATERS -GAMBLING it shows a pair of blue lensed glasses with the following 'Cheating glasses with blue lenses. Cards marked with irridenscent ink were visible only when wearing these glasses. Collection: C.W. Lyle, Jr. '. Could these 2 pair be cheaters as well! Who knows- but makes for a good story! $75.00 each pair.
Here is a nice folded paper Patriotic Flag whimsey on 2 sticks. I do believe this is from the 20th century but it could be earlier I suppose. I can find no makers marks anywhere. Nice heavy printed paper. $15.00
Here's an old 19th century master Ink bottle that was used to fill up the smaller desk ink bottles. This one is made of clay and is in very good condition. I recently rescued this bottle when it was being used for an ash tray! As you can see from the pic it's a rather large piece being over 9 1/2 inches tall and is about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The stampings are quite clear and rather deep as you can also see in the pics being made by J. Bourne & Son of Denby Pottery of near Derby and sold by P. & J. Arnold of London. Nice display piece! $45.00 SOLD!
Here's something I don't see everyday but couldn't pass 'em up. These lady sized gauntlets came from a friend of mine out in Southern California. These things are awesome! These guantlets are probably early 20th century but could be earlier. They are a nice quality leather with rose bead work. Some of the beads are no lacking and the gloves do have some repairs to the finger seams and elsewhere but where are you going to find another pair like this! These will go fantastic in an old west or wild west display! $295.00
Here's another stereo-optic card entitled ROCK OF AGES - THE RESCUE. This one is copyrighted 1895 by Littleton View Co. The above phrase ROCK OF AGES - THE RESCUE is on the back of the card in 6 different languages! Nice card! $3.00
This next stereo-optic card tackles the Women's Suffrage Movement or rather is trying to scare men into controlling their wifes! This card is dated 1895. Here's some facts on Women's Sufferage:The term women's suffrage refers to the economic and political reform movement aimed at extending suffrage the right to vote to women. The movement's modern origins lie in France in the 18th century. Of currently existing independent countries, New Zealand was the first to give women the right to vote in 1893.[1] Similarly, the colony of South Australia enacted legislation giving women the vote in 1894. Places with similar status which granted women the vote include Wyoming Territory (1869). Other possible contenders for first "country" to grant female suffrage include the Corsican Republic, the Isle of Man (1881), the Pitcairn Islands, Franceville, and Tavolara, but some of these had brief existences as independent states and others were not clearly independent. Australia extended this right in 1901 to some women, and then in 1902 to all non-aboriginal women. A contestant for being the first independent nation to grant the right to vote for women would be Sweden, where some women were in fact allowed to vote during the age of liberty (1718-1771), although this right was far from applying to women in general.
Voting rights for women were introduced into international law in 1948 when the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As stated in Article 21 (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Womens suffrage is also explicitly stated as a right under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, adopted by the United Nations in 1979.
This is an important card from an important period of Women's Sufferage. This shows a bossy lady (could be my wife!) pointing her bossy finger at her husband who is doing the laundry while 2 small children sit at his feet. I'm sure he's trying to take care of them too! My wife and I worked through this problem. She tells me what to do and I do it. Anyway, it works for her!
Nice Quality! $3.00
Here we have 4 cabinet cards from about 1880 showing the railroad at Madison Indiana near the Ohio River. Two of the photos are looking at the J.M. & I. Railroad (don't know what the J.M & I stand for) at Madison Indiana. They each measure about 4 1/2 X 6 1/2 and have descriptions on the back. They are somewhat faded but better than what my pics show. Two pics are from the P.C.C. & St. L. R. R. (something and St. Lawrence Rail Road), $25.00 for all.
Here's a model 1904 McClellan saddle that is worth of restoration. The saddle is in good condition with the stitching being excellent. Everything is there except one of the cinch straps. If you happen to have one of those straps I would purchase it to complete this saddle. The saddle is dirty and needs cleaning. Inspectors markings are on various places. Some marks on the seat like raking a smooth spur on it while mounting or dismounting all being on the same side. This is an 11 inch seat. Take a look at the pics. $295.00
Here's an original Civil War Era Tintype Photo of Policemen in Winter Clothing. This tintype was found in Saratoga Springs, NY and measures 2 3/8" x 3 5/8". It was found loose, not in a case but we'll place it in an album mounting. Very good, clean condition. This is an original photo of the period and hard to find subject matter!! $145.00
Here are a couple of early 20th century Military Photos that was shot in Gettysburg, PA in 1913. Looks like the soldiers are rebuilding earthworks. I can see an encampment on a hill, a train & a stone wall. Look at the closeup. Both photo's are the same and are marked on the back by photographer W. H. TIPTON, Gettysburg, Pa. Also written on pencil on the back of both photographs is 'The X is me' 'Gettysburg, Pa July 18, 1913". Looks like the Corps of Engineers were straightening up things after the reunion held June 29 - July 5, 1913 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The double camps for union and confederate veterans put up for the 50th Anniversary of Gettysburg were hugh and probably took quite some time to tear down. Here's your chanch to catch a rare glimpse of the end of an outstanding reunion where the average age of the veteran was 73 years old! The only difference in these photos are the conditions of the mats-the photos are just great! Look at the pics! $75.00 each.
Here is an Antique Flask that has the likenesses of President George Washington on one side and General Taylor on the other side.
This is a fantastic early 19th century aqua colored hand blown flask with a
pontil on bottom verifies this is an original mold blown piece, not a modern reproduction!!
Dimensions:
Measures Approx. 7" tall
Great shape for its age.
One spot on the side that has some issues - still smooth to the touch from the outside, so all damages on are in the inside. Has bubbles in the glass and imprefections as it should have. Guaranteed original! $125.00
This is a nice bone tongue depressor that measures about 8 inches long and is about 1 inch wide. There is a slight convex to the top and flat on the bottom. I picked up some medical items belonging to John C. Thompson of the 11th Indiana "Wallace's Zouave's" Infantry where he was a asst. surgeon and a bone tongue depressor was among the items belonging to him. This tongue depressor is not that one but very similar to the one that was with the Dr's grouping. Nice piece! $45.00
Here's an Indian War era lice comb made from 'French Ivory'. This piece is excellent with no broken tines. French Ivory was made starting in the 1870's when lice was a real big problem! Not a pleasant item but one that was necessary for the times and belongs in a personal effects display! Nice! $45.00
Here's an iron curry comb. This one was made prior to the brass ones. You can see that they were trying to save iron and finally had to switch to brass. Rusty but solid! $65
This is a nice dug piece being an early dark green glass bottle with applied lip. There are also some striations on the neck as well. This beer or wine bottle has blemishes in the glass as well as a pontil mark in the deep base of the piece. Over 9 inches tall with no cracks or breaks. Nice- Nice piece! Found at Beaufort, South Carolina. $65.00
Here's a Ginger Beer Crockery bottle that was also found at Beaufort, South Carolina. This one is in excellent condition but I just can't quite make out the makers mark embossed in it. Nice two-tone and nearly 9 inches tall! $45.00
Here we have several hatcords that were purchased at an estate sale in New Jersey. The 2 cavalry hat cords were unused and in very nice condition. These are $125 each.( CAV ONES ARE SOLD! The Infantry hat cord is a good piece but has problems with a little unraveling and the tassels are a tad short but is value priced at $45 (The Infantry one is SOLD!) . The Artillery Hat cords are in very good condition having been used and these are $65 each. Looks good on a slouch hat or a Hardee!
Here's an album page mounted 1/6th plate tintype of an early fireman from the Civil War/Indian War era. He wears his kepi and bib shirt along with an early leather parade belt. His kepi, shirt & belt all have the number '1' on them. Nice photo taken in front of a studio prop backdrop. Much nicer than my camera can pick up. There's a slight bent to the center of the photo but doesn't affect the photo in any way. No emulsion loss noted. $250.00
Here's a nice EARLY Sons of Veterans (Union Veterans) membership 3-piece medal that is in excellent all original aged condition. This piece is in fine condition and complete! Look at the pics! $45.00
Here's a real nice Mills type blue web belt for the 30-40 Krag. The color is nice and dark. There are no markings on this piece. Three of the loops have been sewn shut as they were probably no servicable. This belt has been adjusted rather small so it could have been used in a Military School or by Cadets of some sort however it is the military type and can be adjusted back out. The ends of the belt are not captured but rough cut as I've seen on others. Nice and displayable with a Krag! $145.00
Here are some very nice little bone dice! There are 4 pairs of little bone dice that appear to be homemade and one tiny little die by itself. These are very typical of what was carried in the individual soldiers haversack on the march. Dice was played by almost all of the soldiers during their tenure in the Civil War. $15 for each pair and $7 for the one by itself. The quarter is in the pic for size comparison. Nice!
We also picked up a few audio books and hardbound books in dj of a great Novel entitled 'THE WIDOW OF THE SOUTH' by Robert Hicks. The widow keeps the graves of the fallen from the Battle of Franklin; a bloody war, a bloody waste and a love remembered. In 1894 Carrie McGavock is an old woman, with only her former slave to keep her company--and the memory of a Confederate soldier who left long ago after the bloody Franklin Battle. Now he returns and asks is the cemetery has room for one more. The novel flashes back thirty years to the afternoon of the Battle Franklin, five of the bloodiest hours of the Civil War. There were 9,200 casualties that fateful day. Carrie's home---the Carnton plantation--- was taken over by the Confederate Army and turned into a hospital; four generals lay dead on her back porch; the pile of amputated limbs rose as tall as the smoke house. And when a wounded soldier named Zachariah Cashwell arrived and awakened feelings she had thought long dead, Carrie found herself inexplicably drawn to him despite the boundaries of class and decorum. The story that ensues between Carrie and Cashwell is just as unforgettable as the battle from which it is drawn. THE WIDOW OF THE SOUTH is a brilliant novel that captures the end of an era, the vast madness of war, and the courage of a remarkable woman to claim life from the grasp of death itself. Both books and audio disks are brand new! The books have a black magic marker on the page edges on one end but not so you could tell on the inside. 426 pages of text being hardcvoer in a fine dust jacket. New never read! The audio cd's are on 5 cd's being read by Becky Ann Baker, Tom Wopat, David Chandler and Johathan Davis And they are still in the original shrinkwrap! The books are originally $24.95 and the cd's are originally $29.98 but now you can have either the book or the cd for only $10.00 each! This is a bargain!!
This is a large relic case full of nice relics from Winchester, Virginia! The case measures about 12 X 18 inches and contains a large selection of different relics. Among them are: 1862 Springfield lock and hammer (no date just the type), several saddle and harness buckles, knapsack pieces, horse shoe, tent rivits, part of old spoons, spikot, cartridge box buckle, leather sole pieces, sabot from a hotchkiss shell, part of a shoulderscale, part of a harmonica, handle from a clay pot and other items! The case is cherry wood. Nice! $175.00
This is a case of different items. In this case are:
1. A large map reading/measuring tool. This piece measures about 11 1/4 inches long. Marked BEMIS & CALL CAST STEEL $45.00
2. 2 repro Civil War participant medals. Has Abe Lincoln's bust on the front and has around it the words WITH MALICH TOWARD NONE WITH CHARITY FOR ALL. The back has a wreath with the words CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 on the back. Just like as issued to the Veterans. New condition. $20 each
3.GAR hat wreath with large pin on the back. Excellent condition! SOLD! $65.00
4. Revolutionary War era beam hook. This hook was pounded into a beam to hang items on. $45.00
5. Several pinfire shot shells! Never loaded! We have a blue one and a red one in 14 guage, 2 natural color no. 12 gauge and 2 no. 10 guage shells. Most are marked LONDON, some are marked ELY. These are $25 each except one 12 guage that is damaged and that one is $15.00. Nice!
6. Single row brass button polisher measures about 6 3/4 inches long and has the inspectors initials of CCB on it. No other makers marks present. $65.00
This is a Spanish Belt used during the Spanish Civil War which lasted from 1936 to 1939, conflict in which the conservative and traditionalist forces in Spain rose against and finally overthrew the second Spanish republic. This piece is real nice piece complete with the pouch that came with it. Could be a pistol ammo box- I just don't know. On the inside of the belt is stamped and written CIR 6. This is a nice piece! $85.00
This is a nice silvered or tinned iron English buckle that came from a costume shop in Cincinnati a while back. This one is nice in that it is for a wide width belt indicative of early use and not the much narrower type that was in use during the 20th century. This piece also has the adjusters with it. These type buckles were used by both North & South. I believe it to be old but nearly mint. $75.00
Here's a nice little item from the very last GAR Reunion held in Indianapolis in 1949. This is a first day cover with cancelled 3 cent GAR stamp that has on it FINAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT OF THE GAR. This cover has been cancelled in Indianapolis Aug 29, 9 AM , 1949. On August 29 - September 1, 1949, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) met for its 83rd and final National Encampment. Returning once again to the city of Indianapolis, only six veterans were able to attend of the 16 total alive at that time. The business meetings were held at the Hotel Claypool, and the opening ceremonies and final Campfire were held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The Campfire Program ended with the playing of Taps by the Marine Band bugler, and the colors of the GAR were retired for the last time. The last national member, Albert Woolson, died at age 109 in 1956. This cover is addressed to James E. Caraway, M.D. of Wayne, Michigan. It was a common practice to address it to yourself and send it off to get the cancelled stamp and the Postal city stamping. It is believed that Dr. Caraway as a direct desendant of Leroy Caraway who enlisted as a Corporal in Co. D 1st Michigan Colored Infantry. The 1st Michigan Colored Infantry mustered in at Detroit in 1864 and Dr. Caraway is from Wayne, Michigan which is close to Detroit being in the same County of Wayne County, Michigan. The 1st Michigan Colored Infantry was in engagements during its term of service at
Baldwin, Fla., August 8, 1864; Honey Hill, S. C., November 30,
1864; Tullifinny, S. C., December 7, 1864; Deveaux Neck, S. C.,
December 9, 1864; Cuckwold's Creek Bridge, February 8, 1865;
Sumterville, S. C., April 8, 1865; Spring Hill, S. C., April
15, 1865; Swift Creek, S. C., April 17, 1865; Boykin's, S. C.,
April 18, 1865; Singleton's Plantation, S. C., April 19, 1865.
Total enrollment...........................................1673
Killed in action..............................................5
Died of wounds................................................7
Died of disease.............................................116
Discharged for disability (wounds and disease)..............114
There were several styles of covers available at that last reunion for souvenirs but I believe this one here was the most colorful! Check out the pics! Nice piece of a bygone era!
$45.00
Here is a dandy item! This is a signed check by MOH winner General Dan Sickles of Gettysburg fame! Always a controversial figure, Sickles was born on October 20, 1819 in New York City. After attending New York University and studying law, he appraised his chances for advancement in various fields and quickly chose politics.
As a Tammany Hall stalwart he became the Corporate Consul of the City at the age of 28 but resigned the same year to be Secretary of the U.S. Legation in London. He then served as a New York State Senator and Representative in Congress from 1857 to 1861.
He had first gained national attention when in 1859 he shot and killed, in the very shadow of the White House (on Lafayette Square), his young wife's lover, Francis Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star Spangled Banner. During the ensuing trial, in which he was represented by Edwin M. Stanton (who would become Lincoln's Secretary of War), he for the first time in U.S. jurisprudence pleaded the "unwritten law" (self defense of one's wife as his own property) and was acquitted. He subsequently enraged both critics and fans by publicly forgiving his unfaithful spouse.
As a War Democrat in 1861, his offer of services was quickly accepted by the President and he was soon appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers, ranking from September 1, 1861. He was assigned command of New York's Excelsior Brigade, which he had been instrumental in recruiting.
His later career as a Division and Corps Commander, with his promotion to Major General to rank from November 29, 1862, found him often at odds with his superiors. However, he demonstrated many soldierly qualities and he was utterly fearless in combat. He fought on the Peninsula and at Sharpsburg in Joseph Hooker's Division of III Corps; commanded a Division at Fredericksburg; and in the campaign of Chancellorsville commanded III Corps. In the latter battle, elements of his command reported that General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's celebrated flanking march, while it was still in progress, as a retreat. The subsequent advance of 2/3 of the Corps to pursue the "retreating" Rebels left Oliver O. Howard's XI Corps on its right completely isolated and contributed largely to the ensuing debacle.
At Gettysburg, his men were supposed to cover the Federal left in the vicinity of the Round Tops. Not liking the position and in defiance of direct orders to the contrary, he advanced the Corps into the famous Peach Orchard, creating a salient which was subsequently overrun by General James Longstreet's assault. The end results were the virtual destruction and disappearance if III Corps, termination of his command in the field by virtue of a serious wound which cost him his right leg, and controversy with his superior, General George Gordon Meade. However, he was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his services at Gettysburg. After his recovery, during which he donated his amputated right leg to the Army Medical Museum in Washington - where it continues on display at that facility located at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, President Lincoln dispatched him on a tour of Union-held Southern territory for an appraisal of the effect of amnesty, Negro progress, and Reconstruction.
He next performed a diplomatic mission to Colombia; served as Military Governor of South Carolina; and in 1869 retired from the Army with the rank of Major General in the Regular Army. At that time, President Grant appointed him Minister to Spain, where he was chiefly distinguished diplomatically by becoming the intimate friend of Isabella, the former Queen of Spain. He served again in Congress from New York, 1893-95; and for many years was the Chairman of the New York State Monuments Commission, a position from which he was removed in 1912 by reason of alleged misuse of funds. However, while in that position, he did much to bring about the National Battlefield Park at Gettysburg, a site he often visited during his life.
An octogenarian relic of a bygone age, he became separated not only from family but from reality and died irresponsible on May 3, 1914 at his home in New York City. He is now buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.
This is a very nice check dated June 18th, 1880 for $1,000.00 and has a nice strong signature that although is signed over by the bank does not diminish the signature. Very nice! $275.00 Below is a pic of his shattered leg bone and the check.
This is an excellent wonderful large albumen print entitled 'REBEL ENTRENCHMENTS' in ink and shows breast works with different types of defensive items. There are 14 soldiers in the photograph. Some repairs. The photograph itself measures 7 X 9 1/4 inches on a 11 X 14 mat. Excellent clarity. $325.00
Excellent comtempory Native American Indian Knife and sheath. The knife has an excellent damascus blade with the makers mark of 'GRIZ' and an arrow with iron ferrals on either side of the aged antler handle/grip. The leather sheath is made with colored porcupine quills and outside beadword and has a red hair tuff at the bottom. This is an excellent piece and much, much better than our pic shows! $275.00
This is a wonderful 1/6th plate Ambrotype of a waist up man and his wife. There is some tinting to buttons and buckles. Definitely a window into the past and much better than our pic shows. Guaranteed!! Half case. $45
This is an album print of the 17th N.Y. in Camp at Washington, 1861 that is a Mathew Brady original and was probably from his 1863 New York Expo. The 17th Fought at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Seven Days, Bull Run, Antiwtam, Fredericksburg, Mud March, & Chancellorsville. The 17th N.Y. lost 5 officers and 32 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 officers and 37 enlisted men by disease. $295.00
1/9th plate tintype in full case with repaired spline of a Civil War era Middle aged gentleman wearing a suit coat and wild vest and pants that are small checkered! Nice and clear! $45.00
Excellent 1/6th plate Ambrotype of an antebellum lady with her young 6 year old son. She is sitting and he is standing next to her. The image comes in a full leatherette case with separated spline and mat. Nice! $85.00
1/6th plate tintype in half case with mat and glass of a young Civil War era mother .holding her child of about 15 months of age. He's not happy about it. She is very handsome. Slight tinting. $35.00
A nice page engraving entitled 'Eminent Loyal Governors' and shows the 13 Northern Governors. Nice and clear with little foxing. $25.00
US cancelled Washington 3 Cent rose pink 1861-1862 stamp I23A $20.00
Scott's 14 Confederate 1 cent J.C.Calhoun, unissued no-gum stamp 1862-1863. $65.00
This is a very nice 1/9th plate of 2 little girls of about 10 years old in full case with repaired spline. Below waist up view and much better than what our pic shows. $55.00
CDV of a young gentleman in a waist up pose being a profile. Appears to be in his early 20's and has a fine mustouche and sideburns. Backmarked BRADLEY & RULOFSON PHOTOGRAPHERS SAN FRANCISCO. This CDV has the 2 cent revenue stamp with the more rare machine stamp cancel markings. Fine condition. $10.00
I have a standard cane that was found with an old vets cane and this one probably belongs to the old vet as well and is of the standard length with a rubber tip that is burnt into the shaft FLICK'S FAMILY RESTAURANT BRAZIL, IND. Old and aged!!! $25.00
I have here a Folk Art Wooden spiraled cane topped by an Ivory Billiard Ball. This is old ivory so it's legal to sell. The whole piece measures about 34 inches long and looks great with a nice patina overall. This is unusual and one of a kind! $175.00
I have a couple 3 tine period forks that are in very good condition and would look great in a period display. $5 each.
1872 Dated Hymnal by the Christian Publishing Association of Dayton Ohio. This is a pretty nice book covered in red leather and has the initials E.W. stamped in gold on the front. There are 784 gold leafed pages here. $35.00
19th century dental pliers. This is the plated variety and it's maker marked. $35.00
12 old hatpins on an old black cloth swatch. The longest hatpin is 5 inches long with the shortest about 2 inches long. All but one have the round black button at the top and some of the pins are blued. $35 for all.
Nice combination sliding fork and knife set that slides past each other to put together. The handles are dark hardwood and has a small chip on one end with brass bands holding two halves together as made, one replace with an iron band. The blade of the knife is marked 'E. BROOKES SHEFFIELD'. Nice set! $165.00 (showing another set as well.)
CDV OF A GERMAN CAVALRY OFFICER circa American Civil War shown in full standing pose in complete uniform with heavy cavalry saber with p-guard. His kepi is on the table next to him. Backmark of C.S. STRAUFS PHOTOGRAPH SCHWERIN, BISCHEFSSTRASSE NO. 5. Dirty but still very nice! $35.00
CDV showing the battle between the Monitor & Merrimac (Virginia). This is an engraving but looks more like a real photograph! Backmark is JAMES S. EARLE & SON of Philadelphia. $45.00
I believe this is a Post Civil War Marine coat Button with the HORSTMANN PHILADELPHIA backmark. The button dates to the 19th century and is very nice! $20
This is a brand new excellent reprint of an Original Civil War Artillery Manual that was originally reprinted in 1962 by the Indiana Civil War Centennial Commission & Indiana Historical Society of Indianapolis entitled "CIVIL WAR ARTILLERY MANUAL" Notes & Drawings by Henry Richard Huebner. This illustrated manual was prepared for the guidance of Civil War Artillerymen by Henry Richard Huebner. According to family tradition several of Huebner's sketches appeared in LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED WEEKLEY. So far as is known the manuscript was never printed. The hand-drawn manual remained in the possession of the Huebner family until 1961 when it was presented to Indiana Civil War Centennial Commission by the artist's daughter, Frieda M. Huebner. Miss Huebner, who taught for many years in the Indianapolis Public Schools, felt that her father's manual should be shared with that large and growing group of historical students who devote themselves to the American Civl War. This manual is a faithful reproduction of the original hand written, hand drawn manuscript. Mr. Huebner obviously was Military trained and knew alot about Artillery and has described all of the operations involved to operate an artillery piece! He describes in detail the men's positions and duties, limbering and unlimbering, school of the battery, order in line, order in battery, and many other items of order. He goes into detail describing the parts of a 6 pounder and carriage, limber, caisson, and Artillery Harness! This book is fantastic! Every student of the Artillery needs this fine publication! The book is softcover being 8 X 10 inches and consists of 40 pages of fine text and fantastic drawings! Thanks for looking! WE CAN OFFER DEALER DISCOUNTS ON THIS ONE. THANKS!
This is a very unusual stamped M1851 Eagle belt plate on an original cotton belt. We believe this to be of the Indian War pattern due to the belt plate having no standing loop on the end of it. This belt plate has a very unusual fastening pattern. Look at the pics. We think this is either a women's use belt or a Military School. It's lacking the fastener to fasten the belt to the belt plate. The belt itself is about 34 inches long. Unusal and original!!! $ 125.00
2 small plain brass bridle rosettes in nice uncleaned condition being about 1 1/4 inches across being complete with staples. Nice and uncleaned. $35.00
This is a wonderful cdv of a smiling little girl of about 5 or 6 years old showing a full standing figure on a chair. The little girl is wearing a 2 pattern dress and seems to be very happy! No backmark but came from Central Indiana. $15.00
CDV of President James A. Garfield and so marked on the bottom of the front of the photograph. This image shows a chest up image of Garfield who was only the second president assasinated while in office. The pic is a little faded but still easily seen. $35.00
This is another nice image of a gentleman identifed as 'DR. BRYANT' from Hillsdale, ? This is 'CLARKE, PHOTO'. The card is clear and shows a waist up gentleman seated in a chair with his arm on a chair arm and he has a human hair watch chain. There is a 2 cent revenue stamp on the reverse as well as the words 'MARRIED A COUSIN OF MRS. NEWTON DUNBAR. HE MFQD PROPIETARY MEDICINE. The image is real nice and undamaged however a small corner of the card has been broken away. Civil War Doctor image! I can't believe a man of this age didn't serve in the military so he probably did as he appears to be late 20's or early 30's. Just have to find him! $15.00
. This is an original CDV of Major Henry W. Scovel who was an United States Additional Paymaster with the rank of Major from Feb. 27th, 1863 being mustered out April 15, 1866. Prior to being mustered out he was brevetted a Lt. Col. of US Volunteers from January 11, 1866. Regular Army CDV's are much harder to find than Volunteer or State Units. The photographer's imprint is J.H.ABBOTT, PHOTOGRAPHIST, 480 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N.Y. The image shows Major Scovel in a full pose with his cap on a pedestal next to him. The forage cap has the US in the wreath. Beautiful flawless card with the info written in pencil on the reverse. $145.00
This is a large formatted photograph of the 6th Cavalry Pennsylvania National Guard Camp site and shows 2 soldiers in the summer uniform sitting before their tent. Inside the tent you can see 2 cots, an American Flag, a Cavalry Saber and other items. Check out the pic! The mat was damaged on this piece so it was matted and framed with the image portion measuring 6 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches. There is glare on the glass in the pic that doesn't belong there. Looks pretty good! $65.00
This is a Walt Disney comic book in Fair condition only entitled WALT DISNEY'S "THE GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE" based on the true life adventure in Georgia. The union men who pulled off this won the medal of honor! $10.00 We also have an original copy in VHS of the same Walt Disney production of THE GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE starring Fess Parker. Excellent Condition! $19.95
This is a nice grouping of a copy of an original full standing photograph of Indiana's Civil War Govenor Oliver P. Morton along with a reproduced copy of his original autograph which is from the "UNITED STATES SENATE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON, 187- O P MORTON, IND" already matted and shrinkwrapped ready to frame! Only $15.00
This is a nice movie poster featuring the movie Amistad, staring Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djmon Hounsou, Mathew McConaughey. Very good condition. Came out of large collection of movie posters that came from a video store in Richmond, Virginia. True story of a rebellion aboard the Slave Ship Amistad where the slaves arose and killed the Ships Captain Slavemaster and others. Riviting movie and a must see for the serious student of Civil War Era history. Nice Poster! $45.00
SPANISH AMERICAN WAR Stereoptic card by Strohmeyer & wyman, publishers of New York City and it is entitled "LOOKING AFT FROM THE FORWARD BRIDGE OF THE "IOWA" COPYRIGHT 1899. This card has a bend in one corner. $9.00
DUG SPOON FROM SOUTH CAROLINA ENGRAVED U.S.M.C. This is a small metal spoon measuring about 6 inches long and being the type used in the 1800's by the United States Medical Corps. This was a dug piece and has been cleaned in the area of the USMC. There is a '41' stamped on the underside of the handle. Rare to find Medical Corps marked items! $65.00
Here is a facsimile copy of the FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS booklet along with a facsimile copy of the last program for the UCV entitled PROGRAM SIXTY-FIRST REUNIN UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS - NORFOLK, VIRGINIAL MAY 30-JUNE 3 1951. These are copies of the originals and are in excellent condition. Hard to get! $45.00 for the pair postpaid.
This is a wonderful Civil War Era CDV of a horse and buggy that has 5 people in the buggy and one standing alongside. There is even a dog laying on the ground under the buggy. The backmark is in green ink and says AUGUSTINE H. FOLSOM PHOT. NO. 2 SOREN'S BLOCK ROXBURY. 118 WASH'N ST. BOSTON. Excellent Condition with wonderful content!!! Hard to find outdoor CDV's of the Civil War Era. $65.00
This is a great looking Grand Army of the Republic Badge for the 1907 KEITHSBURG ILLINOIS MERCER COUNTY SOLDIERS ASSN. 30TH ANNUAL REUNION! This is the 2 piece medal and is in very nice conditon!!! Check out the pic. Manufacturers info on back. Measures about 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 1/2 inches wide. Very nice!!! $75.00
Outstanding original steroscoptic card by James M. Davis, copyright 1898 showing Gen. (Nelson) Miles Commander of United States Army in knees up pose wearing his dress uniform complete with Congressional Medal Of Honor and sword at side. He is surrounded by a floral display. Outstanding subject matter and quality! $45.00
Original CSA marked coat button that I believe was used post war for reunions since it's backmarked by Waterbury. I sure Waterbury marked buttons weren't sold to the South during the war. That would have been treason! Anyway it's a nice aged button and cheaper than the period CSA marked button that the Confederacy would have used. Check out the pics! $65.00
This is a really nice small size gimlet that was used to clean out the cannon vent holes after they got clogged. A penny is in the pic to show size for comparison. $25.00
This is a nice ink drawing print of an 19th century Sailing ship of the type that was either used as a warship or a blockade runner. The piece measures overall approx 15 X 20 inches with the print being approx 13 1/2 X 9 1/2 inches. This piece is double matted and was professionally done. No signature on the print that I can see but I haven't taken it apart. Probably needs reframed as the frame isn't that nice. $45.00
This is a repro print in an older type frame showing the blowing up of the Fire Ship Intrepid commanded by Capt. Somers in the Harbor of Tripoli on the night of Sept. 4, 1804. Pretty colorful print! Measures about 13 1/2 X 16 1/2 overall. $25.00
This is a very nice colorful print of a Confederate Captain with fieldglasses. This is a copy print with the original being done by W.L.Sheppard which is marked on this copy and under that copyright 1903 by William Ludwell Sheppard. This is a nice pice which would display very well. The overall size is approx. 15 X 20 inches. The back of the print is sealed which indicates professional framing. $75.00
This is a modern U.S. Grant photograph place in an old multilayed frame with an old ornate mat. The photo depicts Grant while in Petersburg VA in 1864. Looks great on the wall! $45.00
Here are 2 more cdv's that are both photoengravures of General U.S.Grant. There are the same likeness but probably sold by 2 different photographers. The first one is the darkest of the 2 with slightly clipped corners and has on the bottom "Lieutenant-General U.S.Grant" while the other one being untouched has only U.S.Grant on it. $35 each.
The next two cdv's have likenesses of General George Thomas, the ROCK OF CHICKAMAUGA, GEN. THOMAS CDV SOLD! and of Secretary of War Stanton. The Thomas cdv and the cdv of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton is a photoengravure. The cdv of Stanton has clipped corners on the bottom. Each of these is $35 as well.
Here are two more Cdv's of Union Generals being photoengravures of General Joe Hooker and General U.S. Grant GEN. GRANT SOLD! . The Grant photo has a stain on it and no backmark. The Hooker CDV has the backmark of Joseph Ward of Boston. Each $35.00
The next two cdv's are of Lincoln's Vice President Andrew Johnson PRESIDENT JOHNSON CDV SOLD! who took over as president when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. This is a photoengravure with Andrew Johnson on the bottom. No backmark on this one. The other cdv is an engraving of General Grant and wife. Engravings look just like that while photoengravures look more like photographs. The Johnson CDV is $35 while the Grants cdv is $25.00
Here are a couple of late Victorian thru turn or the century match safes. One has a celluloid cover on one side and has a small pasteboard box in the center to hold the matches. Made of metal. $25 The other is metal with a design on the front with a pearl and some paste diamonds on it. Has a little wooden match box in the center that's marked MADE IN SWEDEN. There are a few matches left in the little pasteboard insert that goes in the little wooden box. The little pasteboard insert is marked A BANTAM MATACH CORP EXCLUSIVE FREEPORT, NEW YORK. Often carried by soldiers thru WW1. $25.00
Here are 2 nice gimlets. Gimlets were used to clean out the fuse holes on cannons. One is a little larger than the other. There's a penny in the pic for comparison. The smaller one ( SOLD! ) is about 3 1/4 inches long with the little hardwood handle being 1 3/4 inches wide. Nice! $25.00 The large one is 5 inces long with the hardwood handle being about 2 1/2 inches wide. Also $25.00. Nice pieces!
We recently came across several unfinished or nearly finished Corps badges that was definitely leftover stock from a metal smiths shop and are the stamped variety. Have definite age to them. All are brass.
a. SOLD!
b. 2 larger 8th Army Corps badges of the type that were nailed to wagons or tent poles to signify the corps it belonged to. These measure 4 inches across the furthest point. Have a little circle on the end to put a nail through. Each $65.00
c. This is a 9th Army Corps badge that was stamped too close to where something else was stamped out. Probably discarded because of this. $12.00
d. 2 larger 9th Army Corps badges that are in real good shape but definitely not finished. Measures over 2 inches across. Each $55.00
e. 19th Army Corps badge that is not finished. Has a small piece at the top that was probably made to put a hole in so that this piece could be sewn to the uniform or to the kepi. About 1 1/4 inches across. $65.00
SOLD!
f. This is 20th corps badge or maybe the 12th corps badge. Measures about 2 1/2 inches across. This one has a dark patina just like the others. $45.00
g. Don't rightly know what this is but it was with all the others. This is a shield shaped piece measuring about 1 3/4 inches across. Great shape! $25.00
Here is a nice early CDV of an Indiana Soldier in long 4 button sack coat holding his kepi. He leans on a cement pedestal. At the bottom of the full length cdv is a name written in pencil but I've been unable to decipher it yet. The backmark is HOWARD & DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY - 26 & 28 WEST WASHINGTON ST. INDIANAPOLIS, IND. Nice card! $65.00
Here is an unusual item that was given to me and is in no way for sale. This is a recycled headstone for Nelson H. Lindsey Co. B, 17th Indiana Mounted Infantry- Wilder's Brigade! This headstone was dug up at a home between the sidewalk and the curb. The headstone had the wrong death date on it so it was probably discarded due to the wrong date on it. The headstone has a depression carved into the limestone with a groove carved into it leading to a hole and was used for a primitive splash block for a gutter! Nelson died on February 15th, 1864 but this headstone was marked as him having died on February 22nd. The top of the stone was sawed off and not broken off. He probably died in Nashville, TN as they had just left Charleston in January. There are some unusual things that you run into out there! This is not or will never be for sale. I just wanted to share it with you all!
This is a 13 X 17 inch photo in frame of Lt. General Nelson A. Miles attending a banquet given by the Illinois State Court of the Guarding of Liberty and is dated June 13, 1916. The old general is standing under the large flag at the top of the photo. General Miles was a Medal of Honor Winner! Here's his bio:
Nice cabinet card image of a young Indian wars soldier or Spanish American War soldier. He's in full uniform and holding his 45/70 rifle w/bayonet on. He's also shown with his US Hagner belt place on. It's somewhat faded with age but not bad at all. The photographer is noted on the the bottom of the front as "O.M. Harness, Sheridan, Ind." The back is blank. Nice Indiana Image! $45.00
This is a very nice studio photo of 5 soldiers. They are Indian War era soldiers. One is tipping up a bottle of whatever (probably whiskey!) to pour into a glass. Nice subject! Clear! Housed in a album page. $125.00
This is a very nice 1850's gutta percha daguerrotype case with an ambrotype inside of a young girl. The photo is best seen in the light but is pretty nice and the ornate brown case is in excellent condition measuring 2 1/2 X 3 inches. Inside the case is written 'Presented to Eugene Jones by his cousin Maria Myers Lancaster Ohio March the 12th, 1858'. Nice and early!!! $125.00
Here are 2 photos that we picked up here in Indiana. The 1st is a 1/9th plate tintype in half case missing bottom that depicts 2 men sitting down with one wearing a cape of some sort. Don't know if it's military or not. Unusual! $35.00. The 2nd photo is a wonderful little 1/16th plate ambrotype on glass that shows a little antibellum girl wearing a shoulderless dress with a nice little necklace. No case on this one but the subject is just precious! Unusual hard to find small size! $35.00
This is an outstanding tintype from the Gettysburg area of Civil War Police Officers or possibly Provost Marshals. They are wearing Uniforms and could be either. This is a 1/6th plate size tintype with the usual bends. Very nice image! $165.00
This fine 1/6 plate tintype of a civil war soldier with kepi in in fine condition. The full case has a repaired spline but very nice indeed. The soldier's image is so good (my camera does not do it justice) that it looks as fine as an ambrotype but it is a tintype. This is another nice one from an Indiana collection. No id. Nice! $165.00
This image from Gettysburg is a very unusal image. The image is a 1/6th plate tintype showing a shoe shop! You know fighting reportedly started at Gettysburg because Confederate Soldiers were going to town to raid a shoe shop! The image has on the top of the building 'SAMONS' ' BOOT AND SHOE SHOP' ! The image looks much better than my camera can pick up. The image is kind of silver in nature but it is a tintype. There are 2 guys standing on the porch of the shoeshop and a lady standing out front to the left. Hard to find image! $425.00
This 1/6th plate ambrotype on glass is from the Thorntown, Indiana area. This is an excellent image of a young woman that is fairly so attractive. She wears a bonnet and sits in a chair. Inside the case is written 'Ambrotype of Sarah E. Blanchard taken march the first 1860 - aged 22 yrs. Comes in a full case with repaired spline. Excellent quality! $85.00
This is a nice old orignal CDV of French conjoined sisters as marked on the front of the CDV. There is no backmark. This is a very nice conditioned CDV and the image is sharp! $45.00
Here's another display being in a nice wooden walnut case with closures/locks that measures about 11 X 17 inches. All of these relics are from Virginia battlefields. This display includes musket balls, round balls, pistol ammo, fired bullets, dropped bullets, CS & Union bullets, pullet bullet, heel plates, CS type spur with partial leather strap, fuse fragment, 2 friction primers, brass thimble, bayonet brass tip and brass sword throat and a brass hook of the type used on uniforms. Nice display! $185.00
Here's a honey of a display the same measurements as the one above and all of the artifacts are from Virginia battlefields. The pistol barrel shown in the pic is not with this lot but everything else is. Other items in the case (I'll probably miss something) includes a Virginia Civil War coat button backmarked Superior Quality complete with shank (pushed front), Eagle I button, other eagle buttons, dug NY button, 2 pocketknifes, rosettes, barrel band, various bullets, padlock, musket hammer, suspender buckle, flat coin buttons, cuff or vest buttons being Texas Naval buttons both brass & hard rubber or thermaplastic (non dug but came with the rest), iron nails, key, harmonica parts, horse shoe, metal bars, harness buckle, stove? part, carved lead piece, hinge piece, musket cap, etc. Nice display! $350.00
Here is an exceedingly rare item! This is a Dietz Portable Dark-room red glass lens Lantern from the 1800's. A reference site dealing with Dietz Lanterns stated that these were rare of the rare and were made before 1901, however, the site didn't state when they were first introduced. The Montgomery Ward 1895 catalog has a drawing of one on page 220 with the price of 50 cents on it and I saw another 1894 publication that had a drawing of one in it. In 1857 Dietz & Company submit the first flat-wick burner for "modern" coal oil for patenting and in 1859 Dietz & Company begin manufacturing coal oil flat-wick burners.
This lantern has the flat-wick burner that you can see in the pics. Photographs have to be developed in the dark and using red light is the same as being in the dark. I don't know how early this lantern is but I believe it's very early. The piece stands about 6 1/3 tall including the little chimney at the top. is 2 5/8 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches deep not including the little handle that you use to carry it around with. On the front is the stencil --- RUBY LANTERN. The little lid raises up to expose the red flat glass panel that the lit oil wick shines through. The glass is in excellent condition with no cracks. The little wick and tank are in excellent condition and you can see DIETZ embossed on the bottom. This piece is in excellent condition for it's age with just a little paint loss here and there. I found one other on the internet for an example that was not for sale and it had a cracked lens. I found no others listed after an exhausting search. If you are into early photography then this fine little lantern is for you! RARE! $250.00
Heres something I found of interest. This is a stereoptic card copyright 1900 showing a Pontoon Bridge built by Royal Engineers across the Modder in South Africa. What is so interesting is that it's very similiar to what the Corps of Engineers did during the Civil War. This is a nice card being somewhat light but still easily seen. by Underwood and Underwood. $10.00
Here's another stereo card that is in outstanding condition. This is a battle scene from the Spanish American War showing American troops firing their firearms! The caption is entitled 'Heroic Washington Volunteers advancing-Fillipinos 800 yards in fron-Taguig, Philippines'. Copyright 1899 by Underwood and Underwood. The back of the card is filled with information about the photos on the front. A little of it is:'This is an old rice field near Taguig, about ten miles S.E. of the city of Manila. You are seeing a moment of actual fighting-not any mere tableau, but serious business-the real thing as it was going on March 20, 1899.' The rest of the back is filled with interesting facts! Very nice card! $35.00
These next 3 cards and book are all one lot and definitely belong together. These all have to do with President McKinley, the last Civil War Veteran to be President of the United States, and are titled as such:
1. President McKinley at his desk in the White House. Washington, U.S.A. - copyright 1898 by Strohmeyer and Wrman. Good Condition
2.Inaugural Parade, Mar. 4, 1897 by Griffith & Griffith, Philadelphia. This one is iin good condition showing troops marching down the street with rifle muskets over their shoulders. They are wearing their spiked Army helmets and uniforms. Outstanding!
3. Mrs. McKinley in the Conservatory of the Executive Mansion, Washington, U.S.A. Copyright 1900 by Underwood and Underwood. Very nice card.
William McKinley, Jr. (January 29, 1843 September 14, 1901) was the 25th President of the United States, and the last veteran of the American Civil War to be elected to the office. He was the last president to serve in the 19th century and the first to serve in the 20th.
The President McKinley grouping includes a book entitled MEMORIAL LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY-OUR MARTYRED PRESIDENT and 3 stereo optic cards of the period. The book is in good condition with some spline separation and loads of photos! This book was written after his assassination in 1901 by Col. G.W. Townsend and is a first edition. This book is loaded with tons of photos and engravings of even the Funeral proceedings. 512 pages. No foxing. Also included is stereo optic cards of President McKinley at his desk in the White House copyright 1898 , the Inaugural Parade March 4th, 1897 showing many soldiers in parade formation. and lastly, Mrs. McKinley in the Conversatoryof the Executive Mansion, Washington D.C.copyright 1898. These cards are in excellent condition. Here's the Presidents Bio:
WILLIAM MCKINLEY 1897-1901
At the 1896 Republican Convention, in time of depression, the wealthy Cleveland businessman Marcus Alonzo Hanna ensured the nomination of his friend William McKinley as "the advance agent of prosperity." The Democrats, advocating the "free and unlimited coinage of both silver and gold"--which would have mildly inflated the currency--nominated William Jennings Bryan.
While Hanna used large contributions from eastern Republicans frightened by Bryan's views on silver, McKinley met delegations on his front porch in Canton, Ohio. He won by the largest majority of popular votes since 1872.
Born in Niles, Ohio, in 1843, McKinley briefly attended Allegheny College, and was teaching in a country school when the Civil War broke out. Enlisting as a private in the Union Army, he was mustered out at the end of the war as a brevet major of volunteers. He studied law, opened an office in Canton, Ohio, and married Ida Saxton, daughter of a local banker.
At 34, McKinley won a seat in Congress. His attractive personality, exemplary character, and quick intelligence enabled him to rise rapidly. He was appointed to the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Robert M. La Follette, Sr., who served with him, recalled that he generally "represented the newer view," and "on the great new questions .. was generally on the side of the public and against private interests."
During his 14 years in the House, he became the leading Republican tariff expert, giving his name to the measure enacted in 1890. The next year he was elected Governor of Ohio, serving two terms.
When McKinley became President, the depression of 1893 had almost run its course and with it the extreme agitation over silver. Deferring action on the money question, he called Congress into special session to enact the highest tariff in history.
In the friendly atmosphere of the McKinley Administration, industrial combinations developed at an unprecedented pace. Newspapers caricatured McKinley as a little boy led around by "Nursie" Hanna, the representative of the trusts. However, McKinley was not dominated by Hanna; he condemned the trusts as "dangerous conspiracies against the public good."
Not prosperity, but foreign policy, dominated McKinley's Administration. Reporting the stalemate between Spanish forces and revolutionaries in Cuba, newspapers screamed that a quarter of the population was dead and the rest suffering acutely. Public indignation brought pressure upon the President for war. Unable to restrain Congress or the American people, McKinley delivered his message of neutral intervention in April 1898. Congress thereupon voted three resolutions tantamount to a declaration of war for the liberation and independence of Cuba.
In the 100-day war, the United States destroyed the Spanish fleet outside Santiago harbor in Cuba, seized Manila in the Philippines, and occupied Puerto Rico.
"Uncle Joe" Cannon, later Speaker of the House, once said that McKinley kept his ear so close to the ground that it was full of grasshoppers. When McKinley was undecided what to do about Spanish possessions other than Cuba, he toured the country and detected an imperialist sentiment. Thus the United States annexed the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
In 1900, McKinley again campaigned against Bryan. While Bryan inveighed against imperialism, McKinley quietly stood for "the full dinner pail."
His second term, which had begun auspiciously, came to a tragic end in September 1901. He was standing in a receiving line at the Buffalo Pan-American Exposition when a deranged anarchist shot him twice. He died eight days later.
For Everything $95.00
This is a stereoscope card featuring William Jennings Bryan and his wife. This one is copyrighted 1897 by B.L.Lingley. William Jennings Bryan had quite a history! Here's his bio:
William Jennings Bryan (March 19, 1860 July 26, 1925) was an American politician in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. He was a dominant force in the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, standing three times as its candidate for President of the United States (1896, 1900 and 1908). He lost, each time by a bigger margin. He served in Congress briefly as a representative from Nebraska and was the 41st United States Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson, 1913-1916. Bryan was a devout Presbyterian, a supporter of popular democracy, an enemy of gold, banks and railroads, a leader of the silverite movement in the 1890s, a peace advocate, a prohibitionist, and an opponent of Darwinism on religious grounds. With his deep, commanding voice and wide travels, he was one of the best known orators and lecturers of the era. Because of his faith in the goodness and rightness of the common people, he was called "The Great Commoner."
In the intensely fought 1896 and 1900 elections, he was defeated by William McKinley but retained control of the Democratic Party. With over 500 speeches in 1896, Bryan invented the national stumping tour, in an era when other presidential candidates stayed home. In his three presidential bids, he promoted Free Silver in 1896, anti-imperialism in 1900, and trust-busting in 1908, calling on Democrats to fight the trusts (big corporations) and big banks, and embrace anti-elitist ideals of republicanism. President Wilson appointed him Secretary of State in 1913, but Wilson's strong demands on Germany after the Lusitania was torpedoed in 1915 caused Bryan to resign in protest.
After 1920 he was a strong supporter of Prohibition and energetically attacked Darwinism and evolution, most famously at the Scopes Trial in 1925. Five days after winning the case, he died in his sleep
Great Card! $15.00
WE HAVE MORE STEREO-OPTIC CARDS ON OUR ANTIQUES PAGE!
Everyone finds period forks very easily but it's harder to find good silver period spoons but I have 2! The smaller one is made by Rhodes & Anthony of Cin. Ohio circa
1836 with a monogram on it of 'ET'. This one has a couple of tiny dents in the bowl. The second silver spoon is larger and looks to have a small period repair to the bowl. This one was made by Dahme & Co. also of Cin. Ohio and was made circa 1844-1850. The monogram on this one is M.M.T.V. Each $35.00 The Rhodes and Anthony spoon has SOLD!
Here are 6 more spoons from the 1820 to 1830's period. These are small coin silver spoons with monograms on them all lovingly over cleaned and seem to be from PRATT. One spoon is slightly larger and has an english proof mark on it as well as the PRATT makers mark. The Pratt markings are well worm but can be made out. There were several silversmiths with that name making spoons during that period, at least 3 in this country and 1 in England, so I'm not sure which one made these fine little spoons. These spoons were found in Lafayette, Indiana. These spoons have a 3 initial monogram on them with the last initial being an H but I have a devil of a time making out this flowerly type of writing! At any rate they are pretty and ornate! Since they are worn they are $30 each.
The following below are a few 1ST EDITION books that we just picked up. Only one of them is a 2nd edition book. They are:
COLT PEACEMAKER ENCYCLOPEDIA by Keith Cochran. 1986 Intended as a volume to bring together most of the known data on this famous revolvers it is hoped this book will be of great help to the collector as well as the enthusiast of the Colt Peacemaker. Hard cover with dj in fine conditon. 416 pages. Contains world of information on Single Action Colt revolver. 1st edition and limited. $125.00
THE IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF FIREARMS by Vaclav "Jack" Krcma, 1971 first edition. This book is about 11 inches tall by 8 3/4 inches wide, in gilt stamped red cloth. 173 pages illustrated by 94 detailed photographic plates. From the cover "Detailed information on serial numbering systems and codes is provided. Extensive tables and photographs explain and show the location of hidden serial numbers and part numbers. . . ". Both book and jacket are remarkably well preserved: clean, bright and unworn. Fine in Fine DJ . $60.00
CONFEDERATE HANDGUNS by William A. Albaugh, III- Hugh Benet, Jr.- Edward N. Simmons 1963 First Edition. Here is the first book devoted solely to confederate pistols and revolvers. This is the book to which all who are interested in any phase of this field and its period must ultimately turn. 250 pages, Illustrated. Fine Hardcover with dj that has a small tear on the bottom. Again this is the 1st edition! $125.00
CIVIL WAR GUNS by William B. Edwards, 1962, 1st Edition! The complete story of Federal and Confederate small arms: design, manufacture, identification, procurement. Size=9"x11.5" Hard Cover no dj. 444pgs(Index) Fine Conditon! $35.00
THE HANDGUN by Geoffrey Boothroyd, 1970 1st Edition! Over 800 black & white illust, photos and drawings, detailing the history of the handgun. VG hardcover book with dust jacket . 564 pgs + index. $75.00
SMITH AND WESSON 1857-1945 - a Handbook for Collectors By Robert J. Neal and Roy G. Jimks, 1966 1st Edition! 434 pp., illus. The bible for all existing and aspiring Smith & Wesson collectors. Hardcover in very good condition with a small bite out of the dj on the back! The authors tell the story of the most exciting period in the development of American handguns in the most readable text. They have reprinted this book but this is the most desireable FIRST EDITION!! This book sells in first edition for well over $300 in some areas but our price is $145.00
GERMAN PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS 1871-1945 by Ian V. Hogg, 1971, 1st Edition! A comprehensive encyclopedia. The German pistols and revolvers manufactured during the period from the unification of the German states in 1871 to the collapse of the Third Reich in 1945. - Hard cover - Photos- Out of Print/Used book - 160 Pages - Book is used and dust jacket had a few rips and a small area of staining on the rear. $35.00
REMINGTON HANDGUNS by Charles Lee Karr, Jr. and Caroll Robbins Karr, 1960. Bonanza edition. The original was published in 1947. 125 pages including appendix and bilbliography plus page of Chronological Model-Index. Dust jacket in mylar. An NRA book. Many black and white photographs with fold-out sketch of army pistol. Text and photographs printed on glossy paper. Frontispiece of Eliphalet Remington. The history of the Remington handgun in America encompassing all available information on the complete line of Remington handguns. Each model is discussed separately and its history and development are given. This book has become the standard reference on Remington handguns for collectors, dealers and gunsmiths the World over. This is a very nice book in vg condition!!! $40.00
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One of the most colorful soldiers ever to serve in the United States Army. Although the Indian Wars were over, he would rise still higher, to the top command in the U.S. Army.
It was an impressive ascent from youthful beginnings as a clerk in a Boston crockery store, but still not as high as his ambition dictated. His future career, like his past, would be marred by controversy and endless discord with associates. For in him vanity and ambition powered a fierce competitiveness that drove his to revel tastelessly in his own genuine abilities and successes while minimizing or denying those of others. "Brave peacock," Theodore Roosevelt would call him, not inaccurately.
Unfortunately for his place in history, the image obscured a record of notable achievement. He came to the frontier army in 1866 without West Point credentials but with an extraordinary Civil War record.
Self-education had prepared him for the war. While clerking in Boston, he had attended night school, read deeply in military history, mastered military principals nd techniques, and even paid an old French veteran to teach him to drill. He marched off in 1861 as a First Lieutenant of Massachusetts Volunteers. Courage, leadership, professional knowledge, hard work and ambition brought the young officer to notice of his superiors, and he rose swiftly. By Appomattox, he had made himself a popular hero, four times wounded, veteran of every major battle of the Army of the Potomac except Gettysburg, successful regimental, brigade, division and (briefly) corps commander.
Promotion to Major General of Volunteers came in October 1865 and three brevet promotions covered him with further honors. Not only was he a genuine hero, he looked like one. Tall, muscular, broad-shouldered, well-proportioned, with intense blue eyes and a jaunty mustache, he made a dashing figure in his blue and gold uniform with starred shoulder straps and chest full of brass buttons.
He was 26 years old. He had found his calling. He wanted to be a career soldier and his record in the Volunteer Service assured him a commission in the post-war regular army. He sought a brigadier's star, a presumptuous goal in the shrunken peacetime army, even for one of his conspicuous attainments. The colonel's eagles that he accepted with bad grace represented a higher rank than others with even greater distinction and seniority could win. Even this distinction cam not solely in recognition of his wartime services. He had learned one of the truths of his times: ability helped, but high-level influence was vital. He enlisted the support of an imposing roster of military and political luminaries in behalf of his candidacy, and his colonel's commission owed as much to this as to his war record. He would become one of the army's most ardent practitioners of influence peddling. Marriage appeared to enhance his possibilities, although it is unlikely that cynicism formed part of that motivation.
On June 30, 1868, he married Mary Hoyt Sherman, whose uncles were Ohio Senator John Sherman and Army Major General William Tecumseh Sherman. Less than a year later, with the inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant as President of the United States, Sherman became General-in-Chief of the Army. At once, Miles began to importune his wife's uncle for official favors. Until 1883, when he stepped down as leader of the Army, Sherman stubbornly fended off these efforts.
As early as 1888, California interests had advanced Miles' name for the presidency, and throughout the 1890s he doubtless had no more difficulty visualizing himself as President than he had in 1876, a frontier Colonel, as Secretary of War. In truth, neither major party ever seriously considered him a serious nominee. In 1895, he did attain the top command of the Army, successor to Washington, Scott, Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, but his term was filled with frustration.
In the Spanish-American War, William McKinley denied him any real authority and relegated him to command an almost unnoticed expedition against Puerto Rico. Instead of glory, he gained uncomplimentary notice from a bitter public quarrel with the Secretary of War and a ruthless, unjust attack on the Commissary General of the Army in the scandal over "embalmed beef."
Even his elevation in 1901 to the newly restored grade of Lieutenant General brought only small satisfaction. Almost at once he earned the displeasure of Theodore Roosevelt by taking sides in a feud between admirals and by criticizing U.S. policy in the Philippines. He also opposed the long-overdue reform of the War Department, which called for converting the Commanding General to a Chief of Staff. Finally, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 64 in 1903 and stepped down as the last Commanding General in the Army's history, the President declined to send the customary congratulatory message, and the Secretary of War did not attend the retirement ceremonies.
He lived out his remaining years quietly in Washington, D.C. World War I brought persistent application for active duty, but they were politely turned aside. No longer a center of controversy, he became a venerable figure out of the past, a reminder of the war to save the Union, out of the old army, and of the frontier West that he played such a glorious part in opening to settlement.
The end, at the age of 85, could not have been more fitting. In the spring of 1925, he took his grandchildren to the circus. The band played the National Anthem. Standing erectly at attention, rendering the military salute to the flag, he collapsed with a heart attack. The burial at Arlington National Cemetery featured the impressive ceremonial homage he would have considered his due. He might have also felt a small sense of vindication in the gravesite attendance of President Calvin Coolidge. He is buried in Section 3 in one of only two mausoleums in Arlington National Cemetery (the other in Section 1 belongs to General Thomas Crook Sullivan). Another connection with Arlington was that Miles was the Grand Marshall at the dedication of the Memorial Amphitheater, which was held in 1920.
He was born on August 8, 1839 near Westminister, Massachusetts. He was commissioned as Captain of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at the outbreak of the Civil War. His baptism of fire came while serving in General Oliver O. Howard's staff at Fair Oaks (Seven Pines), May 31, 1862, after which his bravery earned him promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He was promoted to Colonel after assuming command of his regiment in the midst of the battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), September 17, 1862. Distinguished himself and was himself seriously wounded at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, again at Chancellorsville, May 2-4, 1863. For his actions at the latter he won, as of March 1867, Brevet to Brigadier General and even later, in 1892, the Medal of Honor. He was present at nearly every major engagement of the Army of the Potomac.
Appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers in May 1864 and commanded a Division in the final campaign at Petersburg, Virginia. In October 1865, at the age of 26, was named Major General of Volunteers in command of II Corps. As commandant of Fort Monroe, Virginia, after the war, he became the custodian of Jefferson Davis, and for keeping him shackled in his cell, was the target of severe public criticism, even in the North. In July 1866 was appointed Colonel in the regular army and in March 1869 was commander of the 5th U.S. Infantry. His subsequent service on the Western frontier was dedicated and courageous during recurring hostilities with the Indians. Achieved victories against Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa and Arapaho on the Staked Plains of Texas in 1874-75, notably the victory of Colonel Ranald S. MacKenzie at Palo Duro Canyon, September 24, 1874, and later was instrumental in driving the Sioux under Sitting Bull into Canada nd pacifying those under Crazy Horse. He captured Chief Joseph in 1877 after the Nez Perces incredible march toward sanctuary in Canada, and the following year pacified the Bannocks under Chief Elk Horn near Yellowstone. Promoted to Brigadier General in December 1880, he commanded the Department of the Columbia until 1885 and the Department of the Missouri in 1885-86, and in April 1886 succeeded General George Crook as the commander of the Department of Arizona, where he succeeded in September in finally capturing the elusive Apache leader, Geronimo. He commanded the Department of the Pacific at San Francisco in 1888-90, receiving promotion to Major General in April 1890. In the last uprising of the Sioux in South Dakota in late 1890, during which Sitting Bull was killed, he restored U.S. control over the Indians, but his reputation was permanently tarnished by the massacre of some 200 Sioux, including women and children, by troops under the command of Colonel James W. Forsyth (7th U.S. Cavalry) at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, on December 29, 1890. In 1894, while commanding the Department of the Missouri, was responsible for the Federal troops employed in the suppression of the Pullman strike disorders in Chicago. Was placed in command of the Department of the East, with headquarters at Governors Island, New York in 1894, and on the retirement of John M. Schofield be became on October 5, 1895 the Army's Comander-in-Chief. His role in the Spanish-American War was mostly administrative, although the did conduct an expedition to Puerto Rico, landing on July 25, 1898, and campaigning until August 13. In February 1901 he was promoted to Lieutenant General. Late in that year he was reprimanded for having commented publicly on Admiral George Dewey's report on charges against Winfield Scott Schley. In 1902, on his return from an inspection trip in the Philippines, he aroused controversy with his criticism of the conduct of certain U.S. officers there. Author of "Personal Recollections and Observations of General Nelson A. Miles," in 1896, and "Serving the Republic," in 1911.
MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER
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MILES, NELSON A.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 61st New York Infantry. Place and date: At Chancellorsville, Virginia, 2_3 May 1863. Entered service at: Roxbury, Massachusetts. Birth: Westminster, Massachusetts. Date of issue: 23 July 1892.
Citation:
Distinguished gallantry while holding with his command an advanced position against repeated assaults by a strong force of the enemy; was severely wounded.
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This photo and frame of the Famous General is complete and in very good condition. $85.00
THE WORLD OF GUNS by Richard Akehurst. The development of the gun. The gun in warfare. Sporting guns and rifles. Guns of the American West. Duelling pistols. Self-protective guns. The decoration of guns. London,1972. 127 Pages large size being 8 1/2 X 11 1/2 inches in size. Great condition-no dj. Many, many photos both black & white as well as color. Nice!!! $14.95 1st Edition.
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