Especially nice! likely Confederate issue - Aston Model 1842 Pistol Another treasure from our many years of seeking out such things, (see www.MaineLegacy.com) this exceptionally desirable Mod. 1842 emanated from the remains of Bosworth G. A. R. Post Department of Maine in Portland when the post was unceremoniously dismantled in the 1960s with much of its content scattered hither and yon. This likely early Civil War Confederate issue, Mod. 1842 remains excellent condition with good evidence of period use and carrying while offering crisp wood with pleasing natural age patina on wood and metal with crisp martial markings on both. The lock is mechanically excellent, with most of the internal parts retaining a large majority of their bright, fire-blued finish. The lock plate is marked US H. ASTON MIDDtn CONN 1852. Of special interest to the Confederate collector, the US on the US JPC P barrel marking bears obviously period peening obliteration. Per our internet research ( ChatGPT is a good start.) this particular obliteration method is attributed to pistols taken from the Alabama Mt. Vernon Arsenal. While it's difficult to find documentation on the exact obliteration process used by each of the various Confederate state arsenals, it is well established that many a captured or early war CS state arsenal US Mod. 1842 suffered this indignity by chisel crosshatching or peening.
The stock remains in very pleasing condition with sharp edges and offers two crisp script inspection cartouches on the side flat, the final ordnance acceptance stamp W.A.T. in script of William A. Thornton and just forward of that the JCB inspection stamp of Joseph C. Bragg, perhaps familiar to collectors from his inspection of Colt Dragoons. In short, this arm remains in unmolested exceptional condition throughout while offering desirable evidence of light period use and carrying.
Representing both the beginning and the end of an era in US military handguns, the Mod.1842 pistol was both the first official percussion ignition pistol to be adopted by the US military and the last of the large bore, single shot, smooth bore pistols to be issued in any quantity. The Model 1842 was .54 caliber with an 8 ½ inch long smooth bore barrel intended to use the same round ball as the US Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle. A general service arm issued to the infantry, cavalry, dragoons, and artillery, like its flintlock predecessors, the Mod. 1842 had a large bulbous capped butt specifically designed to allow the weapon’s use as a club after discharge. Primarily issued from 1845 through 1851 the Mod.1842 saw heavy use in the Mexican / American War with large inventories transferred to state arsenals between 1855 and 1859. This included thousands to southern state arsenals, especially Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 these large Southern state stores of the Mod. 1842 saw issue in these now Confederate states. This piece has been of particular interest to us over the years by virtue of the fact that it emanated from the Portland Bosworth G.A.R. collection particularly known to us as containing many a captured CS treasure. We have always felt that its extra nice condition especially for Confederate use was an indication that the piece was an early Civil War re-capture. Ultimately passed to the Maine GAR Post #2 by a veteran member for inclusion in their collection, the pistol was deassessed to a local historian upon destruction of the Bosworth Hall in the 1960s, then acquired by us to be maintained as part of our personal collection. (see: www.MaineLegacy.com for a sampling ) Now in our 80s it is time to find an appreciative new home. 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!


 

Day’s Patent Civil War vintage SURGICAL LEG SPLINT Best known for his patented wooden surgical splints, Dr. Almiron M. Day patented several splint designs in the 1850s through the mid-1860s, including arm, leg, shoulder and collarbone splint designs for the purpose of immobilizing injuries. All widely adopted by Union Army surgeons, Dr. Day’s splints were used extensively in the army hospitals during the Civil War. A notable innovation in Civil War-era battlefield medicine and now prized by collectors and historians alike, examples of Dr. Day’s splints are on display at the National Civil War Medical Museum in Frederick, Maryland, and the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. ( see also: Dammann’s ’Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments and Equipment.’ The subject Day’s surgical leg splint was adjustable and shaped to support leg, ankle and heel and is offered here in complete, functional and as used with good evidence of period use and tattering while remaining pleasing condition . Untouched and left as found pure and as set aside decades ago, this offering is best described by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal. An outstanding item for the Civil War enthusiast. 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 vintage original as new & unused - Horn Comb A reflection of our personal preference for those utilitarian personal items that were little valued and so frequently used up and cast aside so as to be nearly nonexistent today, we acquired this as new Civil War vintage hair comb years ago in a period store of sutler packet. Not a big deal to the unenchanted but a true rarity to the deep dish personal item enthusiast, this horn comb even retains its paper wrapper! A standout in any soldier’s personal item grouping. 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!
 

c. 1840–1860 – ‘R. & J. ARNOLD’ Writing Fluid – MASTER INK Remaining in fine original condition, this stoneware master ink stands approximately 9 3/16 inches tall and 3 ½ inches in diameter. It bears the key marking J. BOURNE & SON / DENBY POTTERY as well as the R. & J. ARNOLD stamp for Arnold’s Writing Fluid. By the 1840s–1860s, P. & J. Arnold of London had become one of the most prominent exporters of writing fluid to America, with their stoneware‑bottled ink sold through stationers in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Richmond, Charleston, and other major cities. A major supplier of writing fluid to both Union and Confederate quartermasters during the Civil War, Arnold inks are well documented in surviving Union and Confederate inventories, private‑purchase receipts, and blockade‑runner cargo lists. An eye‑catching addition to any antique writing‑equipment grouping, this stoneware master ink will be of special interest to the Civil War collector—Union or Confederate. 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!


 

13 STAR Civil War PATTERN STICK FLAG An attractive little thirteen star American flag printed in the desirable bulls-eye pattern on cotton gauze in a style popular in the patriotic fervor of the Civil War. In a popular size, this decorative stick flag may, if you wish, be easily removed from it's staff for more personal use as a 'Bible' flag. This example offers the eye appealing the color and texture of the period and yet remains in fine original condition after decades of attic storage. We have a small quantity of these colorful period flags and are offering them here by the piece at a minimum price for the enthusiast who would like something neat and original but affordable. Will fit appropriately in any Civil War era through Centennial and Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) grouping. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! If you are new to our catalog and wish additional ordering information or just to learn who we are, please check out our home page. Thanks for visiting our catalog!!
Manufacturer: American antique  

Mid 1800’s Nursing BOTTLE & BOX All in excellent condition is this antique special purpose bottle with its M. S. BURR & Co. BOSTON nomenclature embossed around an eye catching 11/2 inch American Eagle seal. With the bottle is its stopper fitting for a rubber tube a feeding tip and a cleaning brush. All are original to a nicely labeled pasteboard box with an attractive American eagle graphic. The label offers directions for use and patent dates from 1859 through 1872. The box measure approximately 5 ½ x 4 x 2 ¾ inches high and is a scarce and desirable addition (this is the only example we have seen in our 40 years of paying attention and seeking out such things,) but it deserves a proper restoration where the folds have been reinforced with a modern flat Scotch type tape. (Easily removable without damage by a knowledgeable person .) Though primarily promoted by maker and patent holder M. S. Burr & Co. (see Civil War era Boston Directories) as an infant feeder, their especially designed bottle would surely see use in the period to aid the feeding of bedridden and invalid medical patients. A scarce specialty item seldom if ever found in the original box. As with all direct sales, we are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!



Manufacturer: M. S. Burr & Co. Boston  

Maine BALLOT BOX Our illustrations will likely do best to describe this neat old Maine ballot box except to advise that it measures approximately 9 5/8 inches in length, 6 ¾ inches wide and 5 inches high. Hand crafted with decorative cast iron hardware, Maine military staff buttons set on the ballot drawer and retaining the original wooden ballots, this old ballot box remains in nice condition ready to set out with any period military, lodge, Loyal Legion or G. A. R. grouping. As with all direct sales, we are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 

War of 1812 period Veteran identified - Straight Razor & Spectacle grouping All offered here as found in a period ’coffin’ type double straight razor case, is this early stub-tail razor with accompanying late 1700s early 1800s iron frame spectacles. The razor is mounted in whale baleen scales with a telltale stub tang, indicating the razor was probably manufactured in the 1820-1830s. The blade fits snugly between the scales, shows evidence of period hone wear while remaining keen with no nicks in the cutting edge. The shank is marked CLARK & HALL WARRANTED. The iron framed spectacles are fitted with classic telescoping temples and string tie loops.
Included as folded and housed with the family relics is a descendant note advising that ’ these Spectacles and the razor belonged to your great – great-grandfather Riley He was born in Virginia in 1786 Died in Indiana in 1860’. Innocuous as the information provided seems, an Ancestry.com search for a Riley born in Virginia in 1786 and passing in Indiana in 1860 produced but a single match. He was James Riley who was born Prince William County, Virginia on December 22, 1787 and died on June 22 1860 in Whitley County, Indiana. A notation posted by a descendant offers advises that James Riley moved to Fayette County , Ohio at age seventeen where he married and settled as a pioneer. Relocating to Whitley County in 1843-44 Riley purchased 40 acres of land for himself and each of his four children. The notation advises further that James Riley had been engaged in Indian skirmishes as a soldier in the War of 1812 and that his father Abraham was a veteran of the American Revolution. A neat all original personal grouping worthy of preservation.
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 vintage - .36 Cal. Manhattan Fire Arms - BULLET MOLD 165 Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this percussion cap revolver bullet mold is maker marked ‘MANHATTAN FIREARMS MANUF'G CO. N.Y.’ and remains in pleasing original condition while showing good age and evidence of period use. 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!


 

33rd N. Carolina Veteran’s United Order of the Golden Cross device Best described by the accompanying illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this Order of the Golden Cross device measures approximately 1 inch square. It remains in fine condition, complete with its original T-back fastening pin and a period inscription to E. R. Fairfield. This piece was acquired from among the North Carolina descendant keepsakes of Erasmus R. Fairfield, who served with the 33rd North Carolina Infantry.
Entering military service in 1861 'for the duration of the war’, Fairfield served with the 33rd N.C. through many of the Civil War’s most significant engagements, including New Bern, the Seven Days Battles, Cedar Mountain, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. By the time the remnants of the 33rd NC surrendered on April 9, 1865, only 11 officers and 108 men remained.
In the decades following the war, Fairfield became a pillar of his community, most notably recognized by the establishment of the E. R. Fairfield Masonic Lodge, No. 520. He was also an active member of the Order of the Golden Cross, a fraternal benefit society founded in 1876. While this device is certainly post-Civil War, it remains a desirable Confederate veteran-related item and a scarce piece of fraternal history in its own right.
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!


 

CS Postal Cover- to Daughter of CSA Congressman & wife to CSA Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this Confederate postal cover bears a pair of the 1863/64 Jefferson Davis, 10c stamps designed and engraved by Frederick Halpin, (CSA #12, Type II). Of particular interest to the historian will be that the cover is addressed to Mis Regina ‘Lily’ Harrison daughter toJames Thomas Harrison Confederate delegate to the Montgomery Convention that formed the Confederate States, delegate to the Confederate Provisional Congress (1861–62) and member of the Confederate Congress for the entire war , representing Mississippi. Of additional interest and likely most importance to Confederate historians will be that ‘Mis Lily Harrison’ became the wife of Confederate Lt. Gen. Stephen Dill Lee who likely authored the cover to his beloved future wife Lily. While we are not expert the penned address seems by comparison likely to be in the hand of the Lt. Gen. Stephen Lee. Further, Lee’s existing letters to Regina Harrison refer to her by her middle name Lily. A desirable Confederate historical remnant above and beyond the Jefferson Davis postage stamps. 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!
 

antique carved bone Pipe Tamper Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this vintage mermaid pipe tamper will make a nice addition to any antique pipe or tobacco grouping. Measuring 3 ¼ inches in total length its hand carved bone mermaid figure it will be of special interest to the nautical enthusiast.
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! Mod.1821 US Shako Hat Plate Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this seldom found original U.S. Mod. 1821 infantry shako plate measures 3 1/8 in width with two period proper soldered on wire fastening loops. Struck from sheet brass in that sharp detail that knowledgeable collectors demand as evidence of period authenticity, this rare offering sports a most appealing natural age patina as additional good evidence of age and originality. Worn on the bell crown leather shako by regular U.S. Army units and state militias during the 1820s through the Mexican-American War era, surplus plates left in federal and state arsenals saw limited use into the Civil War. (see: Stanly Philips - Excavated Artifacts of the Civil War supplement 1, pages 111 & 113)
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 vintage - patriotic FRENDSHIP RING While nearly all period examples Civil War friendship rings were handmade by soldiers using salvaged materials like bone or gutta-percha, there were also various commercially manufactured friendship rings available for purchase in the era. Rarely encountered today, these commercially made examples were most frequently purchased at home to be sent to a loved one at war or worn by a at home as token of love and support. This rarely surviving commercial example remains in pleasing all original condition with good evidence of age, originality and period use. Displaying a good amount of dark tarnish as comes to silver with time a significant feature to the Civil War collector will be that its large man’s size 9 ¾ indicates that this example was solder worn rather than being worn by a loved one at home. Set off by a hart augmented by a patriotic anchor and crossed cannons this ring will make a nice addition to any Civil War grouping.
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 ERA SUTLER / COUNTRY STORE SCRIP Attractive little cardboard country store or sutler’s scrip. Each is approximately 1 7/8 X 1 ¼ inches and is printed with a denomination number and the merchant’s identification (F. B. Hilyard) on its’ face. Attractive pastel colors. These came from old storage and are in fine uncalculated condition. A really neat original Civil War era item. Sold as a group of four for one price ! please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!!.


Manufacturer: F. B. Hilyard