rare early pre–Civil War - COLLINS CO marked - PIKE Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this all original ‘J Brown’ branded pike measures 7 feet ½ inch in total length, is maker marked COLLINS CO HARTFORD and will be of particular interest to pre-Civil War, Harpers Ferry, John Brown Raid historians as the Bloody Kansas abolitionist was known to have met with the Collins Co. forge-master in1857 ultimately placing an order for 1,000 pikes at a cost of $1.00 a pike. Later as the economic distress of the panic of 1857 grew, Brown’s reduced fundraising ability resulted in an inability to pay for the order and production was ended after approximately 500 pikes were completed. Collins fully expecting this to be the end of their business with Brown, the pikes were undelivered however, the determined abolitionist reappeared in 1859 flush with cash from wealthy benefactors. Brown paid for the existing 500 pikes still in stores from the1857 production along with pikes from a second production run to complete the earlier order. Per Brown’s instruction the pikes were shipped to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania where supporters secretly forwarded them to rural Maryland near Harpers Ferry. Joined by an estimated 25 to 50 slaves, the Collins pikes were used in the Harper’s Ferry raid to guard hostages who were in some instances the masters of the same revolting slaves.
Quickly becoming prized relics of both the pro- and anti-slavery leaders, it is no surprise that examples might bare period markings as preservation. As this marked example is built on the early 1797 American ’leaf’ pattern rather than the classic John Brown Pike configuration we are most familiar with, we surmise that the variation may well emanate from the first production run of Brown’s order.
A remnant of our years of aggressively seeking out and acquiring historic Americana, we ’picked’ this fascinating old pike from a 1980s Brimfield sale where it was attributed to a Vermont GAR hall cleanout with no special significance attached to the J Brown brand. 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!

 

USN Academy - WWII Submariner - Killed In Action - GROUPING A bit of a reach from our usual time frame we could not pass on an effort to preserve this offering intact. Offered here as a group to preserve its historical integrity are the personal items and US Navy memorabilia of Annapolis graduate Lt. Commander Wilbur J. Mason. The executive officer of the US Gato class submarine Herring, Lt. Cdr. Mason was lost with all eighty-three aboard when the hard fought, five battle star, U-boat was sunk on June 1, 1944. Included in the group is Lt. Cdr. Masons inscribed officer’s sword complete with sword case and sword belt, his uniform submariner device framed for preservation by the family, a period photograph of the USS Herring with attached time appropriate campaign ribbons and the family framed portrait with military record. Best described as to condition by our illustrations, suffice it to say the sword is in exceptional shape. As with the sword we have made every effort to illustrate each component for your inspection and evaluation. All are original and as preserved by the family. A quick Google will offer an account of the extensive WWII history of the Herring and her crew. All acquired directly from the descendants, a family related Harley Davidson military service memorial leather jacket is offered elsewhere as item # 634104.
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USMA Vietnam Green Berete Lt. Col memorial - LEATHER JACKET Offered here is the memorial leather Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket of Vietnam, 82nd Airborne veteran Sgt. Martin J. Mason. Maintained by Mason descendants as a family service memorial worn by Sgt. Mason. Heavily patch decorated to include Special Forces Lt. Col Leslie Mason’s Ranger Insignia, his Lt. Colonel and airborne insignias are augmented by his ‘Green Berete’ Special Forces Ranger patches. After serving as a teenager in Korea as an enlisted Airman in the Air Force, Mason entered the US Army graduating from West Point in 1960. Commissioned to the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, Mason went on to earn a master's degree in psychology, becoming an instructor and course director in the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership at West Point. He served in the 5th, 7th and 10th Special Forces Groups (Airborne) and Special Forces (Vietnam). On the breast is a memorial patch to Lt. Colonel Mason with additional stitched on remembrance to include an 82nd Airborne patch and a Sgt. Martin J Mason ‘DOG FACE SOLDIER patch with a myriad of additional patches to include Harley Davidson motorcycle patches. This medium sized leather jacket shows period ware and appropriate age while remaining pliable and even wearable with two minor seam repairs and stitching to the original liner.

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Civil War – Cavalry Carbine Sling Swivel contractor – ADVERTISING CARD Best described here by our photos as to condition and content, this Civil War vintage advertising card measures 4 1/8 X 2 ½ inches and remains in fine original conditions. The card touts O. B. North & Co., a saddlery and carriage hardware firm. Known for serving as a contractor to the Union Army during the Civil War, the Connecticut based firm had contracts to supply 29,000 carbine sling swivels between May of 1864 and June of 1865. A nice relic for the cavalry collector without breaking the bank. 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!
 

Vintage Coon Skin & Rabbit Fur - Cap Best described by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, suffice it to say this exceptionally nice quality cap of coon skin and rabbit fur measures approximately 24 inches in diameter and remains in exquisite condition while offering desirable evidence of age and limited period use. A higher quality in material, construction and condition than usually encountered, this classic will do well in any vintage Americana display while remaining in wearable condition. 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!
 

STONEWARE INK with label - circa 1810 - 1853 Best described here by our photo illustration as to condition and eye appeal, this antique clay ink remains in most pleasing condition bearing the label of P. Grinnell & Sons, a notable Providence, Rhode Island a business active from around 1810 to 1835. A common form of the 18th century seldom found retaining a period label, this ink will fit well in any period writing device or 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!
 

Pat. 1881 J H Bunnell Telegraph Key & Sounder Marked J. H. BUNNELL & Co. NEW YORK this telegraph key with sounder remains in pleasing all original, untouched and functioning condition. Of particular interest to the collector / historian will be that it was manufactured under the auspices of the February 15,1881 patent awarded to Jesse H. Bunnell a notable telegrapher who served with the Army of the Potomac as General McClellan's personal telegrapher and with Sherman's Army of the Cumberland. 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! 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! :


 

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