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H 28in. x D 18in.

Sold as a pair.  H 34in. x D 20in.  H 48in. x D 24in.  H 36in. x D 18in.

H 28in. x D 18in.
Sold as a pair. $2500.00

 

H 34in. x D 20in. $1200.00

 

H 48in. x D 24in. $2800.00

 

H 36in. x D 18in. $2600.00

Another <I>’find’</I> from our decades of packed away and set aside inventory, this miniature G A R slouch hat emanated from the remains of a long defunct Civil War veteran hall where such were likely utilized as banquet place setting decoration.  An eye-catching addition to any Civil War veteran display.  <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>


 An exceptional find with its seven stars representing the Confederate states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, this desirable early session flag pre-dates the April 17,1861 secession of Virginia as the eighth state to leave the Union.  Printed on cotton gauze and retaining its original stick, this little 3 ¾ X 2 5/16 inch flag is of an easily displayable size and remains in excellent original condition with little fading while offering the good evidence of age and period originality that knowledgeable collectors look for.  This just pre-Civil War to extremely early War pro-session flag is a tough item to find and will be of special interest to both Union and Confederate collectors as well as the pure flag enthusiast. 

<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 rare offering from our personal Maine accumulation, this signed, CDV card mounted, gem tintype offers an early Civil War image of 6th Maine Infantry  <B>Bvt. Brig. General Benjamin F. Harris</B> as Captain and commander of Co. C <B>6th Maine Volunteer Infantry</B>.  Harris is garbed in early full dress <I>Volunteer Militia</I> uniform complete with double breasted frock, epaulettes and French import Mod. 1860 shako fitted with U. S. eagle plate and the telltale numeral <B>6</B>. The <I> Potters Patent March 1865</I> card and informal pencil signature without rank would indicate a later Civil War mounting likely for a close friend or family member.

      Benjamin Foster Harris was a 29 year old resident of Machias, Maine when he was commissioned July 15,1861 as Captain of Co. C <B>6th VMM</B>.  Listed in <I>Maine at Gettysburg</I> as a participant serving there with the 6th Maine as Lt. Colonel, Harris suffered a severe wounding at Rappahannock Station on November 7,1863 resulting in the amputation of his left leg.  Discharged from the 6th for disability on July 19, 1864 he was commissioned into the Veteran Reserve Corps on September 15, 1864 where he would be raised to Brevet Brigadier General before his discharge on March 13, 1865.

<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 32in. x D 10in.

vintage – miniature Grand Army of the Re $50.00

 

rare 7 star Civil War Confederate Secess $525.00

 

early Civil War – 6th Maine Bvt. Brig. G

 

H 32in. x D 10in. $800.00

H 40in. x D 20in.  Remaining in pleasing condition with good evidence of period use, handling and originality this vintage travel mirror measures 5 inches by 4 1/8 inches wide and is set off by a glass mirror that remains solid and unbroken while displaying the classic age distortion of a 19th century mercury backing.  This lite weight tin framed, horseshoe shaped shaving mirror will display well in any Civil War era personal item 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>Autographed carte de visite photograph with New Orleans, Louisiana back mark


Commander of the Confederate Army of Tennessee


Very rare Confederate image</b>


(1817-76) Born in Warrenton, North Carolina, he graduated in the West Point class of 1837 where his classmates included notable future Civil War Union Generals Joseph Hooker, and John Sedgwick, and future Confederate Generals John C. Pemberton, and Jubal A. Early. In Bragg's pre Civil War U.S. Army career he fought against the Florida Seminole Indians, and served gallantly in the Mexican War earning 3 brevets most notably for his bravery in the Battle of Buena Vista. On March 7, 1861, he was appointed a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army and was assigned to command the southern coast from Pensacola, Florida, to Mobile, Alabama. A friend, and special favorite of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, he was promoted to major general, on September 12, 1861, and commanded the 2nd Corps of General Albert Sidney Johnston's army at the Battle of Shiloh. In June 1862, he was appointed commander of the Army of Tennessee which he led in the invasion of Kentucky ending in the Battle of Perryville, Ky. He saw further action in the Battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga. In 1864, President Davis called Bragg to Richmond where he was put in charge of the military operations of the Confederacy and superior to his contemporaries in grade although junior by date of his commission. After General Robert E. Lee was appointed General-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies in early 1865, Bragg was sent to North Carolina where he fought under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston in the 1865 Carolina's campaign. After the war he served as Chief Engineer of Alabama, and dropped dead on September 27, 1876, while walking down a street in Galveston, Texas. He was 59 years old at the time of his death. He is buried in the Magnolia Cemetery, in Mobile, Alabama. General Bragg was known for having a quick temper, and being overzealous in the discipline of his soldiers.  


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view pose of General Bragg in Confederate general's uniform, wearing a sash, gauntlets, and holding his sword. There is a painted back drop visible behind him. This view was taken in Montgomery. Alabama, by photographer A.C. McIntyre, circa 1862-1863. Autographed in period ink on the front mount, Braxton Bragg. Very nice large and bold signature of the general. Back mark: S. Anderson, Photographer, 61 Camp St., New Orleans [light]. Light age toning and wear. Very rare and desirable, and an image that I've had only once before in my 46 year career at "War Between The States Memorabilia," and that one was not autographed, and did not have a back mark.


RETAIL PRICE: $1,995.00      




 H 12in. x D 15in.

H 40in. x D 20in. $700.00

 

Civil War vintage- horseshoe TRAVEL SHAV $125.00

 

Signed CDV, General Braxton Bragg

 

H 12in. x D 15in. $2800.00

H 36in. excluding chain. x D 16in.  H 30in. x D 8in.  H 13in. x W 7in. x D 3in.  H 13in. x W 7in. x D 3in.

H 36in. excluding chain. x D 16in. $3800.00

 

H 30in. x D 8in. $650.00

 

H 13in. x W 7in. x D 3in. $450.00

 

H 13in. x W 7in. x D 3in. $450.00

H 44in. x D 16in.

Sold as a set of 3.  H 40in. x D 12in.

Sold as a pair.  H 30in. x D 16in.  H 34in. x D 26in.

H 44in. x D 16in.
Sold as a set of 3. $1850.00

 

H 40in. x D 12in.
Sold as a pair. $900.00

 

H 30in. x D 16in. $750.00

 

H 34in. x D 26in. $2800.00

This lacquered paper mache snuff box measures 2 ¼ inches in diameter and remains in pleasing all original and untouched condition featuring the hand painted image of a period elite and colorfully uniformed archer complete with quivered arrows and <B>crossbow</B> in hand.  With good evidence of age and period use, even to the remains of period coarse ground snuff, this attractive tobacco snuff box will set in nicely in any quality period display.   <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>  This eye appealing Civil War vintage hard rubber syringe remains in pleasing original condition with no breaks, cracks or other issues. Measuring approximately 8 inches in total length, this irrigation syringe will fit well in any Civil War era medical / surgical collection, (see: Damman’s <I>Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments & Equipment</I> ). A growing collectable category in and of itself this material is the subject of broad interest well served by Mike Woshner’s reference <I>INDIA-RUBBER & GUTTA-PERCHA IN THE CIVIL WAR.</I>        <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>


 Frequently ignored in the earlier years of collecting, <I>’captured and repaired’</I> or <I/>’C & R’</I> Confederate used arms have come into their own in recent years as research has been shared and as evidenced by CAPT. Steven W. Knott’s definitive work <I>’Confederate Reissued Firearms’</I>.  Identifiable as such by a <U>telltale font</U> letter stamp located on the underside of the stock just forward of the trigger guard the mark placed by Confederate ordnance officers supervising the cleaning and repair, is rather innocuous to all but the experienced eye, however the distinctively <I>’cat tailed’</I> <I><B>Q</I></B> Confederate approval marking is of considerable significance particularly as the subject arm frequently shows marked period alteration, some from the Confederate cleaning and repair process and some by issue personal preference or <I>make do</I> field repair.   Best described here by our illustrations as to overall condition and eye appeal, this Model 1816 Springfield smooth bore, cone in barrel, percussion conversion retains the original barrel shortened to 35 ¼ inches with a bead front sight. The unmarked, slotted for sighting, middle band is set forward of the usual location with filled band spring ports.   The Springfield 1832 dated lock has what is likely a CS arsenal made hammer.   All original to the Civil War years, this altered musket measures 51 inches in total length sports the usual array of Mod.1816 inspection markings and the all-important <I>’cat tailed’</I> <U><I><B>Q</I></B> Confederate approval mark just forward on the trigger guard tang. </U>   

<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!

               

       Acquired several years ago when we were fortunate enough to purchase several groupings from the personal collections of our longtime friend Dr. Francis Lord, this period original issue artillery insignia device offers that desirable, untouched age patina and with the exception that the easily replaced attachment wires have been removed remains in fine original condition.  (Those Oldtimers who were fortunate enough to know Francis will remember and lament his habit of removing attachment wires and sometimes even using hot melt to mount such insignia for one of his many displays.)

      A pioneer Civil War collector from a day when nearly no one else paid much attention to the details of many now valued Civil War collectable categories, Francis had an abiding interest in all manner of 19th century military equipage.  His primary interest was in Civil War however and led to his widely known, multi volume, pioneer reference, <I>Lord’s CIVIL WAR COLLECTORS ENCYCLOPEDIA</I>.  While a lot of detailed knowledge has been gained as the interest and <U>value</U> of Civil War collectibles increased so dramatically over the years, Dr. Lord’s first and second volumes in particular and his <I>Civil War Sutlers & Their Wares</I> continue to offer valuable and reliable reference to Civil War collectors.  (Use <I>Lord</I> in our search feature to find other Lord collection items.) 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 !

18th century Martially Decorated SNUFF B $225.00

 

Civil War vintage Hard Rubber – Medical $55.00

 

Confederate Captured & Repaired – Mod. 1 $1595.00

 

Lord collection acquired - original Civi

H 32in. x D 16in.  The product of a Louisiana excavation, this authentic old sheared top ink remains in pleasing condition with no chips, cracks or <I>dings</I>and offers good color with all the characteristics of Civil War and earlier 1800s artifact collectors appreciate.  Offered here with an original period used but not abused ink dipping pen this pair will display nicely with any quality 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>

 Best described here by our photos as to condition and eye appeal, this attractive old gutta percha George Washington  pipe remains solid and pleasing to the eye while offering the good evidence and charm of period use. Solid but clearly visible heat cracks offer testimony as to why this period material was so seldom used for this purpose. 

<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>

 Another product of a search of our 50 plus years accumulation, this attractive high grade bullion hat cord with the netted acorns is from a small acquisition of some years ago when we were fortunate enough to acquire a grouping of Civil War surplus <I>smalls</I> that had been set aside from the inventory of the defunct Philadelphia <I>Army Surplus</I> firm of <B>Stokes / Kirk</B>.  No exception to the other items in the lot, this officers hat cord remains in fine, as new and unissued condition yet offer good evidence of age and originality and will please the most discriminating collector.  This <I>extra rich</I> grade cord is of the gold bullion, double cord type with netted caps and slide with extra thick 3/16 inch diameter cord and netted acorns that measure a full 1 3/8 inch in length.  A variation of the type is referred to in the 1864 <I>Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Military Goods</I> catalogue as a General Officers cord though they are seen on the better officer slouch hats of all grades (see: Don Troiani's <I>REGIMENT'S & UNIFORMS of the CIVIL WAR</I> p. 252, see also: Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson slouch hat, p. 185 Time Life’s <I>ECHOES OF GLORY – Arms & Equipment of the Union</I>.)  <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 32in. x D 16in. $800.00

 

period sheared top INK and DIPPING PEN $75.00

 

vintage George Washington Gutta Percha T $135.00

 

original! Civil War- Extra Rich- STAFF G $225.00

Best described here by our photo illustrations, this attractive Black American motif  tobacco pipe measures approximately 5 inches in length and remains in excellent unused condition while offering good evidence of age and period originality.  An exceptionally nice item in any quality Civil War era personal item 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>

 H 32in. X D 12in.

price per item  H 30in. x D 7in.  Dating from 1830 to the mid-19th century this <I>blue splatterware</I> spongeware plate measures 7 inches in diameter and remains in excellent condition with no cracks, chips or restoration while offering fine evidence as an early production example. A classic with its blue transfer Federal Eagle with 13 star shield, this plate will fit well in any early Americana environment.

original! earlier to mid-1800s clay TOBA $95.00

 

H 32in. X D 12in.
price per item $2400.00

 

H 30in. x D 7in. $450.00

 

earlier 19th century through Civil War $145.00

Best described here by our photos suffice it to say this striking pair of wool felt and bullion tape Corporal of Artillery stripes remain in excellent condition with bright color while offering good evidence of age, period use and originality.

<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 48in. x D 16in.  H 72in. x D 16in.  H 32in. x D 14in.

especially nice - 19th century Artillery $235.00

 

H 48in. x D 16in. $2400.00

 

H 72in. x D 16in. $750.00

 

H 32in. x D 14in. $1200.00

H 26in. x D 6in.  


3 1/2 pages, 5 1/8 x 6 1/2, in ink, written by John A. Yeckley.


<u>Winchester, Virginia, March 16th, 1862</u>


Friend Josephine,


I received your letter yesterday & I was glad to hear from you for it was so long since I heard from you that I thought you had forgotten me.  The reason that I did not write before is because I heard that you was not at home & besides that I did not receive any answer to my last letter.  We are once more in Virginia & we expected to have a fine time taking Winchester, but the Rebels all left the night before we got here & never gave us any show for a fight.  We are having very pleasant times.  There [is] about twenty of us in a tent & we play euchre pretty much all the time.  We are encamped about half a mile from the city.  It is a very pleasant place & the weather is delightful.  There is skirmishing going on here every day with the enemy’s pickets.  Our company is going out this afternoon & probably we may have a chance to see some of them.  It is rather tough times here among the citizens.  Salt is worth eight dollars per bushel, potatoes are worth four dollars, coffee is worth two dollars per pound, writing paper is selling for two cents per sheet, postage stamps are not to be had for love nor money.  We have fresh pork, mutton & chickens nearly every meal.  I should like to know if you have seen anything of Walt & if you have tell him that I should like to hear from him.  I can’t say how long we shall stay here, but the probability is we shall remain here some time.  Write as soon as you receive this & give me all the particulars.  Tell me what kind of a time you had at that oyster supper at George Frey’s.  I heard by the way that my uncle was waiting on you.  I would like to know if it is so, but I must bid you good bye this time.


Yours truly,

John


You must excuse bad writing & all other mistakes for the boys are all raising hell & some one of them is running against me almost every word I write.


That letter with the one enclosed for Jim was not received.  Jim says that he should like to hear from Alice very much.


Bold and very neatly written. Light age toning and wear. Newsy letter. Excellent content. 


John A. Leckley, was 24 years old when he enlisted in the Union army as a private, at Canadaigua, New York, on May 14, 1861, and was mustered into Company E, 28th New York Infantry, on May 22nd. He was mustered out of the service on June 2, 1863, at Albany, New York, when the regiment's term of service expired. 

 While this impressive red, white and blue hat cord may be appropriately applied to an Indian Wars slouch hat as <I>war surplus</I> it will be most  appropriately used with a military use Civil War vintage  slouch hat.  Illustrated here with a US quarter for size comparison, this cotton cord is of the less common extra heavy form with large netted acorns and while remaining in nice condition offers good evidence of age and originality.  <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!


 H 22in. x D 40in.

H 26in. x D 6in. $500.00

 

28th New York Infantry Soldier Letter

 

Civil War era patriotic - HAT CORD $175.00

 

H 22in. x D 40in. $2800.00

H 24in. x D 14in.

Only one left.  H 72in. x D 16in.

Sold as a pair.  


<b>Had his arm amputated in the Mexican War


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1818-86) Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was known as "Old Blizzards." His early military career saw him in action against the Florida Seminoles. Later he studied law and was elected to the Florida legislature. Commissioned directly in the Regular Army in 1846 as a captain of the newly established Regiment of Mounted Rifles, he earned the brevets of major and lieutenant colonel in the Mexican War,  being seriously wounded at the battle of Chapultepac resulting in the loss of his  arm. Promoted to colonel of his regiment in 1856, he was both then and at the time of his resignation on May 13, 1861, the youngest line colonel in the old U.S. army. He was appointed brigadier general in the Confederate army on May 20, 1861, and major general on February 15, 1862. He clashed violently with General Stonewall Jackson over the conduct of operations in the Romney expedition during the winter of 1861-62 in the Shenandoah Valley. Later assigned to the Army of Mississippi, in December 1862, his division was cut off from the main body of General John C. Pemberton's forces at the battle of Baker's Creek, and thus escaped capture at Vicksburg. From then until the end of the war he commanded a division under General Leonidas Polk, and later in the Army of Tennessee under Generals' Joseph E. Johnston and John Bell Hood participating in the battles of Franklin and Knoxville. Loring was the senior major general on active field duty in the Confederate army when he surrendered with General Joseph E. Johnston in April 1865 in North Carolina. In 1869, he went to Egypt with several other veterans from the War Between the States and was commissioned as a general under the Khedive of Egypt where he achieved much success. He saw action in several campaigns in 1875-76, earning several decorations and the esteemed designation as Pasha. Loring returned to the United States in 1879, and was active in Florida politics and he lectured widely on his military experiences in Egypt. He died in New York City on December 30, 1886, and was initially buried at the Grace Episcopal Church. His remains were later re-interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida, with much pomp and circumstance.     


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 card. The mount is slightly trimmed. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. Vignetted seated view in Confederate uniform clearly showing his empty sleeve from his Mexican War amputation. He is wearing a rectangular belt plate, over the shoulder cross belt, and cradling his sword across his lap. A table with ink well and pen is seen at the left. Period ink inscription on the front mount, Maj. Genl. W.W. Loring, C.S.A, "Loring Pasha." Written in period ink in Irwin's hand on the reverse is, Major Genl. W.W. Loring, C.S., "Loring Pasha."  Died '86. Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album, No. 142 is written in pencil at the bottom.  Minor age toning and wear. Very fine. Rare with this provenance literally making this image "one of a kind." Loring is a very scarce image in his own right as I have not had one in well over 25 years! Very desirable Confederate image!


<u>Trivia</u>: The term "Pasha" was one of the highest ranking titles in the Kingdom of Egypt during the 19th century. 


<b><h2>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b></h2>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebel and Yankee alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. The collection was split up by another dealer, and by the time I found out about it, I was still very fortunate to be able to acquire about one third of his superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!


The image of B.J.D. Irwin pictured here is a copy photograph from the "Find a Grave" website and is used here for illustration purposes only.

 


<b>Mortally wounded in the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia in 1864


War Date Endorsement Signed as Colonel 52nd Ohio Infantry</b>


(1834-64) Born in Carrollton, Ohio, he was a member of the famous "Fighting McCook" family of Ohio. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1858, studied law, passed the bar exam, moved to Kansas and formed a partnership with William T. Sherman, Hugh B. Ewing and Thomas Ewing, Jr., all four of them becoming Union Generals during the Civil War. He served as a captain in a local militia company which became part of the  1st Kansas Infantry. He was the chief of staff of the 1st Division, Army of the Ohio, at the battle of Shiloh, and was appointed colonel of the 52nd Ohio Infantry on July 15, 1862. He served as a brigade commander under his old law partner, General William T. Sherman, in The Army of the Cumberland. General Sherman assigned McCook to lead the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Ga., on June 27, 1864, and his brigade charged directly into the Confederate works. Just before he led the attack, he calmly recited to his men part of Thomas Macauley's famous poem, "Horatius," "then how may man die better than facing fearful odds?" When McCook reached the Rebel fortifications he was encouraging his men to follow him when he was struck in the right lung by a rifle shot. The wound proved to be fatal and he died on July 21, 1864, the day before his 30th birthday! He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio. For the courage he displayed at Kennesaw Mountain, he was promoted to the rank of brevet major general although this promotion was never confirmed by the U.S. Senate.


<u>War Date Endorsement Signed</u>: 8 x 10, imprinted form, filled out in ink. For Joseph J. Kannel, Co. A, 52nd Ohio Infantry. For Services rendered in the Quarter Master Department of the 52nd Regiment O.V.I. as Extra duty man as Regimental Teamster for (85) Eighty five days, at 25 cents per day. From August the 25th until Nov. the 19th. $21.25. 


I certify, that the above account is correct and just; that the services were rendered as stated; and that they were necessary for the public service, and that they were reported from August 25, 1862, September and October up to November 19th, 1862. Approved, Daniel McCook, Col. 52nd Ohio. 


Also signed by J. Fisler, Regimental Quartermaster, 52 O.V.I., and Joseph J. Kannel.


Joseph J. Kannel, was a 22 years old when he enlisted on August 5, 1862, as a private, and mustered into Co. A, 52nd Ohio Infantry. He was mustered out of the Union army on June 3, 1865, at Washington, D.C. 


Autograph Endorsement Signed on the reverse by a Lt. Col. & Chief Q.M.


Some scattered foxing and light wear. 


Very desirable war date signature of one of the "Fighting McCook's" who was killed during the war!

H 24in. x D 14in.
Only one left. $1200.00

 

H 72in. x D 16in.
Sold as a pair. $2800.00

 

CDV, General William W. Loring $250.00

 

Autograph, General Daniel McCook $250.00

Once again, reflective of our personal preference for the charm of untouched real history with period use while remaining in pleasing condition, this attractive double sided Federal Eagle with shield and <I> E PLURIBUS UNUM</I> powder flask will make an eye appealing addition when laid in with a Civil War vintage percussion revolver.  Measuring approximately 5 5/8 inches in length including the charger, by 2 ¾ inches wide, this especially hard to find design flask retains nearly all of its original dark finish while offering the assurance of use and period originality.  An especially nice item for the serious  Civil War collector / historian, at age 80 this is only the second of the type we have encountered in our now 60 sum odd years of aggressively seeking out such things.

<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>

 Best described here by our photo illustrations this die struck tinned sheet iron serving spoon measures just under a foot long and is in the pattern design of Grosjean’s patent of Jan. 28, 1862.  U. S. Pat. No. 34252 advised in part that the object of the design was to <I>impart strength and firmness to the narrow or weak part of the handle</I> (see: US Patent Office Report of 1862) Grosjean’s utilization of  a <I>ribbed</I> design in the die strike not only offered a modicum of decoration but more importantly gave strength while utilizing a lighter material in the die strike. Ultimately used in the manufacture of both spoons and forks, Grosjean’s design saw wide use by the weight vs strength and durability conscious Civil War military. <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>From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1819-87) Born at "Woodfield," his family's plantation in Powhatan County, Va. Graduated in the West Point class of 1841. From 1846-51 Jones held the position of assistant professor of mathematics and instructor of infantry and artillery tactics at the United States Military Academy. He resigned from the U.S. Army on April 27, 1861, and entered the Confederate Regular Army as a major of artillery. By July of that year he was serving as chief of artillery on the staff of General P.G.T. Beauregard at the battle of 1st Manassas, with rank of colonel. He was promoted to brigadier general to rank from July 21, 1861, and major general from March 19, 1862. He relieved General Braxton Bragg in command at Pensacola, Fla., and later was assigned to command of a division under General Earl Van Dorn at Corinth, Miss. He then commanded the Department of Western Virginia, and the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. When the Union Navy began shelling Charleston, South Carolina, Jones placed fifty captured Federal officers brought into town under guard. He then advised General John G. Foster to stop the bombardment unless he wanted to risk killing his own men. An irate Foster retaliated by placing captured Confederates, including General M. Jeff Thompson, directly in the line of fire from Jones's guns. General Jones made one of the last stands of the Confederacy at the Battle of Natural Bridge, where he held his position until the surrender at Appomattox, Virginia. He surrendered at Tallahassee, Florida on May 10, 1865. He died in Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1887, and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 card. Bust view in Confederate uniform with rank of major general. Bottom of the card is trimmed. Period ink ID on the front mount, Maj. Genl. Sam Jones, C.S.A. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. Written in period ink in Irwin's hand on the reverse is, Maj. Genl. Sam Jones, C.S.A. Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album, No. 152 is written in another hand in pencil at the bottom. Light age toning and wear. Very fine image. Rare with this provenance literally making this image "one of a kind."


<b><h2><u>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b></h2></u>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebel and Yankee alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. The collection was split up by another dealer, and by the time I found out about it, I was still very fortunate to be able to acquire about one third of his superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!


The image of B.J.D. Irwin pictured here is a copy photograph from the "Find a Grave" website and is used here for illustration purposes only.


   We have a small number of old hand crafted buttons each fashioned from a U. S. <I>buffalo</I> nickel and are offering them here <U>priced as a set of 5</U> with the option of purchasing additional examples individually at $12.50 each if more are needed to fill a special need.  Each original button was struck to form a slight crown, then polished with a lead solder copper staple applied to the back.   Really nice looking with that classic Native American profile, these buttons show good evidence of age and handcrafting.  A nice item for the general button collector and suitable for use.

<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>

especially desirable - Federal Eagle – p $265.00

 

Grosjean’s Pat Jan. 28, 1862 - SERVING $55.00

 

CDV, General Samuel Jones $250.00

 

set of 5 - hand crafted NICKEL BUTTONS $75.00

Best described here by our photo illustrations, this Marine Corps uniform jacket remains in pleasing condition while showing good evidence of age and originality.  A configuration that we have been unable to reference in text or by example, this wool uniform jacket sports  eight HORSTMAN PHILADELPHIA back marked Marine Corps two piece buttons (c.1875-1902).  The right shoulder sleeve lining  bears the period stamping ‘V. H., N. Y. / Style (120)  Size (38)  Stock (34)’over <B>QUARTERMASTERS DEPT. / U. S. Marine Corps / 1887-1888 </B> markings.  The padded lining offers a period identification to  ‘J. McManus’.  Worthy of additional research, we have been unable to pinpoint the ‘V. H., N. Y.’ marking and wonder if the link to New York over the Marine QM marking is a link to ultimate transfer of this little used even unissued design uniform jacket from U. S. Marine Corps stores to the then newly created New York Naval Militia which encompassed the <B>1st Marine Corps Reserve Company </B> ?   The New York Naval Militia (NYNM) was first created in 1889 and was formally mustered into state service as the First Battalion, Naval Reserve, on 23 June 1891. Following the sinking of the USS Maine in February 1898, the Navy Department called up Naval Militia volunteers for duty in the Federal Auxiliary Naval Force.  The NYNM sent five divisions of its 1st Battalion to fight in the Spanish-American War.  With clear speculation as to the origin and specific history of this jacket, it was unquestionably included in U. S. Marine Corps Quartermasters stores in the late 19th century and the scarcity of reference by text or by form can only attest to its rarity.  A desirable companion to any Marine Corps or general  U. S. military uniform 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>


 Best described here by our photograph illustrations, this Civil War era CDV features a view of Abraham Lincoln with Mary and their two sons  Robert  Tod and Tad Lincoln.  <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>  Reflective of our personal preference for the charm of untouched real history, period used and pleasing condition over period unused relics this little (4 ½ in length including the charger by 2 inches wide at the base)  pistol flask with it’s federal eagle motif, crossed pistols and especially desirable <B>COLT’S PATENT   E PLURIBUS UNUM</B> nomenclature will rest well in any quality Civil War grouping.  An untouched natural patina combined with it’s period used but not abused originality will fit exceptionally well beside any Colt Root or Civil War, Colt’s Pat. 1849, .31 caliber Pocket Revolver and will make a welcome addition to a cased revolver.  <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>


 Best described here by our photo illustration this rarely encountered <I>Indian War Veterans</I> encampment ribbon remains in pleasing condition, solid and intact with no weak spots or separations, while offering good evidence of age and originality.  Measuring 9 by 2 inches wide, the ribbons nomenclature is <B> Indian War Veterans  - North Pacific Coast – ANNUAL RUNION JUNE 18, 1907</B>.  A controversial organization even in the period of its existence, the area war period from the early 1840’s to 1879 was filled with danger and death from the warring tribes and is replete with the struggles and blame for hostilities did not always rest with the Indians. An extensive article from the <I>Oregon Historical Quarterly</I> entitled <I>Pioneer Problems / ‘Wanton Murder’, Indian War Veterans, and Oregon’s Violent History</I>  Issued in limited quantity in the period of the organization, these ribbons are seldom encountered today.  <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! c. 1888 U. S. MARINE Corps. $595.00

 

Civil War era Abraham Lincoln & family C $55.00

 

COLT’S PATENT marked - Root or 49 Pocket $295.00

 

North Pacific Coast INDIAN WAR VETERANS $95.00

While a classic personal item of the earlier through 18th century and into the mid to later 1800s, the hand crafted bovine shoe horn as found in nearly every period sock drawer of travel valise, was in time replaced and cast away with few period examples of the <I>everyday</I> utility surviving.  Not a big deal but worthy of preservation, this original, period example will lay nicely in any earlier through Civil War era personal 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>

 Since the beginning of organized firefighting, it became obvious that command communication was needed to assist those fighting fires, salvaging goods and preventing the extension of fires. As such the speaking trumpet was in use for many years as a communication tool and after becoming obsolete, its image is still used as a universal identifier of firefighting with rarely existing  original trumpets considered as key firefighting collectable.  This example measures 16 3/4 inches in length, is 6 ¼ inches across the mouth and sports a bold <I>hook & ladder</I> fire department logo.   Remaining in excellent original condition, nicely burnished with good internal evidence of age and later 1800s, early 1900s manufacturing methods, this speaking trumpet will show well in any firefighting 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>Wounded 3 times during the War Between the States


Commanded the "Laurel Brigade"


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1836-1910) Born on a farm called "Catalpa Hill," in Campbell County, Virginia. Appointed to West Point in 1856, at that time a 5 year course, his roommate was John Pelham. Rosser resigned on April 22, 1861, two weeks before he would have graduated. He was appointed a 1st lieutenant in the Regular Confederate army, and assigned as instructor to the Washington Artillery at New Orleans, La. He commanded a company of this regiment at the Battle of 1st Manassas, Va., in July 1861. After being severely wounded at Mechanicsville, Va., he was made colonel of the 5th Virginia Cavalry, at the request of General J.E.B. Stuart. He commanded the advance of Stuart's cavalry expedition to Catlett's Station, and was notable in the Second Battle of Manassas. During the fighting at Crampton's Gap, at the Battle of South Mountain, Md., his cavalry delayed the advance of General William B. Franklin's 6th Corps with help from Major John Pelham's artillery. At Sharpsburg, his men screened the left flank of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. He was seriously wounded at Kelly's Ford, Va., where his West Point roommate, "the gallant Pelham" was killed. Rosser was disabled until the Gettysburg Campaign, where he commanded his regiment in the fighting at Hanover, and the East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg. He continued to lead the 5th Virginia Cavalry with brilliant success until he was promoted brigadier general September 28, 1863. Rosser succeeded General Beverly Robertson in command of the "Laurel Brigade," and continued to win honors in the Overland Campaign of 1864 driving back a large force of Union cavalry and artillery at the Battle of the Wilderness. Rosser was again wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., where his brigade captured a number of prisoners from his former West Point classmate and close personal friend General George Armstrong Custer. His brigade later gallantly fought against General Philip H. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and he efficiently commanded General Fitzhugh Lee's division at Cedar Creek. A rare defeat occurred when General Custer overran Rosser's troops at the Battle of Tom's Brook, which allowed Custer to repay Rosser for Trevilian Station. For no tactical reason, Custer chased Rosser's troops for over 10 miles and the action became known as the great "Woodstock Races." Custer had also captured Rosser's private wardrobe wagon at Tom's Brook, and Rosser immediately messaged him: 


Dear Fanny,


You may have made me take a few steps back today, but I will be even with you tomorrow. Please accept my good wishes and this little gift—a pair of your draws captured at Trevillian Station.


Tex


Custer shipped Rosser's gold-laced Confederate grey coat with this reply:


Dear friend,


Thanks for setting me up in so many new things, but would you please direct your tailor to make the coat tails of your next uniform a trifle shorter.


Best regards, G.A.C. [George Armstrong Custer].


General Rosser became known in the Southern press as the "Saviour of the Valley," and was promoted to major general in November 1864. He conducted a successful raid on New Creek, West Virginia, taking hundreds of prisoners and seizing much needed quantities of supplies. In January 1865, he took 300 men, crossed the mountains in deep snow and bitter cold, and surprised and captured two infantry regiments in their works at Beverly, West Virginia, takng almost 600 prisoners. Rosser commanded a cavalry division during the Siege of Petersburg in the spring of 1865, fighting near Five Forks, Va. It was here that Rosser hosted the "infamous" shad bake 2 miles north of the battle lines preceding and during the primary Federal assault. Guests at this small affair included Generals' George E. Pickett, and Fitzhugh Lee. It is said that Pickett only made it back to his division after over half his troops had been shot or captured, and Lee never forgave Pickett for his absence from his post when the Federals broke the Confederate lines and carried the day at Five Forks. Rosser was conspicuous during the Appomattox Campaign, capturing a Union general, John Irvin Gregg, and rescuing a wagon train near Farmville. He led a daring early morning charge at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, and escaped with his command as Lee surrendered the bulk of the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant. Under orders from the Secretary of War, he began reorganizing the scattered remnants of Lee's army in a vain attempt to join General Joseph E. Johnston's army in North Carolina. However, he surrendered at Staunton, Virginia, on May 4th and was paroled shortly afterwards. In 1886, he bought a plantation near Charlottesville, Va., and became a gentleman farmer. On June 10, 1898, President William McKinley appointed Rosser a brigadier general of United States volunteers during the Spanish–American War. His first task was training young cavalry recruits in a camp near the old Civil War battlefield of Chickamauga in northern Georgia. He was honorably discharged on October 31, 1898, and returned home. He died on March 29, 1910, at Charlottesville, and is buried at Riverview Cemetery, in Charlottesville.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 card. The mount has been trimmed. Bust view in Confederate uniform with rank of brigadier general. It is thought this photograph was taken some time between September 1863, and November 1864. Period ink inscription on the front mount, Maj. Genl. Thos. L. Rosser, C.S.A. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. Written in period ink in Irwin's hand on the reverse is, Maj. Genl. T.F. Rosser, C.S.A., Cavalry Commander. Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album, No. 56 is written in another hand in pencil at the bottom. Very fine image. Rare with this provenance literally making this image "one of a kind."


<h2><u>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</h2></u>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebel and Yankee alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. The collection was split up by another dealer, and by the time I found out about it, I was still very fortunate to be able to acquire about one third of his superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!


The image of B.J.D. Irwin pictured here is a copy photograph from the "Find a Grave" website and is used here for illustration purposes only.  


 




 


<b>Colonel of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1832-1900) Born in Cameron, New York, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1855. His pre-war army career included garrison duty at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., a tour at the Cavalry School in Carlisle, Pa., and two years of rugged service fighting the western Indians, during which time he was severely wounded and put out of action from 1859 until the outbreak of the Civil War. He took part in the 1st battle of Bull Run, Va., and was commissioned colonel of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry. He fought in the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, the Seven Days Battles, at Kelly's Ford, Va., Antietam,  Fredericksburg, and various skirmishes of the mounted branch of the Army of the Potomac. President Abraham Lincoln appointed Averell a brigadier general of volunteers on September 26, 1862. His 2nd Cavalry Division earned much respect at Kelly's Ford, Va., in March 1863, an action said to have been the turning point of cavalry fighting in the eastern theater. Averell took part in the famous, but ill fated 1863 Richmond raid during the Chancellorsville campaign, and he was employed in numerous skirmishes in western Virginia and in General Philip H. Sheridan; 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. In the summer of 1864, when Confederate General Jubal A. Early had invaded Maryland, and defeated a series of Union commanders, Averell proved to be the only Union commander to achieve victory against the Confederates in the Shenandoah Valley before the arrival of General Sheridan. He routed Confederate General Stephen D. Ramseur at the Battle of Rutherford's (Carter's) Farm on July 20, 1864, inflicting 400 casualties and capturing a four-gun battery, in spite of Averell's being significantly outnumbered. When General John McCausland burned Chambersburg, Pa., to the ground on July 30, 1864, General Averell tracked him down near Moorefield, West Virginia. Using scouts disguised as Confederates in his vanguard, Averell routed McCausland in a sunrise attack upon the Confederate camp, capturing hundreds of prisoners and another four-gun battery in the Battle of Moorefield. On July 17, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Averell for appointment to the grades of brevet brigadier general and brevet major general in the Regular Army, to rank from March 13, 1865 which the U.S. Senate confirmed. The latter appointment was in recognition of Averell's actions at the Battle of Kelly's Ford. Following the Civil War, President Johnson appointed Averell as U.S. consul general to British North America; he served from 1866 to 1869, through the rest of that administration. In 1888, during Grover Cleveland's presidency, Averell was appointed as Assistant Inspector General of Soldiers Homes, serving from 1888-98.  Averell was among career officers who wrote memoirs and histories of military units: he wrote "Ten Years in the Saddle," and co-authored "History of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, 60th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers." General Averell died in Bath, New York, on February 3, 1900, and is buried there. General Averell was one of the first class of ten inductees into the Steuben County, New York, Hall of Fame.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of brigadier general. Period ink inscription on the front mount, Major Genl. W.W. Averell, U.S.A. Written in period ink in Irwin's hand on the reverse is, Maj. Genl. W.W. Averell, U.S.A., Cavalry Army Potomac. Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album, No. 136 is written in another hand in pencil at the bottom. Bottom of the card mount is bumped. Very fine image. Rare with this provenance literally making this image "one of a kind."


<b><h2>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</h2></b>



<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebel and Yankee alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. The collection was split up by another dealer, and by the time I found out about it, I was still very fortunate to be able to acquire about one third of his superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!


The image of B.J.D. Irwin pictured here is a copy photograph from the "Find a Grave" website and is used here for illustration purposes only.

antique hand crafted - SHOE HORN $60.00

 

Fireman Speaking Trumpet $345.00

 

CDV, General Thomas L. Rosser $250.00

 

CDV, General William W. Averell $125.00

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, good evidence of 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.     .  <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>  Direct from decades of period attic storage, we have acquired a small lot of earlier through mid-19th century natural cotton sewing floss and are offering  single skeins here for period display or restoration use.  All in as new, off the shelf condition while clearly period, a single twisted skein (illustrated here with a quarter for size comparison) will make a nice addition in any Civil War soldier’s <I>housewife</I> sewing kit, period lady’s sewing basket or will bring period correctness to button application or a textile restoration project.  One of those every day, period <I>must have</I> items seldom surviving to reach todays collector / historian. <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>


 Best described here by our photos this relic bit was acquired by us years ago at the old 1978 Eisenhower Hotel & Conference Ctr., Gettysburg Civil War show where it was  picked from a local digger’s box of relics (Those were the days! 135 tables of real Civil War artifacts with something in <U>everyone’s</U> price range from thousands all the way down to a few dollars.).   The bit still retained a previous owner’s  descriptive string tag:    <I>Horse Bit – found at Gettysburg, Pa. 1938 by Edw. McGin  - Pickett’s Charge / Bought 6-1-76</I>  <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>  Most frequently carried by ununiformed persons as a symbol of some notoriety, the late 1700s early to mid-1800s swager stick was created in limited quantity with use most popular among the socially elite. Limited in number even in the period, surviving examples are seldom encountered today outside of major museums and private collections.  In addition to its presence as a symbol of status or authority, this all original and period example offered the carrier the security of self-defense as it concealed a menacing 9 3/4  inch long dagger.   Measuring approximately 20 ¼ inches in total, this especially desirable  <I>sword swager stick</I> is fitted with a bovine horn tip to its 7/8 inch diameter tapered wood shaft, a bone ring at the junction to the grip.  The attractively formed grip is hand carved from horn with bone embellishment.  All original and pleasing with no condition,<I>issues</I>, this  attractive swager sick with its concealed triangular blade.

<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>

Civil War vintage equine decorated Groom $95.00

 

earlier through mid-1800s Cotton SEWIN $35.00

 

1938 battlefield recovery - Pickett’s Ch

 

rare mid 18th early 19th century - Swo $325.00




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