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

 

Non-Excavated Alabama Volunteer Corps "AVC" Cartridge Box Plate  CS-130
This is the small size, 41mm x 72mm cartridge box plate that accompanied the large belt plate,
and Mullinax says that "most traveled to Virginia with the low numbered Alabama regiments in 1861."
Nice, antique brass patina and one loop remaining on the back, as well as the initials "H H".
 For reference, see plate 221 on page 125 of Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition by Steve Mullinax.
$ 7495.00   

 

Excavated Confederate Cavalry Script "C" CS-130
B/M: Blank .  23mm Coat Size
Nice, smooth chocolate brown with a strong shank!
$ 695.00   

 

Excavated North Carolina 1-Piece, NC-14
B/M: Blank Local.  22mm Coat Size
Absolutely beautiful, coat size button, chocolate brown with lots of gold and a strong shank!
SOLD!!

 

1787 Document Signed and Witnessed by Benjamin Franklin!
 One page, approximately 7-1/2" x 12" hand written regarding some dispute about money owed, but not paid.
In the bottom left corner, Ben Franklins has written: "Affirmed before me this / 7th of December 1787 / B. Franklin Presdt"
There are some fold lines, a few small edge tears and a couple of small repairs, but overall in nice condition.
The paper is attached to the backing board in two small areas at the top.  There is no discoloration in these areas so it may
be some kind of archival tape or adhesive, but we don't want to attempt to remove it.
A Founding Father!  $ 7,500.00   

 

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-13
B/M: Scovill Mfg. Co / Waterbury (RMDC)
Beautiful, Coat size button, chocolate brown with lots of gold!
$ 395.00   

 







 

Awesome!!! Signed CDV and Hand Written Letter Written By by Robert E. Lee

 This is a post war letter hand written by Lee to Mrs. Mary E. Johnston, the wife of Confederate Colonel Sam Johnston.  (Johnston has the dubious honor of being the man who wrongly assured Lee that Little Round Top was unoccupied)  The letter to Mrs. Johnstonreads as follows:

Lexington VA : 24 Sept 1867

My dear Mrs Johnston

I appreciate the compliment you have paid
me by bestowing my name upon
your bright little boy, whose career
in life I hope may be useful &
happy. I am much obliged
to you for his photographs & in
poor return send him my own.
With Kind regards to yourself & husband
I am very truly yours
                   R Lee. 

Lee also wrote the young man's name on the back of the  CDV which is super cool, as it locks the CDV to the letter.
Lee also wrote an earlier letter to Colonel Johnston on the same subject and that letter along with a nice article describing their relationship can be read here:  https://www.militaryimagesmagazine-digital.com/2018/06/03/fallout-from-the-johnston-reconnaissance-summer-2018/

SOLD!!!

 

20% Off Sale!!!                Excavated Virginia Buttons!               20% Off Sale!!!!          

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-1
B/M: Philada
Loads of Silver!
Was $1200.00    Now $960.00     H-125

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: unknown
Still has dirt on back!
$ 150.00    Now $120.00    H-60

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-2
B/M: Covered by dirt!
Still has dirt on back!
$ 175.00    Now $140.00    H-127

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

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Blank
High convex!
$ 225.00    Now $180.00    H-76

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Rich Treble Gilt
No shank.
$ 175.00    Now $140.00    H-140

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-3
B/M: Blank
Solid!
$ 195.00   Now $160.00    H-142

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-4
B/M: Scovills & Co. / Waterbury
Nice!
$ 150.00    Now $120.00    H-65

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-4
B/M: Scovills & Co. / Waterbury
Nice!
$ 175.00    Now $140.00    H-66

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-4Av
B/M: Wm. H. Smith / N-York
No shank, but pretty!
$ 200.00    Now $160.00    H-130

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-9
B/M: Wm. H. Smith & Co / New York (RMDC)
Smooth brown patina!
$ 150.00    Now $120.00    H-136

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-13Av
B/M: Wm. Schuyler H&G
Thread or cloth on shank!
$ 175.00    Now $140.00    H-100

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-13Av
B/M: M&T / Richmond, VA
Slightly bent shank, but nice!
$ 150.00    Now $120.00    H-160   On Hold

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece, VA-15
B/M: Horstmann & Allien / NY
Nice gold!
$ 250.00    Now $200.00    H-109

Excavated Virginia Staff Cuff, VA-18Av
B/M: Wm. Extra / Quality
Nice with gold!
$ 225.00    Now $180.00    H-115

Excavated Virginia 2-Piece Confederate Local, VA-22
B/M: Local
Cracked, but Southern made!
$ 175.00    Now $140.00    H-153

 

Large Cast Brass Louisiana State Seal Pelican
 This is a striking piece that looks like it has some architectural purpose.  It's about 5-1/4" tall and 4" wide and curved to fit a column or some other rounded surface, and has a few small holes cast in to attach it, probably using small brass nails. 

Don't know where it was originally used, but it is a beautiful artifact!

$ 695.00   

 

War of 1812 Gorget
Early versions of these were worn around the neck to protect your throat from battle wounds. By the time this one was made they were worn for ornamental purposes. It is approximately 3-3/8" by 4-1/2" in overall size and is beautiful. It features a British crown over large fancy script "GR" letters signifying the reign of King Georgeall surrounded by engraved laurel leaf pattern on both sides. The back side has been painted red.  The soldiers did this to keep from having to polish and red was their uniform color.
$ 895.00   

 

CIVIL WAR ARTIFACTS, A Guide for the Historian by Howard Crouch.
This has been out of print for a while and is very sought after! 
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

 

 Out of print, but we have one!
 CIVIL WAR PROJECTILES II With SUPPLEMENT (The Bullet Book!)
by McKee & Mason. 1980 edition, 203 pages.  This is the classic reference for identifying over 600 variations of Civil War pistol and long arm ammunition. 
It also contains a section on artillery shells and fuses.  Their numbering system is used by everyone when buying, selling and discussing bullets, so if you like bullets, you need this one! Nice condition, no dust cover.
 $ 100.00

 

Sharps Model 2-A 4-Barrel Pepperbox Pistol
These were made from 1859 to 1874 in several different calibers, barrel lengths, etc.
This one is 30 Caliber with a 3" barrel.  The gutta-percha, checkered grips are in excellent condition
and the brass frame retains almost all of it's original silver finish, which is very desirable on these!
The mechanics are good and the rotating firing pin works just as it should.
A beautiful example!
SOLD!!!

 

Excavated Connecticut State Seal Button, CT-13
Coat Size. Backmark: Scovill Mfg. Co. / Waterbury.  Nice gold and good shank with some thread!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
SOLD!!!   

 

Excavated Michigan State Seal Cuff Button, MI-4Av
Backmark: Not readable.  Nice gold and strong shank!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia
$ 100.00   

 

Excavated US Navy Cuff Button
Backmark: Scovill Mfg. Co..  Nice gold and strong shank!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia
$ 25.00   

 


 
NON-EXCAVATED 2-PIECE VIRGINIA SWORD BELT PLATE

Beautiful non-dug Virginia buckle with a great toned down, antique brass patina!
This type of laurel leaf wreath was used as the pattern for the "Virginia style" two piece CS buckles.
For reference, see plate 406 on page 220 of Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates, Expanded Edition by Steve Mullinax.

 SOLD!!!

 

Excavated Michigan State Seal Button, MI-4
Coat Size. Backmark: Goddard & Bro. / Extra.  Nice gold and the shank is loose, but still there!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 150.00   

 


U.S. MODEL 1855 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE-MUSKET Dated 1857
These are beautiful weapons and this one definitely saw action! The stock is dark and has some use marks, but is solid and complete.  The lock is marked with "US" over Springfield in front of the hammer and dated 1857 vertically behind the hammer. The 1857 version did not have a patch box, as these were added in 1859, so the lock was changed at some point in its life.  All of the rest of the metal is brown to grey and exhibits a matching "salt & pepper" patina, so it is evident that that's all been together forever with the breach having a bit heavier corrosion so we can't read the barrel date, but the view and proof markings are there, although a bit light.  The action is not crisp, but it does function.  The tape primer door catch doesn't catch, so it swings open freely and the rear site is a bit newer looking and is probably a replacement, but it all looks good on the gun.
SOLD!!!

 

Excavated Virginia 1-Piece, VA-1 GOLD with Double Stamped Backmark!!
Here's one for all the button nerds out there! 
Not only is Armitage's usual "Philada" backmark there, but it is stamped over a previous "White & Co" backmark!
Nice gold and good shank!
$ 1095.00    H-222

 

 WAR OF 1812 ERA HAT PLATE FRAGMENTS
This is a great display of pieces of rare War of 1812 Hat Insignia, all dug in the Plattsburgh, New York area.
These all fit nicely in an 8" x 12" Riker case.  The two pieces in the upper right corner that say "Infantry" measure about 3-1/2" across.
The big piece to the left of center is bent back on itself so is even larger than it appears.
Super nice display!
SOLD!!!

 

(Technically) NON-EXCAVATED CONFEDERATE INFANTRY BUTTON, CS-177
Backmark: S. Isaacs & Campbell & Co / London. Coat size: 23mm.
Solid shank and good detail!
Found by a young marine in the remains of an abandoned building in the Fredericksburg area.
$ 200.00

 

EXCAVATED 1-PIECE VIRGINIA BUTTON, VA-2
Backmark: Young Smith & Co. / New York. Coat size: 23mm.
Solid shank and good detail!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 225.00

 

EXCAVATED NORTH CAROLINA LOCAL CUFF BUTTON, NC-8Av
Backmark: Blank local. Cuff size: 15mm.
Missing its shank, but overall solid and pretty good detail for a local cuff!
Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 175.00

 

EXCAVATED WAR OF 1812 MILITIA SHOULDER BELT PLATE
The plate itself is about 3-5/8" x 2" and it is affixed to the sales card of James Hart, who was a fixture at many shows for many years!
The card originally had a date of 1880 but this is definitely of the War of 1812 period. The back of the card shows the applied stud washer construction
with one washer missing, as well as information that George Juno purchased this in a collection nearly 20 years ago.
See pages 59 of American Military Belt Plates by Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell for very similar plates.

$395.00

 

EXCAVATED WAR OF 1812 MILITIA HAT PLATE
About 3-5/8" tall x 2-3/4" wide and just about as pretty as a dug example of this thin stamped brass device could be!
The back shows solder marks were the attachment wires used to be.  Dug in Mobile, Alabama. 
See pages 60 and 61 of American Military Headgear Insignia by Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell.

SOLD!!!

 

NON-EXCAVATED SILVERED MILITIA PLATE, Circa 1818 - 1835
About 2-5/8" x 2-3/4" and absolutely beautiful with nearly 100% silver! 
The back is as pretty as the front, and both tongues are there.
See Plate 153 on page 102 of American Military Belt Plates by Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell.
A real beauty!!  $ 1195.00

 

EXCAVATED GEORGIA LOCAL STATE SEAL BUTTON, GA-4
Backmark: Blank, channel back.  Coat size: 21mm.
Solid button, no dings, with perfect shank and some gold in the channel around the shank.  Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
SOLD!!!

 

EXCAVATED GEORGIA LOCAL STATE SEAL CUFF BUTTON, GA-2Av
Backmark: W.G. Mintzer / Phild.  Cuff size: 15mm.
Solid button, no dings, with good detail and perfect shank.  Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 150.00

 

EXCAVATED REGULATION COMPANY LETTERS
Approximately 1" tall, stamped brass Company letters, mostly perfect though attachment loops are gone. 
 Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Your Choice $ 65.00 each 

 

EXCAVATED REGIMENT NUMBERS
Approximately 1" tall, stamped brass Regiment numbers, the 4 has some edge nibbles, but the rest are mostly perfect.... attachment loops are gone. 
 Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Your Choice $ 65.00 each 

 

EXCAVATED "US" BRIDLE ROSETTE
Approximately 1-1/4" diameter, stamped brass, lead filled rosette with no bends or repairs. 
All four attachment wires are still intact. Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 65.00   

 

EXCAVATED COMPANY LETTER "L"
 Approximately 1" wide x 1-1/16" tall and perfect with no loops.  These are very rare since few regiments had
more than 10 companies, so an "L" (or an "M" for that matter) was rarely needed. Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 250.00   

 

EXCAVATED "JEFF DAVIS" HAT INSIGNIA
Very nice, with no bends or repairs.  There is a little flaw near the eagle's left claw
that shows up in the photos, but is hard to see in person. Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 185.00   

 

EXCAVATED UNION SWORD BELT PLATE With Wreath!
Approximately 2-1/8" x 3-1/4" this excavated plate is very unusual in that it retains most of its original wreath!
The wreath was soldered on, and they are always gone on dug examples!  In great shape with tongue intact,
the back is un-numbered, so you should be able to find a belt keeper that would look good with it.
Dug in Fauqueir County, Virginia.
$ 495.00 

 

EXCAVATED SOUTH CAROLINA CUFF BUTTON
Backmark: Can't read it!   Cuff size: 16mm.
Nice gold and no dents or dings!  Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 95.00

 

EXCAVATED "VMI" VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE CADET BUTTON, SU-408
Backmark: R&W Robinson (in a ribbon)  Coat size: 21mm.
This is a definite Civil War period backmark on a beautiful button. 
Shank is bent but intact.  Dug in Fauquier County, Virginia.
$ 250.00

 

EXCAVATED MP-8-Av MISSISSIPPI LOCAL CUFF BUTTON
B/M: Blank local.   16mm cuff size.
Nice, smooth chocolate brown with no gilt.  Nice Shank.
 SOLD!!!

 

EXCAVATED LOUISIANA LA-8 STATE SEAL BUTTON
Backmark: Blank local. Coat size: 22mm.
No gold, but beautiful smooth brown patina and solid shank! 
$

SOLD!!!

 

RARE IMAGE OF SOLDIER WEARING VIRGINIA STATE SEAL BUCKLE!
This is a nice sixth plate ambrotype of a soldier wearing a stamped brass Virginia state seal belt buckle! 
It's in a full leather case that's in pretty good condition, though the front cover has separated at the spine. 
Images of soldiers wearing Southern buckles are hard to find!! 
 $ 3495.00 

 

 

Out of print, but we have one!
AMERICAN MILITARY BELT PLATES by Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell
Hard cover with no dust jacket; 616 pages including an index. Cover measures approximately 11 ¼ by 9 inches. Black and white photographs. Condition is pretty much like new.  Over 1000 buckles and plates from the Revolutionary War on up through the Spanish-American War are pictured front and back, covering 1776 through 1910. To add to the informational value of this great work, there are many period images of soldiers wearing various buckles and plates discussed in this volume!
$ 125.00 

 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA CHARLEVILLE MUSKET
 Introduced initially in 1763, the new French Infantry Musket underwent a number of changes in 1766 including lightening the musket, reducing the size of the lock, and utilizing the button-head ramrod design. This one has a new made ramrod and a couple of replaced screws, but all of the major parts have obviously been together all its life, as they have a wonderful matching "attic brown" patina.  The barrel has been shortened from its original 44" to 39" and the stock was cut just in front of the middle barrel band.  Both of the sling swivels have been remove as well and the face of the frizzen has been lined to account for wear from years of use, but all of this work was done many, many decades ago as evidenced by that matching patina.  While we generically refer to all of these as "Charleville" muskets, these weapons were produced at several sites, with this one being made at the Maubeuge Arsenal as the lock is marked "Maubeuge Manuf. R.le".   Large numbers of the Model 1763 and 1766 muskets were imported into the United States from France during the Revolutionary War.  There are initials carved in to both sides of the stock. 
 SOLD!!!


 
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!   
 Reduced Price!  $ 595.00 

 

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.   
 SOLD!!!


 

 
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 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 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 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.

SOLD!!!

 

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  

 

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!
 SOLD!!!

 

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.  
 SOLD!!!

 
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.  
 SOLD!!!   (M-31)


 
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 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. 
 SOLD!!! 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!!!

 

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!
 SOLD!


 
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 

 
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   On Hold!!

 
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!
 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.
 SOLD!!! 

 

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

 

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 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)

 

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!
 SOLD!!!

 



 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!!!

 

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!
 SOLD!		  

 

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

 

 

  

 

 

 

   
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

 
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

 

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!
SOLD!!!

 

  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.
SOLD!!!     (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)

 

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

Perfect condition
$ 75.00    (cat14)

 

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     
CONFEDERATE COAT SIZE INFANTRY BUTTON, CS-171
 Perfect condition face with two little manufacturing defects on the back rim.
$ 250.00     
CS-26-B   CONFEDERATE COAT SIZE STAFF OFFICER'S BUTTON
B\M: Local. Perfect with some gold!
All of the details like the chest feathers on the eagle are very very distinct compared to what we usually see on this button.
This was probably an early strike, before the dies wore down.
 $ 895.00 

 
SHEFFIELD SIDE KNIFE, Identified!  
Wonderful condition, about 8-1/4" long with a 4-1/4" blade and a beautiful silver cutlery handle
Leather scabbard is nice with a German silver throat and tip.
Lightly scratched into the throat is what looks like "A. Miller / Richmond / Ind."
 $ 475.00    (36-32)

 

CIVIL WAR "BULLSEYE" CANTEEN 
Production of these corrugated canteens began in the summer of 1862, with the rings added to 
increase the strength of the sides and prevent denting.  This one is very nice tin with very little 
surface rust. The pewter spout is lightly marked, but pretty sure it's Rohrman of Philadelphia. 
At some point, someone added a small hole in the side of the spout.
The classic Union canteen! 
$ 250.00  On Hold!!!		  

 
MINIATURE PAINTING ON IVORY
Well executed painting of a young gentleman.  The painting itself, circa 1800,  is about 2" wide x 2-1/2" tall
and is mounted in a wood panel that measures about 3-3/4" wide x 4-1/2" tall, not counting the brass loop hanger.
It is marked R Brian" on the back in ink.  
$ 495.00   (32-18)

 

UNION .69 CALIBER CARTRIDGE BOX FOR RIFLED MUSKET  
This throwback to pre-war caliber ammunition was made in response to Lincoln's call for an additional
500,000 troops in July of 1864, which created a shortage of arms and equipment. The Ordnance Department brought out from storage some .69 caliber rifled muskets that had been replaced by the .58 caliber guns. New, larger cartridge boxes were required for these guns. This one was made by Rueben Nece & Company in Philadelphia, and has U.S. inspector's marks.
 $ 595.00