The Picket Post

The Picket Post
(540) 371-7703 1016 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Pickpost@aol.com
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FEATURED ITEMS
On this page we feature a bit of everything from the Civil War era and earlier.

NON-EXCAVATED 2-PIECE EAGLE PLATE, Circa 1851 - 1855

This beautiful die stamped center disc soldered to cast brass bar features a nice, spread-wing eagle and 31 stars. The tradition of adding stars to this style stopped at 31 following the statehood of California in 1850, and it looks like squeezing more that onto a disc this size was just too problematic! This laurel leaf pattern wreath was copied for thousands of Confederate 2-piece sword belt plates. This style of buckle faded from use as it was replaced by the 1851 rectangular eagle sword belt plate with the applied silver wreath.
For reference: see plate 305 on page 203 of American Military Belt Plates by O'Donnell & Campbell.

$ 895.00

CONFEDERATE SWORD BELT RIG WITH CAP BOX AND BAYONET!
This set came out at auction, with an old tag that reads "Confederate buckle (CS) on belt with cap box, cartridge box (belonged to a cavalry officer) has hook to hold sword, round leather ring for musket - has Confederate bayonet attached". Unfortunately, the cartridge box mentioned in the tag was not still with the belt, and neither was the "leather ring for musket" whatever that is. The bayonet scabbard was still with it, but we had to add a Confederate bayonet to make the group complete as it appears here. The bayonet scabbard is all stitched and has a really cool seamed & soldered tin scabbard tip. the bayonet comes with a certificate from a well know shop in Gettysburg. The cap box is all stitched as well, with a brass finial and a single, wide belt loop. The inner flap comes to a point and has some interesting line tooling along its edges. This is a nice grouping of Confederate accoutrements!
$ 12,595.00

EXCAVATED CS-202 CONFEDERATE RIFLEMAN'S BUTTON
B/M: W. Dowler / Superior Quality. (A bit hard to read, but it is there!)
22mm coat size. Nice, smooth, chocolate brown with no damage and a nice, straight shank!
Dug near Charleston, South Carolina.
$ 695.00

CIVIL WAR ARTIFACTS, A Guide for the Historian by Howard Crouch.

Out of print for a while and is very sought after! This copy has an inscription to the previous owner, signed by Howard Crouch.

The best book on dug artifacts, with pictures and descriptions of military accoutrements and weapons, as well as everyday camp equipment.

A classic! 237 pages.
$ 95.00

We picked up a group of Excavated Virginia Buttons! We have a case full of these in the shop. Call for more information!

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-1
B/M: Philada
Silver!
$1200.00   H-125
Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: Extra / Plate
No Shank.
$350.00    H-59

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: unknown
Still has dirt on back!
$ 150.00    H-60

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: Young Smith & Co. / New York
Strong shank!
$ 150.00    H-61

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: Still covered by dirt!
Nice, green patina.
$ 175.00    H-127

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: Extra Fine / Gilt
Pretty!
$ 295.00    H-129

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Blank
High convex!
$225.00    H-76

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Best / Plated
No shank, but lots of Silver!
$ 350.00    H-139
Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Rich Treble Gilt
No shank.
$ 175.00    H-140

Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Blank
Solid!
$195.00    H-142

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-4
B/M: D. Scovills & Co / Waterbury
Nice!
$ 150.00   H-65

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-4
B/M: W.H. Horstmann & Sons / Phila.
Some gilt, but button needs cleaning.
$ 175.00    H-66

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-4
B/M: Scovills & Co. / Waterbury
No shank, but pretty!
$ 225.00 On Hold!!!    H-67

Virginia Staff Cuff,VA-4Av
B/M: Wm. H. Smith N � York
No shank, but pretty!
$ 200.00   H-130

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-5
B/M: Young Smith & Co / New York
Silver!
$ 225.00    H-75

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-9
B/M: Scovills & Co / Waterbury
Pretty!
$ 350.00    H-81

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-9
B/M: Wm. H. Smith & Co / New York
Smooth brown patina!
$ 150.00    H-136

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-12
B/M: Canfield Bro. & Co: Baltimore
Slightly bent shank!
$ 175.00    H-87

Virginia Cuff,VA-13Av
B/M: Wm. H. Smith & Co / New York
No shank, but Silver!
$ 250.00    H-96

Virginia Cuff, VA-13Av
B/M: Scovills / Extra
Slightly bent shank.
$ 150.00    H-99

Virginia Cuff, VA-13Av
B/M: Schuyler H & G
Thread or cloth on shank!
$ 175.00    H-100

Virginia Cuff,VA-13Av
B/M: Scovills & Co. / Extra
Solid!
$ 150.00   H-101
Virginia Cuff,VA-13Av
B/M: Mitchell & Tyler / Rich. VA
Nice!
$ 150.00    H-102

Virginia Cuff, VA-13Av
B/M: Scovills & Co. / Extra
Loaded with gold and slick!
$ 225.00    H-105

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-13
B/M: Scovill Mfg. Co / Waterbury
Slick brown patina!
$ 225.00    H-159

Virginia Cuff, VA-13Av
B/M: M&T / Richmond, VA
Slightly bent shank, but nice!
$ 150.00    H-160

Virginia Cuff, VA-14
B/M: Extra / Quality
No shank, but pretty!
$ 150.00    H-94

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-14
B/M: W.H. Horstmann & Sons
(RMDC)
$225.00    H-98

Virginia 2-Piece,VA-15
B/M: D. Horstmann & Allien / N.Y.
Nice!
$ 250.00   H-90
Virginia 2-Piece,VA-15
B/M: Horstmann & Allien / N.Y.
Pretty!
$ 250.00    H-92

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-15
B/M: W.H. Horstmann & Allien / NY
Nice gold!
$250.00    H-109

Virginia Staff Cuff, VA-18Av
B/M: Mitchell & Tyler / Richmond
Pretty!
$ 175.00    H-112

Virginia Staff Cuff,VA-18Av
B/M: unreadable
Solid& pretty!
$ 250.00   H-114

Virginia Staff Cuff,VA-18Av
B/M: Extra / Quality
Nice!
$ 225.00    H-115

Virginia Cuff,VA-19Av
B/M: Blank
Slight push, but rare!
$ 250.00    H-107

Virginia Staff, VA-20
B/M: Horstmann / Philadelphia
Post-war, but attractive.
$ 50.00    H-110

Virginia Staff, VA-20
B/M: Horstmann & Co. / NY & Phi
Lots of gold but push in face!
$ 85.00    H-117

Virginia Staff,VA-20
B/M: Extra / Quality
Just beautiful!
$ 275.00    H-122

Virginia Staff,VA-20
B/M: W. Wildt & Sons / Richmond
No shank, small push to face.
$ 250.00  On Hold!!!   H-157

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-21
B/M: Local
No shank.
$ 175.00    H-148

Virginia 2-Piece, VA-22
B/M: Local
Cracked, but still pretty!
$ 175.00    H-153

That's about it folks!

All buttons are coat size, unless marked otherwise

Give us a call for more information
(or to clear up any typos or mistakes!)

VMI Button, SU-408
B/M: D. Evans & Co / Attleboro
Bent shank.
$ 75.00   H-50
VMI Button, SU-408
B/M: R&W Robinson
Slight push to back.
$ 300.00    H-52

VMI Cuff, SU-408Av
B/M: Robinsons / Extra
Very nice!
$ 135.00  On Hold!!! H-56

VMI Cuff, SU-408Av
B/M: D. E. & Co / Extra
Strong button!
$ 50.00    H-57

EXCAVATED EAGLE BREAST PLATE
Beautiful smooth brown face and smooth solder filled back that is stamped by it's maker "W.H. Smith / Brooklyn". Also has a tape tag that indicates it was dug on the 20th of January in 1974! The tag also has the name "Burgess" but we really don't know exactly who that refers to.... could be the digger, a property owner.
$ 275.00 On Hold!!! H-29

EXCAVATED I.D. DISC, 2nd Lieutenant Edgar E. Herrick, 6th Vermont
Beautiful condition with gold in all the right places! Herrick mustered in as a Private 0n September 24, 1861 and was raised to Corporal. He reenlisted on December 15, 1863, was promoted to Sergeant on May 7, 1864, Sgt. Major on January 5, 1865 and 2nd Lieutenant on April 22, 1865. He is listed as having been captured, but no location given. When the battle of Gettysburg opened on July 1, the 6th was at Manchester, Md. some 35 miles from the battlefield. General Sedgwick issued his famous order, "Put the Vermonters ahead and keep the column well closed up," and before the sun went down on July 2nd, the column deployed into line of battle at Gettysburg.
SOLD!!!

CONFEDERATE Non-Excavated "CS over A" BUTTON CS-88
Extremely rare, and usually found with weak letters and/or dings in the face due to the high convex and low quality brass. This one is very sharp and is in excellent condition! 17mm (which is the only size they come in).
Reduced Price! $ 4795.00

EXCAVATED "US" CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE, Maker Marked!
Beautiful smooth brown face and smooth solder filled back that is clearly stamped with the early version of "Boyd & Sons / Boston". Later in the war the Springfield Armory required both the contractor and the inspector's name so Boyd & Sons used a totally different stamp!
See page 309 of O'Donnell and Campbell's American Military Belt Plates for examples of the differing styles.
$ 295.00 Sold!!! H-35

EXCAVATED IDENTIFICATION STENCIL WITH CASE!   Nathan H. Wilson, 59th Massachusetts
This is a really unique relic. First there is the brass stencil that is approximately 1-5/8" x 3-3/4" and is in great shape with the only damage being that a tiny bit of the edge that was folded over during construction is loose. This does not affect the body of the stencil or its display at all! Then there is another really cool artifact..... the tin case that contained the stencil when it was found! We've never seen another, but it must have come with the stencil when the soldier purchased it, for the purpose of protecting the stencil.... and it sure did! Nathan Wilson was a 22 year old carpenter when he joined the 59th Mass. on December 29th of 1863. The 59th saw plenty of action when the weather warmed up and Nathan was wounded on May 15, 1864 while the 59th was engaged at Spotsylvania Court House.

NEW INFORMATION! We just found out that this stencil is pictured on page 101 of Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of the Civil War 1861-1865 Supplement I. This is the grey covered second volume that Stanley Phillips did in 1980! We also learned that the stencil and container were dug along with other artifacts in the area of the Wilderness Battlefield.
SOLD!!! H-1

NON-EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL TWO PIECE SWORD BELT BUCKLE
Approximately 50mm x 90mm. These two piece buckles fastened the leather belts that officer's and cavalrymen's swords hung from, with the "tongue & wreath" design making it quick and easy to don the sword rig when needed. They are also one of the more attractive designs of Civil War belt plates!
This one is in perfect condition with a beautiful antique brass patina.
See plate 406 on page 220 of Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition for an example of this style of buckle
SOLD!!!

US REGULATION ARTILLERY SHELL JACKET

This is an artillery jacket worn by light artillerymen in the field. It has a tall stand up red piped collar in addition to the red piping on the front, cuffs, base of the jacket, and from the shoulders to the waist on the back. The red trim represents artillery. This example is just about perfect! It has the full muslin sleeve and wool body linings totally intact. The right sleeve bears two brown ink dots indicating "size 2". The army issued them in four sizes with 1 being small and 4 being large. The right sleeve lining also bears a smudged oval ink stamp that is either the maker's or US inspector's mark.

SOLD!!!

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL, VA-1B ON CLOTH!

Backmark: Blank. Coat size: 22mm. The earliest of the Virginia coat of arms buttons, this die-struck, one piece button retains its shank and most of its original silver plating and is nicely displayed on an original piece of cloth.

$ 1200.00   H-15

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE BUTTON, SU-408

Backmark: R&W Robinson (in a ribbon). Coat size 21mm. Nice, smooth and almost 100% gold! The shank is intact, but bent a bit.

$ 300.00 On Hold!!! H-52

EXCAVATED NEW YORK STATE SEAL, NY-30

Backmark: Extra / Quality. Coat size 22mm. Nice, smooth and nice gold! The shank is perfect.

$ 25.00 H-47

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL, VA-2-C 1-Piece Silver!
Backmark: Extra / Plate. Coat size 22mm. Nice, smooth and almost 100% silver! The shank is gone, other than that, it's got it all!

$ 350.00 H-59

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL BUTTON, VA-15-B
B/M: Horstmann & Allien /NY.   21mm coat size. Nice, chocolate brown with lots of original gold gilt, but could use a bit more cleaning.
Shank is intact.

$ 250.00   H-109

EXCAVATED MP-4 MISSISSIPPI BUTTON

B/M: Hyde &Goodrich / N-O. 21mm coat size. Nice, chocolate brown with lots of original gold gilt! No Shank.

$ 750.00

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL, VA-1B
Backmark: Philada. Coat size: 22mm. The earliest of the Virginia coat of arms buttons, this is of wonderful die-struck, one piece construction and retains almost all of its original silver plating. These were made by George Armitage in Philadelphia from about 1810 to 1826. The shank is gone.
$ 1200.00

1864 CONFEDERATE $500 Note, T-64

The design of this note has it all! The battle flag, a version of the Confederate seal with the motto �Deo Vindice� meaning �Under God, Our Vindicator� displayed within a belt encircling a soldier on horseback, with other militaria below that. And at the bottom right is a depiction of fallen Confederate General Thomas �Stonewall� Jackson making this the only note issued by the Confederacy to depict a CSA military leader. And this one is in super condition with nice red color!

$795.00   On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE TWO PIECE SWORD BELT BUCKLE, Chancellorsville

A beautiful "Virginia Style" CS two piece sword belt buckle with a great history of being dug near Chancellorsville in 1959!! You won't find one much prettier than this!

See plate 004 on page 11 of Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition for an example of this style of buckle

2795.00  On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED WASHINGTON INAUGURAL BUTTON WI-12
Approximately 35mm with missing shank. An eye-witness to Washington's Inauguration reported that "Washington was dressed in deep brown, with metal buttons, with an eagle on them...."   Soon after Washington was sworn in as president, enterprising craftsmen began to make and sell a variety of commemorative buttons with patriotic designs, now known as Washington Inaugurals. These are incredibly historic and desirable!
$ 1495.00

EXCAVATED VIRGINIA STATE SEAL STAMPED BRASS BELT BUCKLE
Approximately 51mm x 70mm. This absolutely beautiful belt plate was made by James S. Smith & Sons of New York and is one of the rare examples that bears their mark stamped into the tongue! The belt bar that was held only by two solder joints is missing, which is not unusual, but the soldier drilled two holes on the edge of the plate so that he could continue using it in time of war!

See plate 431 on page 233 of Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition for an example of this style of buckle

$ 3895.00

DUG EAGLE BREAST PLATE, Maker Marked: J I Pittman
Solid condition with smooth, dark chocolate brown patina, with one of the iron loops remaining on the back. The maker mark of J I Pittman is all there and readable!
No record of where it was dug, but somewhere in the Fredericksburg area.
$ 225.00

EXCAVATED BOYLE GAMBLE & McFEE BAYONET ADAPTER
These adapters enabled Confederate forces to mount bayonets on rifles such as the Model 1841, as well as Southern-made military rifles, without weakening the barrels by adding attachment studs, and they could be used on civilian rifles bored out to military caliber as well. Boyle, Gamble and McFee made two models of adapter, and this is the second models with a �footprint� stud and is made even scarcer because it bears the stamping: �B G & M / Richmond, VA. / Pat. Sep 2, 1861� as well as a mating number �77� to match it with a bayonet since they were hand worked to fit to each other. The brass body is a beautiful chocolate brown, and the steel locking screw is gone.
$ 595.00

EXCAVATED "VMM" VOLUNTEER MILITIA OF MAINE CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE
The Volunteer Militia of Maine was organized in1851 and restructured in 1861 to raise and equip ten regiments of infantry for two years of Federal service. They were initially outfitted with "VMM" plates. The iron loops are gone from the back of the plate, but when it was dug it was resting on a piece of the original cartridge box leather flap that had been protected from decay by the metal oxides off of the plate, and that is included!
See plate 558 on page 343 of O'Donnell and Campbell's American Military Belt Plates for an similar example of this style of plate.
$ 1395.00

EXCAVATED HEART HEEL PLATE
For the soldier, shoes and or boots were a coveted possession and heel plates were in high demand. When their shoes wore out, they usually didn't know how long it would be before they were able to get another pair, and as the heel was the first to wear out, heel plates are often found in Civil War camps. This one is a heavier cast brass and is approximately 1-5/8" tall x 1-1/2" wide.   Dug at Deep Bottom near Richmond, VA.
$ 75.00 (M-34)

EXCAVATED CROSSED CANNON ARTILLERY INSIGNIA
Nice example of this stamped brass hat insignia. No real damage, but there are no wire loops on the back, although you can see where they were soldered. Approximately 3-3/8" x 1-7/8" overall.
$ 275.00 (M-31)

EXCAVATED INFANTRY BUGLE
Nice example of this stamped brass hat insignia. No real dings or damage, but there are no wire loops on the back, although you can see where they were soldered. Approximately 3-3/8" x 1-3/4" overall.
$ 165.00 (M-30)

EXCAVATED CAVALRY CROSSED SABERS
Nice, complete set of these stamped brass insignia. They have a couple of slight dings, but they are complete with a nice smooth brown patina! There are no wire loops on the back. Approximately 3-3/8" x 1-3/4" overall.
SOLD!!! (M-28)

DUG USA ROSETTE
This is a wonderful 49mm diameter rosette with beautiful smooth, chocolate brown patina. The attachment bar is gone from the back, but the lead fill is fine.
It is a beauty!
$ 165.00 (M-53)

DUG US SADDLE SHIELD
Perfect condition "12 Inch Seat" saddle shield that is 45mm tall x 40mm wide 49mm with beautiful smooth, chocolate brown patina.   the back, but the lead fill is fine.
You won't find much better than this one!
$ 95.00 (M-18)

Something A Little Different..... Not For Sale!
We thought y'all might enjoy a little eye candy. This is, as far as we can tell, a complete collection of cape pins, all with at least some chain attached!
This is from the collection of our good friend (and digging legend) Dennis Cox.   And it really is not for sale!

EXCAVATED FROELICH / KENANSVILLE ENLISTED MAN'S CAVALRY SABER
This sword is complete, with the exception of the wire and leather wrapped wood grip, and is in excellent dug condition with the brass having a nice, smooth, dark green-brown patina, and the iron blade being rusty, but very solid. The 34" blade has a single, unstopped fuller as is the Confederate blade norm, and the tang is marked with a large "8" which would have been hidden by the grip if it remained. This style of Froelich cavalry sabers, often referred to as Kenansville's are easily recognized by the distinctive shape of the pommel. They sometimes have Roman numerals on the guards, but this one is unmarked.   We were told it was recovered at Gettysburg. It looks like it could be an early pick up.
This sword displays beautifully!

$ 2995.00   On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED CS-130 CONFEDERATE CAVALRY BUTTON
B/M: S. Isaacs Campbell & Co / London / Jermyn St. (A bit hard to read, but it is there!)
23mm coat size. Nice, smooth, chocolate brown (darker than the photo) with no damage at all!
$ 395.00

Out of print, but we have one copy:
CONFEDERATE BELT BUCKLES AND PLATES (Original Edition) by Steve Mullinax.
This is the original edition from 1991. 224 pages with over 410 buckles and plates pictured.
Used, but in like new condition with the dust jacket which is also excellent.
These are getting very hard to find!
Sold Out!

EXCAVATED REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENLISTED MAN'S ARTILLERY BUTTON
Approximately 21mm in diameter, made of cast brass, this American made button is the enlisted version. The face has a bit of roughness to the chocolate brown patina but the detail of a cannon and flag is visible.
See page 207 in Insignia of Independence by Don Troiani and James Kochan for information and examples.
$ 895.00

Out of print, but we have one copy:

UNITED STATES MILITARY SMALL ARMS, 1816 - 1865 Robert Reilly.
One of the best ever reference works for weapons of the Civil War. Bob Reilly was a talented technical artist as well as a knowledgeable gun collector, so he combined those interests in his books that describe the important and often defining details of historic weapons in both words and detailed drawings. A large format book 9" x 13" with 275 pages of drawings that show more detail than photos would, and great descriptive text. Covers muskets, rifle-muskets, rifles, carbines and handguns of the U.S. in sharp detail. This one is used (since this is a book that you should use!) but solid with no torn or missing pages. The dust cover is there, but it does show some wear..

$45.00  On Hold!!

EXCAVATED CAVALRY CROSSED SABERS
Nice, complete set of these stamped brass insignia. They have a couple of slight dings and one is cracked where the handle meets the scabbard, but still there with no glue or reinforcement. There are no wire loops on the back, but the solder attachment areas are quite evident. Approximately 3-3/8" x 1-3/4" overall.
SOLD!!

RARE NON-EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE "GUTTER BACK" FRAME BUCKLE
Measuring 70mm x 62mm, this is one is beautiful with a nice clean patina and perfectly formed teeth. The surface is clean, but with enough patina in the low areas and some over the file marks to confirm its age! Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition doesn't have much on frame buckles, but there are a couple of generic examples on page 98. On the other hand, Lon Kiem's Confederate General Service Accoutrement Plates has a near exact match for this buckle in figure 336 on page 209!
$ 1295.00

CDV & SIGNATURE ADMIRAL DAVID FARRAGUT
Nice CDV, with a full standing view of then Captain David G. Farragut. Soon after his capture of New Orleans in April 1862 followed by the capture Baton Rouge and the fall of Vicksburg, Lincoln rewarded Farragut by making him America's first Admiral, and it is as such that he signed the accompanying signature card, which is approximately 2" x 3" and boldly signed! A great display of an American naval legend!
$ 695.00

SOUVENIR CANES MADE OF WOOD FROM GETTYSBURG!

There is a photo of young local Gettysburg boys at Devil�s Den in 1900 displaying canes to sell as souvenirs. They are- Emory Daugherty, Arthur Shields, William Shields, Clarence Shields, and Thomas Rosensteel. In the photo is the burner that was used for burning the design into the woodburned canes.
The photo is included in the book, Adams County Area Pictorial History.

A

DEVIL'S DEN
Approximately 35-1/2" long, the cane was decorated with multiple wavy designs by lightly burning the surface. It also features corps badges of the seven corps that were present at Gettysburg with the burnt darkened wood outlining the corps symbols as well as the location: "Devil's Den" in a striking fashion. SOLD!!!

B
ROUND TOP
Approximately 34" long, this cane is burn decorated with somewhat straighter designs. It has a natural bend that serves as a comfortable handle and an area outlining the stamp printed legend: "Wood From / Round Top" which is worn, but readable. SOLD!!!

C

MEADE'S HEADQUARTERS
Approximately 36" long, this nice, stout, meta tipped cane is decorated with the wavy designs and also features the corps badges of the seven corps present at Gettysburg, with a space left clear for the stamped location: "Gettysburg July 1-2-3, 1863 / Wood From Meade's Headquarters" which is easily readable. SOLD!!!

D
PEACH ORCHARD
Approximately 38" long, this metal tipped cane is decorated with the wavy designs and the location: "Peach Orchard" in a striking fashion. The top 4" or so also retain a section of the original bark that has been worn smooth.   SOLD!!!

EXCAVATED CIVIL WAR OFFICER'S SPUR

This is a civilian spur that was popular with military men during the Civil War. It is of high quality and would have been used by officers. In Howard Crouch's book Historic American Spurs, an example is shown on page 19 that belonged to a Confederate officer. This one is in exceptional dug condition with a fair amount of the original gilt finish still remaining. It was dug at Double Bridges, Virginia.

SOLD!! (CD-Spurdb)

SHALER 3-PIECE BULLET, M&M # 520
Dug together in a camp in Stafford County, Virginia occupied by New York troops!It's a little blackened (fire pit?) and the top two pieces are stuck together, though we didn't try too hard to separate them!
$ 100.00 SOLD!!!

EXCAVATED WAR OF 1812 ERA BRITISH 7th REGIMENT OF FOOT ROYAL FUSILIERS BUTTON
Beautiful condition, 27mm coat size, 1-piece stamped brass button with VII on cross within garter and eight pointed star on the face and backmarked "Eginton / Birmingham" on the back. The shank is missing, but other than that, this one is a beauty!
$ 150.00

EXCAVATED REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA BRITISH INSIGNIA
These were found this year at a site in King George County, Virginia. The cast brass crown is approximately 1-7/8" wide by 1-38" tall and is double sided. It looks like part of a cross belt plate, or perhaps a cartridge box plate.   We could not find an exact match, but see pages 10, 11 & 159 of Insignia of Independence by Don Troiani and James Kochan for similar pieces.

The other cast brass piece is about 2-1/2" tall and 1-5/8" wide, with a piece missing at the top. It has one finished side and we don't know exactly what it is except early and cool!

SOLD!!!

NORTH CAROLINA MILITARY INSTITUTE BUTTON; SU-272
Backmark: Scovill / Mfg. Co. Cuff size 14mm.
Perfect, with upright shank.
Another beautiful button!
Reduced price!! $ 750.00 On Hold!!!

NORTH CAROLINA "SUNBURST" BUTTON; NC-14
Confederate local blank back. Coat size 22mm.
Perfect 5 point star with stippled background that still retains gilt! Perfect shank as well.
Just a beautiful button!
Reduced price!! $ 850.00

SANITARY COMMISSION BUTTON, FD-71A
B/M: Scovill Mf'g. Co / Waterbury.   22mm coat size. Perfect face with no wear.
The shank is a little loose, but still intact.The United States Sanitary Commission was a private relief agency created by federal legislation on June 18, 1861, to support sick and wounded soldiers of the United States Army during the American Civil War. It raised an estimated $25 million in Civil War era revenue to support the cause, and enlisted thousands of volunteers.
SOLD!!!

DISCOVERING VIRGINIA'S COLONIAL ARTIFACTS, by Bill Dancy Back in Print!!
This wonderful new 393 page hardbound book is filled with information on finding, researching, recovering, identifying and documenting colonial artifacts, and while most of it is focused on Virginia sites and relics, it would certainly apply to any area!   It is filled with wonderful, all color photography of artifacts, including military as well as everyday items from house sites, and even includes some Civil War and other items found in the same areas. If you've read any of the author's articles in historic publications, you know that he has the experience, expertise and writing skills to make this a must have!
$ 59.00

EXCAVATED CS-130Av CONFEDERATE CAVALRY BUTTON Rare Cuff Size!
B/M: S. Isaacs Campbell & Co / London (Hard to read, but it is there!)
13mm cuff size. Nice, chocolate brown with no damage at all!
Dug at Petersburg, Virginia.
$ 895.00

UNIFORM BUTTONS OF THE UNITED STATES, 1776 - 1865 Warren K. Tice.
A very lightly used copy. 519 pages 8-1/2" X 11" full of pictures and descriptions of buttons! This book has become one of the "must haves" as it contains many buttons not covered in Albert's, and also lists every known backmark for each button. It includes buttons all the way back to the American Revolution, and a section covering the complete period of Confederate manufacture, so as a Civil War button reference, this is great!

These are very hard to find and this one is in excellent condition!
SOLD!!!

BANNERMAN America's Mogul of Militaria, Documentary DVD

After the American Civil War, Francis Bannerman saw an unprecedented opportunity to purchase enormous quantities of surplus military equipment at Federal auctions. He went on to sell guns, swords, cannon, uniforms and accoutrements at his store in New York City and in his well known catalogs. This success led to him opening an Emporium on Broadway and the construction of "Bannerman's Castle on an island in the Hudson River, all while preserving artifacts and information for generations to come. This is a full length documentary and it is fascinating. If you've been collecting for any time at all, you will see some familiar faces and names mentioned and even interviewed!

$ 20.00

Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers: A Study of United States Cavalry and Artillery Sabers, 1833 - 1865 by John H. Thillmann

Out of print and highly sought after, this is the ultimate guide to sabers of the Civil War. This is easily the most important sword book written in decades, and is illustrated with 1,400 photographs, 60 of them in color. It also includes all sabers from the pre-war period, back to 1833. Every make and every known variation is covered with full history, tables and illustrations. Photographs include hundreds of close-ups showing the small features that tell one saber apart from the others. Published in 2001 it quickly disappeared from shelves!. This one is an unused hard cover with original dust jacket; 520 pages including appendices, bibliography, and index. Cover measures approximately 11 � by 9 inches.

This copy is signed by the author and comes with a book card that is also signed!

$ 350.00

WHITWORTH BULLETS, McKee & Mason # 250
The Whitworth rifle was an English made single-shot muzzleloader with excellent long-range accuracy for its era, that saw extensive use with the Confederate sharpshooters in the American Civil War, even claiming the lives of several Union generals, including John Sedgwick, one of the highest-ranking Union officers killed during the Civil War, shot on May 9, 1864, at Spotsylvania. The Whitworth rifle was widely regarded as the world's first sniper rifle. These rounds are both .45 caliber with A being 1.32" long, while B is 1.42" in length. Bullet A also shows a hint of the hexagonal rifling.

Your choice SOLD!!!     A is SOLD!!!   B SOLD!!!

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE FRAME BUCKLE
Measuring 76mm x 65mm, this is one of the larger sizes of the frame style buckle, and this one is beautiful,
with a gorgeous patina, and perfectly formed teeth.
See plate 173 on page 99 of Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition for an similar example of this style of plate.
$ 575.00   On Hold!!

DUG COMPANY LETTER "M"
This is the regulation size, approximately 1-1/16" X 1-3/8" stamped brass hat letter "M" which is the hardest one to find!
Perfect condition, but the attachment wires have rusted away.
$ 395.00

Out of print, but we have one copy:

EXCAVATED ARTIFACTS FROM BATTLEFIELDS AND CAMPSITES OF THE CIVIL WAR 1861 - 1854 SUPPLEMENT 1 by Stanley Phillips.
This is the 1980,1st and ONLY printing of this book, which was a supplement to the earlier version. 200+ pages with pictures and
descriptions of artifacts recovered from Civil War sites. Plates, buckles, buttons, corps badges, bottles, canteens, spurs, stirrups,
ID tags, weapons..... you name it, he's got some pictured.
The dust cover only has a few tears and edge chips, and the book is in excellent condition!
$ 95.00

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER'S BUTTON, CS-44 (Tice CS296)
B/M: local. Coat Size, 22mm
Another extremely difficult to find from the Confederate Staff group. Note the unique eagle with a series of stars on the shield.
This rare button is seldom seen with any gilt, but on this one it surrounds the eagle. The shank is bent over, but intact.
SOLD!!!

WREATH FROM CONFEDERATE TWO PIECE BUCKLE
This is for the "CS" buckle and is approximately 51mm tall at the belt loop and the wreath itself
is about 50mm. Dug at Monroe Bridge, Virginia.
Reduced Price! $ 695.00

NON-EXCAVATED MILITIA PLATE, circa 1818 - 1835
Approximately 70mm x 70mm" stamped brass plate in wonderful, condition with belt bar and tongue.
This is just a beautiful example of American military accouterments!
See page 103 of American Military Belt Plates by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell.
$ 795.00

NON-EXCAVATED CAP PLATE, VOLUNTEER MILITIA INFANTRY, circa 1817 - 1830
Approximately 5-1/4" x 3-3/4" die struck white metal plate with attachment holes on each side.
This is just a beautiful example of American military accouterments, and the silver color is striking!
See page 232 of American Military Headgear Insignia by J. Duncan Campbell and Michael J. O'Donnell.

$ 1200.00

EXCAVATED HAT LETTER "M"
Approximately 1-1/8" x 1-1/4" stamped brass. No attachment wires, but the letter is perfect!|
This is the hardest hat letter to find!
$ 395.00

EXCAVATED SADDLE SHIELD
About 2" tall by 1-5/8" wide.
Nice greenish-brown with only a small area of chipping on one corner.
$ 35.00 On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED CIVIL WAR BULLET MOLD
Nice, complete iron bullet mold for Colt or other similar revolvers.
4-7/8" overall length.
$ 85.00 On Hold!!

EXCAVATED CIVIL WAR "BULLSEYE" ROSETTE
From an old collection dug in the 1980's, this stamped brass, lead filled rosette has a smooth, dark, chocolate brown patina.
No attachment wires remain, but no dents or damage!
$ 40.00

FOREIGN SINGLE SHOT PISTOL
This is a small pistol (about 9-3/4" long overall with a 5" barrel) but it will fire a large (approximately .58 caliber) round!
Solid condition and mechanically fine. Would have been a great back-up piece for a soldier with a .58 caliber musket.
SOLD!!

EXCAVATED CAPE PIN
Cast brass star & crescent (7th Corps) cape pin in perfect condition.
Nice, smooth dark (darker than photo) chocolate brown.
$ 195.00

EXCAVATED PATRIOTIC EAGLE HAT PIN
Stamped brass pin with no dents, cracks or dings.
It laid with some iron piece against it in the ground, so it has a rusty discoloration on the front.
$ 110.00

EXCAVATED PAIR OF EPAULETTES
Nice pair of dug, stamped brass shoulder scales.
$ 100.00 for the pair

EXCAVATED "HR" or "RH" HAT PINS
These are large (35mm 0r 1-3/8" tall) stamped brass, lead filled hat letters.
We have a complete "R" and half of an "H" both dug together.
$ 110.00 for the pair

EXCAVATED NORTH CAROLINA "SUNBURST" BUTTON, NC-16
23mm Coat size. Backmark: blank Confederate local.
The shank is missing as usual... the spot soldered shank was the weak feature of these buttons.
$ 125.00  On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE STAFF BUTTON, CS 26
21mm Coat size. Backmark: blank Confederate local. Real attractive Confederate Local with chocolate brown patina and nice gold surrounding the eagle. There's even a bit of gold in the channel on the back and the iron hook survives, though it is bent a bit. Overall a very attractive Confederate Officer's button.
$ 395.00

EXCAVATED CAMP CANDLE SPIKE
These utilitarian devices are often dug in Civil War camps. Just drive the spike into a block of wood,
or the branch of a tree, insert the candle and light up the night!
Dug near Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
$ 50.00

PAIR OF BRASS SPURS
Excellent condition, complete with leather straps and buckles!
These most likely date from the 19th century, though they have some 18th century features.
These are beautiful and have their original rowels.
$ 395.00      (49-25)

EXCAVATED RHODE ISLAND ID DISC
The dug and cleaned brass disc is hand engraved with a name at the top that is unreadable due to corrosion. Under that is a large "1" and "6th RI Vol(s)" over "1861".A quick internet search shows that the 6th Rhode Island " failed to complete organization", so maybe this guy started out with the 6th and went into the 1st RI which would explain the big "1". If we could read his name it would answer a lot of questions, and maybe further research could reveal more.
$ 495.00

IMAGE OF NEW YORK SOLDIER WITH "SNY" BUCKLE
Nice 1/6th plate tintype of a seated soldier in a frock coat proudly displaying his "SNY" (State of New York) belt buckle. The buckle is worn upside down because the soldier knew that the photography methods of the day resulted in the reversal of the finished image. By inverting the buckle, he at least kept the "S" on the left in the final picture. The backdrop is a camp scene with a US flag as well as tents and a cannon. His right eye is interesting as it appears to be discolored and off center. Perhaps a wound?

The case is also outstanding, being a molded thermoplastic, or gutta percha with a label that reads: "Genuine / Union Case label / Improved / Fine Gilt and Burnished / Hinge / Scovill Mf'g Co." The case is also a more uncommon brown color and features a patriotic scene on both sides with crossed cannon, shields, a liberty cap, pennants and flags. It's a beauty!
$ 695.00

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE WHITWORTH BULLET M&M #250
The English-made Whitworth rifle-musket possessed excellent long range accuracy and was used extensively by Confederate sharpshooters, even claiming the lives of several Union generals including John F. Reynolds (Gettysburg) and John Sedgwick (Spotsylvania Courthouse).
This is the .45 caliber cylindrical bullet used in the Whitworth. The overall condition is very good with a great patina. These Confederate Whitworth Sharpshooter Bullet are very desirable and highly collectible.
$ 250.00

EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE "GUTTER BACK" FRAME BUCKLE
And this may be the most sensible and serviceable style of buckle produced by either side! About 63mm X 70mm
This is the style with the depressed "gutter" on one side and is in excellent condition. Dug in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area.
See plate 171 on page 98 of Steve Mullinax's Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition for an example of this style of plate.
$ 550.00      On Hold!!!

1915 UCV REUNION BADGE, Richmond, Virginia

This is a classic piece that is about 3-1/2" in overall length and 1-3/4" in overall width. All of the metal parts are nice with no damage, except that the enameled Battle Flag has a bit of wear, with some of the enamel flaking. The suspension pin reads "Richmond Virginia / 1915" and the badge has "25th Annual Reunion / UCV" with an image of Robert E. Lee set into an enameled Battle Flag. The badge is maker marked "The Whitehead & Hoag Co / Newark, NT" in a tiny circle on the back.

$ 395.00

EXCAVATED NEW YORK militia BUTTON, Albert AY-79 or Tice AY215
Coat size (23mm) Backmark: Extra Quality.
Nice smooth brown background with beautiful gold surrounding the eagle! Shank is bent, but intact.
$ 65.00

CONFEDERATE & SOUTHERN AGENT MARKED SHOTGUNS by Russ A. Pritchard, Jr. and John W. Ashworth, Jr.
This wonderful new 384 page hardbound book is filled with new information on Southern shotguns and the contents are astounding! Studies of southern state archives uncovered state participation in organized acquisition of large numbers of shotguns to arm their soldiers and that the use of shotguns was far more prevalent than previously believed. This book is full of color photos of these guns with and their markings, including those of Southern Agents and Retailers!
$ 95.00

THE ENGLISH CONNECTION by C.A. Huey & R. Pritchard with M. Nichols, Tim Prince & Dean Thomas.

Close to 600 pages full of great information and color photographs detailing the British trade with Americans during the Civil War. Detailed information on Enfields, Handguns such as Kerr, Beaumont-Adams, LeMat, Tranter and more, Ammunition (cartridges, caps, molds and more) Swords, Accoutrements, Artillery, Uniforms and all with great detailed color photos! What do all those mysterious markings on Enfield muskets mean? Finally, some answers! This book is truly a "must have"!

$ 95.00

8 SECOND
1864 10 SECOND
1863 10 SECOND
1864 12 SECOND
1863
SOLD!! 15 SECOND
1863 15 SECOND
1864

FRANKFORD ARSENAL PAPER TIME FUZE PACKAGES
Complete and in excellent condition, these packages contain the time fuses for artillery rounds.
These would have been inserted just before firing, with the time selected to ensure that the round
exploded in the right location for maximum effect. Times are printed on the color coded package
along with instructions for removing the fuze from the pack.
Reduced Price! $ 75.00 each, Your Choice

20 Second
1864

25 Second
1864

30 Second
1863
FRANKFORD ARSENAL LONG RANGE PAPER TIME FUZE PACKAGES
Complete and in excellent condition, these packages contain the time fuses
for artillery rounds.

These are much harder to find than the shorter timed varieties!

Reduced Price! $ 150.00 each, Your Choice

CS-1-A CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER'S BUTTON
B\M: S. Isaacs Campbell & Co / London / St. James St 26mm coat size, loaded with gold and absolutely beautiful!
This is the classic Confederate officer's button with the drooped wing eagle and "CSA" in the shield!
Reduced Price! $ 1395.00

CONFEDERATE Non-Excavated "MANUSCRIPT E" ENGINEERS BUTTON CS-152
B/M: Rivet'd & Solder'd under a coat of arms. Coat size: 26mm. This is a rare button in excellent condition!
On Hold!!!

EXCAVATED S. ISAACS & CAMPBELL KNAPSACK HOOK
Nice, greenish patina dug at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia.
$ 65.00

i EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE SADDLE SHIELD
Nice, brownish patina.
$ 65.00

CONFEDERATE RIFLEMAN BUTTON CS-201-A
B/M: HT & B / Manchester. Coat size: 25mm.
Perfect condition! Great price!
SOLD!!!

i UNION DRAGOON OFFICER'S BUTTON
23mm Coat size. Backmark: Horstmann & Allien / NY
Pretty much perfect!
$ 75.00

i EXCAVATED UNION CAVALRY OFFICER'S BUTTON
23mm Coat size. Backmark: Extra/ Quality
Tons of gold gilt surrounding the eagle and the "I". Dug at Chancellorsville in Virginia.
$ 60.00 On Hold!

INDIAN WARS CAVALRY CROSSED SABER INSIGNIA
These are just like their Civil War counterparts, except they are a bit smaller at about 2-3/4" wide x 1-3/8" overall.
Perfect, unused condition!
$ 25.00

CONFEDERATE 1/6th PLATE RUBY AMBROTYPE

Nice image of a CS enlisted man seated, and wearing what looks like a Richmond Depot shell jacket
with cloth epaulettes. May or may not be the original gutta-percha case with a deteriorated
image of a lady on the other side.

$ 595.00     (D-6)

MARYLAND STATE SEAL BUTTON, MD-11B or Tice MD-200B1
Backmark: Waterbury Button Co. / Extra. 23mm coat size.
Perfect condition with nice gilt.
$ 225.00   (am)

7-1/4" tall four sided cathedral pickle bottle in a nice aqua/green color with a partial label.

Perfect condition

$ 75.00    (cat14)

9" tall in perfect condition
nice aqua color with no damage!

SOLD!!!   (cat6)

8-1/2" tall in perfect condition
nice aqua color with ivy drape design. A slight haze, but no
real damage!

SOLD!!!   (cat7)

CONFEDERATE COAT SIZE STAFF OFFICER'S BUTTON, CS-7
Backmark: W. Dowler / Superior Quality
Nice condition with lots of gold!
$ 550.00

CONFEDERATE COAT SIZE ARTILLERY BUTTON, CS-101
Backmark: HT&B Manchester
Perfect condition!
$ 395.00

CONFEDERATE COAT SIZE ARTILLERY BUTTON, CS-117
Tin Back, Confederate Local!
Really nice condition with some of the tinning on the iron back still showing!
$ 350.00

			EXCAVATED REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA BRITISH INSIGNIA These were found this year at a site in King George County, Virginia. The cast brass crown is approximately 1-7/8" wide by 1-38" tall and is double sided. It looks like part of a cross belt plate, or perhaps a cartridge box plate. We could not find an exact match, but see pages 10, 11 & 159 of Insignia of Independence by Don Troiani and James Kochan for similar pieces. The other cast brass piece is about 2-1/2" tall and 1-5/8" wide, with a piece missing at the top. It has one finished side and we don't know exactly what it is except early and cool! SOLD!!!

		DISCOVERING VIRGINIA'S COLONIAL ARTIFACTS, by Bill Dancy *Back in Print!!* This wonderful new 393 page hardbound book is filled with information on finding, researching, recovering, identifying and documenting colonial artifacts, and while most of it is focused on Virginia sites and relics, it would certainly apply to any area! It is filled with wonderful, all color photography of artifacts, including military as well as everyday items from house sites, and even includes some Civil War and other items found in the same areas. If you've read any of the author's articles in historic publications, you know that he has the experience, expertise and writing skills to make this a must have! $ 59.00

		CONFEDERATE 1/6th PLATE RUBY AMBROTYPE Nice image of a CS enlisted man seated, and wearing what looks like a Richmond Depot shell jacket with cloth epaulettes. May or may not be the original gutta-percha case with a deteriorated image of a lady on the other side. $ 595.00 (D-6)