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Illustrated here with a US quarter for size comparison, this early horn container retains its original pressed leather cap and sports a most attractive age, tobacco induced, patina from period use dispensing many a relaxing smoke.  Remaining in excellent all original condition even offering unmistakable  inside hints of its period use as a smoking tobacco <I>pouch</I>, or container this attractive American colonial / Revolutionary relic is devoid of cracks, splits, worm holes or other condition issues.   A good size for the soldier or hunters traveling <I>possible</I> bag, this early utility will fit well in any period grouping.

     <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 Likely made possible by long, lantern light, winter nights by the wood stove, this old folk art relic of the days when such amusements helped pass the time, remains in nice condition with no issues.  An intricately carved piece of delicately carved folk art.

 <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 A nice honest matched pair of late 18th century / earlier 19th century civilian spurs with common use through the Civil War, a single example of private purchase military use of the type may be found on page 124 of Howard Crouch’s excavated artifacts reference <I>Civil War Artifacts a Guide to the Historian</I>.  Complete even to the original strap buckles (missing in Crouch’s reference example) this pair of all original iron spurs is offered in excellent, untouched condition and  will lay in well in any Mexican War through Civil War grouping.

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 All original with good evidence of age and period use, yet remaining in solid, eye appealing condition, this arm band is of coarsely woven linen with <B>60 SPECIAL CONSTABLE</B> printed on its face.  The arm band is fitted with an iron <I>suspender</I> type PARIS marked buckle that will be familiar to Civil War site <I>diggers</I> and clothing collectors of the period.  An exceptional display item that will be of special interest to the police and law enforcement enthusiasts.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

original 18th century – TOBACCO HORN $165.00

 

folk art - APOTHECARY BOTTLE $65.00

 

earlier through Civil War era IRON SPURS $135.00

 

antique SPECIAL CONSTABLE - ARM BAND $135.00

This original 43 page <B>Henry Repeating Rifle</B> pamphlet measures approximately 8 5/8 x 5 9/16 and was published in wraps by the New Haven Arms Co. <U>for French speaking distribution</U>.  Printed by the New York <I>Franco-American Printing House</I> in 1865, this brochure is an original,  <U>ultra-rare</U> French language variation of the, in and of its self, rare 1865 <U>first publication of the Henry catalogue</U>.   With substantially the same content as the 1865 English language version the brochure, offers an introduction by <I>Oliver F. Winchester</I> as president of the New Haven Arms Co. and is primarily made up of testimonials written to O. F. Winchester by prominent Civil War military figures.  The catalogue offers no fewer than 50 Civil War era dated, detailed testimonials by such familiar and prominent  military leaders as <I>Col L. C. Baker</I>, <B>1st District of Columbia Cavalry</B>, <I>Gen. C. W. Smith</I> and <I>Gen. J. C. Cilly</I> both of the <B>1st Maine Cavalry</B> are included.  The overall condition of this super rare Henry brochure will, with two unfortunate exceptions, rate <U>excellent +</U>, tight at the binding with solid covers (a rarity in period <I>wraps</I>) with no stains, notations, missing or loose pages.  Importantly the unfortunate exceptions were brought about when some unknowing soul cut the figure of the Henry Rifle from the cover and tore out a portion of the fold out Henry illustration.  Likely restorable by a qualified conservator, we have tipped in removeable facsimile replacements. Issues not to be overlooked certainly, however the subject and ultra-rarity if this important catalogue will make a desirable addition to any antique firearms advertising / catalogue collection or Henry Rifle / early Winchester grouping and will hold special interest for the Civil War arms collector especially the Civil War Cavalry enthusiast. With across the Union military service testimonials, word from prominent leaders of the famous  <B> 1st Maine Cavalry</B> will make this rare Civil War vintage Henry Repeating Rifle find especially  interesting to collector / historians of that regiment. 


<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>








 H 34in. x D 10in.


Priced per pair


NOS glass  H 28in. x D 9in.


Multi-faceted smoke glass


Price is per fixture.

Can buy all 3    or 1 only  Best described here by our photos, this classic early hand forged iron <I>New Bedford</I> whaling harpoon head dates in the 18th, very early 19th century and is offered here pure and as found on the New England coast.   Measuring 12 ½  inches in length with a tapered socket to accommodate its stout hickory shaft, this blacksmith wrought relic of early whaling is offered here with a natural untouched  surface.  A scarce remnant of nautical Americana.     <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

ultra-Rare! ORIGINAL – 1865 HENRY RIFLE $325.00

 

VINTAGE AMBER PENDANT LIGHTS #3696 $1400.00

 

MCM pendant light $650.00

 

1700s early 1800s Hand forged Whaling Ha $145.00

Solid with nice color and with good evidence of age, originality and period use this nice old crimson bugle cord will make an appealing companion piece with any Civil War period artillery bugle or laid in with any original 19th century mounted or heavy artillery grouping. <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 


<b>United States Congressman from Alabama


Elected to the Confederate Congress in 1863


Tragically killed in 1864!</b>


(1807-64)  He was born in Rhea County, Tenn., moved with his father to Bellefontaine, Alabama,  settled on a plantation, and was engaged in growing cotton. He served as a Representative in the Alabama State House, 1845-46, and was a U.S. Congressman 1847-61. He served as chairman on the Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Business, and also served on the Committee on Public Lands. He withdrew from the U.S. Congress in 1861, when Alabama seceded from the Union, and was unsuccessful in his bid to become a Confederate Congressman. Returning to his cotton plantation for the next 2 years, he was elected as a member of the Confederate Congress in 1863, but did not take his seat when the new Congress met because he was expelled by the unanimous vote of his colleagues for suspicion of being disloyal. Mr. Cobb met with a tragic, accidental death on November 11, 1864, when he was shot to death by his own pistol during the construction of a fence on his plantation near Bellefontaine, Alabama. He is buried at the Cobb family estate, near Cobb’s Bridge, in Madison County, Alabama.        


<u>Signature with place</u>:  5 x 1, in ink, W.R.W. Cobb, Bellefonte, Ala. Trimmed closely at the top.

 This exceptionally well-wrought black iron <I>sticking tommy</I> candle holder measure approximately 11 ½ inches in length and remains in excellent original condition while offering good evidence of age and originality.  Popular among collectors of antique mining memorabilia, with a frequent emphasis on gold and silver mining in the American West these easy to carry and convenient to use lighting implements saw wide application in 18th through mid-19th century.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  Commercially repurposed for sale from <I>army surplus</I> this attractive old bell measures approximately 3 ¼ inches across the mouth and stands about 6 inches high.  The bell remains in excellent untouched and original condition retaining a pleasing bronze patina and a goodly amount of its black enamel on the handle.  The bell sports an attractive cast in panoply of American Eagles with shield, banner and star bursts.  Examples of these bells, with an account of their origin, may be seen in the U. S. Army Quartermaster Museum collection at Fort Lee, Virginia.   These bells were cast in four sizes (this being the smallest) under contract to the U. S. Army during the Pierce and Buchanan administrations for use by experimental Army camel pack trains moving from Texas to the West Coast.  A solution to the occurrence of blinding dust storms, Camels were trained to <I>march in line</I> following the sound of the bell of preceding camel during long treks. The bells are said to have been later pressed into use by the Army during the Civil War with collectors of that era frequently referring  to these  artifacts as <I>Union Cavalry Bells</I> referencing Dr. Francis Lord’s <I>Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia</I>.  Though in our fifty plus years of seeking out such things, we have had three or four of the patriotic motif bells in addition to a full set of varying sizes in our own collection, we have seen only two other example of this small size repurposed bell.  One remaining in our own collection, all are identical in so far as construction clearly repurposed by the same source.   <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

original! mid 1800s Artillery BUGLE C $225.00

 

Autograph, William R. W. Cobb $45.00

 

19th century hand wrought ‘Sticking Tom $95.00

 

Patriotic DESK BELL from period repurpos $145.00




<b>Matched pair, imprinted letter sheet and envelope</b>


Antique, imprinted, unused matched pair, that includes a piece of 4 5/8 x 6 5/8, stationary, with an illustration of one of the most strategic positions on the Gettysburg battlefield, "Devil's Den," with printed title below it. The envelope which measures 5 1/8 x 3 1/4, has the exact same illustration as that of the letter sheet. Complete with back flap. Both items are aged toned and in excellent condition. Any memorabilia related to Devil's Den is always very desirable!


WBTS Trivia: Devil's Den, located on the southern end of the Gettysburg battlefield, is a foreboding boulder strewn hill that is estimated to have been formed millions of years ago from volcanic rock. Devil's Den played an important part in the second day's battle, on July 2, 1863. It was from this spot, hidden between these large rock formations, that Rebel sharpshooters picked off Union soldiers opposite them on Little Round Top. It is definitely one of the highlights to see when touring the Gettysburg National Military Park.  


6 1/2 x 3 1/2, envelope. First Day Of Issue, Commemorating Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, with a full color portrait of President Lincoln, within a frame design with red ribbon, and a  shield below with a quote from his famous speech, "...that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Facsimile signature, A. Lincoln, below the quote. There is a  blue, 3 cents, President Abraham Lincoln, U.S. postage stamp, with a portrait of Lincoln, and a quote from his address, affixed at upper right, and it is tied on by a black stamped "First Day Of Issue," and has a C.D.S., Gettysburg, PA., Nov. 19, 1948- 9 AM. Addressed in ink to a local resident; Mrs. S.H. Hess, 233 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Very fine and desirable Lincoln-Gettysburg item. 


WBTS Trivia: President Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, on Thursday, November 19, 1863.      


<b>Matched pair, imprinted letter sheet and envelope


Marks the spot near where President Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address!</b>


Antique, imprinted, unused matched pair, that includes a piece of 5 x 6 1/2, stationary, with illustration of the Soldiers' Monument, National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pa., with printed title below. The envelope which measures 5 1/8 x 3 1/4, has the exact same illustration as that of the letter sheet. Complete with back flap. Both items are evenly aged and in excellent condition. Very desirable Gettysburg items.


WBTS Trivia: The Soldiers' Monument marks the spot near where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address, dedicating the Gettysburg National Cemetery, on November 19, 1863.   


<b>Signature with rank</b>


(1821-97) Born in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., he entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1837, and was promoted to passed midshipman in 1843. During his long naval career he served in the West Indies Squadron, the Mediterranean Squadron, the Home Squadron, the U.S. Coast Survey, the East India Squadron, and the Pacific Squadron. During the Mexican War, he participated in the siege of Isla de Sacrificios off Vera Cruz, the surrender of the Castle San Juan de Ulua, he was on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico, and took part in the seizure of Tuxpan. He was promoted to master in 1850, lieutenant in 1851, and commander in 1862. He served as the commanding officer of the steam gunboat, USS Penobscot in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1863, and later that year he was commander of the sloop of war, the USS Juniata in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. His next assignment was as commander of the side wheel gunboat, USS Osceola in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which he led in both attacks on Fort Fisher, N.C., in December 1864, and January 1865. Rear Admiral David D. Porter complimented Clitz for his actions at Fort Fisher in his January 28th dispatch, and recommended him for promotion. After the war Clitz continued with his prominent naval career, and was promoted to captain in 1866; he commanded the sloop of war, USS Pawnee, in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 1868-69; commanded the steam frigate, USS California in the Pacific Squadron, 1870-72; promoted to commodore in 1872; he commanded the Naval Station at Port Royal, S.C., 1876-77; was lighthouse inspector, 1878-80; promoted to rear admiral in 1880; was commander-in-chief of the Asiatic Squadron, 1880-83, and retired from the U.S. Navy in 1883.


<u>Signature with rank</u>: 3 1/2 x 1 3/8, in ink, Very Respectfully, J.M.B. Clitz, Commodore U.S.N. Diagonal cut at left edge which does not affect the signature in any way. Cut closely at the bottom.

Devil's Den, Gettysburg Battlefield $35.00

 

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, 1948 First $10.00

 

Soldiers' Monument, Gettysburg National $25.00

 

Autograph, Commodore John M. B. Clitz, U. $50.00




<b>With back mark of Vannerson & Jones, Richmond, Va.</b>


(1818-93) The 4th highest ranking officer in the Confederacy. Graduated #2 in the West Point class of 1838. Brevetted captain and major for gallantry in the Mexican War. He was in command at Charleston, S.C., in April 1861, during the bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter and rose to instant fame in the Confederacy. He also saw action at 1st Manassas, Shiloh, the 1863-64 Charleston, S.C. campaign, Bermuda Hundred and Petersburg. Beauregard was a railroad executive in the 1860's and early 1870's and later served as Commissioner of public works in New Orleans and Adjutant General of Louisiana.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform. Backmark: Vannerson & Jones, Richmond, Va., with a 2 cents orange, George Washington, Internal Revenue tax stamp. Light age toning, and wear. Very popular Beauregard image with this Confederate back mark.  A bit late for our usual fare but a nice collectable worthy of a good home is this original <B> ANSON MILLS PAT. FEB. 1 1881</B>  <I>TC Orndorff Sole Manf Worecester Mass</I> marked Remington Dog cartridge belt buckle.  Measuring approximately 3 1/8 X 2 ¾ inches, this sporting buckle with the Remington Dog design was derived from the military U. S. marked 45-70 caliber web cartridge belt issued with the Springfield Trapdoor rifle and carbine.  Best described as to condition by our photo illustrations, this all original die struck brass buckle will set well with any period sport shooting collection.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 Standing approximately 11 ¼ inches with a 3 5/8 inch base, this lead soldered sheet iron fire starter remains complete with its original spun iron wire and brick <I>fire ball</I>.  All original and in pleasing condition yet with good evidence of age and originality, with a little lantern oil inside, this piece would be <I>just the thing</I> in a country home, Civil War winter camp, cook fire, or western chuck wagon as the flame of the oil soaked <I>fire ball</I> made quick work of starting a heat giving fire.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  


<b>Killed at the battle of Piedmont, Virginia in 1864


Colonel 1st & 7th Virginia Cavalry Regiments, Confederate States of America


Confederate cavalry commander during the Gettysburg campaign


Military Document Signed With Rank</b>


(1824-64) Born in Washington County, Virginia, his sobriquet was "Grumble" Jones. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1848, and served on the frontier with the "Mounted Rifles" until 1857, when he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army. When his home state seceded from the Union, he organized a company known as the "Washington Mounted Rifles," and was elected their captain. He served under Colonel J.E.B. Stuart at 1st Manassas, and became colonel of the 1st, and 7th Virginia Cavalry Regiments. He continued to serve under now General Stuart and was promoted to brigadier general September 19, 1862. He particularly distinguished himself at the war's biggest cavalry battle, Brandy Station, Va. Jones was considered to be the best outpost officer in the cavalry by his superiors. He protected the army's flank and rear on their march to Gettysburg in 1863. He was then assigned to command the Department of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee where he rendered superb service. He participated in General James Longstreet's Knoxville campaign, and fought at Cloyd's Mountain in western Virginia, and at the battle of Piedmont, on June 5, 1864, he was struck by a ball and instantly killed while encouraging his men in the front lines. In the subsequent confusion and retreat his body fell into the hands of the Yankees, who returned it to his friends. General William E. "Grumble" Jones was buried in the graveyard of the Old Glade Springs Presbyterian Church, in Virginia.


<u>Document Signed</u>: 15 3/4 x 9 1/2, manuscript in ink. 


The United States on Account of Army Subsistence in the Quarter ending the 31st of December 1853, in Account with Lieut. W.E. Jones, Rifles, A.A.C.S., en-route from Fort Ewell, Texas, &c, &c, &c, to Corpus Christi. 


I certify on honor that the above account current exhibits an accurate and true Statement of all monies received and expended by me on Account of Subsistence in the Army, and there is now due me from the Commissary Department ($165.92) One Hundred and sixty five Dollars & 92/100. 


W.E. Jones, 

2d Lieut. R.[egiment] M.[ounted] R.[ifles], 

A.A.C.S.


Docket on the reverse: Account Current for the 4th Quarter 1853. Lieut. William E. Jones, Rifles, A.A.C.S.


Written on blue lined paper that shows some fold wear. Very desirable Confederate General K.I.A.  


This document was signed by Lieutenant Jones when he was serving in the pre Civil War United States Army.

CDV, General P. G. T. Beauregard $150.00

 

Anson Mills Pat. 1881 - REMINGTON DOG - $65.00

 

earlier to Civil War era - Fire Starter $145.00

 

Autograph, General William E. Jones $200.00

Measuring approximately 6 ½ inches square by 6 ¼ inches deep this late mid 1800s wooden tobacco box retains its  <B>J. B. Pace <I>Chewing or Smoking</I> Virginia Tobacco</B> on all four sides.  Proclaiming the early post-Civil War product of James Baker Pace who founded  the nearly full block tobacco works in war torn Richmond in late 1865, this early <I>reconstruction</I> era  <I>LIGHT PRESSED / Gold Rods</I> tobacco box will make an eye appealing addition to any period grouping. ( Founder J. B. Pace now rests with good company in Richmond’s Hollywood Cemetery.)


<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 Not like the usual find of a very delicate, marginal condition, lady's fan of the period, this example was clearly intended for practical use while offering a timely fashion statement.  It remains in fine durable condition and is, after decades of attic storage, ready for display with other period lady's finery or even for use and carrying should the lady desire.  Sturdily and yet attractively and delicately made with stained hardwood slats and that classic coarsely woven brown linen that connoisseurs of period textile will recognize, this fan remains in fine original condition in every respect. No splits tears or repairs!   The piece measures just over 13 inches in length when folded.  A common fashion statement and practical ladies utility of the Civil War period.  A fine all original accessory.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>  While its historic provenance as to origin has been lost in time, this <B>Pat. 1861</B> marked, <I><B>Booth</I></B> monogramed coin silver tablespoon will brighten up any quality Civil War period grouping and will be sure to foster lots of speculation.  Bearing the period engraved sir name of the infamous Abraham Lincoln assassin,  <U>John Wilkes Booth</U>, this Gorham & Co., <I>Cottage Pattern</I> coin silver spoon measures 6 ¾ inches in length, weighs 35.3 grams and remains in pleasing condition.  

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 


<b>U.S. Navy pay voucher signed by this Union Civil War naval hero!</b>


(1811-88) Born in New Brunswick, N.J., he was a career navy man. He was appointed midshipman, November 1, 1826; lieutenant, September 6, 1837; commander, September 14, 1855; captain, July 16, 1862; commodore, July 25, 1866; rear admiral, July 1, 1870; retired, January 28, 1872. He served on the <i>"Princeton"</i> during the Mexican War. From April 18-24, 1862, Boggs commanded the Union gunboat <i>"Varuna"</i> during the attack on Forts Jackson & St. Philip, on the Mississippi River, during the campaign to capture New Orleans. His men fought one of the most memorable close quarter sea battles of the entire war, suffering horrendous casualties. After destroying six Confederate gunboats and two rams and exhibiting heroic bravery, the <i>"Varuna"</i> was sunk with 184 casualties. Receiving his U.S. Navy captain's commission in July 1862, Boggs was the commanding officer of the steam sloops <i>"Juniata,"</i> and <i>"Sacramento,"</i> with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the remainder of the Civil War.


<u>U.S. Navy Pay Voucher Signed</u>: 8 x 2 1/4, imprinted document, filled out in ink. 


United States Navy Yard, New York, May 1, 1856. Received, from J. Geo. Harris, Purser United States Navy, One hundred & fifty five Dollars, ninety six Cents, on account of my Pay, &c. $155.96/100. Chas. S. Boggs. Includes check stub at left. Excellent condition. Very desirable.

mid-19th century Richmond, Va. – TOBACCO $135.00

 

Victorian era - LADY'S FAN $95.00

 

Pat. 1861- BOOTH MONOGRAMED coin silver $125.00

 

Autograph, Admiral Charles S. Boggs, U. S $75.00




<b>The history of General Stonewall Jackson's celebrated 1862 Shenandoah Valley campaign!</b>


By Champ Clark and The Editors of Time Life Books. Published by Time Life Books, Alexandria, Va., 1984. Hardcover with embossed gray leatherette cover with full color illustration of Confederate Generals' Stonewall Jackson, Turner Ashby, and Richard S. Ewell, all of whom are mounted. Also has a U.S. and C.S. belt plate, stars, crossed cannons, swords and cannon balls with the title of the book printed in blue. The title is also printed in blue on the spine. Large 9 x 11 size, 176 pages, index, maps, profusely illustrated. Excellent content about the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign in which General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's name became  legendary in Civil War history. Very nice book.  


2 piece, convex, coat size uniform button, with raised, intertwined letters, G.A.R., on a lined field. Measures 7/8 inches in diameter. Back mark: Horstmann Bros. & Co., Phil. Complete with shank on the reverse. Non dug. Very nice example which retains almost 100% of its gold gilt finish.


WBTS Trivia: The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal order composed of Union Civil War veterans, and was founded in Springfield, Illinois, in 1866. 


 


<b>Signed as Rear Admiral and Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy</b>


(1819-92) Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was appointed a midshipman in 1833. He saw action in the Seminole War, 1839-42, and participated in the Mexican War at the taking of Vera Cruz, Tobasco, and Tupan. Commissioned commander in October 1861, he served with much distinction on the <i>"Wabash,"</i> and as fleet captain of Rear Admiral Samuel F. Dupont at the battle of Port Royal, S.C., and was in command of the naval forces in the trenches at the capture of Fort Pulaski, Ga. He directed the movements of a fleet of gunboats that were engaged in occupying strategic points along the Atlantic coast south of Port Royal, S.C., and he also commanded the expedition to St. Augustine, Fla., and up the St. Mary's River, in March 1862. He was fleet captain in the <i>"New Ironsides,"</i> in the attack on Charleston, and in the subsequent operations of the South Atlantic blockading squadron. In the fall of 1863, he was assigned to the command of the steam sloop <i>"Iroquois"</i> in which he was engaged on special service until the end of the war. He was the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, from 1874–78, and again in 1880–81. He retired from the navy in 1881. He had two brothers killed in battle; Lieutenant Alexander Rodgers, 1841 graduate of West Point, who was killed during the attack on Chapultepec, in 1847, during the Mexican War, and Commander George W. Rodgers, who was killed while in the command of the ironclad <i>"Catskill"</i> during the bombardment of Charleston, S.C., in 1863.


<u>Signature with rank, title and date</u>: 5 1/4 x 1 1/8, in ink, Reported 25 Aug. 1875, C.R.P. Rodgers, Rear Admiral Supdt. Very boldly signed.    


<b>Matched pair, imprinted letter sheet and envelope</b>


Antique, imprinted, unused matched pair, that includes a piece of 5 x 6 1/2, stationary, with illustration of the Recitation Hall, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa., with printed title below. The envelope which measures 5 1/8 x 3 1/4, has the exact same illustration as that of the letter sheet. Complete with back flap. Both items are evenly aged and in excellent condition. Very desirable Gettysburg items.


WBTS Trivia: The recitation hall was part of the Pennsylvania College campus, in Gettysburg, that was founded in 1832. It was later renamed Gettysburg College. Located on a ridge west of the town, it became a focal point of the fighting on the first day of the battle, July 1, 1863. The college buildings were used as field hospitals for wounded Union and Confederate soldiers during and after the monumental 3 day battle of Gettysburg.

Decoying The Yanks, Jackson's Valley Cam $15.00

 

Grand Army of the Republic Uniform Butto $15.00

 

Autograph, Admiral Christopher R. P. Rodg $50.00

 

Recitation Hall, Gettysburg College, Get $25.00




<b>War period endorsement signed


Earned the "Thanks of Congress" for his heroic exploits during the capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina in 1865!</b>


(1827-90) Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he attended Yale Law School, became a lawyer, and served as clerk of the Superior Court of New Haven County, Conn. Terry was one of those rare militia officers who rose to eminence in the volunteer ranks during the Civil War and remained in the Regular Army after the war to earn the rank of major general. He fought at the 1st battle of Bull Run, Va., in command of the 2nd Connecticut Infantry, a 90 day unit that he raised. He then recruited the elite 7th Connecticut Infantry, taking part with them in the capture of Port Royal, S.C., and the siege and capture of Fort Pulaski, Ga. Appointed brigadier general, he served in the various operations against Charleston, S.C. until the fall of 1863 when he was transferred to General Benjamin F. Butler's Army of the James, taking over command of the 10th Corps. During 1864, he served in the campaigns against Richmond and Petersburg, Va., and in early 1865 he commanded the forces that captured Fort Fisher, N.C., thus sealing off the Confederacy's last port, Wilmington, N.C. For this exploit he received the "Thanks of Congress." His forces were then attached to General John M. Schofield's Army of the Ohio, with which it operated in conjunction with General William T. Sherman until the Confederate surrender. During his post war army career, Terry served mainly in Indian Territory, and he helped to negotiate the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868, which ended "Red Cloud's campaign" against United States troops in the territory. He was in charge of the Department of Dakota at the time of the famous battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. Five companies of Custer's 7th U.S. Cavalry were annihilated with Custer among the 268 men killed. During this battle General Terry was in personal command of the various columns engaged in the field, including that of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Much controversy arose at the time as to whether Custer had exceeded Terry's orders; but Terry refused to comment on the matter. In October 1877, he went to Canada to negotiate with "Sitting Bull," and he was still in command in Montana during the Nez Perce War and he sent reinforcements to intercept "Chief Joseph."  As the great Northern Pacific Railway was building their transcontinental line across Montana in 1881, the new town of Terry, Montana was named in General Terry's honor. He was promoted to major general in 1886, and named commander of the Military Division of the Missouri. He retired from the U.S. Army on April 5, 1888, and died in New Haven, Conn., on December 16, 1890. He is buried in Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, which is surrounded by the Yale College campus.


<u>War period endorsement signed</u>: 3 1/8 x 3, partly imprinted form, filled out in ink. Head Quarters Dep't Virginia (and North Carolina which has been crossed out in red ink), (Fort Monroe has also been crossed out in red ink) and written above it is Richmond, Va., July 18th, 1865. Approved- The disposition within recommended will be made. Alfred H. Terry, Major Genl. Commanding. Written on the reverse is "Eleven Canteens." General Terry is a very desirable autograph for his heroic deeds during the Civil War and Indian War.    


<b>To a prominent Virginia lawyer who served in the 12th Virginia Light Artillery during the war!</b>


War date Confederate envelope with a very nice pair of 5 cents Jeff Davis (Scott #7) postage stamps, tied on with a Richmond, Va. postmark, the month is indistinct, but the 8th day, and the year 1862 are very solid. Beautifully addressed to James M. Donnan, Esq., Petersburg, Virginia. Light crease near the top, not affecting the content. There are a couple of small stains on the reverse. Very fine and quite desirable Confederate war date cover.


James M. Donnan was born on May 6, 1824, in Amelia County, Virginia. He commenced the study of law in the office of his elder brother Alexander in 1842. James worked in his brother's law partnership of (Judge William T.) Joynes and Donnan until 1854, when the brothers formed their own practice under the firm name of Alexander & James M. Donnan, practicing law in Petersburg until 1878.


James fought in the Mexican War, serving in Captain Archer's Company of the 1st Virginia Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Hamtramck. He was honorably discharged with the regiment at Fort Monroe, Va. in 1848.


Prior to the War Between the States, he was a member of the Whig Party, whose bitterest foes were the Democrats, so after the war Donnan would have nothing to do with the Democratic Party, and he allied himself very strongly with the Republican Party. 


The Donnan Brothers law firm were the most sought after lawyers in Petersburg for many years, and they were very active during the antebellum and war years handling all kinds of slavery cases in the Petersburg area.


During the War Between the States, James M. Donnan served in Co. B, 12th Virginia Light Artillery, in 1864-65. He signed an Oath of Allegiance to the United States government on June 24, 1865.


He was appointed to be United States Consul to Belfast, Ireland, serving from 1873 to 1880, when he returned to Virginia.


He died on January 14, 1893, and is buried in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Va.


James M. Donnan was known to be an exceptionally upright man, strong in his convictions, unflinching in his position, and noted for his courage and firmness of character.       We’ll depend on our photo illustration to provide the physical description of this attractive Reconstruction era shako except to advise that it remains in pleasing and complete condition while offering good evidence of age and originality.   This  beaver shako retains its early style 2 inch wide split leather sweat band with the maker label of <B>G. W. Simmons & Son. Military Regalia and Firemen’s Goods <I>OAK HALL</I> 32 to 38 North Street, Boston </B>, with original infantry chin strap buttons and plate.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>  


<b>Matched pair, imprinted letter sheet and envelope</b>


Antique, imprinted, unused matched pair, that includes a piece of 5 x 6 1/2, stationary, with illustration of the Chapel of Pennsylvania Lutheran College, Gettysburg, Pa., with printed title below. The envelope which measures 5 1/8 x 3 1/4, has the exact same illustration as that of the letter sheet. Complete with back flap. Both items are evenly aged and in excellent condition. Very desirable Gettysburg items.


WBTS Trivia: The chapel was part of the Pennsylvania College campus, in Gettysburg, that was founded in 1832. It was later renamed Gettysburg College. Located on a ridge west of the town, it became a focal point of the fighting on the first day of the battle, July 1, 1863. The college buildings including the chapel were used as field hospitals for wounded Union and Confederate soldiers during and after the monumental 3 day battle of Gettysburg.

Autograph, General Alfred H. Terry $195.00

 

1862 Confederate Cover Addressed to Pete $125.00

 

Civil War Reconstruction / Indian War er $375.00

 

Chapel of Pennsylvania Lutheran College, $25.00




<b>Chief of Staff of General Earl Van Dorn


Commander of the Confederate Army of the Gulf


War period signature with rank</b>


(1822-1900) Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, his naval officer father died when he was 2 years old, and he was raised up by his uncle, Matthew Fontaine Maury, the famous "Father of Modern Oceanography and Naval Meteorology." He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1842, commenced the study of law, but then changed course by accepting an appointment to West Point, graduating in the class of 1846, and was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the Regiment of Mounted Rifles. His antebellum record in the Regular U.S. Army was distinguished and included receiving the brevet of 1st lieutenant for bravery at Cerro Gordo during the Mexican War, where he suffered a painful wound that almost resulted in the amputation of his arm. His gallantry in this battle prompted the citizens of Fredericksburg and the Legislature of Virginia to honor him with a special presentation sword. After convalescing at White Sulphur Springs, Va., he was assigned to the U.S. Military Academy as an instructor, serving in that capacity from 1847 until 1852. He then returned to active field duty with the Mounted Rifles, serving in the Oregon Territory, and then on the Texas frontier. He then returned east and commanded the Cavalry School at the Carlisle Military Barracks in Pennsylvania in 1858. He authored a book, "Tactics for Mounted Rifles," which became the standard textbook on the subject. When the War Between the States broke out, Maury was stationed in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, serving there as Assistant Adjutant General. Hearing the news of the firing on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, he resigned from the United States Army, and traveled back to his native Virginia where he entered the Confederate Army as a colonel, serving as Adjutant General, then as Chief of Staff under General Earl Van Dorn. He was promoted to brigadier general for gallantry at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, on March 18, 1862. He also fought gallantly in the battles at Iuka and Corinth, Mississippi, and was appointed major general, November 4, 1862. After serving at Vicksburg, Miss., and in East Tennessee, he was appointed commander of the Army of the Gulf, at Mobile, Alabama, which he defended very capably until its capture in 1865. After the war ended Maury came home to Virginia and established an academy in Fredericksburg where he taught classical literature and mathematics. In 1868, he was the founder of the Southern Historical Society. He also wrote the book, "Recollections of a Virginian in the Indian, Mexican, and the Civil Wars." He was appointed by President Grover Cleveland, as Minister to Colombia, and served at that post from 1887 to 1889.


<u>War period signature with rank</u>: 4 1/2 x 1, in ink, Dabney H. Maury, Assistant Adjutant General. Very nicely signed on blue lined paper.  


<b>United States Senator from Delaware


United States Secretary of State</b>


(1796-1856) Born in Dagsboro, Delaware, he graduated from Yale College in 1815, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1819, and commenced practice in Dover. He was a member of the Delaware State House of Representatives, in 1824; Secretary of State of Delaware, 1826-28; U.S. Senator, 1829-36, 1845-49, and 1853-56. He served as chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. He was the Chief Justice of Delaware, 1837-39. Served as U.S. Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President Zachary Taylor, 1849-50. 


<u>Signature with State</u>: 4 7/8 x 3/4, in ink, Jno. M. Clayton, of Del.  


Civil War patriotic imprint with a standing illustration of General George Washington in uniform. Motto below: "Let us cherish his memory, And emulate his example." Light age toning. 


***See our Patriotic Imprints section to read more information about this item.  


(1824-1902) He was born in Baden, Germany, and graduated from a military academy at Karlsruhe in 1843, and became a subaltern in the service of Grand Duke Leopold. During the 1848 insurrections he acted as Minister of War for the revolutionary forces which were overthrown by the Prussians, and fled to New York in 1852. During the years before the Civil War he taught school and held a major's commission in the 5th New York Militia. Sigel was appointed brigadier general on August 7, 1861, and major general on March 22, 1862. Despite his military shortcomings, he did much to unify the large German population of the Northern states and contributed thousands of recruits to the Union ranks. "I fights mit Sigel," became almost a password among the Dutch and his influence with them never waned. He performed well at the capture of Camp Jackson, and the engagement at Carthage, Mo. At Elkhorn Tavern he contributed greatly to the Union victory. He saw action in the 2nd Bull Run campaign, and later commanded the Department of West Virginia. In 1864, he had the misfortune to fight the battle of New Market, Va., against the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute, by whom he was soundly trounced.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Full standing view in uniform with rank of brigadier general, holding Hardee hat with plume, and sword. Backmark: E. Anthony, N.Y. Very nice.

Autograph, General Dabney H. Maury $150.00

 

Autograph, John M. Clayton $35.00

 

General George Washington $5.00

 

CDV, General Franz Sigel $100.00




Commemorative envelope celebrating the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address, delivered at the Gettysburg National Cemetery, on November 19, 1863. Full color illustration at left of President Lincoln on the reviewing stand giving his speech. At the upper right is a Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863, Forever U.S.A. postage stamp, that features a vignette of Pickett's Charge. The postage stamp has been tied on to the cover with a pair of circular cancellations; one has an illustration of President Lincoln with the motto, In God We Trust, Liberty, 1863; and the other one has Gettysburg, Pa., 17325, Nov. 19, 2013, the date of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. 7 1/8 x 3 5/8.    A desirable piece of Western photographic Americana and an especially interesting photo for the U. S. Signal Corps collector, this scarce <I>Gurnsey’s Rocky Mountain Views</I> stereo view card is titled <B>U. S. Signal Station & Observatory</B>  and depicts the rock bound U. S. Signal Station in operation atop atop Pike’s Peak in 1873.   Standing at right in forage cap with binoculars in hand is <B>Albert James Myer</B>.   An Army Surgeon before the  Civil War, developer of the Army Signal Corps <I>wig-wag</I> signaling system and at the outbreak of the Civil War then Major Myers became the army’s first signal officer and was ordered to organize and command the Signal Corps. Rising in the ranks to Colonel Myer was brevetted to Brig. General before the end of the war.  In 1866 Gen. Myer was recognized by Congress as Chief Signal Officer, U. S. Signal Corps, a position he held until his death.  Ultimately Gen. Albert James Myer was recognized as <I>founder and father</I> of both the U. S. Signal Corps and the U. S. Weather Bureau.  <U> Myer is identified in an alternate view of the Pike’s Peak Signal Station housed in the Library of Congress, prints and photographs collection. </U>  ( see our illustration)  Clearly taken in the same session as the Library of Congress <I>identified</I> example, (see details) the view offered here has captured Myer now wearing his forage cap but with binoculars still in hand and with the same unidentified companion.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>  <b>Address</b>


6 1/4 x 3 1/2, imprinted folio cardstock that features the 3 cents U.S. postage stamp of President Abraham Lincoln with quote from his immortal Gettysburg Address, "That Government Of The People, By The People, For The People, Shall Not Perish From The Earth." Abraham Lincoln. The double page interior has detailed printed story titled, "In Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address." The reverse has advertising information. Light age toning. Very fine. Desirable Lincoln collectible.  


Beautiful full color illustration of the famous surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, in the parlor of the McLean House, Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. A five cents, U.S. postage stamp, honoring the 100th anniversary (1865-1965) of the surrender at Appomattox is at the upper right corner. The U.S. Military Historic Stamp Collection is imprinted at the bottom. The reverse has detailed information regarding the surrender. 8 x 4 1/2. Printed on card stock. Excellent.

The Gettysburg Address Sesquicentennial $10.00

 

Gurney’s Rocky Mountain View – Pike’s Pe $75.00

 

Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of $10.00

 

The Surrender of General Robert E. Lee a $10.00

Untouched and as found with period construction characteristics this tinned sheet iron candle holder looks for all the world to have been fashioned utilizing a 6 ¾ inch diameter <I>haversack</I> size mess plate.  Remaining in excellent condition yet showing good age and period originality, this country made tin plate candle holder will lay in well in any Civil War vintage personal item or lighting display. As with <U>all direct sales</U>, we are pleased to offer a <B>no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!</B> Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !  A bit of an enigma to us, a Google search for <I>The Virginia Co.</I> will offer more insight but suffice it to say here that the antique bass decoration offered here measures approximately 2 ¾ X 3 ¼ inches and features the  Virginia Company coat of arms with <B><I>THE VIRGINIA CO.</B></I> boldly cast in its banner.  The piece was constructed by sand casting and polished on its face all resulting in a loss of fine detail but commensurate with early construction methods.  Untouched on its face with a nice patina polished only by handling, the back of the piece is dark with a rough surface commensurate with period sand casting.   The decoration remains suspended on its well-worn and crudely hand stitched period leather harness strap sectioned to approximately 9 inches in length.   The strap is pierced at the top apparently for display as a wall hanging which is likely how the piece survived.   Formed in the pre-colonial time when the entire eastern seaboard of America was named Virginia from Maine to the Carolinas, the Virginia Company was empowered by the Crown to govern the colonies; this right was not conferred onto the colonies until the dissolution of the Company after considerable hardship and widespread destruction by Natives which all but decimated the English population.  The right to self-government was not taken from the colonies however, thus establishing the wide spread principle among remaining colonists that they should be self-governing.   While the specific history of this piece has been lost in time it is clearly worthy.    <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>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.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>



 


<b>75th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg</b>


9 1/2 x 4 1/8, imprinted, multi-colored envelope. Gettysburg, Blue And Gray Reunion, 75th Anniversary, Battle of Gettysburg, 1938, with illustrations of the United States and Confederate flags, and more. Includes an illustration of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial to be dedicated by President [F.D.] Roosevelt, Sunday, July 3, 1938. Pennsylvania State Commission, John S. Rice, Chairman, Gettysburg, Pa. Excellent condition. Very desirable Gettysburg Blue & Gray Reunion collectible.  


6 1/2 x 3 5/8. July 1-3, 1863. Blue shield design with stripes within it, and 2 stars above. There is a map of the key points on the Gettysburg battlefield inside of the shield, and First Day of Issue within a riband below. Civil War Centennial, with the dates, 1861-1961, 1865-1965, with a vignette of crossed U.S. and Confederate flags, cannon, and drum. Published by ABC Cachets. Excellent.

original! Civil War vintage CANDLE HOLDE $65.00

 

important! THE VIRGINIA COMPANY – harne

 

Blue & Gray Reunion Cover, Gettysburg 19 $10.00

 

Gettysburg Patriotic Cover, Civil War Ce $10.00




This imprinted folio letter sheet measures 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, with vignette of the New Jersey State Seal at upper left with the motto, "Liberty And Prosperity." Imprint at upper right, "HEAD-QUARTERS, Mercer Brigade, New Jersey State Militia, 186_. Excellent condition. Comes with a large business size envelope, 8 1/4 x 3 1/2, with the New Jersey State Seal at left, with imprint above, "State of New Jersey." Imprint at upper right, "HEAD-QUARTERS, Mercer Brigade, N.J.S.M." Mfg. imprint, A.W. Orr, N.Y. Very fine. Extremely desirable, and very scarce, pair of New Jersey, Civil War items which are unused.           


<b>War period signature with rank


Wounded 3 times during the Civil War


United States Attorney General</b>


(1820-91) Born in Charlestown, Mass., he graduated from Harvard in 1838, and Harvard Law School in 1840. He was admitted to the bar in Franklin Country where he practiced law from 1841-49. Devens had a very notable antebellum career as a lawyer, Massachusetts State Senator, U.S. Marshal, orator, and U.S. Attorney General. Forced to participate in the return of an escaped slave to his owner while serving as marshal, he attempted to purchase, unsuccessfully, the bondsman's liberty with his own funds. Immediately upon President Lincoln's call for volunteers, Devens, a militia brigadier, offered his services, and on on April 16, 1861, Devens gave an impassioned speech at Mechanics Hall in Worcester to a large crowd where he called upon the young men of Worcester to rise and go with him to rescue Washington.  Shortly afterwards he was mustered in as Major of the 3rd Battalion of Massachusetts Rifles, a 90 days unit. Devens was later commissioned Colonel of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry and fought at Ball's Bluff, where a uniform button saved his life when he was struck by a rifle ball and wounded. Promoted to Brigadier General of volunteers on April 15, 1862, he commanded a brigade at the battle of Seven Pines during the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, and was again wounded. At the battle of Fredericksburg, Devens commanded a brigade of the 6th Army Corps, and at Chancellorsville, where he was wounded a third time, he directed a division in General O.O. Howard's 11th Army Corps. According to a report by General Steward L. Woodford, who served with him, General Devens remounted his horse, stayed with his men, and did not go to the hospital until his men had bivouacked. Upon his return to duty, he commanded a division of the Army of the James 1864-65, distinguishing himself at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., while commanding the 3rd Division, 18th Army Corps in General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign. During the final stages of the Siege of Petersburg, he commanded the 3rd Division of the 24th Army Corps. His troops were the first to occupy Richmond, Va., after its capture in April 1865. Devens remained in the army for a year as commander of the Military District of Charleston, South Carolina, before mustering out of the army and returning home. He later served as the fifth Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic from 1873–75, and was also a veteran companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He served as a Judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court, 1867-73, and was an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, 1873-77. He served as the United States Attorney General, 1877-81, in the cabinet of President Rutherford B. Hayes.


<u>War Period Signature with Rank</u>: 6 7/8 x 2, in ink, Yours Respty., Chas. Devens, Brig. Gen. U.S. Vols., Comdg. 3d Div., 24 Army Corps. Age toning.  


Authentic 1863 dated engraving of Major General "Fightin' Joe" Hooker. Full standing view in uniform with rank of major general with sword. Printed facsimile signature below his portrait which was painted by Alonzo Chappel, and executed from the likeness of the latest photograph of Hooker from life. Johnson, Fry & Co., Publishers, New York. Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1863, Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerk's office of the district court of the southern district of N.Y. 8 x 10 1/4. 


<u>General Joseph Hooker</u>: (1814-79) Born in Hadley, Mass., he was the grandson of a captain who fought in the Revolutionary War. Graduating in the West Point class of 1837, Hooker was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Artillery. His first assignment was fighting in Florida in the 2nd Seminole Indian War. He served in the Mexican War in the campaigns of General Zachary Taylor, and General Winfield Scott, and was cited for gallantry in the battles of Monterrey, National Bridge and Chapultepec. Hooker left the army in 1853, and settled in Sonoma County, California where he was a farmer and land developer. He held a commission as colonel in the California Militia, 1859-61. When the Civil War broke out Hooker requested a commission, but his application was rejected very probably because of resentment held against him by General Winfield Scott, General-in-Chief of the U.S. Army. Hooker had testified against his former commander Scott in the court-martial case of Gideon J. Pillow (future Confederate General) for insubordination. After the Union Army's defeat at the 1st battle of Bull Run, Va., Hooker wrote a letter directly to President Abraham Lincoln whereby he complained of military mismanagement and touted his own abilities and qualifications and once again requested a commission. Lincoln consented and commissioned him brigadier general of volunteers, in August 1861. He commanded a brigade and then a division around Washington, D.C., as part of the effort to organize, and train the new Army of the Potomac, commanded by General George B. McClellan. During the 1862 Virginia Peninsula Campaign, he commanded the 2nd Division of the 3rd Corps, and made a good name for himself as a combat leader who handled himself well, and aggressively sought out the key points on battlefields. He led his division with distinction at the battles of Williamsburg and Seven Pines. He became extremely annoyed at the cautious generalship of General McClellan and openly criticized his commander's failure to capture Richmond. Commenting on McClellan's leadership, General Hooker was quoted as saying that, "He is not only not a soldier, but he does not know what soldier-ship is." Hooker was promoted to major general on July 26, 1862. Following the second battle of Bull Run, Va., Hooker replaced General Irvin McDowell as commander of the 3rd Corps, Army of Virginia, soon re-designated the 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. During the Maryland Campaign, he led the 1st Corps at the battles for South Mountain, and at Antietam, where his corps launched the first assault of the bloodiest day in American military history, driving south into the corps of General Stonewall Jackson, where they fought each other to a standstill. Hooker, aggressive and inspiring to his men, left the battle that morning with a foot wound. The battle of Fredericksburg, Va., fought on December 13, 1862, was another Union debacle. Upon recovering from his foot wound, General Hooker was briefly made commander of the 5th Corps, but was then promoted to "Grand Division" command, that consisted of both the 3rd and the 5th Corps. He was contemptuous about Burnside's plan to assault the fortified heights of Fredericksburg, deeming it "preposterous." His Grand Division suffered terrible losses in their futile assaults which were ordered by General Burnside over General Hooker's vehement protests. Burnside followed up this battle with the humiliating Mud March in January 1863, and Hooker's criticism of his commander bordered on formal insubordination. He described Burnside as a "wretch ... of blundering sacrifice." Burnside planned a wholesale purge of his subordinates, including Hooker, and drafted an order for the president's approval. He stated that Hooker was "unfit to hold an important commission during a crisis like the present," but President Lincoln had run out of patience, and instead removed Burnside as Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln then appointed General Joseph Hooker to command of the Army of the Potomac, on January 26, 1863. Some members of the army saw this move as inevitable, given Hooker's reputation for aggressive fighting, something sorely lacking in his predecessors. Hooker's plan for the spring and summer campaign of 1863 was both elegant and promising. He first planned to send his cavalry corps deep into the enemy's rear, disrupting supply lines and distracting him from the main attack. He would pin down General Robert E. Lee's much smaller army at Fredericksburg, while taking the large bulk of the Army of the Potomac on a flanking march to strike Lee in his rear. Once Lee was defeated, he could move on to seize Richmond. Unfortunately for Hooker and the Union, the execution of his plan did not match the elegance of the plan itself. The Union and Confederate armies would fatefully meet in the epic battle of Chancellorsville, Va., fought on May 1,2,3, 1863, which has been called "Lee's perfect battle" because of his ability to vanquish a much larger foe through audacious tactics. Hooker had a devastating encounter with a cannonball while he was standing on the porch of his headquarters. The ball struck a wooden column against which he was leaning, initially knocking him senseless, and then putting him out of action for the rest of the day with a concussion. Political winds blew strongly in the following weeks as generals maneuvered to overthrow Hooker or to position themselves if Lincoln decided to do so on his own. On the eve of what would become the battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln had made his decision. On June 28, 1863, 3 days before the epic battle in Pennsylvania, General George G. Meade was promoted to the command of the Army of the Potomac, and accomplished what many considered to be the impossible, he defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and sent his celebrated Army of Northern Virginia, back to Virginia. General Hooker's military career was not ended by his poor performance in the summer of 1863. He went on to regain a reputation as a solid corps commander when he was transferred with the 11th and 12th Corps of the Army of the Potomac westward to reinforce the Army of the Cumberland around Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hooker was in command at the battle of Lookout Mountain, playing an important role in General Ulysses S. Grant's decisive victory at the battle of Chattanooga. He led his corps, now designated as the 20th Corps, competently in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign under General William Tecumseh Sherman, but asked to be relieved before the capture of the city because of his disgust with the promotion of General Oliver O. Howard, upon the death of General James B. McPherson. Not only did Hooker have seniority over Howard, but he blamed Howard for his defeat at Chancellorsville. Howard, who had commanded the 11th Corps, was routed by General Stonewall Jackson's famous flank attack. After leaving Georgia, Hooker commanded the Northern Department, comprising the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, from October 1, 1864, until the end of the war. After the war, Hooker led President Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession in Springfield, Illinois, on May 4, 1865. He served in command of the Department of the East, and the Department of the Lakes following the war. He was mustered out of the volunteer service on September 1, 1866, and retired from the U.S. Army on October 15, 1868, with the regular army rank of major general. He died on October 31, 1879, while on a visit to Garden City, New York, and is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio, his wife's home town.            


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Full standing view of a young Confederate soldier wearing a shell jacket and kepi with the brim turned up. He poses with his hand on a studio table with a table covering at his side. No imprint. Probably a Confederate cavalryman or artilleryman. Light age toning, and wear, and  a surface abrasion to the reverse of the card. Very nice looking image of a young Johnny Reb soldier. <b>Ex-Bill Turner collection, the prominent Confederate image collector, and author of "Even More Confederate Faces.</b> Many of Mr. Turner's images have been published in books, magazines, and numerous War Between the States documentaries through the years.

Mercer Brigade, New Jersey State Militia $25.00

 

Autograph, General Charles Devens $95.00

 

General Joseph Hooker $15.00

 

CDV, Confederate Civil War Soldier $350.00

Best described by our photo illustrations, this attractive period used tobacco pipe will make an attractive  personal item addition set in with any quality Civil War / Indian Wars grouping.  As with <U>all direct sales</U>, we are pleased to offer a <B>no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!</B> Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !  


<b>150th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg


President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address</b>


6 1/2 x 3 1/2, envelope. First Day of Issue of the Gettysburg Forever U.S. postage stamp with vignette of the battle of Gettysburg (Pickett's Charge) and date Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863. The Gettysburg Forever postage stamp is tied on with a printed vignette of the 5 cents, 1963 U.S. postage stamp honoring the centennial of the 1863 battle. Printed below that is a quote from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, "We can never forget...what they did here," and the postmark date of the first day of issue of the Gettysburg Forever stamp, November 19, 2013, Gettysburg, PA 17325. At the left is a vignette of President Lincoln delivering his immortal Gettysburg Address. Printed below the vignette is, The Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863. First Day Cover is stamped on the reverse flap. Excellent.     


<b>Block of four Confederate postage stamps</b>


Scott #13, green. Block of four Confederate postage stamps. Features a full face portrait of Revolutionary War General-in-Chief, and the 1st President of the United States, George Washington. These stamps were printed by Archer & Daly, in Richmond, Va., and their earliest known use was on June 1, 1863.

 


<b>Postmarked at Springfield, Illinois</b>


6 1/2 x 3 1/2, envelope. First Day of Issue, of the 42 cents U.S. postage stamp with large bust view of Lincoln at right, and vignette of Lincoln seated with General U.S. Grant & General W.T. Sherman. Stamped First Day Of Issue, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, February 9, 2009, Springfield, IL., 62703, with vignette of President Lincoln wearing his stovepipe hat. Choice condition.

19th century - brier & hard rubber TOBAC $55.00

 

Gettysburg First Day Cover $10.00

 

1863 Twenty Cents, George Washington, Co $125.00

 

President Abraham Lincoln First Day Cove $10.00




<b>Celebrating the 72nd Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address</b>


6 1/2 x 3 3/4, envelope. First Day Of Issue, of the 3 cents, President Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Postage stamp celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Light blue U.S. postage stamp with a portrait of President Lincoln, and a quote from his immortal Gettysburg Address, "That Government Of The People, By The People, For The People, Shall Not Perish From The Earth." Tied on by stamped "First Day Of Issue," and C.D.S., Gettysburg, PA., Nov. 19, 1948- 9 AM. Excellent.


WBTS Trivia: President Abraham Lincoln gave his immortal Gettysburg Address during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, on Thursday, November 19, 1863.      Not a big deal and a bit out of our usual lane but worthy of a good home is this neat little sales sample miniature  W & B, rubber composition, padded horseshoe.  Founded in the third quarter of the 19th century the Whitman and Barns Co. soon became most well known as a hand tool and agricultural equipment manufacturer.   With good evidence of age yet remaining in decent condition our photos will offer the best description.  As with <U>all direct sales</U>, we are pleased to offer a <B>no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!</B> Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !


 Frequently referred to as <I>gold</I> scales and sometimes as <I>apothecary</I> or <I>medical</I> scales, these little balance scales, once relatively common, are like so many every day treasures of the 19th century, becoming quite difficult to acquire in complete original condition.  A nice display companion item in any number of period categories, this set is offered untouched and as found  leaving the decision to lightly clean or not (we wouldn’t) to the new owner. As with <U>all direct sales</U>, we are pleased to offer a <B>no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!</B> Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !  <b>of Facts for an Award of a Cross of Military Service</b>


4 pages, 8 1/2 x 14, blank imprinted document. This was the form that was used by the UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY as a Memorandum of Facts for an Award of a CROSS OF MILITARY SERVICE, for the ancestor of a Confederate Veteran who served honorably in a Foreign War. Very fine. Nice document to pair up with one of these commemorative medals.



WBTS TRIVIA: The United Daughters of the Confederacy was established on September 10, 1894, in Nashville, Tennessee. These patriotic Southern women were responsible for organizing burials of Confederate soldiers, establishing permanent care of these cemeteries, organizing commemorative ceremonies, and sponsoring the erection of monuments. The Southern Cross of Honor was a commemorative medal established by the U.D.C. for members of the United Confederate Veterans, and was established in 1898.


The Cross of Military Service is awarded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy as a testimonial to the patriotic devotion of worthy descendants of Confederate Soldiers and Sailors, and is considered the most prestigious award presented by the U.D.C. It was originally issued to U.S. Veterans of Confederate lineage that fought in the Spanish-American War (1898-99), the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902), and World War I (1914-19), all of which are printed as options to be filled in on page one of the document. This dates the form to be from the early 1900's. In later years, the U.D.C. extended the issue of this medal to include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Global War on Terror.

Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg First Day Cov $10.00

 

19th century Salesman Sample PADDED HORS $45.00

 

earlier to mid-1800s BALANCE SCALES $65.00

 

United Daughters of the Confederacy Memo $10.00




4 x 6 5/8, imprint.


War Department,

Adjutant General's Office,

Washington, August 1, 1863


GENERAL ORDERS,

No. 258


All applications of quartermasters, commissaries, and paymasters, for changes of stations, or to be exempted from the operation of orders of assignment to stations, on the score of ill health, will be hereafter taken as confessions of inability to perform official duty on account of physical incapacity, and equivalent to tenders of resignations. The officers concerned will, in ordinary course, be mustered out of service hereupon as in cases of accepted resignations.


BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:


E.D. TOWNSEND

Assistant Adjutant General


Very fine 1863 War Department orders.  


(1826-85) Graduated in the West Point class of 1846, and fought in the Mexican War. Hailed at the beginning of the Civil War as the "Young Napoleon," he proved to be a brilliant military organizer, administrator, and trainer of men, but an officer totally lacking in the essential qualities of successful command of large forces in battle. He saw action at Rich Mountain, in the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, and at the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American military history. He was the Democratic nominee for president in 1864, and was defeated by President Abraham Lincoln. 


<u>Ellen Mary Marcy</u>: (1836-1915) Was the daughter of General Randolph B. Marcy, McClellan's former commander, and future subordinate. Ellen, known to her family and friends as "Elly," had turned down George's first proposal of marriage. A very popular young lady, she was courted by several young men and received some nine marriage proposals, one of which came from McClellan's West Point classmate and future Confederate General A.P. Hill. Nelly had actually accepted Hill's proposal in 1856, but her family did not approve of the Virginian, so he withdrew. Ellen and George B. McClellan were eventually married at the Cavalry Church, in New York City, on May 22, 1860.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 card. General McClellan, seated and holding a newspaper, is in uniform with rank of major general. His wife Ellen is standing behind him. Backmark: Published by Thurston, Herline & Co., Nos. 630 & 632 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Card is trimmed. Light age toning and wear.  


<b>United States Congressman from North Carolina


Presidential elector on the 1860 Democratic ticket for future Confederate General John C. Breckenridge


Served in the Confederate States Congress, 1861-1864</b>


(1799-1876) Born in Springfield, Prince Edward County, Va., October 17, 1799; graduated from Hampden-Sidney College, in Va., in 1816; studied medicine for two years; was graduated from Princeton College in 1819; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1821, and commenced practice in Prince Edward and Mecklenburg Counties, Va. He moved to North Carolina in 1829; served as a presidential elector in 1832, 1836 and 1844. Served as United States Congressman, 1847-1853, and was a presidential elector on the 1860 Democratic ticket of John C. Breckinridge, and Joseph Lane. Served as a  delegate from the State of North Carolina to the Provisional Confederate Congress in 1861; and as a member of the House of Representatives of the Confederate States Congress, 1862-1864; died in Oxford, N.C., on February 24, 1876; interment in the Shiloh Presbyterian Churchyard, Granville County, N.C.


<u>Signature with place</u>: 5 3/4 x 2, in ink, A.W. Venable, Brownsville, Granville, [County], N. Carolina.


 A bit late for our usual fare but a nice piece for the tobacciana collector, this <I>as-new</I> condition, period stock label will make a nice companion collectable in any number of categories without spending a bunch of money.   Finally closed in the mid-1980s, the Byfield Snuff Co. was the <U>oldest and perhaps the last water powered snuff mill in the country.</U>  The Pearson manufacturing legacy began in 1647 when John Pearson built the first fulling mill in the country.  The founder was followed by ten generations of Pearson’s in operation of the Byfield Snuff Co. in Byfield, Massachusetts.  This crimson label is printed on period typical thin stock and will date to the company turn of the century roll-out of <B>PEARSON’S – RED TOP SNUFF</B>  As with <U>all direct sales</U>, we are pleased to offer a <B>no questions asked three day inspection with refund of the purchase price upon return as purchased!</B> Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques !

Change of Stations for Quartermasters, C $5.00

 

CDV, General George B. McClellan & Wife $100.00

 

Autograph, Abraham W. Venable $45.00

 

turn of the century – Byfield Snuff Co. $15.00




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