Civil War Secretary of War – EDWARD STANTON – postal cover face Best described here by our illustration as at condition and eye appeal, this all original, patriotically decorated, postal cover face sheet is penned : Mr. E. M. Stanton secretary of war of the United States of America Washington city, D. C. and will frame up nicely as a companion to any quality Civil War vintage display.

all original & especially elaborate - 19th century Lady’s FAN Best described here by our illustrations as to eye appeal and condition suffice it to say this elaborately decorated bone fan with its striking period graphics remains in most pleasing condition and is minus the usual fold separations as is so frequently encountered. With good evidence of period use and originality, while remaining in exceptional condition, this extra fancy Victorian fashion staple will be a welcome addition to any Civil War era ladies 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 Mustard Jar This classic Civil War vintage condiment jar will display well in any period grouping. The type is well documented by such archeological finds as that of the steam river freighter Bertrand (sunk in 1865) who’s wreck site yielded cases of barrelmustard jars. This jar measures approximately 5 inches high and remains in nice condition with no discoloration, staining, cracks or chips. A nice period item without a big price tag. 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 early manufacture! Rough Riders veteran - Spanish American War Mod. 1860 Cavalry Saber While our photo illustrations will speak best for the condition and eye appeal of this attic hand me down, suffice it to say this totally unmarked* with the exception of the personal identification, US Mod. 1860 cavalry saber remains pure and unmolested with clear evidence of age and originality. With identification to a documented veteran of the 1st US Cavalry, Roosevelt Rough Riders, (see: Virgil Carrington Jones' book, Roosevelt's Rough Riders & National Archives roster ) this saber will turn the head of any military collector / historian as due to the extreme post-Civil War military downscaling, actual issue Spanish American War weapons are among the most infrequently encountered of actual issue US military weaponry. This Rough Riders family hand me down is period identified by W J S TH pommel marking and comes with a descendant penned notation of the service of William J. Sullivan. Also included are old national archives muster roll copies, and 2 Rough Rider stereo views, all maintained with the saber by the family. Wm. J, Sullivan was born in Manchester, Virginia in 1864 and was a resident of Silver City, New Mexico in 1898 when he enlisted on 5/6/1898 in Santa Fe as a Private of troop H, 1st US Cavalry. He transferred to Troop I on 5/12/1898 leaving us the clear indication that the T H (Troop H with an upside down T) marked saber was an early enlistment pretransfer issue. Best remembered for their conduct at the Battle of San Juan Hill, the Rough Riders were returned to Camp Wicoff, Long Island, NY after their Cuban service where Corp. Sullivan was mustered out with the Regiment on 5/15/1898. Our sense of preservation compels us to comment that while this saber will properly clean to excellent plus, we would leave it as is, pure and unadulterated as it was set aside decades ago.

Civil War vintage cased – Dipping Pen Best described here by our photos as to condition and eye appeal, this all original cased (5 ¼ x 1 inch) dipping ink pen is offered untouched just as it came from decades of attic storage offering all the charm of age and period use while remaining in pleasing condition with a solid hinge. A simple every day personal item the traveling take down dipping pen was a must have for the Civil War troop and saw heavy use seldom surviving with the original travel case.
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Lot of 4 Civil War vintage FARMER’S ALMANACS 1861 – 1862 – 1863 & 1864 A period trusted source of weather prediction, farming information and home advice, these four original issues of Leavitt’s Farmer’s Almanac offer a fascinating glimpse into daily country life of the Civil War era. All in pleasing condition with good evidence of age with daily handling, each of these issues remains solid with no tears repairs with no loose pages or covers. 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 – carved Patriotic BOLO TIESLIDE Best described here by our photos as to condition and appeal, this all-original bolo style patriotic tie slide was hand fashioned from a nut with an inlayed silver star, likely from a coin, and a red shield sealing wax shield. A nice little example of a popular Civil War soldiers folk-art, the making of such trinkets not only filled some monotony of military camp but provided keepsakes for personal use, remembrances for someone back home or trade material for such as a haircut, twist of tobacco or portion of coffee beans. 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!


 

Especially desirable! VIRGINIA MANUFACTORY Confederate Conversion Another remnant from our decades of scouring the countryside for such treasures, this Confederate altered 2nd Model Virginia Manufactory will be of special interest to the deep dish historian who appreciates unquestionable evidence of hard wartime use while remaining in honest as found and unmolested condition. Pleasing to the eye with an obvious hard fought history, this example from the war’s only state run armory was manufactured in Richmond, Virginia circa 1818 with its original ’RICHMOND 1818’ & ’VIRGINIA / MANUFACTORY’ functioning lock. Fitted with its crude field replacement hammer and hammer screw, the arsenal plate is held in place with one arsenal screw and a period field replacement stud and classic square nut. As part of the war-time conversion (c. 1861/62) the original manufacture brass flash pan was removed with an iron sliverset in place under the braised percussion bolster all reminiscent of the work of W. Morgan in Richmond who altered approximately 700 muskets by contract between February and September 1862. The 69 caliber 33 inch barrel offers an appealing smooth 100% natural age patina with telltale wear at the muzzle as a result of heavy use of an iron ramrod. The barrel is unmarked except for a deeply struck V touch mark at the left breech. The musket retains a shortened to fit Tower ramrod as continued evidence of make-do field circumstance. Dr. John Murphy’s CONFEDERATE RIFLES & MUSKETS offers additional insight into these scarce conversions all of which were contracted for by the State of Virginia to supply its own troops. Dr. Murphy in his work and Virginia historian Giles Cromwell in his Virginia Manufactory of Arms offer good information on early war issue of these arms as flintlocks with a campaign to cycle these muskets back through for update conversion to percussion. Included is specific information pertaining to the shortening of muskets which had damage to their forward portions. The stock was period shortened just forward of the middle barrel band with a crude extensively black iron pinned but sound wrist repair continues to provide evidence of a heavily used arm of the weapons starved Virginia Confederate. These, like other Southern and Confederate arms of the war, were obsolescent weapons subject to extremely hard use such that few exist today. As such this crudely adapted field used Virginia Manufactory is all the more desirable as an artifact of the Civil War Confederacy and the State of Virginia. 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 Maj. Gen. Phil Sheridan – Vegetable Ivory Bracelet Best described here by our photos as to condition and eye appeal, this carved vegetable ivory patriotic bracelet offers good evidence of age, originality and period use while remaining in pleasing condition. Sporting the remains of a clearly identifiable tintype image of Civil War Major General Philip Sheridan, this rarely encountered piece will display especially well in any period ladies grouping or Civil War vintage patriotic 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!




 

31st Mass. Vol. Infantry 19th ARMY CORPS BADGE This wonderful jeweler made Civil War silver 19th Army Corps badge measures approximately 1 3/16 inch square and sports a tintype image of its’ owner in the center where the division color would usually be seen. The piece came out accompanied by three 31st Massachusetts Regimental Association ribbons and we surmise that the original owner placed the Civil War photograph in his old corps badge for post war wear at Association reunions. A desirable piece in excellent all original condition and still accompanied by the 1883, 1884 and 1885 31st Mass. Regimental Association reunion ribbons. An especially nice item for the Port Hudson 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 !

early MASS. MILITIA / ARTISANS VISE Offered here as attic found and as undoubtedly embellished by it's period craftsman owner, is an early American artisan clamp. Fastened to the main upright by fine iron cut nails is an impressive early Massachusetts Militia cap plate. The old plate was die struck from sheet copper then silver plated (long worn and polished away on this example) and sports the figure of Indian Chief Massasaoit who holds a bow in one hand and arrow in the other. Over the old Chief's shoulder is the five pointed star of the Massachusetts territory of Maine. (Maine became a state in 1820 and took the star for it's own coat of arms). The vise was designed to be used while seated with feet planted on the crossmember base and the upright firmly clamped between the knees. The piece displays classic period construction methods of it's iron clamp and sturdy dark oak body. Display possibilities are unlimited in an early 19th century theme. 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 do your research if necessary then buy and we will be 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.
Manufacturer: American antique  

mid 19th century FIRE BRIGADE HELMET Based on the French 1862 fire helmet but with considerable redesign, this fire helmet style was first used by the London Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1868 the design was quickly adopted by the vast majority of London fire brigades then by nearly all British fire brigades and was destined to become an iconic symbol of the later half, 19th century fire fighter with nearly universal period use by major fire brigades both in Britain and in the United States. (see: National Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting collection Phoenix, AZ) With good evidence of period use, yet remaining in pleasing original condition with a soft natural age patina and its rarely found original split leather sweat band, this classic fire helmet with its high relief fire breathing dragons and torch crest of crossed fire axes with entwined hose, this impressive brass fire helmet will display well by itself or set in any firefighting 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!



 

Original! Civil War era ZOUAVE TROUSERS Best described here by our detailed illustrations as to construction, eye appeal and condition, suffice it to say these period zouave trousers have a 30-inch waist and measure approximately 36 inches from waist to cuff with a 21 inch inseam. Full and blousy as is typical of the Zouave style, the legs measure a full 15 inches at the widest point tapering to a narrow button cuff. Fashioned in period cotton twill the trousers feature a button down bib front with internal button waist strap. Construction is a combination of machine stitching augmented by a considerable bit of hand stitching with a full glazed cotton lining. ( Marked stitching variations are indicative of period home treadle machine construction.) Buttons consist of typical iron trouser buttons at the waist with small tin backet ball buttons at the bib and cuffs. As to condition, as is so frequently the circumstance if the garment has seen any period use there is some bit of generally inobtrusive mothing at the crotch all else is in most pleasing condition, entirely original with no tears or repairs. Rarely surviving in any condition these trousers will make a welcome addition to any quality Zouave grouping and will be especially appreciated as companion to a nice period jacket.
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reference - The Steamboat Bertrand History & Excavation Originally published in 1974 this National Park Service, 177 page, now out of print, soft cover is in like new condition. A duplicate from our own library, it offers a history of the Steamboat Bertrand its excavation and of most interest to collector / historians of the gold rush era American West, an overview of recovered cargo with much technical information on general procedures used in the restoration and preservation of artifacts. Reflective of the wide range of personal use cargo of the Bertrand restoration and preservation techniques utilized by specialists address several categories of artifacts to include, textiles, wood, ferrous & nonferrous metals, copper, brass, lead, pewter, tin, silver, Britannia, bottles, glass, iron stone & porcelain, leather, paper & documents and more. On the personal side, if not familiar with the Bertrand, and the vast array of personal item cargo, much of which is now on museum display at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, located near Missouri Valley, Iowa, a google search for the museum collection will provide insight and a personal visit will blow you away. 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 - Maine Presentation Mod. 1850 Foot Officer Sword – Port Hudson siege & assault Off our wall where we have enjoyed it for many years, this offering from our personal collection downsizing will best be described here by our photo illustrations. That said this Model 1850 Foot Officer sword remains in historically pleasing totally original, untouched and as carried order, with good evidence of the rigors of period use while remaining in pleasing condition throughout including its leather scabbard. The sword is nicely script inscribed Presented to Lt. A. J. Martin by Co. C 24th Regt. Me. Vols.
Andrew J. Martin was a twenty-seven year old lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Maine when he enlisted on October 13, 1862 and was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Co. C of the 24th Maine Infantry. Lt. Martin’s regiment was sent to Louisiana where it was initially ordered to Bonnet Carre about forty miles from New Orleans. Here the Maine Regiment joined the 19th Army Corps, Department of the Gulf assigned to the 3d brigade, 2nd division, under command of Gen. Franklin Nickerson. Lt. Martin served with his regiment as it participated in the expedition to Ponchatoula and Amite River, the Capture of Ponchatoula, and action at Civiques Ferry. Ultimately ordered to Port Hudson, Lt. Martin served with his 24th Maine Regiment as it took part in the siege of that stronghold, to include the desperate assaults of May 27th and June 14, 1863. Lt. Martin mustered out with his regiment at the end of its term of service on July 25th 1863. He was one of only 570 of the original 900 to return to civilian life. A classic as was so frequently presented to Union line officers by their Company enlisted, this Port Hudson, Louisiana carried 1850 Foot Officer sword will present well in any grouping of good honest carried Civil War relics.
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!