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3390 |
early OCTAGONAL SPECTACLES
Unlike the more finely made spectacles of silver or gold the common man’s steel framed spectacles were generally used up and cast away in the period seldom to be preserved for the appreciative modern day collector. Our illustrations should do best to describe this wonderful pair of steel framed spectacles except to remind the viewer that all is original and in fine condition just as laid away decades ago. With lots of original fire blue on the delicate steel frame and the classic octagonal lens shape, this pair of early eye ware appear nearly unused. Set off by the original patent leather pocket case, these glasses will fit well in any early American grouping. ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!! |
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3410 |
c. 1860 STEPHEN A. DOUGLASS - POLITICAL / PATRIOTIC - ENVELOPE
Patriotic and politically satirical postal covers were a popularly circulated art form in the times of the American Civil War with virtually every subject and opinion of the day expressed. Political and social satire envelopes were second only to patriotic subjects with both pro Union and pro Confederate bent. While the vast majority were put to use in the mails and have not survived, the wide variety of subject matter made the little covers a natural collectible even in the period. An ever dwindling supply of nice condition, unused examples have thus survived offering today’s collector / historian an opportunity to put together a respectable collection of quality original examples. Though steadily growing in value these covers still offer an opportunity on to accumulate a category of original Civil War artifacts and watch them grow in interest and value all at a relatively modest initial cost. We try to keep a small and varying supply of these on our site for those folks who might enjoy them. You can bring them all up for viewing by entering satirical envelope in our search feature.
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3439 |
Pat. 1864 dated - PASTEBOARD THREAD BOX
This neat little pasteboard advertising box measures approximately 2 ¾ X 4 5/16 and remains in excellent condition, solid and with only the most minimal evidence of period use as testimony to it’s age and originality. The label identifies the original content as 25 spools of Pat. April 5, 1864 Button Hole Twist. Seldom found today as most examples were used up in the period as handy catch-all containers for sewing implements, writing material, and all manner of small personal use items, such old advertising boxes make attractive additions to period groupings. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!! Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!!
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3466 |
Civil War era French Import : CIGARETTE (CIGARILLO) PAPERS
Offered here from an original package of same, found wrapped in period news print, is a single packet of 50 individual Lemaire - Daime tube cigarette papers. An import from a time when the more progressive (well to do) utilized such as a badge of social stature, the withdrawing of a single paper from the packet and filling it with a medium fine cut Virginia tobacco made a special statement. Dating circa 1860 / 1863 (see: Catalog of Cigarette Rolling Papers 1850 / 1950 by P. Ellis) original single examples, to say nothing of full booklets of 50, of these flattened tubular papers are extremely rare. Photographed here with a period quarter for size comparison, we have illustrated the original news paper wrapped package as found and individual packets (as offered for sale here) each containing 50 individual cigarette papers (Enter the number 3472 in our search feature to see a nice companion item.)
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3472 |
Civil War era Cherry Wood - CIGARETTE (CIGARILLO) HOLDER
We have a small number of these original Civil War era cigarillo (a small cigar frequently referred to as a cigarette in the period) holders and are offering them here individually priced for the collector who would like one to lay in with other tobacco, smoking or period personal items. In as new and un-used condition, we have illustrated this one with a US quarter for size comparison. A neat companion piece for our original period cigarette / cigarillo paper packets, (Item 3466)
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3453 |
Civil War era French 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 French import barrelmustard jars; (see: Fig.68,The Bertrand Bottles by Ronald Switzer). This jar measures approximately 5.25 inches high and remains in nice condition with no discoloration, staining, cracks or chips. The jar is boldly embossed MOUTARDE DIAPHANE (‘Diaphane’ implying a very fine product) and LOUIT FRERES & Co. (see: Fig. 60, Civil War Bottles by Parks & Pasvantis)
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3505 |
rare! 8th MARYLAND - TURNER SOCIETY Civil War BUCKLE
Offered here from our decades on aggressively seeking out and tucking away away such treasures is the beautifully engraved, American eagle embellished, nickel-silver waist belt plate of William Eckhardt as a member of the German American TURNER SOCIETY. (Totally original, untouched and with no condition issues we will let the plate speak for itself through our illustrations leaving the bulk of our comment to the history.)
An organization of German immigrants founded in this country in 1848, based on the political and cultural Turner societies that had existed in Germany since the Napoleonic Wars, the Turners were heavily involved in the American political and militia scene in the Civil War period to include providing the bodyguard at Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration and at his funeral in April 1865. Rare though they are, there are sufficient enough variations in these plates to indicate that each is likely unique. While they offer common society mottoes and signs with common construction, material and style, each seem to have been individually designed to the liking of the wearer. A common feature though is the identification of the specific society member. In this instance the plate offers the script engraved identification to William Eckhardt who is listed in the 1858 Baltimore directory as a tavern owner at 13 Second Street. Enlisting on October 29, 1862 to serve as a private of the 8th Maryland Infantry. As a draftee (see illustration from ancestry.com) Eckhardt was assigned to Co. K which was comprised primarily of draftees and substitutes.
By the 1850s the Turner Society was operating in major American cities with Baltimore as a hub of their influence. Expansion spawned formation of the American Know-Nothing party and ultimately led to violent clashes between the two groups. As strong minded Unionists, Turners served in the Civil War Federal military in such numbers that many chapters became inactive or were disbanded because of the number serving in the army. Existing period images of members wearing these distinctive belt plates and at least one example of a battlefield recovery serves to document Civil War military use by Unionist German immigrants. For an in depth reference to the TURNERS, their history, involvement in American politics, the abolition movement, and Civil War military along with equipage to include these belt plates see: Rifles & Blades of the German-American Militia & the Civil War by Thomas B. Rentschler. See also: Thomas Rentschler’s work on German American service in the Civil War and O’Donnell & Campbell’s work on American Military Belt Plates offering an identified Shiloh battlefield recovery. Referred to by specialist collectors as Clear the road !! or Get out of the way!! waist belt plates for the ever present German ’Bahn Frei’ motto, existing examples are prized by specialty collectors of historic German American material as well as 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!
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3496 |
c.1821 – 1832 TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEER BELL CROWN DEVICES
Though they could be properly utilized by militia through the Mexican War era, these are the larger strap buttons utilized with the regulation bell crown cap of 1821 through 1832. Acquired many years ago in a collection of early American military insignia, this pair remain in fine as new condition as a reflection of what was available from the large 1940s and 50s military surplus dealers. Nicely die struck from brass and lightly gold gilded with soldered on wire fasteners this fine example of the type should not be confused with the smaller counterparts of the 1870s and 80s or lesser quality modern reproductions. Priced for the pair. Buy with confidence! All direct sales are backed by no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased ! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item is being returned per these previsions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!!
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3521 |
Gettysburg recovery ‘Modern Woodmen of America’ - Drill Team BELT PLATE
An interesting piece for the fraternal collector this relic die struck brass plate of the Modern Woodmen of America (founded in 1883) has association for the Civil War collector only in that it came out of the well known and widely displayed Civil War relic collection of Dr. Francis Lord who had identified the piece as having been picked up on the Gettysburg battlefield. Clearly a post Civil War loss, likely by one of the thousands of veterans who returned to Gettysburg for reunion, this early fraternal plate with the association devices and the insertion of the letter ‘F’ was likely worn by a member of the well known Modern Woodmen of America Foresters a drill team that performed at numerous parades and patriotic gatherings in the early days of the M W A.
This piece will come with our letter preserving the fact that we acquired this piece several years ago now when we were fortunate enough to directly purchase several large groupings from the personal collection of our long time friend, 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 authoritative volumes to include his Civil War Suttlers & Their Wares continue to offer valuable reference to Civil War collectors. Among the treasures we acquired from Dr. Lord were examples of relics gathered in his early collecting that reflected his passion for a class of relics commonly referred to as battlefield pickups. Long gone even in the time of Lord’s first collecting efforts, this class of relics came from a time before metal detecting made digging popularly productive. These battlefield pickup recoveries were credited to early Civil War relic hunters commonly called eye-ballers. These early relic collectors visibly searched out treasures remaining on top of the ground or only partially covered by time. Post Civil War relics such as our offering here are clear evidence of personal items dropped or lost by early post Civil War veteran relic hunters. 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!!
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3503 |
late 1700s early 1800s TINTED SPECTACLES
A really nice pair of early tinted spectacles, these unusually heavy cast nickel silver frames are in fine condition with sharp edges and little evidence of use. Unmarked as to maker and with classic shape and two piece hinged temples with ribbon loops. An unusually nice early pair of prescription tinted glasses. |
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3515 |
Civil War era TINNED IRON PUSH-UP CANDLESTICK
An especially nice mid 19th century candlestick. All in original, unpolished and retaining a soft age patina. A simple type of the period, (approximately 6.5 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches high) with that tinned sheet iron construction and applied finger loop that collectors appreciate. Complete and all original with a functioning push-up mechanism. Clearly established Civil War vintage examples of the type appear in several major museum collections with excavated examples well known to collectors. (see: Philip’s Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields & Campsites of the Civil War) An attractive lighting device, in fine original condition, all original and ready for inclusion in your collection. 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 then buy and we will be pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased.
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3611 |
Civil War era Patent Medicine LABEL
This attractive patent medicine label measures approximately 3 ¾ X 2 7/8 inches, is entirely original and dates to the earlier through mid 19th century. I. Newton was in business in Norwich, Vermont. Beautiful color and a neat piece to go with a period bottle or simply to display as is.
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3587 |
Civil War Promotional Warrant to 6th Corporal - 22nd MAINE INFANTRY
An original Civil War promotional warrant to 6th Corporal issued at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 10, 1862 to Henry C. Spooner of Co. H 22nd Maine Volunteer Infantry. The warrant is signed by the regimental commander Col. Simon G. Jerrard. The 22nd Maine participated in the reconnaissance in the rear of Port Hudson and formed a part of the expedition up the Atchafalaya to attack the Confederate works in the rear. It defeated the enemy in a sharp engagement at Irish Bend and participated in two assaults on the works at Port Hudson. After the surrender of that place the 22nd was quartered inside the works.
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3640 |
state issue Model 1860 CAVALRY SABER
Offered here uncleaned and untouched just as it was set aside in a Maine farm house sometime after the Civil War, is this nice old Mod. 1860 Civil War issue cavalry saber. If it is the authenticity and charm of a carried saber that you desire, this one will fit the bill. With no maker nor government inspector marking this well used but pleasing condition saber is clearly a state issue piece. As such it is a rather scarce example as the majority of Maine cavalry seemed to carry the earlier and heavier Mod. 1840 wrist breaker though identified period photographs have offered proof that the Mod. 1860 was indeed carried by troops of both the 1st and 2nd Maine Cavalry. This example shows good evidence of period use and carrying with the usual dents and dings of field use on the scabbard and guard with its original wire wrap over well worn but solid grip leather. The blade is in excellent original condition, full length with no chips or dings in its edge. The scabbard is minus its throat insert and retains a coarse coat of period tar based paint. Both conditions are original to the period and familiar to us as long time Maine Civil War collectors. Theories as to the purpose of removing the insert tend to center on ease of draw from the scabbard and opinions on application of the flat tar based paint run from protection from rain to toning down the glint of shiny scabbards in the sun and moonlight. At any rate we would recommend leaving all as is thus preserving the hard to find as carried Maine cavalry saber. Buy with confidence! All direct sales are backed by no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased ! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item is being returned per these previsions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!!
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3604 |
Civil War era & earlier - INSIGNIA STENCIL
This 2.5 X 2 inch hand cut sheet brass marking stencil is out of a small grouping of similar stencils used in the period as a marking guide in the hand stitching of military insignia and patriotic finery. ( Illustrated here with a Civil War vintage quarter for size comparison. ) A neat, hard to find item for the insignia collector or period needlework, sewing or textile enthusiast. Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best. |
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3643 |
Original! -Civil War era ARTILLERY HAT CORD
This original Civil War through Indian Wars U. S. artillery hat cord remains bright in color and will make a fine example of Civil War through American West army issue. Once fairly common as period surplus the scarcity of originals on today’s market has fostered manufacture of reproductions for the re-enactor market. We recently acquired a small number of originals saved out from Bannerman’s Island stock by an old collector friend and are offering them here individually for the collector who would like one. Each fashioned from that distinctive period wool worsted, bright red with no fading but with a distinctive splice in one cord which is indicative of the Bannerman examples. (With a considerable amount of War Surplus left in military stores after the Civil War, government agents busied themselves with clearing out surplus stockpiles. If no bulk buyers could be found for a particular item those items would be rendered useless for their intended purpose and sold at a reduced price as scrap or salvage. Closure straps would be cut off cartridge boxes, straps removed from knapsacks, roller buckles cut from leather straps &c. In the case of these wool hat cords, the cord was cut thus allowing use of the cord but taking away the intended use as a hat cord. Many large lots were purchased by Bannerman who promptly spliced the severed cords together with red thread and sold them as hat cords. ) Don't forget to give our search feature a try for special wants. A simple key word in lower case works best.
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3648 |
1862 dated Coal Traders Association CANDLE STICKS
This wonderful pair of inscribed bronze candlesticks stand 14 inches high and remain in excellent original condition with a soft age patina. Each 5 3/8 inch square base is boldly script engraved The Independent Coal Traders Friendly Society / ESTbd. - 31st - JANy. – 1862 . A neat pair for the Civil War era lighting collector, early trade association enthusiast or just to sit out as a nice decorative set. (Some would sell one to recover most of their cost and keep the other but the thought of that would keep us up nights.) Buy with confidence! All direct sales are backed by no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased ! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item is being returned per these previsions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.
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3652 |
Civil War era WICKER UTILITY BOTTLE
This eye appealing wicker bottle stands just over 13 ¾ inches high and is about 4 ¾ inches in diameter and remains in excellent original condition with lots of eye appeal. Good age coloration and an easily displayable size will make this all original Civil War vintage personal item fit well in any period grouping. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!!. If you are new to Gunsight Antiques and wish additional information or just to learn
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3642 |
early COUNTER or DESK BELL
A tough size to find for the bell collector, this classic little bell stands a mere 6 inches high and bears impressed #1 size designation on its turned maple grip. A beauty set by itself on a period desk counter or night stand, this unusual little bell will hold its own at the end of a grouping in graduated sizes. Reminiscent of the example in the Virginia Military Institute museum collection, this nicely patinaed period bell will also be of interest to the Civil War collector. please note: ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENT & AVAILABLE UNLESS MARKED SOLD!!. |
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3674 |
Mexican through Civil War era FIFE
An exceptionally nice little grenadilla wood fife with that delicate flowing contour and nicely tapered brass ferrules that experienced collectors recognize as indicative of earlier to mid 19th century. (see: Garofalo & Elrod’s Civil War era MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ) This classic is set off nicely by the unpolished and softly patinaed brass ferrules at each end of its 14 9/16 inch length. Experienced antique musical instrument and early drum & fife corps enthusiasts will recognize this shorter than the more usual 17 5/16 inch period fife as a desirable and more difficult to acquire higher pitched altofife. 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!
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