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  1. It is with saddest heart that we pass along the news of the passing of long time Civil War collector, Bill Beard.  Bill has been a staple at Civil War Shows since the very beginning and often with his extensive Leech & Rigdon Confederate display.  Even when Bill did not feel well, he attended the shows and always had a pleasant demeanor.  Bill is going to be greatly missed, but at least now he can talk relics with Charlie Harris, Arthur Cook, John Heflin, John Edward Turner, Steve Mullinax, and countless others as our Civil War collecting community is definitely aging.  There will be a Celebration of Life this Saturday afternoon (3-16-24) at 3:00 at the Lakeside Pavilion in Clifftops community.  Rest In Peace, Bill.  I, along with Kent Wall, Jack Hatcher, Dr. Zach Catterton, and numerous others attended Bill's Celebration of Life today, and it was beautifully done, and was a fitting reflection of what Bill would have liked !!!!  A BIG ROARING FIRE - AT LEAST 30 FEET OF EXCELLENT FOOD - A FINE BAND (WHO PLAYED ROCKY TOP - THE TENNESSEE WALTZ - AND LOTS OF OTHER LOCAL FAVORITES - AND THEN TONS OF BILL STORIES - AND SOME EVEN I HAD NEVER HEARD !!!!   WELL DONE GUYS !!!!  REST IN PEACE - BILL BEARD - MY FRIEND FOR 50 YEARS !!

  2. If some of you have never visited the Carter House at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, AT NIGHT, you are missing a jaw-dropping experience.  The "farm office building" which sits on the south side of the Carter House lawn from the main house took the brunt of fire power from the afternoon of November 30, 1864, when the Confederate Army of Tennessee made a desperate charge (actually according to some accounts - six separate charges) on the Federal line just south of the Carter House.  The farm office building is one of the most battle scarred standing structures in the United States.  There are over 1,000 holes.  I was privileged one afternoon to be in the office farm house when rays of light came through the bullet holes.  It was unbelievable, and there was practically no place you would not have gotten hit.  For me, this is somewhat like seeing the great Redwood trees in California.  Until you stand there and see it in person, it is impossible to grasp the magnitude.

  3. I took the grandbabies, Lila Magnolia and Isabella Rose, relic hunting yesterday.  Even though it was a little cool and misty, they hung tough.  We were able to recover one bullet each for them.  We found one dropped .54 cal. 3-ring Confederate Minie ball for the Mississippi rifle and one .69 cal. musket ball for the old smooth bore muskets the Confederates were forced to use.  Then, wouldn't you know it, we ran into another relic hunter in the woods - Old Big Foot!!!

  4. DID YOU KNOW (And I Find This REALLY Hard To Believe, But I Double Checked !!!)  If all the veins and capliarries in the adult human body were stretched out - they would MORE THAN reach around the earth !!!!!  I STILL HAVE A HARD TIME GRASPING THAT !!!

  5. OUR HEART PUMPS OVER 2,000 GALLONS OF BLOOD PER DAY (OR A FAMILY SWIMMING POOL EVERY 9 DAYS !!!)

  6. After almost 50 years, I am now semi-retired, EXCEPT when an eight-year-old boy that is super interested in the Civil War and Civil War artifacts shows up at the door.  At that point all bets are off, and the important thing is to help stimulate the young person's interest in Civil War heritage, history, and artifacts.  Will Wilde is the young man, and I hope that he indeed does "always remember his visit".  If there were very many like Will, I would probably have to consider opening back up again!!!

  7. DID YOU KNOW !!!  Both the world's largest waterfall, and the world's largest volcano are both located IN THE OCEAN !!!

  8. DID YOU KNOW !!! The first President to impose a Federal Income Tax was Abraham Lincoln, and it was to pay Civil War debts.  I would have thought that would be pretty much paid off by now !!!!

  9. Here is a set of four of the very rarest buckles ever recovered here at Stones River and the camps just south of here.  I recovered the oval Alabama Map on Tree from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry located just south of Murfreesboro, near Midland, Tennessee.  The cast brass "Map on Tree" sword belt plate was recovered by Bobby Moon at a hospital site here at Stones River.  The small oval AVC cartridge box plate was recovered by Richard Bodenhammer among the limestone out-croppings on private property actually here at the battlefield of Stones River.  And the large oval AVC was recovered from the same 1st Alabama Cavalry camp where I recovered the large oval Map on Tree.  It is a super rarity to see these four plates together!!!

  10. We started our water garden project back in June of 2022.  It has been a fun and challenging project that is at last coming into final focus.  Here are some pictures that follow us along the way.  We enjoy sitting by the water garden sipping wine, watching the fish and birds, and listening to the wind chimes.  Calms the soul!!!

  11. AS LONG AS YOU REMAIN CURIOUS, AND WANT TO LEARN, AND EXPERIENCE - YOU WILL REMAIN YOUTHFUL IN SPIRIT AT ANY AGE !!!!  I ONCE HAD A 35 YEAR OLD FRIEND THAT WAS THE YOUNGEST "OLD MAN" THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN !!!!

  12. THE FASTEST ROLLER COASTER IN THE UNITED STATES IS LOCATED IN NEW JERSEY.  IT ACCELERATES FROM "0" TO "128" MILES PER HOUR IN 3 SECONDS !!!!  I "THINK" I MIGHT JUST WATCH THAT ONE !!!

  13. Josh's cat "Ole Blue" and my cat "Tigger" are both totally spoiled rotten and like to ride us around piggy-back through the house.  Anybody else out there have piggy-back cats?  Send me a picture!

  14. PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS, IN HIS YOUTH, A CHAMPION WRESTLER WITH A RECORD OF 300  -  1 !!!!!  HIS ONLY LOSS WAS TO ANOTHER CHAMPION WRESTLER NAMED, HANK THOMPSON !!!  PRESIDENT LINCOLN WAS ALSO A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE BIBLE, HAVING READ IT THROUGH SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD DEBATE ITS CONTENT WITH ABOUT ANYONE !!!

  15. WHAT A FUN AND EXCITING SHOW - AND WAS A GENUINE TREAT TO SEE EVERYONE ONE LAST TIME BEFORE YEAR END !!!  It is once again time for our big Middle Tennessee Civil War Show and Sale.  It is THIS WEEKEND (NOW PASSED), December 2 - 3, and is held at the Williamson County Agricultural Center that is just south of Franklin, Tennessee, off I-65 at the Goose Creek exit.  There will be some of the finest Civil War artifacts in existence there for sale and on display.  Just some of the hundreds of dealers and collectors that you will see there include Peggy M. Melton, Rafael Eledge, Tim Prince, Mike Kent, Larry Hicklen, John Sexton, Scott Riddle, Mickey Kiser, Brian Akins, Maurice Small, Wes Small, Meigs & Carla Brainard, Jim Scarr, Brendan Synnamon, Charles Williams, Cliff Sophia, Glenn J Dutton, Nick Periut, William D. Gorges, Mike Parker, John Walsh, Butch Holcombe, Anita Cook Holcombe, Ronnie Townes, Jeff Jones, JT Leathers, Steve Strickland, Ken Hamilton, Allen Wandling, AllenandBecky Gaskins, Allen Phillips, Howard Alligood, Bruce Hohler, Marc Ramsey, and hundreds more.  If you have family artifacts that you would like information on, be sure to bring them as there will be experts on about every facet of Civil War collecting in attendance.  It is in the record books now, but what a fun, fun weekend !!!!!

  16. Soon to be married "73 years" (TOMORROW - NOW PASSED) - DEC. 8) - Dad is 92 and Mom is 91.  The secret to such longevity begins with a love for life and love for each other as well as dogged perseverance in the face of every challenge life brings.  Instead of "growing old gracefully", they are fighting it each step of the way!

  17. It was a pleasure having my old buddy, Paul Burkey, in for the first time in many years.  We had lots of fun catching up and looking at relics.  The years do get by quickly!!

  18. Exactly 50 years ago this year, I began mailing out my first "mail order" Civil War relic catalogues.  The year was 1973, and the catalogues largely consisted of relics that I had personally recovered, or items my relic hunting buddies found and sold me.  An early local Civil War mail order dealer - Mr. John Heflin - helped me get going, and sold me large groupings of Civil War letters that I poured over, and sold them "one at a time" to those interested in specific content and units.  In ways that seems centuries ago, and in other ways it seems like just yesterday.  In 1976 we bought the Relic Shop, and had it open by 1977, and from then to now has literally been a blurr.  Here I sit - right where it all started 50 years ago, and I'm still writing descriptions of cool Civil War Relics  !!!!  Back in 1976 my Dad came over and helped me remodel the old 1920s grocery store into a Civil War Relic Store.  He came and helped me even though he had grave reservations about me giving up my chemistry job with Textron to "sell Civil War bullets" !!!  It has worked out OK though !!!!

  19. TRUE STORY !!!  I JUST GOT AN EMAIL THAT SAID "HAVE YOU EVER USED ANY OF THESE OBSOLETE DEVICES" AND SURE ENOUGH - NUMBER ONE WAS MY "CURRENT" SHOP DIAL UP TELEPHONE THAT I "STILL" RIGHT NOW USE TODAY (EVER SINCE I FIRST OPENED THE SHOP IN 1977) !!!!  A WHILE BACK A YOUNG LADY HAD CAR TROUBLE IN FRONT OF THE SHOP AND SHE HAD FORGOTTEN HER CELL PHONE.  SHE CAME IN AND ASKED TO USE THE PHONE, AND I TURNED THE PHONE TO HER, AND HER EYES GOT BIG, AND SHE SAID "HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO THAT" !!!  WHEN HER MOM ANSWERED THE PHONE, SHE TOLD HER MOM ABOUT THE "PHONE" BEFORE SHE TOLD HER ABOUT HER CAR TROUBLE !!!

  20. After over 50 years of relic hunting, this display case contains some of my favorite finds.  I have been fortunate to recover 69 Confederate buckles over that 50-year time span.  This case contains one of the nicest Western Theater CS Round Corner Sardine type plates that you could hope to see.  It has all three hooks intact.  Next is a "coin type" CS Tongue & Wreath buckle and top row to the right is a really nice Breckenridge style CS oval.  In the center on the left is a cast-brass Army of Tennessee "Round Corner CS", and on the right in the center row is a beautiful, thick, Atlanta Arsenal CSA rectangle.  On the bottom row left is a cast pewter, Noble Brothers CSA rectangle, and center bottom row is a super nice CS Rope Border with all three hooks intact.  And, on the bottom right is an Alabama Map on Tree oval.  There are some really sweet buttons in this case as well.  You can only imagine the relic hunting memories this case holds.

  21. Our buddy, Ralph Abbruzzese, is visiting us for a few days, and he brought along some super nice Civil War artifacts.  The Ohio State Seal breast plate is one of the most beautiful plates of the Civil War Era, and this one is top notch.  You can't help but enjoy a case of artifacts of this quality!!

  22. This beautiful case of excavated buckles and buttons belongs to Mike Hunt and daughter Beth.  This case of artifacts represents some of the nicest finds from 30 plus years walking and relic hunting.  We have been friends since Beth was tiny!!

  23. Our colors this year "2023" seem to be running a couple of weeks behind, but they are in full splendor now.  Too bad they only last for a few days and then cold weather follows.  On the bright side, goodbye ticks and snakes until next year!!!

  24. DID YOU KNOW !!  "LAND BOUNDARY WISE" - The "City" of JUNEAU, ALASKA IS MUCH "BIGGER" THAN THE ENTIRE "STATE" OF DELAWARE !!!!  THE "CITY" OF JUNEAU CONTAINS 3,255 SQ. MILES - WHILE THE "STATE OF DELAWARE" CONTAINS JUST 1,982 SQ. MILES !!!!  HOWEVER -- JUNEAU HAS 33,193 people, AND DELAWARE HAS "OVER" ONE MILLION !!!!  I SUSPECT THAT "ONE" IS "A BIT" MORE CROWDED BECAUSE THE OTHER IS "SLIGHTLY" COLDER - BRRRR !!!!!

  25. Here is an excellent display of Confederate Central Government plates from the collection of Ronnie Webb, a relic-hunting buddy since we were ten years old.  You won't find a prettier display case of artifacts than this one!!!  (As a result of this picture my buddy, Ronnie, is no longer the owner of this beautiful collection !!!!  (But, he now owns a whale of a nice antique "NOVA SS" !!!!!!  We do keep life interesting around here !!!)

  26. A new Civil War collector is born.  Matthew Tucker just received his first Civil War Cavalry saber.  It is a Model 1840 "Old Wristbreaker" heavy Cavalry saber, and he is now officially "one of us", a CIVIL WAR COLLECTOR!!!  CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW!

  27. Here is an absolutely incredible collection of New Orleans patterned, round loop, Confederate local, two-piece tongue and wreath sword belt buckles.  This collection belongs to Wayne Bryan and features the three classic style round loop buckles being 1) Die Struck Star on disc concentric ring wreath, 2) Die Struck "CS" on disc with concentric ring wreath, and 3) Die Struck Louisiana Pelican disc with concentric ring wreath.  And, added to these basic types are assorted, very rare, solid cast brass variants.  This is no doubt the most complete grouping of the assorted, super rare buckles with the rounded belt loop there is around.  I think you guys will enjoy seeing this grouping as much as I did.  Wayne has for a good many years pursued these type plates and putting this display together, and it is certainly a display anyone would be proud of.  Congratulations to Wayne on methodically running down all these super hard to get plates.

  28. We have just drawn our winner for the 9th Youth Civil War Relic Display.  Our winner is BRIELLE PREBECK of Arlington, Virginia.  Brielle attended Nottingham Elementary School in Arlington at the time of her contest entry.  We are excited to encourage interest in the Civil War Era among young people like Brielle.  Congratulations Brielle!!!

  29. It is time for our first Youth Civil War artifact Give-Away Display of 2023 - "OUR 9TH CONTEST"- and our winner is "BRIELLE PREBECK" !!! This is a beautiful white oak, custom display case with a colorful $5 Civil War Era note in the center, portions of a Spencer and a Burnside cartridge and seven other projectiles, a Confederate "I" (Infantry) uniform button, three Federal Eagle buttons, a brass Cavalry spur part, a portion of a US cartridge box plate, a Kepi chin strap buckle, and numerous other genuine Civil War artifacts including a soldier's pipe bowl.  There are a total of 28 artifacts in a custom-made oak frame.  We plan to have the drawing for this display on June 1, 2023.  We have carried all entries forward, and we invite and encourage any young folks age 14 and under to send us a letter telling us why they would like to win this Civil War display, and we will get you entered into the contest.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic give-away displays possible: Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - Charlie Williams - Kenny Brown - Jeff and Theresa Ruth - Gerard Simoneaux - Gary Strobel - Jeff Anderson - Lael Nelson - Ken Fleming, and Justin Simpson.  We sincerely thank you !!!  IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!! BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE !!!

  30. HAVE YOU NOTICED - That almost everything works better if once in a while you just unplug it and let it sit for a little while, and this includes us !!!

  31. A couple of days ago, we got a visit from someone very special to us.  Lorenzo Grover-Rizzo and his twin brother Iniko apprenticed in the relic shop here for several years.  Lorenzo took a deep interest in Civil War history and military in general.  After reaching 18, Lorenzo joined the military, and to this point is really enjoying the experience.  He was recently home for a few days on Christmas leave and came by to visit.  What a treat it was to get to see Lorenzo and a great opportunity to let him know how proud of him we are.  Salute!!  Lorenzo's twin brother, Iniko, has been on a mission in Georgia (country, not state) and has learned it's language fluently.  We have not seen him recently, but hopefully in the near future, he can return to share his experiences as well.

  32. It is with saddest heart that I pass along the information that lifelong friend and Civil War Relic Icon, Charlie Harris, passed away this morning.  Charlie has been a dedicated student, collector, and author of the American Civil War for almost his entire life.  I first met Charlie 50 years ago when I arrived at Chattanooga, Tennessee, as an algebra teacher and baseball coach at Ringgold Georgia High School.  In all these years, I don't think that I have ever met a more totally dedicated person to Civil War Relic hunting, collecting, and documenting.  Charlie has authored several Civil War reference books including Civil War Relics of the Western Campaigns, and a follow-up book done with Butch Holcombe, Civil War Relics of the Western Campaigns & Beyond 1861 - 1865, which is literally "just being released", and you can see Charlie still signing books until the very end.  The passing of Charlie Harris is going to mean a huge loss of Civil War collecting and identification knowledge.  It has been my privilege to be friends with Charlie and Teresa for all these years.  Rest in Peace in the shade of the trees on the other side.  Goodbye my friend.  On the "Homepage" of this website you will see "my picture" on the cover of a 1987 - FALL "TREASURE FOUND" magazine.  Charlie was the author of the article inside that went with that cover picture.  Amazingly, NOW -- 35 years later, and I still look just the same -- NOT --NOT -- NOT !!!!!

  33. This past weekend (several months ago now !!) -12-3&4-2022, was our annual Civil War Show at Franklin, Tennessee.  Much to my surprise, I received a "Lifetime Achievement" award.  I was pretty much speechless as this award comes from my fellow collectors and dealers.  I truly love what I do and am privileged to get to make a living all the while honoring my heritage.  Love of ones Southern Heritage is taking a beating these days, but as long as I'm alive, I, as well as all of you, will be proud of both our Southern and Northern Civil War Heritage.  I am very proud of my award.

  34. It is throw-back relic time again.  About 40 years ago, we recovered these two buckles from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry that was destroyed in March of 1863 by General David Stanley’s Federal Cavalry out of Murfreesboro, TN.  The 1st Alabama Cavalry CSA was camped near Midland, Tennessee, and in March of 1863, General David Stanley’s Federal Cavalry struck the Confederate Cavalry camp at the break of dawn.  If you’d like to read about this event, you can find it in Volume 23, Part 1 of the Official Records under the heading, “Expedition to Middleton, Tennessee, March 1863”.  The Federal Cavalry surprised and overran the Confederate Cavalry camp and captured or destroyed most of the contents.  These are two of the nearly 20 Confederate buckles that our group found at this site.  I recovered the Alabama “Map on Tree” State Seal buckle, and one of my early hunting buddies found the large oval “AVC”.  In addition to these buckles, we recovered several “egg-shaped” CS oval waist belt plates, several solid-cast Army of Tennessee CS round-corner buckles, one rectangular pewter CSA, and several frame-style buckles.  Those are some WONDERFUL relic hunting memories.

  35. It is time to congratulate our 8th Youth Relic Display winner.  The winner of this display is Delaney Hickox of Arlington, Virginia.  We hope this Civil War artifact display encourages Delaney's interest in heritage and history.  This is an especially nice display including an original, excavated Federal breast plate, an original Confederate $20 note, a nice excavated North Carolina Confederate uniform button, and numerous other genuine Civil War artifacts.  This is a display that even a seasoned adult Civil War collector would be excited to receive.  The collection would have a retail value of somewhere in the neighborhood of $400.  We have carried all entries forward, and we invite and encourage any young folks age 14 and under to send us a letter telling us why they would like to win this Civil War display, and we will get you entered into the contest.  We will draw the winner on August 1, 2022, and best of luck to everyone.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic give-away displays possible: Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - Charlie Williams - Kenny Brown - Jeff and Theresa Ruth - Gerard Simoneaux - Gary Strobel - Jeff Anderson - Lael Nelson - Ken Fleming, and Justin Simpson.  IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!! BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE !!!

  36. DID YOU KNOW - "TO THIS DAY, ROBERT E. LEE YET REMAINS THE ONLY MAN TO GRADUATE FROM WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY WITHOUT ONE SINGLE DEMERIT."

  37. Here is a picture sent to us by our buddy, Bob Ward, taken 52 years ago here at the Cemetery at the Battle of Stones River.  The Boy Scouts are still active on Memorial Day here at the Battlefield.  We have taken a current picture in basically the same location as it appears today.  The stone walls around the cemetery remain visible in both images.  We believe this to be especially meaningful now with Memorial Day coming up.  Our thanks to Bob Ward for the photograph.  The last picture is "Decoration Day" in Columbus, Mississippi, many many years ago.

  38. This is a very special "Throwback" relic digging memory.  This was my very first cast brass rectangular "CSA" to recover, and it was a thick, Atlanta style.  I dug this buckle exactly 50 years ago this year.  I dug the buckle on private property literally about 20 steps from Columbia Pike along the route that the Army of Tennessee charged over on November 30, 1864, at the famous Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.  This buckle has never even been under a water faucet and to this day, 50 years later, I could go back to within one foot of the dig hole !!!  What an exciting day !!!

  39. About 40 years ago, my hunting buddy, Claiborne Lytle, and myself were able to find the line of Confederate sharp shooters along the Brentwood hills at the 2nd day Battle of Nashville fighting.  Over a period of a couple of years, I was able to recover 136 dropped Whitworth bullets, and Claiborne recovered a similar number.  There was a point in time that I could spell out "Whitworth Rifle" with dropped Whitworth bullets.  During that era, I had two little girls at home as well as house and shop payment - insurance payment - and lots of other payments.  Every so often "lean months" came along, and I would need to sell a few Whitworth bullets to make that month's payments.  I don't have 136 Whitworths anymore, but I do still have a few and some very exciting memories.  I had one "12 Whitworth" day where they were all dropped in close proximity to each other.  Both Claiborne and myself always wondered why there were over 200 Whitworths lying on the ground rather than fired at the Yankees??  The area now has million dollar homes and electronic gates.

  40. Throw-Back DIGGING Time !!!!  I dug this beauty 42 years ago almost to the day !!!  They sure don't come out of the ground looking like this anymore !!!  I almost needed sunglasses !!!

  41. Here is another "throw-back" relic.  I recovered this WESTERN THEATER type CS "sardine style" waist belt plate at a Confederate hospital site on private property here at Stones River over 40 years ago.  It is absolutely perfect and has all three original hooks remaining intact.  This jewel will rank VERY high on being one of my "Lifetime Best Finds", and was beyond exciting to recover !!!

  42. Here is another "throw-back relic digging" memory.  Back in the fall of 1975, (47 years ago) my buddy Bob Ward and his hunting partner Wayne Read hit this "battlefield clean-up" glory hole.  This was here at Stones River and, at the time, was in a private property rock glade thicket.  The site is unfortunately now under a motorcycle dealership.  This find included seven Union plates, four musket barrels, four bayonets, two canteens, one smashed brass bugle, thirteen artillery shells, and a boatload of bullets.  Finds like this are memories worth their weight in gold !!!  (Second picture is current.)

  43. These are some fun memories from 35 years ago of one GREAT day digging at a newly found "Polk's Corp" Army Of Tennessee 1862 - 1863 winter camp located along the Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.  The day's finds include 2 nice arrow hook "U.S." oval waist belt plates - one C.S. manufacture plain face pewter waist belt plate - one very rare "Rope Border" style C.S. oval waist belt plate - A beautiful Leech and Rigdon style "CS" marked Confederate Cavalry Officer's spur - and over 100 bullets and buttons.  Now those are some priceless memories !!

  44. Last Thursday (now many years ago !!) was absolutely beautiful and 67 degrees.  My daughter - Savannah - and I decided that it was a perfect day to play "Hooky" and go relic digging instead of opening the shop.  I had found a small Union camp a few weeks earlier and we decided to see what was there.  We got several bullets - a coat size eagle "I" button - and then I got this nice clear "80" reading on the scale.  At 14 inches deep and under several big roots was a beautiful early style - lead filled - "U.S." oval.  Notice the oval "ghost" where it has been laying in the ground for the last 150 years.  Savannah now has it in her display case to remember the experience !!!!!  {If a guy could bottle the rush that you get from digging a Civil War belt plate - It would put Cocaine right out of business !!}

  45. We first want to send a huge thank you to Robert Hooven of Madison, Alabama, for his hard work and prompt attention to my Great Grandfather's grave stone.  My Great Grandfather is buried in the very old cemetery at the Madison Crossroads Presbyterian Church located near Huntsville, Alabama, near the Tennessee Alabama line.  A while back, one of the pieces of maintenance equipment at the cemetery hit our Great Grandfather's head stone and broke it loose from the base it was anchored to.  Robert was kind of enough to, the very next day, go and find the damaged stone, thoroughly clean and reseat it.  Our entire family send our heartfelt gratitude to Robert for taking care of this for us.  We could sure use more folks like Robert!!!

  46. Huge congratulations go out to 11-year-old Madison Brewer.  Madison is the lucky winner of our 7th Youth Giveaway - A Garrett Ground Hog metal detector.  We hope that it is the beginning of a very enjoyable hobby and that Madison has lots of fun looking for Civil War relics with her Grandfather who has done it for many years.  (This really makes us happy!!!)  Madison is ready to go Civil War relic hunting with her Granddad -- Charlie Adams.  VERY IMPORTANT:  What time is it - what time is it???  It is Youth Relic Giveaway time again.  And this time, we are stepping up our game.  We are giving away a used Garrett Groundhog VLF/TR metal detector complete with a new high fidelity set of headphones and also a new Whites Bullseye pinpointer for locating your target.  This detector is several years old but still works perfectly and even comes with experience as this detector has already recovered a US belt buckle and a Confederate belt buckle.  The "Groundhog" takes some practice in getting used to, but even though it's a few years old, will still dig relics perfectly well.  Several years back, this detector was cutting-edge technology, but today there have been numerous improvements.  It is our hope that this detector will help inspire some young person toward many years of coin and/or relic recovery.  We have carried all entries forward, and we invite and encourage any young folks age 14 and under to send us a letter telling us why they would like to win this Civil War display, and we will get you entered into the contest.  We will draw the winner on October 2, 2021, (my 70th birthday) and best of luck to everyone.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic give-away displays possible: Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - Charlie Williams - Kenny Brown - Jeff and Theresa Ruth - Gerard Simoneaux - Gary Strobel - Jeff Anderson - Lael Nelson, and Justin Simpson.  IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!! BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE !!!

  47. Congratulations to the winner of our 6th Youth Civil War Relic Contest, "Tennessee Smith", of Mineral, Virginia.  This display is in a beautiful walnut display case and consists of an excavated Federal Eagle breast plate, four original Civil War uniform buttons, an original excavated Civil War domino, five different types of Civil War bullets, and an original $100 Bank of Louisiana Civil War note.  We hope this display helps to encourage Tennessee's interest in Civil War artifacts, history, and heritage.  We have carried all entries forward, and we invite and encourage any young folks age 14 and under to send us a letter telling us why they would like to win this Civil War display, and we will get you entered into the contest.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic give-away displays possible: Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - Charlie Williams - Jeff Anderson - Gary Strobel - Justin Simpson - and Gerard Simoneaux.  IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!! BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE !!!

  48. WINNER, WINNER - chicken dinner - We have just had our drawing for the FIFTH Youth Civil War Relic Display Giveaway, and our winner is LILLY HICKOX from Arlington, Virginia.  We send our congratulations to Lilly and we will carry forward all our Youth entries for the next relic display giveaway which will begin soon.  Once again, Congratulations to Lilly !!!  ------  It is once again Youth Relic Display Contest time in Tennessee.  This relic display is, in my opinion, one of the most attractive to this point.  The display consists of a Droop Wing Eagle Confederate Officer's button, a camp site recovered soldier's Crucifix, a very attractive excavated lead-filled Eagle breast plate from here at Stones River, a stamped brass Cavalry rosette with the raised heart, an original pair of soldier's reading glasses, an original 1862 Wilmington, North Carolina, Confederate note, an original Civil War era domino, several bullets, a musket gun tool, a canteen stopper pull, and a coat size Federal Eagle button all displayed in a professionally made oak display case.  This collection is easily worth over $400.  So, young folks, get busy and let me hear from you.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic displays possible: Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - Charlie Williams - Jeff Anderson - Gary Strobel - and Gerard Simoneaux.  We will carry forward all entries from the first, second, third, and fourth giveaways.  We encourage ANY other interested youths (14 years of age and younger) who have not yet entered to send a letter telling why you would like to win the Civil War artifact giveaway display, and you will be entered as well.  We want to do our part to encourage our youth to be interested in our heritage.    IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!!  This contest has ended October 31, 2020.

  49. AND THE WINNER OF OUR FOURTH YOUTH RELIC DISPLAY CONTEST IS JAX BLEVINS (WHO CAN BE SEEN ABOVE WORKING ON HIS LETTER).  We will soon have our fifth Civil War display put together and a new contest underway.  All entries will be carried forward to the next contest, so if you haven't won so far -- Keep the faith - You might very well win the next one !!!  CONGRATULATIONS JAX !!!  IT IS TIME FOR OUR FOURTH YOUTH RELIC GIVEAWAY.  This display contains a genuine, excavated, lead-filled, Federal Eagle breast plate, a brass bayonet scabbard tip, a $15 coupon from a Confederate Loan Bond, an original Civil War domino, a .54 cal., ring tail Sharps Cavalry bullet, a coat size Federal Infantry Officer button, and a gilted cuff size New York State Seal button.  The following individuals, along with Nita & myself have contributed artifacts to make these youth relic displays possible: Eric Lawson Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - and Charlie Williams.  We will carry forward all entries from the first, second, and third giveaways.  We encourage ANY other interested youths (14 years of age and younger) who have not yet entered to send a letter telling why you would like to win the Civil War artifact giveaway display, and you will be entered as well.  We want to do our part to encourage our youth to be interested in our heritage.    IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!!  This contest will end July 31, 2020

  50. AND WE HAVE A WINNER - OUR FIRST YOUNG LADY - MS. CASTIBELLE SCHWEINFURTH !!!  EVEN AT HER TENDER YOUNG AGE CASTIBELLE IS A FAMILIAR FACE AROUND THE CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY COMMUNITY, AND THAT IS THANKS TO THE DELIGENT EFFORTS OF HER MOM AND DAD - (BRET AND KELLY).  MY CONGRATULATIONS TO A VERY DESERVING YOUNG LADY !!!  IT IS YOUTH RELIC DISPLAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST TIME AGAIN !!!  This is our THIRD youth relic display give-away, and this beautiful display consists of an original VIRGINIA Confederate note - several bullets - one beautiful gilted Federal Infantry officer button - one bayonet scabbard tip - one sword belt length adjuster - a right and a left Civil War knapsack J-hook - a baggage trunk key - and a harmonica board.  I would like to thank Eric Lawson - Ted and B. J. Campbell- David Hadden - Russ and Dottie Wunker - Jerry Emberlin - Tom Stone - William Briner - Jody Wright - Ed Heck - and Charlie Williams who along with Nita and myself made this display possible.  We encourage ANY other interested youths (14 years of age and younger) who have not yet entered to send a letter telling why you would like to win the Civil War artifact giveaway display, and you will be entered as well.  We want to do our part to encourage our youth to be interested in our heritage.    IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!!  THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 31, 2020.  If any of you old time relic hunter/collectors would like to help support these youth relic give-aways, please just send over any relics to help us out.  Your help will certainly be appreciated and go for a good endeavor !!  TRIVIA QUESTION -- CAN ANYONE GUESS WHY CASTIBELLE IS HOLDING THE CANNON !!!  (HINT -- THE ANSWER IS IN THE QUESTION !!) - (ANOTHER HINT - WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PART OF THE CANNON THAT CASTIBELLE IS HOLDING !!!)

  51. We just received the most current issue of "North South Trader", and, low and behold, there is Adian on page 19 - Youth Division.  Apparently, when you're hot, you're hot!!!   CONGRATULATIONS!!!  We have just held our drawing for our SECOND Youth Relic Giveaway, and our winner is - ADIAN HARWICK - from Lititz, PA.  Soon after the Thanksgiving holiday, we will begin our third Youth Relic Giveaway, and we will carry forward all entries from the first and second giveaways.  This is a fantastic display, and we congratulate Adian on his win!!!  We appreciate all of the youths who entered the first and second drawings.  We encourage ANY other interested youths (14 years of age and younger)  who have not yet entered to send a letter telling why you would like to win the Civil War artifact giveaway display, and you will be entered as well.  We want to do our part to encourage our youth to be interested in our heritage.  IF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO KNOW ANY YOUNG FOLKS THAT REALLY LIKE HISTORY - PLEASE MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE CONTESTS !!!  I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN SPREADING THE WORD !!!  ADIAN - YOUR PRIZE IS ON THE WAY TO YOU !!!

  52. ATTENTION - OUR "FIRST" YOUTH RELIC GIVE AWAY !!! - I was asked by a friend (MR. DICK TIMPANO) to give away this nice starter Civil War Bullet collection to a deserving young collector.  If you are 14 years old or younger and are really interested in Civil War history - please send me a letter as to why you would like to have this collection, and in a couple weeks we are going to have a drawing from all the names of young folks that sent me a letter wanting this collection.  We will show pictures of the drawing and post the WINNER on the page here !!!  GOOD LUCK !!!  SEND LETTER TO:  Larry Hicklen -- 3511 Old Nashville Hwy. - Murfreesboro, TN. -- 37129  (WE ARE GOING TO ACCEPT ENTRIES ARRIVING IN PERSON OR THROUGH MAIL DELIVERY ON OR BEFORE SEP. 30, 2019 !!!)  IF YOU ARE AN OLD SCHOOL CIVIL WAR COLLECTOR AND WOULD LIKE TO DONATE RELICS IN SUPPORT OF THESE RELIC GIVE-AWAYS TO YOUNG FOLKS -- PLEASE LET ME HEAR FROM YOU !!  THIS CONTEST IS NOW OVER AND WE WILL VERY SOON HAVE THE DRAWING.  BUT --- WE WILL SOON ANNOUNCE THE NEXT CONTEST, AND EVERYONE THAT ENTERED INTO THIS CONTEST WILL BE CARRIED OVER, -- SO YOU ARE ALREADY REGISTERED !!  MANY THANKS TO MR. DICK TIMPANO FOR THE ARTIFACTS !!!  AND OUR WINNER IS - JONATHAN PRIOR - 5TH GRADE, AGE 10!!!  CONGRATULATIONS, JONATHAN.

  53. A little while earlier today (7-12-19), I had a couple of fellows in the shop from near Perryville, Kentucky.  In the course of looking at relics and discussing various battlefields, one of the gentlemen said, "I visit your nature area at the Battlefield of Perryville quite often."  I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.  A good many years ago (25 to 30 I'd say), I purchased a 54-acre farm on the Battlefield of Perryville, Kentucky, that was in danger of being developed.  I held the farm for several years until the Civil War Preservation Trust was in a position to acquire it.  Little did I know that in appreciation for saving that part of the Battlefield, I have a pond and nature area marked with our family name.  How cool is that!!!

  54. Here is an interesting set of 4 photographs contrasting the panther and the bobcat.  These four photographs were taken by the same game cam at the same location a few days apart.  Notice aside from the obvious (the panther has a long tail and the bobcat has virtually no tail), that they are structurally different as well.  The panther is overall larger, more muscular, especially in the front shoulders, than the bobcat.  The bobcat has a more slender profile with his back legs almost appearing longer than his front legs.  Also, the two cats make very different screams.  On the bright side, one would think that we shouldn't have a mouse problem on the mountain!!!

  55. We are headed to the mountain today, and hopefully there will be some cool new trail cam pictures to share !!  For the past couple of months, our neighbors and ourselves have been hearing the cry of an unusual animal.  About a month ago, I caught sight of what appeared to be a large cat moving through the woods.  Several weeks ago we installed a game cam to be able to see what type animals were passing.  One of the locations of the game camera was where several roads and paths came together.  At this location, we saw more different type animals than any other location of the camera.  We have been scattering corn and cut the Halloween pumpkins into and placed them in front of the camera.  We have seen many different type mountain animals including deer, armadillos, red fox, coyote, and raccoons.  A couple of nights ago, we captured a couple photographs of this huge Mountain Bobcat - (We at first thought Panther, but markings suggest a LARGE male Bobcat rather than Panther.)  As you guys can now clearly see - WE DEFINITELY HAVE A PANTHER (aka Eastern Mountain Lion) - (as well as a Bobcat) !!!  We have no doubt that he was drawn to this location by the smell of the presence of all the other wild animals that had been there eating.  To give a size reference, the pumpkin halves beside the cat are ten inches in diameter.  Notice the power and muscle mass of this big cat.  We will likely think twice now about taking night walks through the woods!!!  A few nights ago our next door neighbor found a deer slain, and litereally shreded - I wonder who might have done THAT !!!  Outside "MAN WITH GUN" - This guy really is "King Of The Woods" !!!

  56. Rare, rare Richmond Arsenal pattern CS Enlistedman's Cavalry sword belt rig.  This belt rig was a part of the nationally known Steve Mullinax collection for many years.  The CS two-piece sword belt plate buckle is a regulation Richmond Arsenal product and has a rich, never cleaned, aged bronze patina.  The belt itself is an original "bullet stitch" Confederate Richmond Arsenal belt but was in an attic for many years and gradually became hard as a rock.  We have used Picard (lots of Picard) to get the belt in a state to display.  The belt displays nicely but has numerous cracks and a couple of breaks.  You will likely never see an original Richmond Arsenal CS belt plate on an original "Bullet Stitch" Confederate belt at a price like this again.  We are pricing it at pretty much the value of the non-excavated CS two-piece buckle alone.--$4,500.

  57. Beautiful condition, original brown leather waist belt with large oval, 1840 - 1850 era, puppy-paw hook, lead-filled oval with "W. H. Smith Brooklyn" backmark.  The belt remains pliable as can be, and the "W. H. Smith Brooklyn" backmark is clear as a bell.--$695.

  58. Excavated blob top blue-green bottle marked "Jno. Obrien - AGT. - St Louis, MO."  I understand that Jno. Obrien blob top bottles date 1860s and 1870s.--$45.-SOLD

  59. Quite rare to recover -Dropped .58 cal. Gardiner Explosive Minie.  This extremely rare projectile was recovered "long ago" on private property on the approach route to Gettysburg.  It has been "ages"since I heard of anyone digging one there.--$95.

  60. Beautiful condition Civil War era "set" of CDVs of George Washington, and wife - Martha Washington.  Might better get these SOON, before it becomes "UNAMERICAN" to have them.  I understand that Thomas Jefferson is under scrutiny these days !!!--$75. For The Pair

  61. Excavated, EXTREMELY RARE, wreath portion of a Confederate State Seal, two-piece buckle.  This buckle was recovered from an 1863 Alabama Cavalry camp and very likely had a tongue like the Alabama tongue and wreath on page 107 in Steve Mullinax's Confederate Buckle book.  This "oak leaf" pattern wreath is correct for a number of different Confederate State Seals.  I have seen Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia all with wreaths of this type.  The center disc can be up to 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  The belt loop is 2 inches outside to outside and takes a 1 5/8 inch to 1 3/4 inch belt.  It has a pretty pea-green patina and could finish out one whale of a nice Confederate State Seal two-piece.  When recovered, this wreath had a break in the belt loop.  It has been expertly restored, and you 100% cannot find where the break was.  It has been many years since I last saw a loose wreath like this for sale.--$975.

  62. Excavated, 6-pound size, solid shot, Confederate cannon ball recovered many years ago during the construction of Thompson Lane.  This ball was recovered more or less in front of the huge Baptist Church (which is within walking distance of the shop).  Many years ago I recovered three or four of these on the Homer Gannon farm which the Thompson Lane bypass cut through.  It is in excellent condition, has been cleaned, and is ready for display.--$175.SOLD

  63. Excellent condition, excavated, cuff size, 1820 era, one piece brass Militia button.  This appears to be a GI51F.  It is the Eagle with the shield to the left with "Armithee/Phila" backmark.  This button was recovered from an 1863 Confederate camp site and was no doubt a carryover from the much earlier era.  The shank remains perfectly intact.--$45.

  64. Very attractive button with reunion ribbon from the 51st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry.  The button has Col. W. H. King pictured, and the ribbon is marked, "19th Annual Reunion - New Comerstown Ohio - August 23 - 24, 1904".--$45.

  65. Excavated, glazed clay pipe with 2 1/2 inch stem remaining intact.  This pipe was recovered from a Confederate trash pit along the Duck River near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  Ninety percent of the pipes we recover have the stems broken off.  The pipe either has a set of horns coming around it or one mammoth mustache.--$48.

  66. This is a beautiful jug of mixed bullets recovered here at Stones River, and closely surrounding camps.  The jug weighs just under 20 lbs.  It would literally take a lifetime to recover this many bullets here now.  There are many different types, and are about 300 to 325 in number I'd guess.  I can literally see numerous $8 to $10 bullets.  This is a deal, and don't even think about being able to dig these for this now !!!!--$595.-SOLD

  67. Nice crisp CDV of Admiral D. G. Farragut.  The image has a plain back.--$45.

  68. Small size, pewter drill whistle of the same basic design as the large drill whistle, just not as loud.--$65.

  69. Very unusual, .50 cal., solid base country rifle projectile.  This projectile was recovered by Otis Brown on private property at Ft. Donelson, Tennessee.  It is a style projectile that I am not acquainted with.--$45.

  70. Very nice condition, excavated, dropped, .69 cal., deep cone cavity, Atlanta Arsenal Towers bullet.  This was recovered from a Confederate camp at the base of the Cumberland Plateau.--$48.

  71. Just in, a blacksmith-made, 17 inch, Confederate side knife constructed using the blade of a College Hill Armory Confederate Cavalry saber.  The brass pommel cap appears to be from an imported Cavalry Officer's saber.  This is a classic example of Confederates creating weapons from what they had.  The blade has the distinctive College Hill "pen knife" traits.--$850.SOLD

  72. Smoking pretty, excavated, "Pelican feeding the young" rectangular Louisiana State Seal.  The buckle has a smooth, chocolate patina and is uncleaned with the dirt still outlining the Pelican.  It has full lead and remnants of the brass hooks, but they are broken and are most likely the reason the buckle was discarded.  This buckle was recovered about 40 years ago on private property near Port Hudson, LA.  You just don't see them much prettier than this.--$3,850.

  73. This ranks as one of the absolute rarest and most sought after Confederate Officer's sword of the American Civil War.  It is a superb Firmin & Sons "Dolphin Head" Confederate Naval Officer's sword and is THE VERY ONE pictured in Albaugh's book, Photograph Supplement of Confederate Swords.  It is pictured on pages 78 - 80 and is attributed to John McIntosh Kell, Executive Officer of the CSS Alabama.  This sword is in excellent overall condition with amazing, fine etching including a Confederate Flag and crossed cannons.  The grip is shark skin and remains completely intact.  This sword comes with a professionally made contemporary replacement scabbard that is perfect in every detail.  With this sword comes a framed family albumin photograph of John McIntosh Kell.  Civil War relics just do not get much better than this.  It has been in a local collection for many years.--$35,000.

  74. Smokingly beautiful, non-excavated, Richmond Arsenal pattern, CS two-piece sword belt plate with a portion of the original "bullet stitch", brown leather, Confederate belt.  This CS buckle and partial belt is part of a display that also consists of (6)six excellent condition, coat size, Civil War issue, Superior Quality, "C.S.A." uniform buttons and (2) two coat size Federal Staff Officer buttons of the type frequently worn by Confederate Officers.  Also in the display is a $50 Confederate note also from Richmond, Virginia.  This display is in a very nice quality, hand made, 12" by 18" walnut display case.  This would be a beautiful addition to even a museum display.--$6,550.

  75. Just in out of a local estate, very nice condition, Model 1851, .36 cal., Colt 6-shot Navy Model revolver.  This revolver has a smooth, gently aging, gray patina with barrel markings of, "Address Col Saml Colt - New York - US America".  The cylinder retains about 50% original engraving, and the revolver has an all-matching serial number (even the wedge) of 130947, which is most desirable 1862 - 1863 mid-war production.  The revolver has crisp, perfect action - original walnut grips - and would be a fine addition to any Civil War collection.--$2,450.

  76. Very nice condition, complete Federal waist belt rig including original waist belt, original .58 cal. cartridge box, and the original percussion cap box.  The belt itself remains complete and pliable with a beautiful arrow-hook pattern US oval waist belt buckle, and the brass length adjustor remains perfectly intact.  The cartridge box is a Model 1864 with embossed “US” and both cartridge tins remaining intact on the inside.  The leather percussion cap box has both belt loops and closure tab intact and has an embossed “US” mark on the outside flap.  There are quite a number of original percussion caps remaining inside.  This belt rig was on display in an Arkansas museum for a number of years and would be an excellent addition to any Civil War collection.--$1,250.

  77. Excavated, large size, "Lone Star", lead-filled Martingale Heart.  This extremely rare Martingale was recovered from the 1863 camp of Wharton's 8th Texas Cavalry located near Unionville, Tennessee.  When the Martingale was recovered, each of the two top lobes was folded to the rear.  The Martingale has been expertly straightened and restored by the master - Robert McDaniel.  There are very few Martingales with the raised star in existence.--$950.SOLD

  78. Federal Navy Officer - 1852 pattern sword belt plate on original belt with leather drops still intact.  These Naval belt rigs are a little bit tricky to date.  Generally speaking, the sword belt plates that DO NOT have the single star beneath the anchor are felt to be Civil War Era.  Those that DO have the single star beneath the anchor are believed to slightly post date the Civil War.  This example does have the single star below the anchor, and we believe the belt rig to date around the 1870's.  This belt rig has a VERY COOL brass sword hanger that is shaped like half an anchor.  In my opinion, this is a heck of a nice Federal Navy sword belt rig for the price.--$275.SOLD

  79. Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, "Richmond Arsenal" style CS two-piece, tongue and wreath sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 40 years ago from a Confederate Cavalry camp near Brandy Station, Virginia.  The two buckle halves were a belt length apart.  You couldn't ask for a nicer two-piece CS sword belt plate.--$3,250.

  80. Excellent condition, regulation issue, US waist belt buckle on original waist belt.  The belt remains completely pliable with brass adjustor remaining intact and is double US inspector marked.  The US oval waist belt buckle is in beautiful condition with full lead and all three hooks intact.  This belt rig is as nice as any you will see in a museum.--$650.

  81. Excellent condition, .577 cal., Enfield triangular socket bayonet in original leather brass mounted scabbard.  Perfect if you have a nice Civil War Enfield musket with no bayonet.--$395.SOLD

  82. Absolutely beautiful  non-excavated 20 mm RF27B Militia Rifleman coat size button.  This button has crisp detail, and I don't think it could be any nicer.  The backmark is, "Orange Angular/Gilt Colour".  These Militia buttons date before the Civil War and are often recovered in Civil War camps.  This is a perfect example with shank intact.--$95.

  83. Absolutely beautiful, "uncirculated", State of Louisiana $5 note.  This note is issued out of Shreveport, LA, and is dated March 10, 1863.  The note has absolutely beautiful graphics picturing the Pelican with young, and an intricate combat scene.--$95.

  84. Very attractive, Model 1860, light Cavalry saber and scabbard.  This saber and scabbard was on display for many years in an Ohio GAR Veterans Hall.  The scabbard has remnants of old nickel plate as was often done to Veteran Hall relics to keep them looking shiny and clean.  The blade has a smooth, gently graying, aged patina and is marked, "Ames Mfg. Co. - US - 1864".  The original leather grip remains intact but does show some wear in areas.--$795.

  85. Nice condition, original, .69 cal., Model 1842, triangular socket bayonet in original leather scabbard.  The bayonet is clean overall and just beginning to darken with age.  It has a deep "US" mark.  The leather scabbard remains in nice, complete condition with the stitched seam intact and closed top to bottom.  This seam often breaks open in areas.  The "L" shaped belt loop remains perfectly intact.  If you have a .69 cal., Model 1842 musket, this would be a wonderful compliment to display with your musket.--$425.

  86. Extremely rare, excavated, plain face, cast pewter, Confederate oval waist belt plate.  There are only thought to be about 20 or so of these in existence.  They are the product of a small Confederate foundry and seem to have been issued in Western Theater Army of Tennessee Confederate camps in spring of 1863.  I dug the example of this plate that is pictured in Lon Keim's book, Confederate General Service Buckles, on page 31.  My buckle was recovered from the camp of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, and this buckle was recovered from the same camp.  This buckle has a very faint "CS" carved into the pewter with a pocket knife.  The "C" is quite visible, but the "S" not so much.  All three brass stud hooks remain intact on the reverse.  Very few of these plates have survived.--$695.SOLD

  87. Original Confederate States of America $100 Loan Bond.  This bond is serial number 2479.  It was professionally framed by the Frame & Art Gallery in Franklin, Tennessee.  It has acid-free matting and light filtering glass.  This is ready to hang in your den or relic room.--$275. (which is about what it cost to frame it)

  88. CDV "engraving" of Federal General Winfield Scott.  The image is marked, "L. Prang & Co. - Boston".--$35.

  89. Excellent condition, red 25th Reunion ribbon for the 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery Regiment held on October 10, 1912, at Jackson, Ohio.--$35.

  90. Very pretty condition, original leather Civil War percussion cap box.  This cap box remains very pliable with both loops, brass closure finial, and leather closure tab all remaining intact.  It is maker marked, “J. W. Oliver – Pittsburgh” and has the original wire nipple pick still in place.--$250.

  91. Very nice condition, Model 1860, Light Cavalry saber.  It has a nice, clean blade and is marked, "1864 - US - C. Roby".  The saber has original wrap and wire on the grip, and the iron scabbard is without even a single dent.--$895.

  92. Very attractive and quite hard to find, original Model 1842, .69 cal., cartridge box with original box plate and the over-the-shoulder sling and the original breast plate intact.  The cartridge box remains pliable with both cartridge tins intact inside.  Complete Infantry rigs life this one are difficult to come by, especially the early .69 cal. rigs.  The box is complete with inner compartment intact.  It is missing only the small leather thong that snaps over the brass finial.--$1,250.

  93. Really, really pretty, excavated, coat size, "A.V.C." (Alabama Volunteer Corp).  This button has a near reflective chocolate brown patina with the Eagle and A.V.C. letters surrounded by bright gold gilt.  This button is backmarked, "Horstmann & Alien - NY" and has the shank intact and straight on the reverse.  It is rare to see an "A.V.C." button recovered this nice.--$595.

  94. Really pretty, excavated, coat size, Mississippi "I" uniform button.  This button was recovered many years ago from Camp Withers which was located near Estill Springs, Tennessee, and was occupied in 1862.  The button remains slick as can be with a chocolate brown patina and gold in the "I" and gold outlining the star and some around the Mississippi letters.  The reverse has shank intact and is backmarked, "Hyde & Goodrich NO".  They just are not found this pretty anymore.--$525.

  95. Very pretty, non-excavated, coat size, Eagle "R" (Rifleman) uniform button.  This button has over 90% bright gold gilt and is RMDC and is backmarked "Horstmann & Sons - Phi.", and the shank remains perfectly intact.--$95.

  96. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, gilted Eagle "D" (Dragoon) button.  This button has a "Horstmann Bro. & Alien - N.Y." backmark and retains over 90% original bright gold gilt with shank perfectly intact on the reverse.--$175.

  97. Smoking beautiful excavated coat size "VA15B" Virginia State Seal uniform button.  This jewel was recovered MANY years ago from Confederate camps around Fredericksburg, VA, and has bright gold gilt just dripping off of it !! The button has shank intact, and has a "Horstmann and Allien - NY" backmark.--$375.

  98. Absolutely drop-dead perfect, excavated, coat size, South Carolina State Seal.  This button has over 90% bright gold gilt and has an "HT & B Manchester" backmark.  This button was recovered from a South Carolina camp located near Charleston, South Carolina.  This is about as nice a "Manchester" South Carolina button as you are going to see.--$225.SOLD

  99. Absolutely smoking beautiful excavated condition, coat size, Confederate "Lined A" artillery button.  The button has a blank back and has the shank remaining intact.  I don't know that you could dig a nicer Confederate artillery button than this one.--$295.SOLD

  100. Really pretty condition, excavated, 1840 era, Militia Artillery.  This button is a coat size with a chocolate brown patina and in the center is an Eagle perched on a cannon.  It has a plain back with the shank perfectly intact.--$95.

  101. Very attractive grouping of artifacts recovered on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.  The grouping consists of an Eagle breast plate, three .58 cal. dropped Minie balls, five percussion caps, and one very nice condition, coat size, Federal enlistedman's Eagle button.  There was once a time a person could recover a display case of relics like this in a single hunt here, but unfortunately, "that time" was about 50 years ago.  It would take numerous hunts this day and time to recover the relics for a display like this.--$75. for the entire display.SOLD

  102. Original, but very circulated, $1 Confederate States of America note.  This note was printed in Richmond, Virginia, and is dated December 2, 1862.  The cool thing is that the note is actually from a Gettysburg estate sale.  The identification card for the Gettysburg Museum of History, located at 219 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA, remains with the note.  Maybe not in pristine condition, but an actual relic from Gettysburg.--$48.

  103. Original, GAR Reunion ribbon for Co. G, 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery.  The ribbon still has bright color and remains in good condition.--$45.

  104. Original, unopened packet of ten original Civil War musket percussion caps.  A packet of caps exactly like this was enclosed in each ten-round brown paper wrapped factory grouping of Minie balls and tied with a brown cotton string.--$38.

  105. Excellent condition pair of GAR stamped metal Federal Reunion buttons.  One of the buttons is from the 1st Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery and is for the September 26, 1916 Reunion held at Jackson, Ohio.  The second Reunion button is from the 51st Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry and is for the 24th Reunion held September 17, 1909, at New Philadelphia, Ohio.  Both pins remain in very nice condition.  The Artillery button is "M. C. Lilly - Columbus Ohio" maker marked on the reverse.  Both Reunion buttons in a display case.--$89.

  106. Another very pretty excavated local U. S. oval lead filled cartridge boxplate.  It was recovered on private property here at Stones River, and has a nice "W.H. Smith" maker's mark in the reverse.  It has full lead, and one complete attachment hook intact, and a part of the second.--$275.

  107. Mighty fine excavated circular lead filled Federal eagle breastplate.  This was recovered about 45 years ago amoug the limestone outcroppings on private property here at Stones River.  The plate isn't just "jamming nice", but is also "W. H. Smith - Brooklyn" backmarked !!--$295.

  108. Really pretty pendant picturing Lt. Col. D. W. MarshalL of the 51st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Inf. for their 21st Reunion held on Aug. 30, 1906 at Uhrichsville, Ohio.  The reverse of the pendant has the Great Seal of Ohio.--$45.SOLD

  109. Beautiful condition Reunion image and ribbon from the 51st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regt.  This Reunion was the regiment's 19th, and was held on August 23 and 24, 1904 at New Comerstown, OHIO.  The ribbon has an excellent "Whitehead and Hoag" Maker's Label.--$48.

  110. Very nice condition "Pay Roll" for Co. "C" - 6th Reg't MO. State Militia Cavalry.  It is dated Aug. 9, 1862.  MO. Cavalry artifacts are scarce to come by !!  There are several extra pages of research on the listed soldiers.--$95.

  111. Very nice condition, excavated, cast brass, Army of Tennessee pattern, round corner, CS waist belt plate.  This buckle has two complete, full length hooks and a third shorter hook that had an air bubble in the end.  It has a dark brown/green patina overall and is near reflective.  This buckle was recovered about 40 years ago from the 1863 winter camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry located near Midland, Tennessee.--$3,850.SOLD

  112. Excavated, lead-filled, circular "Star Rosette".  This rosette was recovered from the 1863 winter camp of Wharton's 8th Texas Cavalry.  This camp was located a couple of miles south of Unionville, Tennessee.  The rosette has a really pretty uncleaned brown/green patina and has full lead in the reverse.  This will be a fine addition to someone's Confederate Texas display.--$450.SOLD

  113. Drop dead smokingly beautiful excavated large size, lead filled, U. S. oval arrow hooked U. S. waist belt plate.  This superb excavated buckle was recovered over 40 years ago from private property at the Petersburg, VA. campaign.  It has the super scarce backmark of "W. H. Wilkinson -- Springfield, Mass."  This backmark is lightly struck, and only the finest, early recovered plates have a legible backmark.  The face has a slick - near reflective - chocolate brown patina, and has all three original hooks remaining intact.  It has been years since I've had a nice U. S. buckle with this backmark.--$450.SOLD

  114. Beautiful condition and super rare, "Kraft, Goldsmith, & Kraft", Columbia, South Carolina, Confederate Cavalry saber with distinctive wooden scabbard, iron mounts and brass hardware.  This saber has an original Civil War Era, brown ink presentation on the wooden scabbard.  It reads, "Presented to Commodore John H. Sta??? by his friend, General George B. Dand???".  It is very rare to find a K G & K Cavalry saber with a nice original scabbard, and this one is a beauty.  The blade has a smooth, gently aging, gray/brown patina.  The original grip and wire remain intact and in nice condition.  This saber came into the shop about 40 years ago and has been in the collection of Dr. Joe Boyd ever since.  I have no doubt this is one of the nicest condition K G & K Confederate manufactured Cavalry sabers remaining in existence today.--$9,500.

  115. Beautiful condition, Federal Cavalry Shell jacket with bright, vivid colors and absolutely zero mothing.  The jacket has a full compliment of Eagle buttons and bright, vivid yellow piping.  In addition, the jacket has a complete, perfect, butternut liner with both sleeve liners completely intact.  To complete the jacket, there is a set of excellent condition original brass epaulets in place.  This is without question a museum quality Federal Cavalry shell jacket, and all it needs is a nice mannequin.--$2,750.

  116. Beautiful condition, excavated, solid cast brass, coat size CSA.  This button was recovered about 35 years ago from a Confederate camp near Fredericksburg, Virginia.  It has a smooth, brown/green patina with shank intact.--$595.

  117. Excellent condition, double cavity, .32 cal., bullet mold for a single or a double barrel boot/vest pistol.  This bullet mold is a higher grade than most that you encounter.  The bullet mold makes both a round ball and an elongated projectile, and one handle makes a nipple wrench.  The other handle forms a screw driver.  The bullet mold still works perfectly, and two bullets we poured remain in the mold.--$175.

  118. Very attractive, Model 1861 Springfield, 3-band, rifled musket complete with original bayonet.  This musket is out of a Central Ohio estate sale and has a smooth, aged, brown patina overall with lockplate markings of, "US - 1862 -Springfield".  This musket has numerous small dings and marks and rounded corners from lots of actual field service.  The inspector cartouche remains visible on the left hand side of the stock opposite the lockplate.  The action still remains good.  There is no doubt this musket saw lots of service including some of the most famous battles of the American Civil War.  This would be an excellent musket to have and hand down to future generations.  Many collectors view the Model 1861 Springfield rifled musket as "the musket" most representative of the American Civil War.  Complete with bayonet -- $1,850.

  119. Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, Richmond Arsenal pattern "CS" tongue and wreath sword belt plate.  The two pieces were dug together by Jerry Headley approximately 40 years ago.  The buckle was recovered from a Confederate Cavalry camp located near Brock Road at the Battle of the Wilderness.  This buckle is a beauty and remains just as dug with no repairs whatsoever.  They just aren't being dug this nice anymore.--$3,250.

  120. Excavated 17 inch Confederate Bowie knife recovered from an Arkansas Infantry camp located near Shelbyville, TN.  The blade was blacksmith crafted from a 11 1/2 inch rasp.--$895.

  121. Very pretty, one piece, heavily gilted, die stamped, mounted rider on horseback traveling east to west.  This is an American button with "Scovill's Extra" backmark.  I have actually had this button before, but I cannot remember what the button represented.  I want to say some political party or a Pony Express or something along that line.  I feel certain it is very early, likely the 1840 - 1850 era.  I would appreciate some help with a firm ID on it.--$95. for the mystery button.  (Thank You Daniel Smith !!!  It is an 1820s-ish New England area "Dragoon Militia" button !!)

  122. Very nice condition, 4th Model, Burnside carbine with a matching serial number of 2055.  The action remains tight with lots of rifling remaining.  The main spring remains nearly as strong as when issued.  Both front and back sites remain intact, and it has a clearly visible military inspector cartouche on left hand side of the shoulder stock.  There are traces of original finish in some of the recessed areas.  Although the weapon remains in very nice condition, you can see wear indicating actual field service.  Many Federal Cavalry units, including the 1st US Cavalry, 1st Maine Cavalry, 1st New Jersey Cavalry, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, 1st and 2nd Indiana Cavalry, and 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Cavalry were armed with Burnside carbines.--$1,450.

  123. One of the most sought after weapons of the American Civil War is the Model 1861, .58 cal., Springfield 3-band rifled musket.  This musket remains clean with a gently, darkening, aged patina.  The lockplate is marked, "1862 - US - Springfield - and the American Eagle".  The action remains very crisp in both half-cock and full-cock positions.  Both the front site and the rear long-range site remain intact.  It still has very decent rifling, especially considering it's and early war gun.  There is a soldier's name carved into the left side of the stock that appears to be "C. Kimble".  There is a boat load of "C. Kimble's", and he could literally be about any one of them.  We have in stock a nice condition, original triangular socket bayonet in original leather scabbard if you'd like to have the musket complete with bayonet.--$1,895. musket only---$2,250 for musket complete with original bayonet in leather scabbard.

  124. Extremely rare, Confederate manufactured, Roman style short Artillery sword with “CS” in the center of the cross guard and a star on the pommel.  These swords are thought to have been made at the Selma Arsenal in Alabama, as a couple of partially cast guards have been found in the river there.  This example has a brown/black, aged patina blade with scattered pitting.  The high copper content, heavy cast brass guard has spiraling ribs and a “CS” and star cast into each side.  This style Confederate sword is known for its crudity of manufacture (which is one of the factors that makes Confederate collects love it).--$3,250.

  125. Super rare, "College Hill Arsenal", Nashville, Tennessee, Confederate Field and Staff Officer's sword and scabbard.  This sword has the same "CSA" cast into the brass guard as the Nashville Plow Works.  The ribbon that is cast into the guard has nothing cast into it whereas "Nashville Plow Works" is integrally cast into the products of Nashville Plow Arsenal.  This beautiful sword is out of the local area and has been in one of the most advanced local collections for the past 40 years.  The blade of the sword has visible Confederate engraving from top to bottom.  The engraving has an "open mouth serpent" as a part of the engraving, and this is known to be an example of "Cunningham" engraving.  The sword has a nice condition, original grip and is in a correct style import leather scabbard.  This was often the case as original Confederate scabbards were often made of poor quality leather and did not last.  This is the nicest College Hill Field and Staff Officer's Confederate sword that we have had come through in a number of years.--$9,850.

  126. Very pretty condition excavated Confederate copper time fuzed 12 pound size explosive cannon ball.  This quite rare Confederate ball was recovered at Chickamauga, GA., and has been disarmed, cleaned, and lightly coated - and is 100% ready for permanent display.--$425.

  127. REALLY PRETTY excavated drop 3-inch Confederate Read-Broun.  This shell was recovered many years ago near Five Forks, Virginia.  These are only recovered at relatively late war sites.--$650.

  128. 1862 date "COLT" "Special Model" .58 cal. 3-band rifled musket.  This is a nice quality Civil War musket that has been fired in competition, and used in black powder hunting.  The action still has a good, strong mainspring.  The lockplate is marked "1862-Colt-Hartford".  The rifling has been re-bored to make the musket more accurate for hunting, and target shooting.  There is a Civil War Date copper 2-cent piece inlaid into the stock.  This is a musket that will look great on your Civil War Collection wall, and can possibly be a part of some of your other hobbies as well.--$1,295.

  129. Very nice condition, Model 1860, Light Cavalry saber.  It has a nice, clean blade and is marked, "1863 - US - C. Roby".  The saber has original wrap and wire on the grip, and the iron scabbard is without even a single dent.--$895.

  130. Very attractive, brass frame, Sharps 4-barrel pepperbox pistol.  These were very popular vest pistols during the Civil War Era.  This example has gutta percha grips and is marked on the brass frame, "C. Sharps Patent 1859".  This pistol is serial number 27812.  The original gutta percha grips remain completely intact.  These were very popular vest pistols during the Civil War and into the following era.--$550.

  131. Very pretty, excavated Leech & Rigdon wreath portion to the "08" pattern two-piece sword belt plate.  This pattern wreath needs a tongue that measures 1 1/8 inch across the disc and a belt loop that measures 1 3/4 inch outside to outside.  When recovered, the outside belt loop had a break, but it has been professionally restored.  If someone out there has a Leech & Rigdon "08" pattern tongue, here is your chance to complete your buckle.--$895.

  132. Very nice condition, percussion single shot, .36 cal., boot pistol.  These pistols were very popular with Civil War Officers and Enlistedmen on both sides as a "last resort".  This example is marked, "Sprague - New York - Warranted Cast Steel".  The action still works perfectly at both half cock and full cock and is as nice as you are apt to see in any museum.--$495.

  133. Nice condition, non-excavated, single-shot, .44 cal., percussion boot pistol.  This is the style with a folding trigger that was extensively carried during the Civil War as a last line of defense by both Union and Confederates.  These were typically carried stuck in the boot or behind the belt or in the vest like the one pictured.  Every Civil War collection should have one of these.--$450.

  134. Extremely rare, fully cased, 1/4 plate ambrotype of two seated Confederate Cavalrymen.  One has a Colt Army across his chest, and the other has a Colt Pocket model across his chest.  Both are wearing bow ties and high top Cavalry boots and spurs.--$1,150.

  135. Extremely RARE non-excavated CS107A3 - Confederate Coat Size non-excavated Script "A".  This button does actually show real field use.--$595.

  136. Absolutely drop dead perfect and beautiful non-excavated coat size Confederate stippled Old English "E" (Engineer).  This button literally has 100 % bright gold gilt - "H. T. & B. - Manchester" Backmark - and shank straight and intact.  It is "CS153A" in Albert.   I recently saw one of these sell for $2,000. - and was not one bit nicer than this one.--$1,450.

  137. Large size, 1840 - 1850 era, puppy paw hook, lead-filled US oval on original black leather belt.  This belt remains strong enough that you could literally put it on and wear it.--$595.

  138. Really pretty excavated large size "Forked Tongue" Confederate Frame buckle.  This buckle was recovered from Polk's Corp -Army of Tennessee - winter camps along Duck River near Shelbyville Tennessee.  It has a very nice uncleaned brown - green patina, and is going to be a fine addition to someone's Confederate buckle collection !!--$895.

  139. Very pretty, excavated, coat size, Mississippi "I" (Infantry).  This button was recovered about 50 years ago from Camp Withers which was a Mississippi Brigade camp located along the Elk River here in Middle Tennessee and occupied during 1862.  This button is slick as can be with gold around each letter, around the star, and completely filling the "I" in the center.  It has the normal "Hyde & Goodrich - NO" backmark.  This is an artifact that will be a compliment to any collection.--$595.

  140. End of the street beautiful excavated coat size, GA1A2, Georgia State Seal uniform button.  This jewel has 98.275 % (HA !!) bright gold gilt, and is a danger for a Relic Hunter with a heart condition to dig !!  It has shank intact, and a "W. H. SMITH - NY" backmark -SO PRETTY !!!--$450.

  141. Absolutely massive, .44 cal., single-shot, percussion hand gun.  The action still works well, and the pistol retains excellent rifling.  The grips appear to be hand carved.--$595.

  142. Very nice condition Civil War production .28 cal. New Model "Whitney Root" percussion revolver.  This handgun was meant to compete with the popular "Colt Root".  The revolver is crisply marked "E. Whitney - New Haven" and has nice condition original walnut grips.  The main spring remains nice and strong, but the cylinder doesn't advance every time.  This usually means a weak hand spring.  There were less than 2,000 of these ever produced, so is a fairly scarce revolver to come by, and would be a very nice addition for any Civil War collection.--$975.

  143. Original, .69 cal., Harpers Ferry musket that has been converted from flintlock to percussion and shortened from full musket to carbine length for service on horseback.  The Southern Confederacy had far more Cavalry than they had actual Cavalry carbines to arm them.  In order to arm the large numbers of Southern Cavalry, many full length infantry muskets were shortened to carbine length so that they could be used on horseback.  This is a perfect example of that and is out of a deep south estate.  I have no doubt that this .69 cal. Harpers Ferry loaded full of "buck and ball" would have been plenty deadly.  This is a weapon that you can hear "Dixie" coming out of the barrel from across the room!!!--$895.

  144. This just came into the shop yesterday - dark blue Federal frock coat that dates BARELY into the Indian War Era rather than Civil War.  This frock coat has a "raw edge" around the bottom, has a low 1 1/2 inch stand-up collar, and has 8 inches across the elbow sleeves, which are all good Civil War traits.  It does, however, have the pin striped sleeve liner, and also has raised shield Indian War era buttons.  This frock coat literally misses being Civil War by "maybe" 5 to 10 years, and is going to look great on a maniquin all decked out with equipment !!--$650.

  145. Just in, 2nd Model Kenansville, North Carolina, Confederate Cavalry saber.  This saber is out of the Confederate States Armory and has a smooth, chocolate brown patina on the blade, a classic Kenansville 3-branch brass guard (with Roman Numerals), and the classic Kenansville smooth type pommel cap.  The saber shows clear signs of having actually been carried including the outside branch of the guard is bent inward indicating the horse went down at least once sandwiching the saber between the ground and the leather saddle skirt.  The scabbard came out of the family with the saber and appears to have been with the saber for many years, but it is not a Kenansville product.  The grip has most of the leather intact with single strand iron wire.  Kenansville, North Carolina, products are very popular and sought after in the Confederate collector community.--$2,950.

  146. Very ornate, brass trimmed, .58 cal., single-shot derringer dating 1820 - 1840, originally produced in flintlock and converted to percussion for Civil War use.  This pistol has a very attractive, rich, aged patina.  The main spring remains very strong, but due to wear and almost 200 years, it sometimes jumps off full cock.  The 1820 - 1840 era is known for intricate, beautiful hardware on weapons.  This little weapon is guaranteed to add a splash of "class" to your collection.--$650.

  147. Very nice condition, "Double Barrel", percussion, .36 cal., boot pistol.  These little pistols were extremely popular among both officers and enlistedmen as an absolute "last resort".  This example is dated 1854 and even retains its original ram rod.  This little percussion double-barrel would be an excellent addition to any Civil War display.--$595.

  148. Very attractive, .58 cal., 1864 date, Simon Norris & W. T. Clements contract 3-band percussion rifled musket.  The musket has crisp action and lockplate markings of, "S. N. & W. T. C. - for Massachusetts - 1864 - US - and the Eagle".  The barrel has a matching 1864 date.  The stock remains in very nice condition with practically no burnout at all around the nipple and with two clear inspector cartouches.  The lockplate action remains as crisp as when it was new, and it has an excellent bore remaining.  The ramrod, both sling swivels, and long-range site all remain intact.--$1,650.

  149. Nice condition, hand stitched, brown leather, Confederate manufactured holster correct for any of the 36 caliber Navy Model revolvers such as Colt, Remington, Manhattan, Leech & Rigdon, and numerous other Navy Model size revolvers.  The holster shows actual service and wear but remains in good, stable condition.  Perfect for that Navy Model Confederate carried revolver you have.--$795.

  150. Really pretty, untouched, Model 1816, smooth bore musket converted for the Civil War from flintlock to percussion.  This musket is out of a local Tennessee estate and almost surely was Confederate carried.  The musket has lockplate markings of, "L. Pomeroy - the Eagle - 1821 - US".  The musket has numerous barrel inspector markings and a matching 1821 date.  The musket has nice, deep stock cartouches, and the action remains perfect and would no doubt still fire today.  This is a classic example of the type weapon that was "far pre-war" and obsolete that the Confederates were forced to fight with (but they were significantly better than the shotguns young Confederates brought from home).  Notice the pretty "SNY" barrel mark from about 40 years earlier !!! --$1,450.

  151. Excellent condition, thick Atlanta style rectangle CSA on original brown pigskin belt.  The belt remains in complete pliable condition, and the buckle shows nice service wear with all three attachment hooks present.  This is a museum grade Confederate waist belt rig.--$5,750.

  152. Really pretty, excavated, BIG 24MM, CS36, Confederate Army Officer with "H. T. & B. Manchester" backmark.  This button has super nice eye appeal with the gold gilt perfectly outlining the Eagle and Stars.  The reverse is slightly pressed inward, but the shank remains intact, and the backmark is easily legible.  This is a button that there are only a handful recovered per years.--$895.

  153. Excavated, large oval, SNY waist belt plate.  This is one of the waist belt plates that was recovered from the sunken ship in the James River.  This SNY had the three iron hook hooking system on the revers, and the iron hooks are rusted away.  The buckle has a very pleasing appearance.  This style buckle is quite rare and has only been recovered in two or three sites.--$595.

  154. Very nice condition, complete Model 1851, brown buff, Cavalry saber belt rig.  The brown buff belt remains strong and pliable with no breaks or repairs.  The sword belt plate is in beautiful condition with complete silver wreath and is the rare pattern with raised rays totally encircling the plate.  Additionally, both leather saber drops remain intact as well.  This rig is nice enough to easily go on a mannequin.--$975.

  155. Super rare, identified College Hill Arsenal Confederate Foot Officer’s sword and scabbard.  This sword and scabbard is the product of College Hill Arsenal in Nashville, Tennessee.  The sword was carried by Capt. Samuel A. Matthews, Co. E, 16th Regiment Mississippi Volunteer Infantry.  Capt. Matthews served for one year and was with his regiment encamped at Manassas, Virginia, when his term expired.  The sword remains in very nice condition with visible Confederate engraving virtually half the length of the blade and a large engraved “CSA” clearly engraved down the blade.  The sword’s scabbard is complete with all three original College Hill manufactured brass mounts.  On the top mount is engraved “Matt – Co. E 16th Miss”.  This is an extremely rare, firmly ID’d, Confederate Officer’s sword in original scabbard.  It originally came directly out of Capt. Matthew’s family estate.  A 50-page notebook comes with the sword detailing the history of the Regiment and Capt. Matthews.--$14,500.

  156. Beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Mississippi "Militia" button.  This is an MP5A with the plain star and the word "Mississippi" perimetering the outside edge.  I personally recovered this button about 40 years ago from a Mississippi campsite located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  This button remains absolutely solid as a rock.--$850.

  157. I've just purchased 10,000 mixed excavated Civil War bullets.  Bag of 50 mixed dropped and fired U.S. and C.S. bullets (Aproximately 2/3 dropped and 1/3 fired) - each bag includes a variety of different type bullets at a low cost of $1.78 per bullet--$89. per bag.

  158. Extremely rare, 100% gold gilted, Confederate Staff Officer CS36A1.  I don't see how this button could possibly be any nicer.  The face is flawless with 100% bright gold gilt, and the reverse remains perfect as well and is marked, "H. T. & B. Manchester".  This is a Confederate button that you will NEVER, EVER need to upgrade.--$1,150.

  159. Extremely rare "Boyle and Gamble" - Richmond, Virginia, Confederate Field and Staff Officer's sword and scabbard.  The sword remains in very nice condition with full engraving down both sides of the blade with the "CSA in shield" completely readable in the blade engraving.  The cast brass guard with "CS" in the wreath with the star above is in excellent condition with a rich, aged patina.  The sword has the original wrap and wire on the grip, and it has 95% of the original leather intact.  The sword has been in this leather scabbard since the Civil War Era, but the scabbard is a Civil War date import rather than a Boyle and Gamble product.  The original scabbard was likely damaged.  This Confederate Officer's sword and scabbard is nice enough for about any museum and would be a fine addition to any Confederate collection.--$9,850.

  160. Extremely rare and in very nice condition, Confederate manufacture, short Artillery sword.  This style unmarked Confederate sword is a product of "E. J. Johnston & Company" of Macon, Georgia.  This company provided the Confederacy with many different types and models of edged weapons.  A few of the weapons of this type are actually maker marked, but far and away most are unmarked.  This example has a nice, clean blade, gently darkening with age, and the classic concentric ring cast brass guard that has a rich, aged never cleaned patina.  This is a nicer example than what most museums have.--$1,895.

  161. Absolutely SMOKINGLY BEAUTIFUL excavated GILTED coat size Confederate 23mm "CS-7" Staff Officer's button.  This is a truly fantastic button with a "W. Dowler/Superior Quality" backmark.  It has the shank intact, and was recovered many years ago from a Confederate camp near Fairfax, VA.  In an entire Relic Hunting career, you will be able to count on your fingers the number of Confederate buttons that you recover this nice.--$875.

  162. Very nice condition, Model 1864, Federal belt rig complete with belt, US buckle and brass keeper, US marked percussion cap box with percussion caps still inside, and very nice condition, Model 1864, .58 cal. cartridge box with embossed US oval, "Oliver - PA." makers mark, and original tins inside.  It is rare now to find a Federal belt rig complete with both boxes.--$1,250.

  163. This was brought in by a local family that had an ancestor that served in the Confederate Cavalry.  The weapon is an import single shot horse pistol with a Southern conversion hammer like you have NEVER seen before.  The horse pistol has a hand crafted Southern lanyard ring to boot.  Hold this jewel up to your ear and all you hear is "Dixie" playing.--$895.

  164. Extremely rare, Leech & Rigdon, Memphis, Tennessee, Confederate manufactured Foot Officer's sword.  This is the Confederate sword along with a partial leather scabbard.  The blade remains clean, just beginning to darken with age.  It has the typical Confederate unstopped fuller.  The cast brass guard is 100% Memphis Novelty Works all the way with the distinctive Leech & Rigdon Officer's sword motif on both top and bottom.  This is a super rare Confederate Officer's sword, and in nearly 50 years, I could count the number of these that I have had on my two hands.  Better not let this one get away, because it could be many years before you see another one.--$5,950.

  165. Beautiful photographic estate of Lt. Dan McConnell of the 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  In this grouping is a crystal clear, fully cased, 1/6th plate tintype of Lt. McConnell.  This is a bust view, seated waist up, showing his frock coat, shoulder straps, and kepi with French Horn Infantry hat insignia.  Together with excellent military photograph of Lt. McConnell, there is additionally a fully cased 1/9th plate ambrotype of Lt. McConnell in civilian clothing.  In addition to these pictures is a half-cased ambrotype of Lt. McConnell in civilian clothing with his wife.  Also, there is a 1/6th plate ambrotype of Lt. McConnell's mother in a half-case.  In addition, there is a 1/9th plate ambrotype of a baby which we assume to be his child.  The 99th Ohio served all through Tennessee being at Stones River, Chickamauga, the drive toward Atlanta, and the Battles of Franklin and Nashville.  I purchased this group directly out of the family just days ago.--$495. for the entire five photograph estate.

  166. Very nice condition, Model 1851, Federal Cavalry belt rig with original buff belt and original cast-brass, Model 1851, Eagle sword belt plate with applied silver wreath.  The buff, leather belt is complete and remains soft and pliable with no breaks or repairs.  The cast-brass Eagle sword belt plate has a rich, aged patina with the silver wreath remaining 100% intact.  This is a nicer than usual Federal Cavalry belt rig.--$695.

  167. Absolutely beautiful condition large size lead filled S.N.Y. (State of New York) waist belt plate on the original arsenal black leather waist belt with the brass adjuster remaining intact.  They just don't get nicer than this one is, and any museum would be pleased to have it.--$1,150.

  168. Excellent condition small size pre-Civil War "militia" canteen complete with original butternut wool cover, and original linen sling.  This canteen has the original "tin spout" intact.  We recover remnants of these canteens in the 1863 Army of Tennessee Confederate winter camps here.  They are almost exclusively found in Confederate sites.  The canteen remains in excellent, museum grade condition.--$795.

  169. Model 1860 Federal light Cavalry saber that was just brought in out of the local area and was believed to have been Confederate carried.  The saber is maker marked "Mansfield & Lamb" and is dated "1864".  The saber's brass guard  is clearly bent in a manner definately indicating that the horse went down On The Brass Saber Guard at least once.  The saber is a Model 1860, but the scabbard is a Model 1840 likely because the scabbard was damaged when the horse went down.  Here is your saber if you are looking for one that saw action, and has a story to tell !!--$895.

  170. Just brought in by a local family, and is 100% untouched.  This is a very nice hand-me-down Confederate local made "CS DOG RIVER" Cavalry saber and scabbard.  The blade has a pretty gently greying aged patina, and the brass guard has a thick - never touched - brown patina.  The grip is down to the wood with only a few fragments of the leather and single strands of iron wire.  The scabbard is a classic lap seamed - brass mounted CS made scabbard.  This is a very nice, straight out of the Southern estate and untouched for the last 150 years, Confederate manufactured, "Dog River" CS Cavalry saber and scabbard.--$3,850.

  171. Very nice, excavated, large oval, fat letter pattern, "SNY" (State of New York) oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered in 1973 near Salem Church, Virginia.  It has full, smooth lead, and all three attachment hooks remain perfectly intact.--$895.

  172. Very nice condition, flat or corner curio display case.  The case remains in very nice condition, is lighted, and has three shelves.  It stands approximately six feet tall, two feet wide, and one foot deep.--$325.

  173. Just in, and purchased directly from the family  - Smoking nice Confederate Cavalry estate belonging to Daniel Francis Taylor of Wayne County Mississippi.  Wayne County is located just North of Mobile , Alabama.  In this estate is a drop dead beautiful Atlanta style rectangle C.S.A. waist belt buckle on the original brown pig-skin belt.  The buckle has a rich aged patina, and wide tooth file marks all the way around it.  There is a fully cased, crystal clear 1/6th plate tintype of Daniel pictured holding his unstopped fuller "Dog River" Confederate Cavalry Saber.  The actual "Dog River Factory" was nearly within walking distance of his home !!!  In the image Daniel is wearing a Model 1851 Federal Cavalry Sword Belt rig which is also still with the estate.  His brass cased compass is with the estate, and still works perfectly.  There are two additional photographs in the estate.  One is an ambrotype of his Dad, and the other image is an ambrotype of a young lady and a wedding ring is with it.  I feel sure that is his wife.  There is also a bullet mold, and a powder horn that are attributed on a tag to being his.  Forty years ago I used to have family groupings like this brought in quite often, but that era is "Gone With The Wind" - and it is a once in a year or more thing anymore to get a really nice Confederate estate like this.  You are not going to see a nicer thick Atlanta style C.S.A. on pigskin than this one.--$7,850. For The Entire Estate.SOLD

  174. Really nice reproduction US Model 1840 short Mountain Howitzer on a very nicely crafted white oak carriage.  The barrel is 33 inches in length with a bore of 2.5 inches.  The carriage is 80 inches tip to tip in length, 49 inches wide, and 43 inches high.  The owner has fired the cannon with powder and wadding only numerous times.  This will be a beautiful piece to display under a gazebo in front of an Antebellum home.--$7,500.  You pick it up here or we can likely arrange delivery for a fee.

  175. Super rare, original die - counter die - and cut out die for the scarcest Sheridan Cavalry Corps badge.  These items have been in an old New England collection for many, many years.  They were originally purchased from Bannermann's Island, and I was able to purchase them as part of settling the estate.  I really don't have a clue how to price this, as in over 50 years - I have never seen one of these offered for sale.  SO -- I am just going to take a guess, and this price very well may be less than 50% of this group's actual value.--$1,500.

  176. A few days ago - April 10th, 2017 - was one of life's very best days.  My 3rd granddaughter (Isabella Rose) was born to my younger daughter Savannah Cynthia and her husband Luke.  Isabella Rose was born at 1:10 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19 1/4" long.  She appears very healthy and has a head full of dark brown hair.  To me, she looks like a near exact duplicate of her older sister, Lila Magnolia.  The birth went perfectly, and we hope to have both coming home soon.  Lila is very proud of her new baby sister, and we hope that sentiment lasts.

  177. lilapic1.JPG (83855 bytes)lila2poppy.JPG (18033 bytes)lila3asleep.JPG (20264 bytes)lila5profpic.png (771077 bytes)lila5wrapped.jpeg (262144 bytes)lila4andmomhosp.JPG (141046 bytes)lila6reaction.JPG (23590 bytes)lila7goodmorning.jpg (65573 bytes)lila8happytues.jpg (59827 bytes)lili10pinksocks.JPG (26317 bytes)lila11withana.JPG (27622 bytes)lili12cheerldr.JPG (93658 bytes)savannahcheer.JPG (36520 bytes)lila13easterbunny.JPG (118941 bytes)lilasheep.JPG (27660 bytes)lilasthrnbell.JPG (28647 bytes)lilakitchen.jpg (37664 bytes)lilainstrawberries.JPG (702058 bytes) volcheerleader.JPG (647692 bytes)Meet "Lila Magnolia Blackwelder" !!!  She is my younger daughter - Savannah Cynthia and her husband - Luke Blackwelder's first child.  She was born December 4, 2013 at 3:25 pm weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.  She was born with a head full of dark brown hair and a fine set of lungs.  She has a wonderful disposition, and loves to smile and giggle.  I plan to do my best to spoil her beyond belief !!!!

  178. annasoccer.JPG (39064 bytes)poppyana&rachJPG.JPG (253237 bytes)anastasiaschool.JPG (25834 bytes)larrya.jpg (610641 bytes)NEW PICTURE !!!  Guess who is celebrating 1 year old today ??  Yep -- "Lady A - Anastasia" .  I  just got back from Houston, TX. visiting my first "Grandchild - Lady-A" {Anastasia}.  She is an absolute little doll and has everyone wrapped around her tiny, little finger.  She has arrived at the conclusion - "If I'm awake, somebody best be holding me if you know what's good for you" -- {otherwise I'll give you the business} !!!  She and I have a lot in common -- Two of our favorite things on earth to do is "Eat and Sleep" !!!!  Jonathan {the pup} is a wonderful "Big Brother" -- As a matter of fact - He has a little sweater that has "Only Child" crossed out and "Big Brother" written beneath it.  She is something like 11 months old and already weighs 23 lbs. -- Texas thing I'm told !!!   {Make that "5 YEARS" old now !!!!}  WOW --- Time sure gets away !!!!  And now ANOTHER year !!!!   I'm getting SOOO old, but beats the alternative !!!

  179. forrestprint.JPG (71374 bytes)Beautiful and tough to come by 1973 print of General Nathan Bedford Forrest that was done by the Sons of Confederate Veterans over 30 years ago.  The print is BIG measuring 24 inches by 30 inches before framing and is absolutely breathtaking once it's matted and framed.  I seldom get these in anymore.--$89.

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Middle Tennessee Relics
Larry Hicklen

Shop:  (615) 893-3470

Email:
larryhicklen@comcast.net