Item # |
Description |
Price |
Click for more detail...
6313 |
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.
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!
|
|
 |
Click for more detail...
63115 |
rarely seen! Civil War MARINE – regulation Shoulder Scales - complete with Detachable Fringe
Untouched and unpolished with lots of original luster while showing good evidence of age and originality, this ultra-rare pair of Civil War vintage U. S. Marine shoulder scales are made even more remarkable by their completeness in that they retain not only the removable fringe plates but the wool worsted fringe. (See: Frederick Todd, American Military Equipage, pages 578 & 579)
As prescribed and illustrated in the 1859 U. S. Marine Cops regulations for all enlisted, these brass scales differ from Army issue in that they are a bit larger in proportion and feature a worsted fringe which is attached to a separate and removeable brass plate that attaches to the underside of the scales. An additional variation we have noted from the only two sets, neither pair retained the fringe that we have observed in our 50 plus years of seeking out such treasures, is that the scale portion consists of a single sheet of die struck brass rather than multiple small pieces. (See our old friend Rafael’s ShilohRelics.com item #L5149). Seldom encountered as are all Civil War vintage Marine items, the particular scarcity of these fringed scales, even in even in period photos, would suggest that despite regulations few Marine enlisted were actually issued what surely became a frilly excess in time of war. 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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
6358 |
1700s carved wood Eating Spoon
Best described here by our photo illustrations, this hand carved 18th century common eating spoon remains in exceptional condition with an appealing deep patina and good evidence of period hand work. All in the classic form of 1700s individually carried, personal use eating spoon as was commonly utilized from the traveling possible bag, or haversack to the Colonial / early American frontier traveler or soldier. A must have utility of the common man original examples seldom survived. An especially nice Colonial American / Revolutionary War vintage display item. 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! |
|
|
Click for more detail...
60105 |
early beardless Lincoln - LANTERN SLIDE
This desirable Keystone lantern slide offers the earliest known photograph of Abraham Lincoln depicts the Civil War president at age 37 when the future Great Emancipatorwas a young lawyer in Springfield and Congressman from Illinois. This scarce glass slide remains in fine 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! |
|
|
Click for more detail...
63164 |
unusual FOLK ART CARVED – PEACH PIT
Best appreciated here by a look at our illustration, this old carved peach pit will make an interesting addition to any Civil War era personal item or folk art collection. A neat example of a war time winter camp pastime, surviving examples of carved peach pits sent home from the front or remaining among veteran’s keepsakes have offered good documentation of the popularity of the craft among Union soldiers. This example will offer some room for speculation as one interprets the subject.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63157 |
Hayden’s Pat. 1851 spun-brass Basin
Measuring a full 10 inches rim to rim this spun-brass basin remains in wonderful as found and all original condition retaining that attractive natural age patina that comes to this material with the decades. Bearing the scarce early manufacture marking, HIRAM W. HAYDEN WATERBURY CONN. PATENTED DEC. 16, 1851 (Hayden sold his patent to the Waterbury Brass Company almost immediately upon its issuance.) this basin will fit well in any quality, earlier through Civil War grouping, and will display especially well among original Civil War hospital and medical items.
Of interest to the collector / historian not familiar with patentee Hiram W. Hayden will be the knowledge that while working for what would later become Scovill Manufacturing he made what are believed, the first chased buttons, made in the United States. His Pat. 1851 method for the fabrication of brass kettles and seldom seen basins completely revolutionized the manufacture of sheet brass items. A prolific discoverer of ideas, among his patented inventions are designs for a breech-loading and a magazine rifle. Hiram W. Hayden was a leader in the development of the daguerreotype and was as well as a process of capturing photographs on paper. . 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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
6304 |
nice spout decorated antique POWDER HORN
Not a big deal but a nice all original antique powder horn measuring approximately 14 inches in length with no cracks holes or other condition issues and a nicely carve decorated spout. All original, period and offered at a reasonable price.
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 !
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63150 |
mid-19th century Sail Maker’s Ditty Bag with ORIGINAL CONTENT
A wonderful remnant of the heyday of sale, one has to be impressed with just how this mid 1800s sailmaker’s artifact survives intact with a full complement of craft essential components such as binding and stitching lace of varying material and gauge , hemp and cotton cord, a small paper bound skein of raw cotton yarn, and an interesting mix of odd job remnants such as leather drum tugs, period recovered grommets for re-use, bees wax for treating lacing and thread, even a leather cap visor ready for application. Tools of the craft of sail making and repair, include a small measuring scale, a lignum vitae seam rubber, a heavy hand stitched roping palm, two stitching palms, a heavy 6 inch needle and a splicing and seam knife maker marked IBBOTSON GLOBE WORKS. (closed in 1845) All best described by our photo illustrations it is important to note that the bag and content are period original one to another and as found after decades of Maine sea coast, attic storage. A remarkable remnant of the mid-19th century artificer.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63149-2 |
19th century turned maple - Whistle
Illustrated here with a U.S. quarter for size comparison, this neat little period turned rock-maple whistle remains in excellent original condition with good evidence of age yet with no flaws, or condition issues. Turned in the classic configuration of the Civil War era, this whistle will lay in well in any period personal grouping. A nice period item without spending a lot!
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
6395 |
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.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63186 |
early hand forged – Tooth Extractor
While period manufactured black iron dental extractors show up from time to time, this more crudely formed yet hand wrought pair will stand out in any 18th early to mid-19th century medical /dental grouping. Likely a country remnant from the days when barbers, and back woods entrepreneur (a common enterprise in the Civil War winter camp) as well as dentists were doing extractions.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63188 |
rare!!=Jefferson Davis Confederate sympathizers Postal Cover
A fact seldom recognized in today’s political environment, the North was not without its modicum of Confederate sympathizers as is made evident by this obviously Yankee produced Civil War vintage Jefferson Davis postal cover.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63191 |
original 19th century King High Straight Flush & Bone Poker Chips - DISPLAY HAND
Our illustrations will offer the best description except advise that the cards and bone poker chips are period and in excellent condition. A neat display for the Civil War / early West or gambling enthusiast, this grouping will lay in nicely as a visual companion in any number of themes.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63184 |
Pat. 1861 - MILLVILLE ATMOSPHERIC FRUIT JAR
How often have those of us who enjoy such things have read in a Civil War soldier’s letter, a page from a winter camp journal or other first-hand life account, where the writer phrases the arrival of a carefully got up package of home preserves, or has lamented the fact that he received such but alas the glass preserve jar had been broken in transit? This offering of a quart size preserve jar, boldly marked MILLVILLE ATMOSPHERIC FRUIT JAR on one side and WHITALL’S PATENT JUNE 18th 1861 on the other will make a wonderful companion piece in any Civil War collection and will go especially well in any winter camp, medical and sanitary fair grouping. Much more difficult to find than the more common MASON preserve jar of the period, this nicely marked and dated jar retains its equally well marked and dated glass lid with its cast iron lid clamp. All in nice condition with that pretty light aqua bubbled glass, the jar remains in fine condition with no chips. A scarce collectable complete with original components each as collectable as the jar its self. An exceptional example of period everyday life seldom seen today. 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! |
|
|
Click for more detail...
63173 |
early hand painted LANTERN SLIDE
Best described here by our illustrations, such wood mounted Magic Lantern slides saw considerable use through the mid 1860’s though the type actually predate the wet plate generated photo slides popular in the Civil War era. This one offers a colorfully hand colored and artist rendered Revolutionary War view of a of a young maiden assisting her Continental Army Officer
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63159 |
Civil War vintage horse Grooming Brush
Best described here by our illustrations, this Civil War vintage grooming brush measures approximately 9 x 4 ½ inches and while remaining in excellent original condition, sports a classic mid-19th century tarred finish as testimony of its age and originality. Appropriate as a companion with any Civil War period grouping, this horse grooming brush will be of particular interest to the Civil War Cavalry or Mounted Artillery 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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
63195 |
19th century Polished Cotton - PATRIOTIC CAP
This colorful old Red, White & Blue patriotic cap is fashioned from the classic 19th century polished cotton that will be appreciated by Civil War era collectors and while offering good evidence of age and period originality, remains in pleasing condition. With potential application to patriotic, political, military or even as a winter camp smoking cap sent from home, this simply made cap will make a showy addition to any period 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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
6252 |
Civil War era – cased Telescoping PEWTER CUP
A nice Civil War vintage telescoping pewter cup, all original and in pleasing, untouched condition with nice age patina. Though the soft pewter of these handy travel cups was somewhat fragile, they were commonly found item in the soldier’s collection of personal items. Period examples remaining in nice condition and retaining the period japanned finish carrying case are popular with collectors and are now seldom found. We have left this pleasing example as found and uncleaned just as it came from decades of attic storage. 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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
631382 |
original 19th century hand cut - SLATE PENCILS
We have a small number of original as new, from period stock, slate pencils and are offering them here individually price for the collector who would like an example to go with a period marking slate. Fashioned from slate mined here in Maine, these pencils are the product of period manufacturing practices in which freshly mined slate slabs were cut into ¼ inch square rods, turned round, cut into 6 inch lengths and hand sharpened. (Not sharpened to a point but left blunt, simply hand cut to a slight taper at one end as one would use the pencil on a slate.) Each pencil is a bit unique with slight variances as evidence of early manufacture. Not a big deal but a common utility in the days of hand carried marking slates and seldom seen in unused condition. A neat period item for the Civil War era personal item collector or writing implement enthusiast without spending a lot of money.
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!
|
|
|
Click for more detail...
6360 |
Civil War vintage traveling SHAVING MIRROR
Well documented by Civil War camp site digger/ historians and publications of their finds, (see: Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields & Campsites of the Civil War by Stanley Phillips) these, emboss decorated, zinc travel mirrors seldom survived to reach todays collector market. This one is best described by our photos except to advise that it is all original with good evidence of age and originality even retaining its period mercury backed mirror. A nice original Civil War era personal item. 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 ! |
|
|
