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Phenomenal Original ID'ed Tennessee JEAN WOOL Confederate Veteran's Uniform, Original Southern Cross AND Engraved Name/Unit on Bar

Absolute FINE & "Minty" Condition Jean Wool Uniform w/Gorgeous Tennessee State Seal (Post-War Pettibone, Cincinnati) Coat & Cuff Buttons

Original Hand-Written Inked Tag by Mrs. Francis, Leaving Her Husband's Uniform To Grandson, W. B. Francis Jr.

27 Page Archive of John P. Francis' Original Copies of Service Records Included w/Uniform & Cross

(9 Muster Rolls, 1860 Census, 7 Prisoner of War Rolls, Oath of Allegiance Record, Unit History, & Pension Record)

Enlisted in November 1861, Fought Throughout War, Captured December 16th, 1864 at Nashville (Sent To Both Camp Douglas, Then Point Lookout)

You know it's good when it takes so many lines just in the title description to help give a "flavor" of how good it all is! So many funny stories surrounding this phenomenal historical Tennessee soldier's veterans grouping--and so much history and detail to discuss--it's hard to know where to start! My good friend Tim Prince (College Hill Arsenal) originally procured it, but I had to break-down and pay the moola to have it for myself once we kept revealing just how "killer" this all really was! Sitting in a hotel room in Mansfield, Ohio, Tim literally bought a printer at the Wal-Mart by our hotel. Why? Because the history we uncovered behind Private John P. Francis was SO OVERWHELMING he had to print it out right then and there. It is also when I knew I couldn't resist this old Confederate soldier's incredible "minty" condition, superior-quality tailored JEAN WOOL uniform, with excellent post-war Tennessee State Seal (Pettibone, Cincinnati) buttons, exceptional Richmond depot copy trousers, and hybrid Columbus Depot/CS "commutation" style jacket with blue infantry cotton trimmed angled cuffs (also with TN cuff buttons), blue infantry straight cotton collar, with blue cotton striping running down the pants (blue represented the Civil War infantry service branch of "infantry", yellow for "cavalry", and red for "artillery). Pettibone was indeed a famous and prolific producer of UCV (as well as GAR) uniforms and paraphernalia, and noted for their custom tailored offerings, choices of military cut and fit, choices of fabric, buttons, etc. [See the multiple original turn-of-the-century Confederate Veteran magazine advertisements pictured below--too bad you won't be able to buy this one for $7.50! the year 1905 is LONG gone!]. They would produce the very simple 4-button front all wool or all polished cotton, cheap and affordable UCV uniforms with simple UCV buttons. But one had a choice with their catalogue with choosing much more ornate, dress uniform apparel, with choice of state buttons, all the "frills" of cuff, collar, and striping or piping, full-length frock or officer's uniform styles--whatever the veteran wanted to pay for and have tailor fitted and suited, Pettibone prided itself with their specialization. They would produce many other items, ranging from flags, buttons, ribbons, and every UCV/GAR trinket imaginable.

What we uncovered about Francis and his uniform actually began when the uniform was first represented for sale as a "wool" uniform--not only by "world-renown" auction and collection appraisers, but subsequently by others. It's JEAN WOOL (it is time for "enlightenment"!): it was the fabric born of necessity of conserving wool, whereby strands of wool are cross-woven into cotton threads (called a cotton "card"). Jean wool fabric construction was around before the war, indeed, but used heavily within Confederate uniforms, as evidenced by the majority of surviving specimens today. Though early-war and custom-made Confederate wartime uniforms were often all-wool (when it was plentiful and affordable), the heavy demand by the state and central Confederate governments for uniform cloth required that their one natural resource in abundance (cotton) be used with the smaller supply of wool domestically, and thus the overwhelming majority of CS wartime uniforms were made of jean wool. The Confederate uniforms were most often of 2-1 twill (2 strands of wool over 1 strand of cotton), but many variations of 1-2 twill and 2-2 twill are noted. It's pretty scary when something so elementary and obvious (jean wool versus all-wool) to any collector, historian, or even reenactor is so easily unseen and overlooked! Pettibone prided itself in their finest quality personal tailoring and choice of cloth, and utilized such wonderful authentic reproduction fabric, buttons, and great detail to exactness to Confederate regulation and depot issued styles of uniforms that their veteran Confederate customers once wore. Ranging from overcoats, officer frocks, simpler/cheaper more classic 4 or 5-button UCV button front tunics, to depot/regulation-style uniforms such as this one. [See original Forrest Cavalry Reunion photo 1904 in HIGH RESOLUTION, showing uniforms like this one, having trousers with lining, angled cuffs and collar for branch of service signification, cuff buttons, etc].

Now, on to Francis! What we found within the National Archives and multiple other sources was an overwhelming array of information regarding Francis' history. We uncovered what is literally a binder of information regarding his history and service (27 pages, being 9 Muster Rolls, 1860 Census, 7 Prisoner of War Rolls, Oath of Allegiance Record, Unit History, & Pension Record!) All of this information is pictured below, and will be sent in the binder of material to the future owner. He enlisted with the formation of the unit in November of 1861, which was formed from volunteers from both Franklin and Bedford counties, and Francis appears on the muster rolls starting November 26th, 1861. He would report to a hospital sick on leave with his brother on February 9th, 1862--and literally JUST MISSED being captured with the rest of his unit at Fort Donelson! (All of this is found on the original copies from the National Archives, which is pictured below). John would rejoin the regiment after they were exchanged from Camp Douglas in January, 1863, be stationed with the regiment in Gregg's Tennessee Brigade at Port Hudson, Louisiana, until Gregg's Brigade was called to aid Pemberton in the beginning of the Vicksburg Campaign in May, 1863. Gregg's brigade would be the only brigade at the battle of Raymond opposing Grant's march toward Jackson, MS, and fought valiantly all day against overwhelming odds. The 41st would fight at Jackson later, then move to the Army of Tennessee in late 1863. They fought fiercely all throughout the Atlanta Campaign, but poor John would be captured December 16th, 1864 at the disastrous Battle of Nashville. The National Archive records show he was first sent to the Military Prison, Louisville, then transferred to Camp Douglas (December 21, 1864), and THEN later transferred to Point Lookout for exchange on March 23, 1865. Since the war would end shortly, he signed and swore his oath of allegiance on June 26, 1865. I also have an original copy of his 1860 census, showing he was 44 years old in 1860, a large land-owning farmer, and was originally born in Virginia. Had a large family, as shown in the 1860 census.

The uniform condition is so very good, as you will see in the many quality photos below. There is essentially no mothing or wear at all, with only the most minor sweat-staining--enough to prove it was really used and worn on parade and at the reunions by Francis! All of the beautiful original post-war Pettibone-made Tennessee State Seal buttons are solidly present--both the coat-sized and cuff-sized domed buttons. NO DAMAGE. NO REPAIRS. NO TEARS. NO MISSING PIECES. NO LOOSE PARTS OR FRAYING. The shell jacket style is a hyrbid of the classic "Columbus Depot" style jacket, made famous by this exact style being made exclusively by the Confederate clothing manufacturing depot and shops within the Deep South's largest manufacturing center of all CS supplies in Columbus, Georgia. I have personally handled 3 of the known surviving 9 Columbus Depot jackets, and have studied the other 6 (thanks to Les Jensen, Civil War cloth unequalled "expert" under his instruction). In every facet, it is identical, from the straight infantry blue collar, almost converging 3-seam tailored back to the coat into a small "tail", and blue cuffs. The Columbus Depot jackets had straight cuffs, however, but the "regulation" and "commutation" style surviving Confederate original uniforms had the angled cuffs, so this is why it is a "hybrid" design. [More CS uniform information: in 1862, the CS central government could not outfit all men with uniform equipage, thus they began a system of "commutation," whereby the CS government would encourage soldiers to have their own uniforms made to some "regulation" or style proposed by the government or local state regulations, and reimburse any soldier who had a uniform made locally for themselves, which is where surviving examples today show variations in cuffs, collars, piping or trim on the jackets or pants, cotton, wool, or jean wool, buttons, etc). The trousers are exclusively an exact copy of the "Richmond Depot" trousers (see Les Jensen, Charlie Childs, or visit authentic uniform reenactor apparel makers for more info), from the inside angled button fly and inner fly-flap, suspender buttons, and the tell-tale small adjustment buckle and strap in the back. They are called "Richmond Depot" because we have surviving original pairs with the Richmond Depot mark within them--though they are found in the Deep South ID'ed uniforms. My personal reenactor uniform was made by the Susan Parker, whose husband owns one of the 9 original surviving Columbus Depot uniforms WITH Richmond Depot trousers ID'ed to an Army of Tennessee soldier. Francis' classic original UCV Southern Cross is intact, having has his original name and unit engraving of "J P Francis Co I 41 Reg Tenn Vol", with the backmarking of "Patented Charles W. Crankshaw Atlanta" on the bar. They are stamped (beware of modern fakes--which are NOT stamped!)

If you ever wanted a Confederate uniform, but didn't want to spend the $40,000+ it would take to get just a common shell jacket (no trousers, and no identification, either!), then here's your best chance to own a fine condition, authentically styled and tailored jean wool uniform, WITH rock-solid provenance to John P. Francis of the 41st Tennessee Infantry who wore this uniform to Confederate Veteran reunions. Hey...that makes it a "Confederate uniform" after all, doesn't it??? Especially one you can actually afford! The Southern Cross with his name and unit original engraving is worth over half of the price for everything you get.

Original Pettibone Brothers Manufacturing Company Confederate Veteran Magazine Advertisements from 1905 and even 1922,

Image [above] from the Gettysburg 75th Anniversary Silent Film--Confederate Veteran on right wearing same striped pants with frock coat having angled cuff colored branch signification.

The ONLY KNOWN recording of the true "Rebel Yell". As best as an old Johnny could do in 1938 (75th Gettysburg Reunion--Greeting Their Once Enemy at the Stone Wall At Pickett's Charge)

Very Pretty, 100% Complete & Intact M1864 US-Embossed Cartridge Box w/Original Tins

You could pay a lot more for a beautiful cartridge box like this somewhere else....but why? Here's your classic Civil War-made Model 1864 US-embossed rifleman's cartridge box, complete with the original cartridge tins, crisp "S. H. Young -- Newark, N.J." maker-marked specimen that is unbroken, complete, and intact in every way. Even the original sling buckles, finial, and multiple flaps are 100% intact, unbroken, and complete. No rips or tears anywhere. The leather is still very supple, and obviously has the usual surface crazing on leather. The belt loops are intact on the back. Just an extremely affordable Civil War complete and intact cartridge box that displays as beautifully as the $550 to $600 ones you see priced out there.

Original Pieces of Planks from the Infamous Isaac Robert's House on the Champion Hill Battlefield

Here are some true remnants of history--cut pieces of outer planking from the walls of the Isaac Roberts House on the Champion Hill Battlefield. The I. Roberts House was utilized as General Pemberton's (CS) Headquarters during the battle, as well as the main Confederate hospital. Many a fine and brave Southern soldier lamented and died within these walls, and were buried in mass graves behind the house. General Grant and his son (who traveled with him on the Campaign) visited the house--and their dying foe within--the night after the battle. Several shells tore through the house, and minnie' balls pocked the walls. Up until the early 1980's, this house was still standing. As with most historic structures, it was left to rot. Dan Patterson was smart enough to save what remaining good planks were left in the rotting heap of house. Some have the old whitewash on them, and some even have the original square nails in them. I have 12 pieces for sale of varying sizes (most around 8" by 10").

Original Capture Tag On Box w/ History -- From North Hampton Historical Society & Museum Collection

Has Original Museum Tag, Catalog Worksheet -- Comes w/Letter of Authenticity from John Sexton

Captured May 20, 1862 "Secesh Cartridge Box...Taken from a Missori Bushwack..."

Not sure what more you could possibly want out of a 100% intact, original, crude, and Missouri Confederate-made cartridge box. Well....I guess the CS "bushwaker" ID would be nice--but we only have some hand-carved initials on the outer flap (so let the research begin!) This is a phenomenal and museum-quality piece of not only Confederate history, but that "killer" Missouri/Trans-Mississippi history that has everything going for it. And when I say "museum-quality"--it literally comes from the North Hampton Historical Society and Museum from Northampton, Massachusetts! Being de-assessed long ago, this wonderful and fully documented example retains the original capture tag and information (pasted to the bottom of the cartridge box), the original museum tag and pedigree, the catalog worksheet of the society/museum, with the matching registration number form the catalog worksheet and penciled in on the bottom of the cartridge box. This was acquired by none-other and Mr. John Sexton a few years ago, and it was my pleasure to acquire this one. Just as Mr. Sexton writes on the letter of authenticity--no one has ever seen a more unique, intriguing, and classically Confederate small cartridge box than this! Clearly a local, hand-made, and crude example made in the "backwoods" of Missouri, where this was confiscated on May 20, 1862, "taken from a Missouri Bushwack by a scouting party of Federals, 18 miles from Jefferson City of which 3 killed & a number wounded. Taken as contraband. 20 Horses. 20 Saddles. 30 Guns". The tag also relates (being written much later when donated) that, "This belonged to Pres. L. Clark Seelye (Smith College)....Gift of Mrs. William D. Gray". Matching museum catalog registration number 54.46 on the catalog and in pencil on the bottom of the cartridge box.

The box itself is 100% original, untouched, unrepaired, intact--and essentially the same as the day it was hand-made over 147 years ago and worn by a hardened Missouri "Secesh". The two belt loops are present and intact--solidly attached. The outer leather flap is equally solid and attached. You quickly notice that the cartridge box is the epitome of crude, local Confederate manufacture. The box is literally a wooden "box" to which the outer leather flap and belt loops were attached. From the solid piece of wood were 8 cartridge recesses hand-drilled to hold the cartridges. All the tell-tale Confederate signs of quick and "economical" manufacture, utilizing as little material as possible (especially leather), and simplistic in design. Not made for beauty, but utility. If I had to guess, the Confederate soldier probably was utilizing his own civilian rifle, musket, or shotgun. And clearly, he didn't anticipate shooting a lot of rounds--which makes sense back to to the "bushwack" provenance. A true bushwhacker is only counting on a quick surprise attack, in small numbers against a much larger and better equipped foe. Hit and run. The leather flap simply and easily folds over to be attached through a hand-cut forged nail. The letters/initials "D" and "R" are beautifully and clearly carved into the outer flap. All original. All Confederate. All Missouri. And with all the history, provenance, and even John Sexton's letter of authenticity to boot. You'll never have to worry if anything was faked, repaired, "monkeyed" with, or molested. Not here. No chemical-aged junk here. Just the finest originals--and truly museum quality.

I'm not going to give this one away...but I'll price it fair. I'd rather have all this provenance and Missouri history for a few hundred dollars more than your "run-of-the-mill" Confederate cap box!

His NJ-Marked M1863 Remington Revolver & Holster, 1861-Dated & NJ-Marked M1860 Ames Sword & Scabbard

I've been enjoying this phenomenal ID'ed New Jersey grouping for over 2 months now (I acquired it from at the Dalton Show)...but it's time to let it on the market, finally! And since my buddy sent all his neat reproduction cavalry gear that I could use as a backdrop, I had to share it all with the world. This grouping comes with the oral family history from Schaefer family descendents as being that of their ancestor, Private George Schaefer, who enlisted on December 23rd, 1863 within Company K of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry Regiment. He would fight with the 3rd NJ for all of the seemingly non-stop campaigning and fighting in Virginia during 1864--from the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor....you name it...through to Petersburg and the mine explosion and the Weldon Railroad. Though the family oral history never even hinted at the following fact, I did some research of my own and found that poor Private George had been on furlough in early 1865--and was registered as DESERTED on February 10th, 1865! I can see how and why that little bit of information doesn't get touted too much in family history, so I can understand that! But he sure enough did go listed as "deserted" on that date, and apparently had enough of the War! No wonder he had all of his stuff to survive until today for us to have and enjoy! Copies of his record and the regimental history shall accompany this rig to the future owner.

There's so much to cover with this entire rig, so lets get down to business: what I love the most about this rig are the two "NJ" state of New Jersey purchased and marked weapons of Pvt. Schaefer. Both his New Model Remington Army .44 cal. Revolver and his 1861-dated Ames sword are "NJ" marked as crisp, deep, and clearly as the day they were stamped. The New Model Remington Army revolver is in extremely good to fine condition--being about the finest Remington I've ever personally owned. It has no oxidation or pitting whatsoever--only crisp metal, edges, and fantastically crisp markings EVERYWHERE. Best Remington maker's mark and patent info on top of the barrel as you could ever find anywhere. Even some feint original bluing on the piece. The action of the piece is as crisp as can be. Fantastic rifling down the bore to match the rest of the weapon. Entirely untouched, uncleaned, and unrepaired. Virtually no wear, dings, or marks anywhere. THAT GOOD. Serial number 71582. Better yet, we still have his REMINGTON holster--no arsenal-made piece of junk issued to every Yank out there, but a true Remington holster. Shows the perfectly mated fit and wear to this piece--clearly for this beautiful Remington, and stayed in there forever. The leather is supple, intact, and with intact stitching. Finial is long-gone, as usual. Old George did take care of his weapons and gear! The NJ-marked 1861-dated Ames cavalry sword is also very nice, having no nicks or dings in the blade, an untouched soft-metal gray patina (uncleaned, of course) with tight blade-to-grip fit, all-original wire and wrap still tight and firm, visible Ames maker's mark as well as inspector marks with the "NJ" marking on the ricasso. Only minor wear to the handle--barely enough to prove that it truly was used by George. The eagle sword belt plate is a beautiful pre-war or early-war small-tongued specimen, having matching "24" numbers to both the plate and keeper, so you know for certain these have always been together, and they fit perfectly. The wreath is a gorgeous applied German silver wreath. There is the classic mold anomaly on the back of the plate which is typical of Ames production plates (which would make sense with the Ames sword). The leather sword belt is very nice, supple, and sturdy, having the original sword hanger strap with sword hook and sword clip, and the original intact shoulder strap! The other sword strap is missing, which is common. The cap box is equally nice and in solid, untouched condition, as is the pistol cartridge box. NO REPAIRS, NO CLEANING, and NO ALTERATIONS WHATSOEVER. All-original, and very nice. All belt loops are solidly attached and tight.

Any way you look at it, you are getting a bargain. How? The fine Remington NJ-marked piece and the extremely early 1861-dated Ames sword & scabbard (NJ-marked) are worth over $3000 alone. You can have them, and all of his leather accouterments for just under $4000...and all the Schaefer history for free...

Having the Pre-War Eagle Sword Plate, Belt w/Sword Straps, Cap Box, "Gaylord" Maker-Marked Pistol Cartridge Box, Carbine Cartridge Box, & Colt Army Holster--Matching 764 Numbers on Plate & Keeper

Displayed w/Reproduction Cavalryman's Shell Jacket, Bugle, and Hardee's Hat (Also for Sale!)

My buddy in Arizona is letting go of his really sweet complete cavalry display set, and I think you'll quickly see how nice and great it would display for you, too! It's an entire and complete original cavalryman's belt rig--having everything the trooper would have worn, from the sword belt w/sword plate, sword straps, cap box, pistol cartridge box, carbine cartridge box, and his Colt Army holster. All original, and looking beautiful. Displayed with the rig is his reenactor's (modern) cavalryman's shell jacket with Eagle "C" buttons, beautiful dress-regulation cavalry "Hardee" hat & plume, and a gorgeous reenactor's bugle! You could have it all, and put it on a waiting mannequin! Instant display centerpiece! All of the leather pieces display so beautifully, having the expected "crazing" on the leather surfaces, but still very pliable and pretty. No finials, belt loops, flaps, or roller buckles are missing from any of the leather accouterment items, so no apologies there! The pre-war, small-tongued eagle sword plate on the belt has matching numbers "764" on the back of the plate and the keeper as well, so you know it's completely original to this rig. The belt itself has the original sword hanging leather straps, so you can add your M1860 cavalry saber at any time! The belt does have two areas where tears were repaired from behind, but you can't see the repairs at all from the front. The pistol cartridge box is crisply marked with the "E. Gaylord -- Chicopee, Mass" maker marking. The cap box and carbine cartridge box are both very nice, complete, undamaged and unrepaired, with solid loops. Even the original wood-box cartridge insert within the carbine cartridge box is present. The Colt holster is also complete, still nice and tight, though the belt loop--albeit intact--is worn from wear. Together with the reenactor's reproduction Hardee hat, bugle, and shell jacket, you would have a great display set for a very low cost.

Wonderful ID'ed Confederate Gardner Pattern Cedar Wood Drum Canteen

ID'ed to Private W. Reuben, Company E, 54th Virginia Infantry ("Reuben" Carved Plainly Into Face)

As a serious and astute "hardcore" Civil War reenactor for many years, I had long ago been intrigued about one particular facet of Confederate accouterments for common soldiers in the field: the classic CS Gardner-pattern style cedar wood drum canteen. I grew to become somewhat of a "geek" about Gardner's...they are really interesting, and just have an attractive "look" to them. Distinctly Confederate Gardner pattern canteens all fit within a clear style, manufacture, pattern of sizes, and attributes. This is a simply beautiful specimen offered here, that has the fortunate identification made easy for us! With the ever-clear original carving of "Reuben" (followed by a "UAA"), there is but one Confederate soldier in the entire record of Confederate service (in any state) with the name "Reuben," being Private W. Reuben of Company E, 54th Virginia. Accompanying this canteen is the Civil War Database search copy with his record, a copy of the 54th Virginia Infantry Regiment's unit history, and a copy of their after-battle report submitted for their bloody encounter at Chickamauga, Georgia in September of 1863. What's really cool about the 54th Virginia is that they were one of the VERY FEW Virginia regiments that were actually assigned to service in the Western Theater! Sent to Kentucky in late 1861, they would fight the entire War here in the Western Theater, essentially in every major battle. Their heaviest and most eventful regimental fighting seemed to climax around Chickamauga, where their regiment was responsible for capturing several hundred Yankee's, and breaking through their lines. They would continue to bleed in Georgia during the arduous Atlanta Campaign of 1864, and follow the Army of Tennessee until the very bitter end. Private Reuben enlisted on September 10th, 1861, in Christiansburg, Virginia. He would fight very far from home. The canteen is in very good, stable original condition, having the tin straps solidly intact. The thickness of the canteen is 2 and 3/8th's inches, and diameter of 7 and 3/8th's inches. The sling hooks all are there, though one appears to be an old replacement/field repair. The cedar slat sidings are all present, with the expected slight spacing in between some slats (remember--cedar wood drum canteens were made to be slightly LOOSE, as when you filled them with water, the water would soak into the cedar wood, and thus swell/expand all the cedar slats and joints. Fake ones are made TIGHT--put water in them for 2 days, and they'll swell and split! Heck, ask a reenactor with a real cedar drum canteen, and you'll find out what I mean...you've got to soak in a bucket for a day or two to get the wood to expand/swell so they would fit together just right and hold water!)

It's not just simply a "canteen". Outside of a weapon, the 2nd most important item he carried was his canteen. Both would save his life--and you can easily argue that he sure used and needed his canteen a lot more than his musket. Through many thousands of miles tread on hot, dust-choked marches down seemingly endless roads--through acrid billowing smoke and salty gun powder staining his lips, this canteen provided the liquid life he needed to march, fight, and live. How many times he uncorked the spout to enjoy the refreshing sweetened water from his cedar drum canteen (again--if you've ever used cedar drum canteen, you'll know that sweetened cedar taste!) Private Reuben obviously thought enough of his canteen to keep it long after the War, and it survived all these years hence.

It's not just simply a "canteen".

LAYAWAY

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

(Left) late 1800's UCV flag of the 54th VA, and (right) original Western Theater (Johnston Pattern) 54th VA battleflag

Very Pretty Intact Cartridge Box Rig w/Intact Shoulder Strap & Breastplate, w/ Original Tins

Complete Cartridge Box Rig, All-Original, Undamaged, Unrepaired, Untouched, and Very Nice

"S.H.Young & Co. Newark, NJ" Crisp Maker-Mark & US Inspector's Oval Stamp As Well

I had an ID'ed specimen several weeks ago, and was fortunate to get my hands on one as pretty or prettier than that! This M1864 cartridge box is a wonderful S. H. Young of Newark, NJ specimen, having a vividly clear and crisp maker's mark on the back, and US Inspector's oval mark on the front flap. The original shoulder strap is SPLENDID! No tears, no repairs, and NO APOLOGIES! The entire rig is the same. The original breastplate is well attached and so pretty, and the "US" embossing on the front flap of the box is clear. Only the most minor but expected "honest wear" form actual issuance and service can be found on the entire piece, and the leather is very supple and pliable. Everything is present and undamaged, from the two strap buckles underneath, the brass closure finial, to the leather flaps and the original tins! You could pay hundreds more somewhere else...by why?

SOLD

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

Beautiful & Complete ID'ed .58 Cal. US Cartridge Box

ID'ed to Sergeant Noah Bullock, Company I, 44th Illinois Infantry -- "N. Bullock" Stenciled On Shoulder Strap

Complete with Original Tins, Shoulder Strap, Breastplate, & US Boxplate -- Vividly Crisp "Gaylord" Maker's-Mark

It's always nice when you actually got an original name on a piece and the wartime provenance for any leather items from the Civil War, as you rarely see names on them. Fortunately for us, this came from Noah Bullock's family descendents, and his original stenciling of "N. BULLOCK" is plainly readable on the back of the original leather shoulder strap. Best of all, we have the entire cartridge box rig! As you well know, they are typically missing everything except the cartridge box itself--the tins, boxplate, shoulder strap & breastplate are usually long gone. Not so with this one! You've got EVERYTHING! And very nice, as you can see below. The cartridge box leather is very good and supple. The "E. Gaylord Chicopee Mass" maker's mark on the inside flap is as crisp and sharp as the day it was stamped. The original US boxplate & eagle breastplate are stunningly beautiful, with an excellent mellowed brass patina. Just look at the pictures. Nothing is missing--not even the finial or strap buckles. As usual, you see only the typical "honest wear" you'd expect from Sgt. Noah Bullock's years of service in Company I, 44th Illinois. He enlisted on September 1st of 1861 as a Private, but was promoted to Sergeant by the end of the war, surviving the war to receive a pension later in life. He is found within the NPS soldier's and sailor's pension system. He and his regiment would fight fiercely here in the Western Theater, from start to finish, with their regimental history almost written in blood. They began fighting in Missouri, then into Pea Ridge and Elkhorn Tavern in Arkansas, going across the Mississippi River to the siege of Corinth (May), then Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, almost every battle large and small in the Atlanta Campaign, on to defend against Hood's late 1864 invasion into Tennessee (at Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville). This cartridge box has a lot of history to tell--it carried many pounds of minnie' balls and black powder into combat. Because of such, it has the usual weak spot at the top of the shoulder strap--not cut in two or torn whatsoever, but worn enough that we have done the right thing to conserve and preserve the strap with a small piece of backing for stability. One of the small strap buckles under the cartridge box also had to be attached with twine, and may be Bullock's work to keep his cartridge box on his shoulder!

Rare ID'ed Sergeant's complete and intact cartridge box rig--DON'T PAY $1700 like they ask for on other sites! This one is the same condition or better than you see for sale typically, with excellent provenance on the soldier, and you can save your hard-earned money....

Sold

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

Incredible ID'ed 19th Maine (Company I) Captain George D. Smith's "Housewife" Personal Sewing Kit

From Dr. Francis Lord's Collection -- Pictured on Page 162 of Lord's Encyclopedia 2nd Volume

Capt. Smith was Killed on July 2nd, 1863 Along Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg Repulsing Perry's Florida Brigade

This unique piece of history has just about "got it all": not only is this a phenomenal ID'ed piece to a Captain in the 19th Maine who was killed in action on July 2nd at Gettysburg, but this piece was in the world-renown collection of Dr. Francis Lord AND published within his Encyclopedia (2nd volume) on page 162. George D. Smith was 27 years old from Rockland, Maine, when he enlisted as 2nd Lieutenant of Company I, 19th Maine Infantry Regiment on August 25, 1862. Though he would be quickly promoted to Captain in early 1863, he would not survive the year. He met his fate in the blistering July sun on the 2nd day's fighting at Gettysburg. As CS General Anderson's Division (consisting of Perry's Florida Brigade, Wright's Georgia Brigade, and Wilcox's Alabama Brigade) began their attack from Seminary Ridge to the Emmetsburg Road, the Confederates would make great progress. After great bloody actions around the road and Peach Orchard, the Confederates would capture many Federal cannon and men, forcing the Federals fleeing toward their last stronghold atop the all-important Cemetery Ridge. Perry's Floridians stopped to rest briefly at Plum Run, preparing for the crucial assault to take Cemetery Ridge, and thus force Meade to tactically have to withdraw his many of forces up the Emmetsburg Road. However, one regiment--personally placed by Union Major General Winfield Scott Hancock to defend the ridge--was the 19th Maine. Though flushed with victory, Perry's Floridians were greatly fatigued and reduced in strength. When they came within 50 yards of the 19th Maine battleline--who were under orders to shoot-down the Florida color-bearers--the 19th Maine unleashed a volley which stopped Perry's men in their tracks. A murderous fire-fight erupted between both lines, exchanging volleys in the head-on fight. The 19th Maine stood firm. Fresh Union batteries and regiments reinforced the Emmitsburg/Cemetery Ridge line, and the Floridian's begrudgingly had to stop their attack, after fighting to gain so much ground for a mile from their starting point in the morning. Somewhere in this hail of lead and iron between the 19th Maine and Perry's Florida Brigade, Captain George Smith fell. He is buried within the Gettysburg National Cemetery, gravesite F-1, ME plot. What was returned home from his effects was this very needful, utilitarian "housewife" kit--called so by the soldiers, since it was a small sewing kit that every soldier needed to keep their clothing and buttons mended. Inside of his kit is the original pin cushion and thimble. It originally contained a stencil of "G.D. Smith, Wayne, Maine", but it has since been lost. The piece was owned for decades by none-other than Dr. Francis Lord--esteemed collector and author of Civil War collecting--and was published in his 2nd volume of Lord's encyclopedia, pages 161-162 (description on page 161, pictured in upper-left of grouping on page 162). This was then purchased by the museum-like collection of Mike Miner, which is now being offered to you. Copies of the service record of Captain Smith, as well as the Lord's publishing shall accompany this piece.

I can't imagine a piece having more prominence, provenance, and publication than this. Truly worthy of a a museum-like collection, as attested to by its history and previous ownership...

Extraordinary Update: The gentleman who had originally put this one layaway shared the fact that there is an original letter from Captain Edgar Burpee of the 19th Maine, describing his best friend George Smith having a premonition of his death just prior to the battle. This letter from Captain Burpee to his sister is for sale on the website Museum Quality Americana (http://www.mqamericana.com/Gett.html). The letter describes George Smith's premonition, then going on to recount his death and the great sadness of watching Smith--his very best friend--die. This housewife may have been personally carried by Burpee home to Smith's family. The letter costs $3750. Someone might really have a "museum quality" combo with this, George Smith's published housewife (from Lord's collection and publication), and a letter from Smith's best friend describing his last days on earth. But don't worry....you won't have to spend thousands to get this museum piece...

19th Maine Monument at Gettysburg, where they saved the Union Center from Collapse...and where Captain Smith fell carrying this "housewife"

Great ID'ed 21st Iowa Veteran's Grouping -- 3rd Sgt. Theodore George Weatherby, Company H, 21st Iowa

Directly from Weatherby's Descendent, My Good Personal Friend, Dave Callaway

Now, don't call my buddy "Uncle" Dave and start calling him "Yankee Dave"! He won't like that--even though he has to grudgingly admit one of his ancestor's indeed was a "Yankee"! Here's an excellent grouping of veteran's reunion ribbons, medals, and some nice wartime images of some of his companions as well. We'll start with describing the images first. There's a fantastic CDV of Major General L. H. Rosseau (hard one to ever find), which has his name printed on the CDV. On the back of the Major General's image is the image of his wife--so a true bonus, double-image CDV. In the upper left-hand corner (in the picture below) is a great standing image CDV of a compatriot in the 21st Iowa, wearing his full-dress uniform and vest (with pocket watch). His image has a rare "Hinton's Photograph Gallery - 99 Camp Street - One Door From Poydras - New Orleans" backmarking, complete with 2-cent tax-stamp. The middle image is that of a young soldier in the 21st, sitting with his 4-button standard shell jacket, with vest, yet another rarer New Orleans backmarking of "L. I. Prince, Photographer, 112 Canal & 8 St. Charles Str, Cor. Building over Union Insurance Co, New Orleans," with the 2-cent tax-stamp as well. The bottom image is a fantastic 4-man CDV, sitting and standing, wearing all of their dress uniforms and vests, also with a tax-stamp. There is a nice original cabinet card of "Old Abe", the "war eagle" that the 8th Wisconsin carried into battle in the war, which has a great historical description on the back. There are four (4) GAR medals and one GAR pin, as well as three (3) reunion ribbons, and three GAR rank ribbons (ranging from "Reception Committee" to GAR Post "Commander".) The 21st Iowa had a distinguished history, fighting here in the Deep South/Western Theater, including shedding blood here in the Vicksburg Campaign within Brig. Gen'l Lawler's Brigade. In 1864, they would be assigned to 2 months of guard duty within New Orleans/Algiers, which is when the images with the New Orleans backmarking would have been taken, before launching into the Mobile/Spanish Fort campaign until the end of the war. Anyway you look at it, it is a very desirable ID'ed Iowa soldier's grouping, and if you price it out, it's only $48.43 per piece...