rare! Oliver Hazzard Perry inspected - US Navy Stimpson Contract - Fouled Anchor Powder Flask A light but clearly discernible and original partial stamping (STIMPS) with the partial 1845 date and deep inspector OHP marking of Navy Lieutenant Oliver H. Perry (the son of Lake Erie, War of 1812 Hero, Oliver Hazzard Perry) on the flask neck clearly identifies this offering as an example of the rare Stimpson contract Navy flask. Held by collectors to be the rarest of a scarce category of U. S. military contract powder flasks, this 1845 dated Simson contract Navy FOULED ANCHOR, Oliver Hazzard Perry inspected flasks remains in pleasing all original condition with good evidence of period use while remaining solid at the seams with no separations, unscared or dented and fully functional with period suspension. With use through the Mexican and Civil Wars this flask will make a nice addition to any quality period military grouping or powder flask collection. [see the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield collection (civilwarvirtualmuseum.org) for another example with the original cord.] Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! :


 

Gettysburg KIA Soldier’s - PATRIOTIC WALLET & CORPS DEVICE HAIR MEMORIAL Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, is the Civil War patriotically embossed leather wallet and identified 2nd Army Corps hair memorial of Chancellorsville wounded then Gettysburg killed in action, Pvt. James Trickey of Co. D 5th New Hampshire Infantry. Acquired from a New Hampshire family sale some years ago, the period ink identified Joseph Trickey 5th N.H. Vols. wallet had been preserved with its content of a hair memorial faintly but discernably pencil identifier, Joseph Tricky 1863. Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, we assume by the 1863 notation on the memorial that the clip of hair and wallet had been returned to the family after Pvt. Trickey’s death at Gettysburg. The preservation of a passed loved one’s lock of hair was a most usual practice in the period and enhancement by decorative braiding was frequent. In this example we have the advantage of identification, date and the formation the 2nd Army Corps device worn by the 5th New Hampshire. Period records tell us that Joseph Trickey was a 41 year old resident of Rochester N.H. when he enlisted in the 5th New Hampshire Infantry. Ultimately wounded at Chancellorsville then killed at Gettysburg, Pvt. Trickey’s hard fought 5th NH Vols saw action to include Rappahannock Station - Fair Oaks - Savage Station, White Oak Swamp - Malvern Hill – Antietam - Harper's Ferry – Fredericksburg – Chancellorsville and Gettysburg during his tenure. All in pleasing condition with good evidence of age and originality, this Civil War personal treasure is offered from our downsizing of a lifetime accumulation. ( see Mainelegacy.com for a sample) Please Note: The photo of Pvt. Trickey is complements of the www.findagrave.com site. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
 

Civil War issue - tinned sheet-iron ARMY MESS PAN This neat Civil War mess pan measures 6 3/8 inches across the mouth, tapering to a 4 1/2 inch diameter base and stands approximately 2 5/8 inches high. It is constructed of tinned sheet iron in the classic three section fashion (two side panels & a bottom sheet) with hand soldered joints. The piece was acquired some years ago in a small grouping from the inventory of period military equipage from early war surplus dealer Francis Bannerman. The type is well illustrated in BANNERMAN’S MILLITARY GOODS Catalog of 1903 where these ARMY mess pans were offered from his government purchases after the Civil War. A rare opportunity to acquire an example of the type in something more than excavated condition, this one remains in excellent as issue condition with the exception of a pleasing age patina as good evidence of age and originality.
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Francis Lord collection – MILITIA BELT PLATE We acquired this several years ago when we were fortunate enough to purchase several groupings from the personal collection of our longtime friend Dr. Francis Lord, our photos will speak best for this later 19th century, post-Civil War clipped corner waist belt plate except to advise that it measures 2 3/16 X 2 ½ inches and will come with our letter as preservation of its origin from the personal collection of Dr. Francis Lord. A pioneer Civil War collector from a day when nearly no one else paid much attention to the details of many now valued Civil War collectable categories, Francis authored the widely known, multi volume, pioneer reference, Lord’s CIVIL WAR COLLECTORS ENCYCLOPEDIA. While a lot of detailed knowledge has been gained as the interest and value of Civil War collectables increased so dramatically over the years, Dr. Lord’s first and second volumes in particular and his Civil War Sutlers & Their Wares continue to offer valuable and reliable reference to Civil War collectors. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
 

rare original! 1863 Civil War Union League - Political Pamphlet – The Loyalist’s Ammunition This rare original, 1st edition of The Loyalist’s Ammunition by Isaac Funk was published in wraps in 1863 by the Union League of Philadelphia. ( Widely republished even today as an important but infrequently discussed Civil War political commentary, we suggest that full appreciation of the content will best be appreciated with a Google search and a read of the original text.) Remaining complete and solid with no condition issues, while offering good evidence of period originality, the 16 page political pamphlet offers some fiery commentary on what aggressive loyalists saw as a challenge to the Union cause, even traitorous interference, emanating from factions within the Union this pamphlet offers seven individual works including a speech given at the Illinois Legislature, resolutions from a meeting of the 150th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and several newspaper excerpts. The topics include traitors in the Illinois legislature, protest against foreign interference, and opposition to the government .

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U.S. marked Civil War vintage draft HORSE COLLAR Not for everyone but a real find for the deep dish Civil War collector with a quartermaster interest and the vital role of the draft horse as it provided the necessary power and mobility of military operations. Crucial to every aspect of supply from feeding and caring for vast numbers of troops to moving military equipment, both the Union and Confederate armies relied heavily on the stout draft horse to sustain their operations. Used up during the war or when pressed into civilian use as war surplus after the war, few examples of the hard and long utilized military horse collar have survived. This rarely found example is lightly but discernably marked U.S. in two places and measures approximately 32 inches from top to bottom, is 20 inches wide and is just over 6 inches in thickness. Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal suffice it to say it remains in exceptional all original condition while offering good evidence of age and decades of storage. Whether simply placed with period relics, hung on a wall as is or as a mirror frame this vintage collar will make a nice companion piece in any quality collection. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 

desirable Civil War folk-art - MULTI – CORPS BADGE pendant Best described here by our photos as to eye appeal and condition, this burl wood pendant measures approximately 2 ½ inches by 2 ¼ inches wide and is ½ inch thick. Displayed on one face is a large 5th Corps device surrounded by 12th Corps, 24th Corps and 17th Corps devices, a fouled anchor with JULY 4 1863 across the lower edge. The opposite face sports a large 2nd Corps device surrounded by 1st , 3rd , 17th , 11th and 6th Corps badges. Each device is hand cut into the burl and filled with sealing wax to create a most colorful patriotic hand crafted, folk art pendant. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 

historic 1838 / 1839 - Aroostook Border War EPAULETTE A rarely surviving example of the period common practice of wearing a single epaulette as insignia of rank by military officers both militia and Regulars*, this silver Captain of Infantry epaulette is accompanied by a Sergeant’s epaulette, both offered here as set aside decades ago with the notation from Father’s uniform 1839 Aroostook War Lizzie J Longley Rines. Our research finds Lizzie J Longley Rines as the 1843 Bangor, Maine daughter of Aroostook War** participant then Captain of the Old Town, Maine Militia Capt. Stover Rines. [As an aside Lizzie Rines died in 1849 at her home in Boston.]
* After the Revolution the American system was that General to Major wore two epaulets while others wore one. Captain on the right, Lieutenant on left with silver designating infantry and dragoons with gold for artillery. Sergeants frequently wore an abbreviated epaulette held by a button on the right shoulder .
The Aroostook War occurred in 1838 and 1839 and was centered around a dispute between the U. S. and English over the international boundary between the British colony New Brunswick and the state of Maine. Simmering over a number of years a second and in the time equally paramount was the issue of navigation rights on the St. John River. Largely lost in time is the fact that earlier on these issues were responsible for the establishment of a US Army barracks in Hancock, Maine and the service of Robert E. Lee there as an Army surveyor. In 1839 Capt. Stover Rines and his company of militia was part force of some two hundred men who marched to Aroostook to arrest and imprison trespassers on state land. Capt. Rines and two other key figures leading the Maine force were ultimately taken captive and jailed in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The action inflamed both sides. Additional State troops were authorized and the US Congress raised 50,000 men to repel any actual invasion of American soil. The Aroostook War ultimately came to a bloodless end when General Winfield Scott was successful in negotiating a settlement between the parties. One of the officers serving under Gen. Scott at Headquarters, Eastern Division, United States Army, Augusta Maine was Robert Anderson later Major Robert Anderson of Fort Sumter fame.
While a Google search of Capt. Stover Rines Maine will offer considerably more detail on Capt. Rines and his service on the Maine frontier, we did not find an account of his earlier militia service thus can only assume that the included sergeants epaulette is a remnant progression through the ranks.
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earlier to mid 19th century - LADY'S LACE HEAD COVER Our photo illustrations should do best to describe this piece except to advise the reader that the beautiful hand made lady's head cover remains in fine original condition in all respects. A popular fashion from much earlier times through the Civil War era, this piece will be of interest to the Victorian era lady's fashion enthusiasts as well as sewing and needlework collectors. Buy with confidence! We understand the hesitance of those new to the internet or those new to us when it comes to sending off your hard earned money, accordingly we are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these previsions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!!

Manufacturer: handcrafted American antique  

Civil War issued Canteen of 17th Maine / 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Vet Identified as to period carrier only by the initials J F T on the spout, this Philadelphia Depot, Rohrman contract eight ring BULLSEYE canteen will come with our letter as preservation of the fact that it was acquired directly from descendants of John F. Tuttle who served in both the 17th Maine Infantry and the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery during the Civil War. Remaining pure and unmolested after decades of hand me down storage, this Philadelphia Depot, ROHRMAN marked, eight-ring BULLSEYE canteen is solid and intact throughout retaining the original stopper with fragments of the original issue and used carrying sling. Presence of the original sling offers good evidence that this untouched relic was delivered bare by the contractor and issued as you see it here. A major tinware manufacturer in Philadelphia, Joseph Hall Rohrman supplied canteens under various government contracts to include a later four ring version. (See: Sylvia & O’Donnels Civil War Canteens)
John F. Tuttle was a 21 year old Freeman, Maine resident when he enlisted and was mustered in on October 31, 1862 as a Private of Co. A of the soon to be hard fought 17th Maine Infantry. (Tuttle is recorded in Maine at Gettysburg as a participant with the Regiment.) Wounded in action at Orange Grove, Virginia Tuttle was taken prisoner of war at Cold Harbor on June 5, 1864. Then upon exchange as a POW was transferred to Co. A 1dt Maine Heavy Artillery on December 15, 1864. He was mustered out on September 9, 1866.
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Original! late 1700s / mid 1800s Pierced Sheet Iron CANDLE LANTERN Not to be confused with the multitude of much later copies out there, this all original and period pierced sheet iron candle lantern measures 5 1/4 inches in diameter and stands approximately 16 inches from base to top of carrying handle. Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this attractive old lighting device is offered as found, uncleaned and with good evidence of period originality while remaining sound and without condition issues. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
 

19th century iron Bullet Forceps Illustrated here with a US quarter for size comparison, these Civil War era surgical forceps, while much the same in design as modern examples, are fashioned of unplaited iron as opposed to the plaited variety of the later 1800s or even more modern surgical steel instruments used by todays surgeons. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
 

Original! 1849 Gold Rush – ‘THE CALIFORNIA GOLD DIGGERS’ – sheet music This original Gold Rush sheet music is titled The California Gold Diggers and is copyrighted by S. W. Marsh & Co in 1849 with words and music by Jesse Hutchinson Jr. & Nathan Barker. A classic of the 49ers American Gold Rush this piece remains in pleasing condition as is best described here by our illustrations and is complete in three untrimmed 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch sheets each demonstrating good evidence of age and originality but without tears or repairs. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!
 

Stove Pipe Hat – of early LDS / Mormon Leader, ‘High Priest’ Ezra Booth Saved from oblivion by the common availability of original research material, this historically significant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints related relic is best described here as to condition and authenticity by our photo illustrations. Remaining in exceptional all original condition, this historic stovepipe bever hat bears the signature of early Mormon leader Ezra Booth. Offered here as found at a well-established Eastern antique market where the significance of the inscription was totally unrecognized, we extend here for authenticity, an illustration of an established signature for comparison to the Ezra Booth inscription in the hat.
Ordained in1831to the high priesthood from among a small group of early followers of LDS founder Joseph Smith, Ezra Booth had been a popular Methodist minister before witnessing a healing performed by Smith. So struck by what he had witnessed at the hands of the fledgling Mormon Church founder, Booth became a convert and was baptized and ordained an elder in May 1831. Ordained to be a high priest June 3, 1831 Ezra Booth was called to go to Missouri to preach the word of the Book of Mormon. Booth quickly became disheartened as he had apparently expected that he would convert people through the performance of miracles, as had been his experience with Smith. When no miracles were forthcoming, he became disillusioned and fell into disfavor of the Church. By September 6, 1831, Booth was silenced from preaching as an Elder by Joseph Smith and less than three days later after being a member for only five months, Booth renounced Mormonism. In a series of letters published in the Ohio Star beginning in November 1831, Booth’s criticisms had a public impact such that they were republished in 1834 book entitled Mormonism Unveiled. Ezra Booth’s brief role in the early Mormon movement continues to be referenced by the LDS today.

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died of wounds - 124th New York Infantry - 4th Sgt. Appointment Best described here by our photos as to condition and eye appeal, this appointment remains in pleasing condition with no repairs, tears or separations. Unusual as this form is typically reserved for commissions, the application here documents the appointment of Sandford T. Estabrook to ’4th Sergeant’ Co. G 124th New York Infantry. The appointment is signed by Col. Francis M. Cummings commanding and Co. G commander Lt. William B. VanHouten. It is dated April 27,1864 just days before Sgt. Estabrook would suffer fatal wounds at the Battle of the Wilderness. Soon to become a veteran Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and lastly the Wilderness , twenty five year old Sandford T. Estabrook was mustered in on September 5,1862 as a Corporal in Co. G 124th NY Vols. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville on May 3,1863, Estabrook was paroled and returned to his Regiment prior to its participation in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was severely wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5,1864 dying of those wounds at David’s Island Hospital on August 12,1864. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!