Civil War Spring Catalog

    CW-001

Mosby’s Men – 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry – Large Imperial Size Albumen Photograph taken from life by David H. Anderson, Richmond, VA 1865. They Rode with the Gray Ghost ! Reclining with their pistol belts laying beside them, his favorite men pose for this eloquent photograph which includes Sgt. Babcock, Lt. Ben Palmer, Pvt. Gosden, Pvt. Munson & Sgt. Thomas Booker. A large Imperial size Confederate image which is among the rarest of all CSA images, 100 times rarer than a ambro or tin type, mounted on original board 18 x 24 inches. A museum Showpiece.

$4,500    

    CW-002

One of the most Famous of all Confederate Virginia photographs – Illustrated in Albaugh’s Confederate Faces - Captain Lee of the ‘Winchester Continentals’ - Large Salt print photograph from life wearing his Continental Army uniform & hat in 1861 and holding his Virginia Militia sword. A crystal-clear image wearing the Revolutionary War style uniform of the Continental Army which was led by George Washington just 75 years earlier, being a buff and blue tail-coat with yellow buckskin trousers and a feathered tri-corn hat. This photograph has been published several times including Albaughs Confederate Faces, and offered here for the very 1st time, a rare Virginia Confederate salt print photograph from life in original ca. 1861 frame, large 6 x 8-inch immaculate image.

$4,500    



    CW-003

CSA President Jefferson Davis – original oil painting ca 1861-65 from the famous Redwood Plantation in Culpepper, Virginia. Very few paintings exist from the Confederate States everyone was in the Army and no one including the president had time to sit for a painting. Beautifully done oil on paper and in the original frame just as it hung in the hallway of Redwood, a house that JEB Stuart called his Head Quarters for a time and he certainly walked by this painting on numerous occasions. Very well done, the painting is 6 x 8 and the overall size within the gold-gilt gesso frame is 12 x 14 inches a remarkable showpiece and one of the great rarities of Confederate collecting, Albaugh only had 3 paintings in his collection out of 100’s of photographs that he collected.

$7,500    

    CW-004

The most famous Staff Officer of the Civil War Lt. Colonel A.S. ‘Sandie’ Pendleton August 28, 1863 he was Aide-de-Camp to Stonewall Jackson - signed pocket Bible – ‘Gospel According to Saint Mark – London 1862’ ( ran the blockade ) presented to and then signed by his brother-in-law Confederate General Edwin G. Lee. Signed by both ‘Sandie’s father was the famous Confederate General William Nelson Pendleton an Episcopal priest and commander of Stonewall Jackson’s Artillery, which he named his canons Mathew, Luke & John he later was General Lee’s family pastor in Lexington, VA . A historically important pocket bible between these 2 important families.

$2,500    

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    CW-005

Lt. A. S. “Sandie” Pendleton, Aide-de-camp to General T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson – from life CDV photograph by T.W. Clark Photographer - Norfolk, VA. Sandie was one of the pallbearers at Stonewall Jackson’s Funeral after he was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, Sandie also met his own death on the battlefield just a year later and is buried near ‘Stonewall’ in Lexington, Va. he was known as the finest Staff Officer of the Civil War.

$1,250    

    CW-006

The Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia - Appomattox Parole – filled out and signed on April 10th, 1865 printed on a small field press at the Mclean House at Appomattox during the Surrender, signed by one of Lee’s soldiers being his Safe Conduct Pass & Parole to go home. Faded and folded to fit into his shirt pocket, hand stamped in blue ink ‘Provost Marshall’s – Petersburg, Va.’ this is the last document of the Confederacy.

$1,250    

    CW-007

Young Confederate soldier with a massive D-Guard bowie knife on his belt with a derringer, wearing a Confederate Enlisted man’s Shell jacket and Kepi he can’t be more than 16 years old ! Docketed on verso as being from the Burkholder Family of Lynchburg, VA and accompanied by his military records ‘ Pvt. William H. Burkholder – Botetourt Artillery “ he died in 1863 when he as just 18 yrs. old of Typhoid Fever in Tennessee. A rare identified Confederate boy soldier well-armed with a big bowie knife that someone made for him to go to war with. Large 8 x 10 in albumen photograph.

$1,250    

    CW-008

‘Nothing Further Needs to be said to a Virginian’ – Confederate Broadside - Lynchburg, VA Appeal to the Citizens of Virginia to come to the aid Gen’l Lee’s Army desperate for Food and Clothes in the winter of 1865. “ Our Army is in Want – Nothing further need to be said to a Virginian” offering to pay local citizens for food and supplies for Lee’s Army with Confederate Government certificates that can be used to offset taxes. During the last days of the war the Army of Northern Virginia was hungry and exhausted but Virginian patriotism kept their spirits up to the very end just over a month later at Appomattox. Unpublished & Unique broadside.

$2,500    

    CW-009

General Lee the day after he ‘Surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Grant’ - April 1865 a superb from life CDV photograph by Mathew Brady imprint on verso, who had travelled to Richmond to be the first to photograph General Lee after the Surrender, Lee is seated with his son General GWC Lee gently placing his hand on his father’s shoulder on one side and Lee’s ever faithful aid-de-camp Lt. Col. Walter H. Taylor resting his hand on the back of the Generals chair on the other side. They are posed on Lee’s back porch of his home in Richmond with the Christian cross of the door behind Lee. The agony of defeat weighs heavily on Lee’s face in this portrait – his last in a Confederate Generals uniform, certainly one of the most important photographs of the War.

$1,500    

    CW-010

Confederate Recruiting Broadside Charlottesville, VA “To the Men of Albermarle” being a ‘Call to Arms’ for local citizens to grab their guns and head to Gordonsville, VA on June 28th, 1863 just before the Battle of Gettysburg as follows:

“The Secretary of War telegraphed to “Collect the local Companies formed, and being organized in Albermarle, and send them to Gordonsville to aid in guarding that point against a possible Raid” Thus whilst the organization of Minute Men is incomplete, we are invited to render service – Every True Man, therefore, capable of a few days service will volunteer for the occasion in the spirit of that offer. “Minute Men” whether belonging to organized Companies or not, and all others, are requested to report at Gordonsville, either by Companies or singly, with the least possible delay, Horses are undesirable. Transportation will be furnished from the nearest point of the Rail road. Ammunition and guns will be supplied and all having arms will bring them. John B. Minor, EB Watson, SW Ficklin, Eugene Davis”.

Confederate broadsides are in fact an important and great rarity, few have survived the war and they are rarely offered. Crudely printed on heavy stock paper and possibly the only surviving example 6 x 10 in.

$1,750    

    CW-011

Confederate General Armistead Lindsay Long – large albumen photograph taken from life in his Confederate Generals uniform with high standing collar with his generals stars a remarkable showpiece of this rare general who served on Lee’s Staff during most of the war and who after the war wrote and published the ‘Memoirs of Robert E. Lee’ although blind he successfully published one of the most important books of the ‘Lost Cause’. This photograph would have been taken during the time he served on Lee’s Staff 1862-1864. A rare large albumen image from life.

$1,250    



    CW-012

Fort Sumter albumen photograph April 1861 – taken by Charleston photographer just three days after General Anderson evacuated the US Troops from this fort, the battle that began the Civil War “ View of the South Face of Fort Sumter, opposite the batteries on Cumming’s Point, Morris Island, taken three days after it’s evacuation by Gen’l Anderson”. An original albumen photograph of the act that started the 4-year Civil War.

$450    

   

    CW-013

Confederate Engineer Maj. David B. Harris – Chief Engineer of Fort Sumter and of Charleston Harbor 1862-1864, albumen photograph from life in CS Engineer uniform by Charleston photographer he commanded the Confederate Occupied US Fort during the 2nd siege of Charleston. Accompanied by albumen CDV of General David F. Jamison taken from life by famous Charleston photographer Quinby ( label on verso), he was President of the South Carolina Secession Convention on December 20th, 1860 when South Carolina became the 1st State to secede from the Union (2 images)

$350    

    CW-014

The Citadel – Military School Charleston, SC 1861 albumen CDV taken from life of the most famous Military School in the south besides VMI. A historical outdoor view which rarely if ever comes onto the market. A perfect Showpiece.

$250    

    CW-015

Confederate General James Chestnut of South Carolina as senator – one of the most famous Southern Politicians and Generals from South Carolina, his images rarely come on the market. Albumen CDV with back mark of Silsbee, Case photographers of Boston.

$175    

    CW-016

Confederate General Thomas R.R. Cobb – oversize albumen photograph from life wearing his Confederate Generals uniform, he was killed in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. Brother of Howell Cobb he was mortally wounded by an artillery shell during the battle and bled to death. Trimmed and previously mounted in a photograph album, but a very rare Confederate image.

$450    

    CW-017

Confederate Broadside – Announcing the Inevitable Civil War in January 1861 to the Citizens of Maryland by Bradley T. Johnson “We are swiftly and surely drifting into Civil War – Eight States are about assuming a position of Independence as to the rest, and any attempt to coerce the by Force of Arms will light the blaze of War from Mason’s & Dixon’s line Southward”. The content and prophesy of this broadside is historically amazing, they knew war was coming in January 1861, Lincoln had just been sworn in as President of the United States and Bradley T. Johnson knew the horrors of war and what it would do to his state of Maryland. Certainly, one of the finest Confederate Broadsides ever offered as it clearly states what was on the minds of the citizens that day – they knew war was coming but they did not know how to stop it ! The exact transcript of the entire text of this unique broadside is available to those interested. A Unique historical insight of how the Civil War began and those that tried in vain to prevent it 8 x 10 inches with manuscript endorsements.

$2,500    

   

    CW-018

Confederate General Junius Daniels – Rare from life albumen CDV by Vannerson & Jones Richmond, VA imprint on verso along with a Wilmington, NC photographer handstamp who actually sold this photograph in 1863. General Daniels was killed in action during the Battle of Spotsylvania in 1864 at the Bloody Angle. He was an important figure in North Carolina commanding the 43rd and 45th North Carolina troops, a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg his men led the way for the Confederate Army success on the 1st Day of Battle at Gettysburg and was considered to be the best General from North Carolina during the war. A excellent image of this famous Confederate General.

$350    

   

    CW-019

The Vice-President of the Confederate States of America – a Rare and from life albumen CDV photograph of this 2nd in command of the Confederate Government that many collectors and Historians overlook the crucial role he led during the Civil War. A Statesman from Georgia, of small stature and frail – he was faithful to the Confederacy throughout the war and performed his duties admirably under President Jefferson Davis. Taken from life with a patriotic background of crossed flags by the famous Confederate Photographers Tucker & Perkins of Augusta, GA with their label on verso printed in light blue ink. Photographs of him are actually scarce and usually copy prints. A great Confederate image rarely encountered.

$150    

    CW-020

Lt. William Gaston – West Point Classmate and close friend of Fitzhugh Lee, he met his death before the war began, fighting Ute Indians in the West in 1860. A rare full standing image of him by Mathew Brady imprint on verso. In US Cavalry uniform with cape around his shoulders.

$150    

    CW-021

Nashville Photographer C.C. Giers – full standing albumen CDV of him in his photographic studio at 42 Union Street in Nashville, TN in 1864 he owned the largest Photography Studio in Union Occupied Nashville photographing soldiers and statesmen as they traveled through enroute to the battlefields south.

$150    

    CW-022

Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnston – a rare albumen photograph, being the very one published in Confederate Faces on pg. 17. He commanded the Confederate Army at the Battle of Shiloh where he was killed while leading his men against the Union Army in 1862 the first loss of a high ranking Confederate General in the war. In pristine condition with a photographers label on verso of McAllisters in Philadelphia this image was taken war date from a prewar daguerreotype of him when he was stationed in Texas.

$250    

    CW-023

Confederate Political Leader and Priest Charles Minnegorode & family – 3 albumen CDV photographs all with ‘Richmond, VA ‘ photographers imprints on verso including C.R. Rees, David Anderson & Vannerson. One in his eclastic attire is boldly signed by him which quite rare.

$350    

    CW-024

General R. E. Lee family albumen CDV photographs of his Children, his Brother and his Nephew’s – 7 different images of the Lee family rarely seen and historically important with Alexandria, VA or Richmond photographers back marks on all the images.

$450    



    CW-025

British Handbill – ‘The Reasons why McClellan did not capture Richmond’ printed on bright green paper by ‘London Times Print’ a small theatrical handbill with an ornate fancy border and very exhibitable 4 x 6 inches.

$250    

    CW-026

Jennie Carey made the 1st Confederate Battle Flag with her sister Hetty Carey – a from life albumen CDV photograph taken by J.J. Jenkins of Baltimore, Md. a striking and very beautiful Confederate Patriot she and her sister Hetty Carey captured the hearts of their countrymen. They sewed together the very 1st Confederate Battle Flag and presented it to General Beauregard she wrote: “During the autumn of ‘61 Hetty and I were entrusted to make the first three battle flags of the Confederacy. They were jaunty squares of scarlet crossed with dark blue edged in white, the cross bearing stars to indicate the number of the seceded states. We set our best stitches upon them, edged with gold fringed, and, when they were finished, dispatched one to General Joseph Johnston, another to General Pierre Beauregard, and the last to General Earl Van Dorn. The banners were made from red silk for the fields and blue silk for the crosses”. A wonderful and historical photograph.

$250    

    CW-027

Confederate Preacher and his Guitar playing wife – albumen CDV taken by Vannerson, Richmond, VA imprint on verso. Unidentified he is full standing with single breasted frock coat and holding a slouch hat. A scarce occupational war date photograph.

$150    







    CW-028

Confederate General Stevenson – Presentation Coin Silver set from his Staff made by Nowlan & Co. Jewelers, Richmond, VA before or during the war. A Fruit silver & gold 15 pc. serving set in 2 leatherette cases with magenta silk lining and gold stamped presentation to General Stevenson from his men. From Fredericksburg, VA. a career military officer he graduated from West Point in 1838 and fought in all of the Seminole Wars in Florida. During the Civil War he led 10,000 Confederate soldiers to reinforce Vicksburg which was under siege by US Grant who commanded a 25,000 man US Army invasion force, heavily out numbered he fought until Vicksburg surrendered on July 4th, 1863 his military history is legendary. Truly a Showpiece for a Museum or Collector and Unique he served in the Military from the War with Mexico through the Civil War.

$7,500    

    CW-029

Civil War Carpenters – albumen CDV photograph taken from life, each one is holding a carpenters tool with a Akron, OH backmark.

$150    

    CW-030

Civil War Blacksmith – albumen CDV taken from life of a young Blacksmith wearing a leather apron unmarked and highly unusual.

$150   



    CW-031

Union Army Disabled Veteran with no Arms – albumen CDV from life by Cargo Photographer, Pittsburg, PA with a patriotic imprint on verso about the explosion that took his arms at the Battle of Fort Fisher January, 1865. Accompanied by a young boy dressed in US Navy uniform and his 4 wheeled cart displaying Union Flags.

$150    

    CW-032

Civil War Photographer Camp Studio with his photographs nailed to the side of his shack – albumen outdoor CDV of thus ramshackle photography studio in a soldier’s camp where he had set up to take their photographs, the soldiers are lined up on plank walkways. Unique.

$250    

    CW-033

Civil War Photographer homemade camp photography studio that he nailed together – out door albumen CDV photograph from life, with his cased photographs displayed on a table outside his self-made studio. Photographers travelled from camp to camp to take soldiers images, this fellow was a tin typist! Unique.

$250    











    CW-034

General R E Lee – hand written letter and original envelop as the Superintendent of West Point Military Academy in 1854. Beautifully framed with photographs of his Lee Ancestor’s written to his beautiful cousin Ella Carter in which he eloquently addresses her recent visit to him at West Point.

Lee’s handwritten letter is at center surrounded by 5 CDV photographs, including a RE Lee signed photograph at very top and surrounded by:

Richard Lee the 1st Lee that immigrated to America largest land owner in America 1618-1664; his son Col. Richard Lee II Member of the King Council of Virginia 1647-1715 Thomas Lee the builder of Stratford Hall and signer the Declaration of Independence in 1776; Revolutionary War Famous General Light-Horse Harry Lee father of Robert E Lee

This rare RE Lee letter and original Lee Family photographs were discovered in the Carter Family archives recently and have never been on the market before. R E Lee was appointed as Superintendent of West Point by Jefferson Davis who would later become the President of the Confederate States of America, he was US Secretary of War when he appointed Lee to the command of the most sacred Military School In America ‘West Point’. Lee who normally showed little emotion adored his cousin Ella from the Carter side of the family, as did the West Point Cadet’s when they 1st met her in 1854:

West Point 10 May 1854

My beautiful Ella,

I suppose the enclosed is from Cousin George, saying he could not find you in the arrival of the Cars. Does he even know your name? I hope you found Madame Sigorgius though I do not think it safe in your Cousin M. to have trusted you to that gay widow.

Come back to me you precious child you will not find anyone to love you half as much. Custis & I had a Sad Saturday. Many of the Cadets called to sympathize with us, but found us such poor company they soon left us,

Mr Chitz having satisfied himself that you had actually gone, & that he would not encounter you in the weigh station himself must ----------, before any mail could have arrived with a --------- letter.

See what little faith you can place in the professions of these young men. The travelers have arrived safely in Baltimore. Mary thinks her trot is none the worse for the journey. They said they were very sorry at part- ing from you, but none regret it as much as

Your Cousin, R.E. Lee

A remarkable Lee letter

$17,500    







    CW-035

High Grade Confederate Cavalry Officers ‘CSA’ Nashville Plow Works sword & original scabbard – ca.1861 with ornate hand stempled designs throughout the hilt and guard of the sword. The Nashville Plow Works was owned by Sharp & Hamilton who actually produced ploughs and farming equipment prior to the Civil War and switched their factory over to producing swords and weapons in 1861, literally turning plowshares in swords in Nashville, Tennessee at the beginning of the civil war. Their sword factory was short lived as Nashville was among the 1st major southern cities that fell to the Union Army on April 1st, 1862 so they had less than a year of production, probably only 6 months of full scale production as the owners were captured and imprisoned as traitors in April 62’.

A remarkable Confederate Cavalry sword with an excellent cavalry blade and scabbard and the stempled designs are very unusual and make this a high grade Unique Nashville Plow Works Cavalry Officers sword. A showpiece.

$22,500    





    CW-036

1847 Artillery Rifle – Springfield .69 cal. US Artillery Musketoon first issued during the War with Mexico and used throughout the Civil War. Smooth bore 26 in round barrel with a bayonet lug on a walnut stock with shoulder sling swivels. Only 3300 of these guns were ever made, light weight in comparison to full length Springfield musket’s, martially marked U.S. on the butt plate and Springfield on the lock plate. Excellent condition and a rare military gun.

$3,250    









    CW-037

Rifled Canon – 1861 – Havana, Cuba or Charleston S. C. Arsenal Conversion - Spanish Main heavy bronze 4 pdr naval canon made in 1798 in Barcelona, Spain for the Spanish Colonies in the New World – America. Highly engraved bearing the monogram and Royal Cypher of King Charles IV of Spain on the breech, then rifled in Cuba at the onset of the American Civil War in 1861 and sold to a Confederate Blockade runner from Charleston, SC. as it was recently discovered in South Carolina. An Ultra-Rare Conversion from a smoothbore Spanish Naval Canon to a Civil War Rifled Canon done at the Havana Arsenal to sell weapons to the newly formed Confederate government. The sawtooth rifling has 6 lands and grooves still intact and would not have been rifled until the Civil War when new ammunition was developed for use, the Britten 3.5 “projectile would have been used in this canon, and the Blakely rifled canons also had this same style of rifling in their Confederate 12 pdr canons that fired the very same projectile. This canon is the same size as a US Six-Pounder canon, and the barrel is over 5 feet long and weighs 725 lbs. the rifled bore is 3.5 inches it would fit easily onto a 6 pdr carriage, a near identical canon is also in the Mariner’s Museum in Norfolk, VA. Wonderful pea green patina of this bronze canon that saw use in the Confederacy during the Civil War and a rarely offered wardate Conversion. ( free delivery within 1000 miles)

$55,000    





    CW-038

Confederate Colt Revolver from William Albaughs personal collection and illustrated in his book on Confederate weapons. Made by Mitchell and Tyler in Richmond, Virginia with the most spectacular carved ivory grips known to exist on a Confederate gun.

Confederate Colt navy .36 cal six shot cylinder brass backstrap and trigger guard with gold front site – Virginia State seal bas relief carved into the grips with the state motto “ Sic Semper Tyrannis” in a banner with a beautifully carved ‘CS’ a top, the opposite grip has a large 5-point brass Star with 8 brass rivets, the grips are marked Mitchell & Tyler.

Certainly, the finest Confederate revolver existent, and would have been carried by a high-ranking Virginia officer or Member of the Confederate Government one can only imagine which notable Confederate carried this gun, this was William Albaugh’s favorite gun out of his entire collection of Confederate weapons. A Unique showpiece in excellent condition and published in his 1st book on Confederate Weapons.

$45,000    







Confederate Medical Officer’s Kepi–Captured at the Battle of Corinth Padded with Cotton Balls from a Mississippi plantation 1861

    CW-040

This Confederate Medical Officer’s kepi has three beautiful, symmetrical bands of gold braid at each side and at the top rim. A counterpart Union doctor captured this kepi at the Battle of Corinth. With gold gilt petal buttons at each side of the visor of this black wool kepi, the hat has a rare gold braid chin strap and is most importantly is still stuffed with cotton balls used as padding, from the slave cotton fields of Mississippi. The brown quilted lining is in excellent condition and has a 19th century ink capture label inside. Kepi’s from the Confederate Medical service are very rare and indeed much sought after. This example is in very good condition with the lining still intact is a showpiece Confederate kepi which is a must for any private or museum collection, a very rare captured Confederate Medical Officer’s black kepi padded with cotton balls.

$35,000    





A Confederate Regulation General’s Kepi on Dark Blue wool with CS-1 Buttons

    CW-041

There are two types of Confederate General’s Kepis, this Superb Kepi is of the Chasseur style with the deeply chased back. The hand sewn quatrefoil in the regulation generals four bands is beautifully done, the stitching is still on top of the heavy gilt quatrefoil bands. It has Confederate CS -1 brass eagle buttons on either side of the hand cut leather chin strap and the leather visor is also excellent and completely original. An ultra-rare Confederate General’s Regulation Kepi which is far more rare than a Confederate Generals uniform as only a few have survived. A showpiece.

$65,000    

    CW-042

A stunning Confederate Artillery Captain’s Uniform - Coat and Pants, worn by Capt/Surgeon Francis A. Stanford of the 15th Alabama Volunteers, latter surgeon for General Joseph Wheeler’s Army of Tennessee Cavalry Corps. This uniform and those of his brothers-in-law were all recently discovered in the antebellum home of “St. Elmo” (namesake of the famous literary work) certainly one of the last great discoveries. Captain Stanford had married one of the Fontaine girls, her brother Theophilus Fontaine was a commander in the 3rd Georgia Cavalry (his Confederate uniform was discovered at the same time as this one) and later in the 20th Georgia in Lee’s Army and fought from Gettysburg to the surrender at Appomattox. Their father was the mayor of Columbus, Georgia, and they all lived in the magnificent Antebellum home of St. Elmo.

The uniform has triple quatrefoil running up each sleeve to near the shoulder, his captain’s bars are neatly sewn onto his bright red collar, he cuffs are matching bright red, with fourteen Eagle Staff buttons on the double breasted front, and three small eagle staff cuff buttons on each cuff, and tail buttons. Capt. Stanford has signed the waist band inside his trousers which are a darker shade of grey, with same bright red piping down each leg, with bone button closures. Condition is bright color yet some mothing at edges especially on his trousers. Accompanied by his service records, as well as a Les Jensen Letter of Authenticity.

$65,000    



    CW-043

Confederate Embossed “CS” Canteen made in New Orleans

According to the late Steve Mullinax, the author of Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates, there are only four “CS” embossed canteens known to exist. This exact canteen is pictured on page 85 in the canteen book by Steve Sylvia and Michael O’Donnell. It is thought by some authorities that these “CS” canteens were made in New Orleans in 1861. This canteen was captured at the Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, in April 1862. It is completely genuine and is one of the rarest Confederate items known to exist. Accompanied by a Letter of Provenance from Steve Mullinax who originally discovered it Twenty years ago.

$35,000    









    CW-044

General George Thomas’ Presentation Sword carried during the capture of Nashville - The ‘Rock of Chickamauga’ – Commanding General of the Army of the Cumberland.

General George Thomas would have carried this battle sword throughout the Civil War, firstly at the Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky in January of 1862; the first decisive Union victory. Thomas’ forces drove the Confederates across the Cumberland River forcing them to abandon precious equipment and supplies. Already a Brigadier General, Thomas would be promoted to Major General for this action. From there it was on to Stones River where he helped Rosecrans gain a much-needed victory in January of 1863. But it was at Chickamauga that Thomas’ star would shine brightest. With the Union Army already being broken in two, Thomas nevertheless held on causing a Union officer and future President of the United States James Garfield to report to his commander General Rosecrans that Thomas was “Standing like a Rock”. Thereafter the name ‘Rock of Chickamauga’ was attached to Thomas and his legend was born.

Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s sword with its 31 ½-inch blade and sharkskin, twisted wire grip is in fine and somewhat battle worn, untouched condition. The inscription on the face of the guard reads:

“Geo. H. Thomas Major General U. S. Army”

He later commanded the Army of the Cumberland throughout the Atlanta Campaign after which he was sent to pursue the Confederate Army of Tennessee commanded by CSA General John Bell Hood which he defeated at the famous Battle of Franklin and Perryville, effectively eliminating the last Confederate powerful force in the West.

This historical importance of this General Thomas sword with its impeccable provenance cannot be overstated. Thomas was a powerful force in the Union Army and played a significant role in the Union victory. His experience in three wars and West Point education served him well. Even though he was a native born Virginian, he stayed true to the cause of preserving the Union.

The engraved blade is profusely etched with detail work. Just above the ricasso on the reverse is the maker’s name, ‘Ames Mfg. Co./Chicopee/Mass’. The elaborate scabbard is blued with cast decoration on the brass mounts. A famous painting executed in 1866 in Nashville depicts General Thomas holding this very sword ! Painted by the artist George Drury and authorized by the Tennessee legislature, the painting hung in the Tennessee State Capitol until restored in 1963.

This particular battle sword was carried throughout the Civil War due to the excellent provenance provided with it. The sword was given to General Thomas’ aide-de-camp and nephew Colonel S. C. Kellogg by Thomas himself. Inscribed on the pommel cap of the sword is the following:

“This saber was used by General Thomas all through the Civil War and presented to Colonel Sanford C. Kellogg, US Army”

The sword descended through his daughter, Mrs. Julia Kellogg Bradley and then to the collector, Dr. William Mitchell Hoover in 1946. The sword was sold to the noted Civil War expert and collector Norm Flayderman in 1966. (Notarized statement from Dr. Hoover is included)

$125,000    







    CW-045

General Charles C. Dodge’s Cavalry Uniform–7th New York Cavalry–21 years old and a Wealthy New Yorker he bought th finest extra tall Cavalry boots I have ever seen.

One of the youngest generals in American history, Charles Cleveland Dodge was commissioned a captain in the 7th New York Mounted Rifles, a volunteer cavalry unit in December 1861. After organizing more companies to his unit, the young captain was wounded when his unit took part at the naval engagement involving the clash of the ironclads, firing from the shore as the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor fought it out at Hampton Roads. After participating in the capture of Norfolk, Dodge was promoted to colonel and then general in November of 1862 at the bright young age of 21 years. General Dodge’s cavalry famously chased General Longstreet and enjoyed much success at the Battle of Suffolk and at Hertford, North Carolina.

General Dodge’s double-breasted cavalry uniform is in very good condition with its velvet collar and cuffs and 16 large ‘eagle’ staff buttons, each back marked ‘Extra Quality’. The shoulder straps each have the gold bullion single star of a brigadier general with the frock coat having three smaller eagle buttons at each cuff and four additional buttons at the tail. The dark blue wool fabric is in excellent condition, a expensive tailor made frock coat with sleeve linings and sturdy, six-piece paneled construction.

Included with this historic frock coat are General Dodge’s extra large 32” tall cavalry boots with his spurs still attached. Though popular during the war, they are rarely found today. In addition, this uniform set includes General Dodge’s crimson officer’s sash, his red and gold officer’s dress belt with sword hangers and his gold general’s sash. This is a complete and historic uniform collection worn by a 21 year old Union General during the Civil War. Discovered by Walter Budd the renown expert on US Cavalry – there is not another US Cavalry uniform set in existence better than this one.

$65,000    









    CW-046

The First Gettysburg Battle Flag – The very 1st Shots of the Battle of Gettysburg were Fired Under this flag on July 1, 1863 Carried into the Battle by the 56th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

“They were the only Pennsylvania Regiment on the battlfield at that time, in fact the only one serving in Wadsworth’s Division in that campaign, the 56th under the command of General Hofmann.

This regimental flag was made of wool bunting, dyed dark blue, with the red disk corps badge designating the First Division, First Corps, and in white muslin letters, the words “56th Regt. P.V.” The corps reached Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.

As the 56th deployed and marched across the fields just north of the railroad cut through McPherson’s Ridge, enemy troops were seen approaching. Acting under Brigadier General Lysander Cutler’s orders, Hofmann wheeled his men into line and opened fire on the Rebels. By doing so, the 56th was the first infantry unit to fire a volley in that monumental battle.

It is accompanied by personal effects of General Hofmann including his watch fob which is inscribed with his name. Hofmann’s ‘Old Guard’ membership medal with inscription and an ‘Independent Blues’ medal of the ‘3rd Regiment of 1861’ are also included here. Another medal commemorating the ‘Fallen Brave’ of the Washington Grays dated April 19, 1872 names the officers of the unit that served under General Hofmann. A ‘Gettysburg Pennsylvania Day’ medal is accompanied by General Hofmann’s Corps badge inscribed to ‘J. W. Hofmann Brevet Brigadier General U.S.V.’

This historic flag and General Hofmann’s medals were preserved in a tin box with Colonel Hoffman’s name painted in gold letters, which is included with the flag. It is safe to say that this is the most important Gettysburg flag in private hands. It is a remarkable and historical national treasure.

Authenticated by the noted flag historian, the late Howard Michael Madaus, the flag measures 49 inches on its hoist by 59 inches on its fly; an imposing battle flag under which the first troops would rally. The dark blue field is accentuated by a 12-inch red cotton disc which is applied to both sides and is representative of the ‘Corps badge’ of the 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, Army of the Potomac to which the 56th Pennsylvania was attached. On the obverse side of the flag the hand sewn inscription in 6¼ inch white letters ‘56th. REGT.’ over the letters ‘P.V.’ appears designating the 56th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers.

In the January 13, 1886 edition of the Philadelphia Weekly newspaper - General John William Hofmann recounts how this flag “was carried through the campaign and a few months afterward, because of the fact that the first infantry fire on the field had gone out from under its folds”. There can no more historic and rare infantry flag than the one which was held by the men who fired those momentous shots on July 1, 1863. Accompanied by a war-date silver presentation plaque presenting this very flag from the men of the 56th to Colonel Hofmann’s widow, and it descended within his family until now.

$250,000    



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GARY HENDERSHOTT | P.O. BOX 22520, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72221 | TEL. 501-258-1861