NEW ITEMS

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1. IMPORTANT --- IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS A RELATIVE BURIED IN THE CEMETERY HERE AT STONES RIVER, AND WOULD LIKE A CURRENT PICTURE OF THE GRAVE - JUST SEND ME THE NAME AND GRAVE LOCATION, AND I WILL BE GLAD TO GET IT DONE FOR YOU !!

2. This is my youngest Granddaughter, Isabella Rose, and I do believe that she has the "Collector Gene".  She is collecting both old and new baseball cards, and currently the Atlanta Braves is her team.  If any of you guys have any baseball cards from when you were young, I would love to buy them from you to encourage her collecting endeavor.  Who knows - one of these days, the sign in front of the shop might read, "Belle's Baseball Cards and Civil War Relics"!!!  I had all girls, and my girls have had all girls, but there is hope!!!

3. I want to send everyone my most sincere "Thank-You" for all of your support for Belle and her baseball card collecting.  She is as excited as if it were Christmas morning!!  I really do appreciate your helping hands, and I guarantee the cards will be well cared for.  Now, if I can somehow get a Civil War interest that strong worked into the program, we will be set!!!

4. We would like to congratulate the young winner of our latest Youth Relic Giveaway.  This display of artifacts goes to Shaun Permar of Souderton, Pennsylvania, and consists of a very nice selection of excavated Civil War bullets and buttons.  Our hope is that this will contribute to a life long interest in collecting Civil War memorabilia.  This relic display is compliments of our good buddy, Joseph Pulice, up in Hudson, New York.  We send our heart-felt thanks to Joe.

5. We would like to send our congratulations to Castibelle Schweinfurth as the winner of our most recent Youth Relic Giveaway.  Castibelle won an original, fully cased, 1/9th plate Civil War tintype of a young Union Soldier.  We thank Joe Pulice for supplying this Youth Giveaway artifact.  We all hope it will inspire Castibelle to further interest in the Civil War Era.  We appreciate you, Joe!

6. Really pretty display of quality Civil War artifacts that in about a month we are going to draw a youngster's name, and present them with this superb display of REALLY NICE Civil War artifacts.  We invite all youngsters 14 years of age and younger to drop us a letter in the mail telling us "why you'd like to win" this display.  In the center of the display is a beautiful solid cast brass Confederate block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  There is also a fired Whitworth Confederate sniper rifle projectile.  This display is the curtesy on Mr. Mark Cole, who like myself, wants to encourage our youth to be interested in preserving our Civil War past.  If you have won one of our contests in the past - "it does not matter".  THIS IS A WHOLE NEW DAY, AND EVERY YOUNGSTER IS ELIGIBLE !!!  A HUGE "THANK YOU" MARK !!!  PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTER TO:                                                                                            LARRY HICKLEN= 3511 OLD NASHVILLE HWY.= MURFREESBORO, TN. = 37129         BEST OF LUCK EVERYONE !!!

7. What a treat it was to have our young friends, Jackson Ambrose and Olivia Krapovich come down from Ohio and spend some time and relic hunt with us.  Last time they were down, we were fortunate enough to hit one hole that held nearly 100 Confederate bullets.  I was afraid that following a hunt like that might be somewhat of a let down.  These two young folks are tough as nails.  It did not matter one bit that the spring water was a bone chilling 58 degrees - in they went -- and hunted for some thing like 2 hours in there.  They did have a really pretty "smurf-like" blue color when they came out !!!  Jackson scored a beautiful lead filled Artillery rosette.  Interestingly, I had recovered a matching artillery rosette and two eagle "A" buttons nearby on land about 20 years ago !!!  I hope these are lifetime memories for Liv and Jack !!!!

8. Check out our new "kitty-cat" at the mountain cabin.  I think he will be a sure enough good mouse catcher!!  I believe he is a little older than most that we have seen, because bobcats are generally more slender.  This guy is quite "beefy" and could give most things a really tough time!!

9. Well Guys -- I have finally reached a landmark that I have "wondered" how it would feel for a long time.  I am "entering" my "50-th year" of being "open for business" here at "YESTERYEAR - MIDDLE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR RELICS" at the BATTLE OF STONES RIVER - MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE !!!  I have so completely enjoyed helping get folks started researching, saving relics, collecting, relic hunting, and generally loving preserving Civil War History that the time has flown.  Some of my proudest moments are (1) Back in 1972, I had just graduated college at MTSU, with a degree in Chemistry, and was interviewing for a job - pretty much all Chemistry jobs when out of the blue, I get a call from the Principal of Ringgold High School, Ringgold, Georgia.  The Math/Chemistry teacher had become seriously ill, and had to resign.  He explained to me how many young lives would be impacted.  I had not had ONE education course in my entire life, but he explained to me that he could get me a one year "Emergency Teacher Certificate".  The "impacting young lives" thing stuck with me.  I accepted the teaching job, and was off to Ringgold, GA.  Once there, the coaches there learned that I had played baseball in highschool years, and they were missing a baseball coach, and for an extra $50. per month - I became "Coach Hicklen" !!  I was already Relic Hunting, and loving Civil War history by this point, and some of the students/baseball players began on weekends going with me, and looking for Relics.  It didn't hurt that "The Battle of Ringgold Gap", and a portion of "The Battle of Chickamauga" fell on farms owned by families of some of my students.  One of my students (Keith Rowland) - who was also on the baseball team, and loved relic hunting so much that he got his Dad into it, and they hunted together for many years.  Many years later Keith thanked me for introducing him to Relic Hunting.  He said that he was heading down some wrong roads, and he credits Relic Hunting for turning his focus around !!  Now THAT makes you "HAPPY" !!  And, then there was this "Muddy Boot" young student from MTSU that had to show me the .69 cal three ring bullets he had just found.  I liked the newly recovered .69 cal. three ringers very well, but what I REALLY LIKED was this young man's  EXTREME LOVE AND ENTHUSIASM of collecting and the era.  This young man was "RAFAEL ELEDGE", and in no time I realized this young man had every last thing he needed to "EXCELL" in what we do.  I hope he and Catherine know that I could not be more proud of them !!!!  And Well - that brings us to tonight.  This coming year will close out 50 years of being "OPEN" (although the last few have been by appointment, and "online".  I am announcing my intention to "Completely Retire" at the "end" of this coming year -- (2026).  I am hoping that gives me a few years to just chill, dig a few relics, fish a little, and get into trouble with the grandbabies !!!!  My Love, and Thanks to everyone For A Mighty Fine Life, and my most sincere thanks to God for Placing in my life All The Wonderful People That He Has, and for the gifts and abilities that he has richly blessed me !!!!  LOVE YOU GUYS, AND DO MEAN IT !!!!!

10. WHAT A FUN, FUN TIME WE HAD AT THE CIVIL WAR SHOW AT FRANKLIN, TN THIS PAST WEEK-END !!!  IT WAS SO GREAT GETTING TO SEE EVERYONE, AND NOT TO MENTION THE THOUSANDS OF GREAT CIVIL WAR RELICS !!!  I MOST HUMBLY THANK THE MANY OF YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS, AND CONDOLENCES RELATING TO MY DAD'S RECENT PASSING.  I CAN PROMISE IT REALLY DOES HELP CALM A HURTING HEART - ONCE AGAIN "THANK YOU" !!!  -----  (NOW PASSED -12-6-25 and 12-7-25) ---- VERY - VERY IMPORTANT !!!  IT IS "CIVIL WAR SHOW AND SALE TIME" IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE !!!  OUR 38TH ANNUAL "MIDDLE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SHOW AND SALE" WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND (DEC. 6, AND DEC. 7, 2025) AT THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY AG. CENTER LOCATED JUST SOUTH OF FRANKLIN, TN AT THE GOOSE CREEK EXIT OFF OF INTERSTATE I-65.  THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF THE ENTIRE YEAR FEATURING APPROXIMATELY 800 TABLES OF THE FINEST "REV. WAR - CIVIL WAR - & WWII" ARTIFACTS IN EXISTANCE TODAY !!!  THE SHOW WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SAT. (DEC. 6) 9 AM - 5 PM, AND SUN. (DEC. 7) 9 AM -3:00 PM.  PLEASE COME BY MY TABLES, AND "SAY - HELLO" !!!  I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU !!!  THIS SHOW IS ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN !!!  I'M WALKING OUT THE DOOR, AND HEADED TO THE SHOW -- HOPE TO SEE YOU GUYS THERE !!!

    "Today" (now a number of days in the past) was the day that I have dreaded my entire life.  The "ACTUAL" day that I have to say "GOOD BYE" to my dear old Dad.  I stayed in the hospital room with him last night following his massive heart attack a couple days ago.  At 8:17 AM this morning (Wed.- 11/19/2025) at the age of "94 years -7 months and 27 days", I watched as Dad took his last breath.  Part of me "celebrated" that Dad was free of all the pain and suffering of this world, BUT, a HUGE part of me was "deeply grieving" that I had just lost one of the two people THAT I 1000% KNEW HAD MY BACK SINCE THE DAY I WAS BORN !!  I first want to say thank you to all our friends and relatives for the condolences, support, and well wishes.  It really does make a difference.  I thought I was ready to say goodbye and send Dad along to a place where there is no more pain and suffering.  It turns out that no matter how prepared you think you are, the reality is, you are not ready.I have full faith that in due time I will see him again, --- and he will be healthy, happy, and, as always, hard at work !!!!  He has crossed over the river, and is resting in the shade of the trees on the other side.  If I could have one wish in this world - It would be that everyone might have parents as loving and supportive as I have been blessed with !!!  On one final note - THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, AND SUPPORT !!! To my Civil War buddies (Rafael Eledge - Steve and Nancy Norman - Kevin Cummings - Tom Ivery - Josh Rinehart -Wayne and Pat Bryan - Ralph and Candy Abbruzzee - John and Nikki Walsh, and to any others my poor fried mind can't think of -- You guys really helped me get through one of the absolute toughest days of my life !!!  LOVE YOU GUYS - MEAN IT !!!

11. Today ranks right up there with one of my tougher days ever. My 94 year old Dad had a bad heart attack a couple days ago, and I spent last night in the hospital with him. I was able to talk with him last night, but this morning he was breathing, and heart still beating, but barely - and could not be aroused. The tests showed that he had only 20 % heart function remaining, and it is about time for him to cross over to the other side. I have picked out my two songs for him - One by my friend Josh Turner - "Two Stepping On The Moon" ( in honor of Mom and Dad Going Dancing Every Week For Over Twenty Years), and Vince Gill's "Go Rest High On The Mountain". Dad was not perfect - nor are any of the rest of us, but he tried his hardest to provide for us, and always was supportive - even when he had serious doubts. 50 years ago I was a Chemist at Textron, and I decided to give that up, and open a Civil War Store. He had SERIOUS doubts about giving up a Chemistry job to start selling Civil War Bullets. He asked if I was SURE that was what I wanted to do. I told him "yes", and we started work remodeling the old grocery store !!! He has been a good Dad !!! (This picture was taken for their 70th Wedding Anniversary - in just a few days, they will have been married for 75 years!)

12. Just when you think all of the really good finds have about been made, we find nearly 100 bullets in one hole, and this past Sunday, our young friend, Kyle Mullicane, made a killer find up near the cabin.  Kyle's father-in-law, Terry Parks, built our cabin, and his daughter and Kyle had their wedding pictures made there.  Kyle has only been relic hunting a few months and found a complete Civil War revolver off the old road up on the mountain.  The revolver is a .31 cal., IXL (which looks like an Adams patent).  The revolver was pretty much a giant hunk of rust when it came out of the ground, and after some electrolysis, is now taking shape.  Lots of old time relic hunters have never found a complete revolver.  (The fifth picture represents a similar pistol in original condition.)  Just goes to prove, there are still some good finds left to be made if you're willing to work hard and get out there.  We send huge congratulations to Kyle for his find!!!

13. It was SO MUCH FUN watching the excitement of Liv and Jack pulling the Confederate bullets out right and left !!! I enjoyed watching them far more than digging them myself. There is a really interesting "back story" as to why these bullets were there. Nita and I hunted this section of the old military road literally 20 years ago. The BIG oak tree had recently fallen at that point in time. The top section of the tree was roughly 40 feet across and so thick that you could not begin to get inside that area to hunt. When I noticed how decayed the top of that massive tree was (now, 20 years later), it crossed my mind that we had never been able to hunt the area inside the fallen tree. I took two steps inside what had been a dense forest of oak tree branches and got a signal about the size of a car hood. The F-75 was literally screaming "good signal". I detuned my detector and realized the single massive signal was actually an accumulative signal. In the same area, we had found several dropped spills of bullets in the past. They were there because of eight straight days of falling rain. In multiple diaries, I had read about the Confederate Army of Tennessee having to discard ammunition due to being soaked. Some of the "spills" that we recovered years ago included one hole found by our good buddy Jeff Havner of 163 imported Enfields along with their percussion caps. Most of these were 57 base marked and also numerous "L" for London base. Another hole had 68 Enfields, and a hole Nita found had 25 sets of buck and ball. Our friend, Kent Brothers hit a hole with 38 - .54 cal. Minies for the Mississippi rifle. We feel certain all of these spills were the result of the pouring rain. The same diaries made mention of the wagons miring up to the hubs in mud. Nita and I found one of the massive iron wheel edgings that broke due to miring up in the mud. It took us two trips to get this thing up the mountain.  We eventually made a display from it filling the entire inside area with the relics we found on the road near it. At this point in time, it is quite a rarity to recover near 100 individual pieces in one hole.

14. How cool is this !!!!  In a resently released study, Tennessee has been named as one of the best places in the nation to live and raise a family.  In the same study Williamson County (my home county) has been named the best county in the state to live and raise a family, AND "NOLENSVILLE" (MY HOME TOWN) HAS BEEN NAMED THE BEST CITY IN TENNESSEE TO LIVE !!  This is based on quality of life - education - sports - health institutes - safety - jobs - home values -etc.  I'm very proud of Tennessee, and our conservative "VOLUNTEER" way of life !!!  I DO LOVE ME SOME "GOOD OLD ROCKY TOP" !!!!

15. The hot, dog days of summer are gradually transitioning into fall.  The critters in our water garden seem to be mostly lounging around and taking it easy.  As night comes on now, there is a steady chorus from the tree frogs and bull frogs.  The fish have become so accustomed to us feeding them, that the minute we approach, they come swimming from every direction.  The deer are really not much different in that they also approach but stand behind a tree and peep around it.  As we drive away, they come running.  We are at the end of August and still have numerous fawns with spots.  I wonder if they are going to have time to mature before winter.  We really enjoy all the wonders of nature.

16. Early in the year, we had a single turkey hen start regularly coming to the feeding area at the game cam.  We purchased some cracked corn to add to the whole grain corn that the deer like, especially for the turkeys and small animals.  The single turkey mom just returned with her brood of young turkeys.  We can clearly see how quickly one turkey can turn into one hundred turkeys.  To a degree, that has actually happened here, because turkeys are now running over each other.  In all the years that I hunted during my youth, I saw maybe half a dozen turkeys total by the time I was 18.  Now, over at Mom & Dad's farm, you can see dozens on any given day.  We still love looking at them but kind of hope the population increase slows down a little bit.  A good friend of ours saw a large tom turkey just off of the tractor road to her barn.  She decided to walk over and get a close-up picture.  The tom turkey dropped its wings and attacked her spurring her in both sides and sending her to the hospital.  She vows to remember that come hunting season!!

17. Our good friend, Wayne Bryan, each year on Memorial Day remembers his Confederate ancestors and neighbors by placing a Confederate Flag on each Confederate Soldier's grave.  He has worked his way up to placing the Confederate Flag on about 30 soldier's graves in and around Grundy, Marion, and Franklin counties.  I salute Wayne and hope that we all continue to remember our ancestry.  This particular grave is Wayne's Great-Great-Grandfather, H. C. Sartain of the 28th Tennessee Cavalry, CSA.

18. GREAT NEWS!!!  I was just able to purchase back a beautiful condition, rare pattern (No Inner Buckle Border Rim), large size US oval waist belt plate that I dug back in 1982.  The reason "this buckle" is special to me is that I got three ribs broken by a HUGE bull the day I dug it.  The bull was actually a "semi-pet" and would follow me around the pasture while digging.  The only thing that you had to definitely bear in mind was no "dirt throwing" while digging.  If you threw dirt, the bull took it personally.  On this particular day, I had already dug this buckle and had another really good signal.  I was being a little too excited and careless.  I was bent over the hole moving the dirt around trying to get a glimpse of the edge of the relic.  I was apparently moving the dirt around to vigorously.  "Knobby" (the big bull) had one complete horn and one "knob" consisting of about 1/2 a horn.  Thus the name "Knobby".  I felt Knobby's head and the good horn go under me as I was bent over, and it literally felt like the Space Shuttle launching.  I felt the three ribs in quick succession go pop, pop, pop.  And then, as I was launched over ten feet in the air, I was snatched right out of my head phones and saw the sky, and then the ground for three revolutions.  Then I came crashing back to the ground landing right in front of Knobby's head.  He did nothing whatsoever but expected to have his head rubbed.  That was it for me for that day.  "Forresty Maxwell" was hunting with me that day, and he made the wise decision to stay out of the pasture with the bull.  I remember him saying, "You wanted that buckle way worse than I did."  Knobby the bull made the fatal mistake of launching the owner, Mr. Owens, into orbit a few weeks later.  Knobby then became "hamburger".  So, I am very happy that Randy Burnham gave me the opportunity to bring it home.  The following two weeks were without a doubt the sorest that I have ever been !!!!!!!  Breathing was hard, but don't even think about caughing, laughing, or heaven forbid "sneezing" !!!

19. As many of you know, our big Civil War Show at Franklin, Tennessee, was held this past weekend (DEC. 7 and DEC. 8, 2024).  I was walking down an aisle - scanning as I walked, and right in the middle of a display containing 60 - 80 plates, I spotted a "rope-border" CS Oval that I recovered back in 1986.  I immediately stopped and looked closer, and the tag said "Wayne Jenkins, 1986".  I absolutely knew that was the plate, because I sold the buckle to Wayne the following day after digging it in "1986".  I sold the buckle for $500 in 1986, which at that point in time was a pretty good amount of money.  I bought the buckle back this past Friday afternoon for $1,700 and was happy as a clam!!  After an absence of nearly 40 years, it is headed back upstairs to go into the display with its brothers and cousins.  I had a whale of a good time at the Civil War Show buying and selling several pieces, but I would have been thrilled if getting my buckle back was the only thing I accomplished at the show!  (These are some fun memories from 38 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 !!)

20. I am very fortunate to have three individuals in my family that are interested in and collect Civil War artifacts.  What is a bit unusual is that I am the only "guy" interested.  The other two are female cousins.  One of my cousins, Marcia Hicklin, is the owner and curator of "Hicklin Hearthstone", a museum and working farm dating the Civil War Era.  A couple of years back, I disarmed a family hand-me-down Parrott artillery shell from the plantation home.  We today received an order from Marcia adding a powder flask to the museum collection.  I am very proud that our family is doing what we can to honor our heritage.  (Marcia stopped by for a short visit a few days ago, and it was such a treat to get to see her !!!  I really do want to get out to visit her, and be able to meet the Missouri side of our family !!)

21. When you are at a Civil War show anywhere around Nashville or Franklin, you never know who you might run into!!!  I think "I hear that train a comin', rollin' round the bend."  What a talent this man was and a devoted Civil War collector!!!

22. Here are an interesting series of pictures following our Relic Shop all the way back to 1929 when it was a little country grocery store servicing visitors to the Stones River Park and Cemetery.  The older pictures are the old store around 1930, and the pictures with the red arrows are showing various things that can be seen in the current pictures.  The sign pole out in front of the store I dug up and moved to the edge of the parking area, but it is the same pole.  The front of the store originally extended out further allowing vehicles to drive underneath it.  I cut it back to "porch size" which allowed room for parking in front of it.  Notice in one of the old pictures you can see an awning that could be raised up and provide an open counter toward the park.  I have been told that they made sandwiches and lunches for park visitors.  Originally, there was a train platform that unloaded visitors beside the cemetery stone wall, and they walked down the wall to the cemetery entrance which brought them right to the front of the store.  Over the years, I have been told and read many interesting accounts relating to the park and cemetery.  One story that I have been repeatedly told is that for a number of years, people travelled a good distance to avoid coming through the park area in July and August.  It is estimated that 8,000 - 10,000 mules and horses were killed in the battle, and to a great degree with the help of vultures, decayed on the field.  It is sobering all the history that remains here surrounding us.  The first picture is the current shop which incorporates the old original general store.

23. 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.

24. 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!!!

25. 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!!!

26. 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!!!

27. 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.

28. 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!!

29. 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 !!!)

30. 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.

31. 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 !!!

32. 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.  My two young buddies came back to visit during Christmas 2024, and we went to our favorite (all you can eat) retaurant.  I used to be able to "out-eat them" - BUT NO - MORE !!!  WE LOVE THESE GUYS !!!

33. This past weekend (several months/years 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 1^st Alabama Cavalry that was destroyed in March of 1863 by General David Stanley’s Federal Cavalry out of Murfreesboro, TN.  The 1^st 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. 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 !!!

37. 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.

38. 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 !!!

39. 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 !!!

40. Here is another "throw-back relic digging" memory.  Back in the fall of 1975, (50 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.)

41. 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 !!!

42. 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 !!!

43. 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.

44. 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

45. 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 !!!)

46. 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 !!!

47. 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.

48. 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!!!

49. 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!!!

50. 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" !!!

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, cast brass, Army of Tennessee style, rectangular CSA waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from a Confederate camp located near Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the base of Lookout Mountain.  The plate measures 72 mm by 48 mm, and this is one of the thicker and heavier versions of the Tennessee/Virginia pattern waist belt plate.  It still has nice body curve, all three hooks intact and a beautiful chocolate brown patina.  It would be hard to find a nicer example.--$4,500.SOLD

    Very pretty condition, Model 1851, .36 cal., Colt Navy revolver.  This revolver has an all-matching serial number of 78186 which is extremely desirable 1860 "Hartford" production.  The revolver remains in very nice condition with traces of original finish in recessed areas and about 80% of the cylinder scene still visible.  The revolver was carried by Sgt. John M. Richardson of Co. F, 15th (Stewart's) Tennessee Cavalry.  The revolver shows nice holster wear, and the action remains as crisp as during the Civil War.  If you have been wanting a first class Colt Model 1851 Navy, here is your chance and at a very fair price.--$2,650.

    We are talking SUPER RARE.  In 50 years having the Civil War store here at Stones River, I have only had three of these.  This is a complete lockplate and hammer assembly with main spring intact of a .69 cal. Model 1842 "Palmetto Armory" lockplate and hammer assembly.  The lockplate is marked, "PALMETTO ARMORY with the Palmetto tree in the center and "SC" below, and on the rear of the lockplate, "Columbia SC 1852".  This rare lockplate and hammer has been in the collection of my old friend, Jim Brandon, for the past 40 years.  This could very well be your only chance to own a Palmetto Armory, South Carolina, lockplate.--$850.

    Absolutely drop-dead beautiful, non-excavated, coat size, Confederate local, North Carolina State Seal uniform button with no blemishes whatsoever and 95% bright gold gilt.  The reverse has the Confederate local depressed channel with shank intact and also 95% bright gold gilt.  This is a button you rarely see non-excavated and this nice.--$650.

    Very pretty, excavated, cast brass, Army of Tennessee round corner Confederate waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered many years ago from a Confederate Cavalry camp located on the north side of Atlanta.  It has a dark green patina and remains slick as can be.  All attachment hooks are intact on the reverse, but one was broken when found due to a casting flaw weakness and has been currently restored to full length by the best around - Robert McDaniel. The buckle is displayed in a custom walnut display case.  In 50 years relic hunting, I have recovered only one of these.  Any Confederate collector would be proud to add this plate to his collection.--$4,500.

    Excellent condition, Confederate manufactured, wooden canteen.  This canteen was for many years on display in the private museum owned by Ann and C. W. Webb in Lowell, Arkansas.  It is about as nice an example as you are going to find.--$1,850.

    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 collectors love it).--$3,150.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, "rope border" pattern, CS oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from Army of Tennessee 1863 winter camps along Duck River near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  It has never even been washed off and has a smooth chocolate brown patina overall.  The "beaded" rope cable is visible all the way around the buckle, and all three attachment hooks remain intact on the reverse.  You will wait a very long time before you find a nicer one than this one.--$4,850.SOLD

    Very nice condition, excavated, rare "tall loop" pattern of the Leech & Rigdon "08" sword belt plate. This buckle was recovered from General Forrest's Confederate Cavalry camp located along the Hatchie River in North Mississippi.--$3,650.

    Absolutely beautiful hand blacksmith crafted 2 gallon size wooden 1840 to 1860s era "wagon size" canteen.  The canteen is comprised of 16 wooden slats secured by 4 blacksmith made circular iron bands.  The original iron carrying handle remains intact with the canteen as well as an aged cork stopper.  The canteen was clear coated about 50 years ago to help preserve it.  This is going to look fantastic in someone's Civil War collection.--$450.

    Original Oath of Allegiance and emancipation of slaves document dated August 31, 1865, stating, "I, R. M. Garner do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that I will henceforth support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the United States thereunder, and I will in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves -- so help me God."  With this original document is a copy of a photograph of Robert Garner and a photograph of his tombstone.--$195.SOLD

    Confederate tin drum canteen that was on display for many years in the private museum belonging to Ann and C.W. Webb at Lowell, Ark.  The canteen measures 6 inches in diameter and 2 inches in width.  Not only is it museum quality, but it was actually displayed IN A MUSEUM !!--$650.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, coat size, gilted Confederate script "E" (Engineer) uniform button.  This button is in near perfect condition with about 95% bright gold gilt.  It has the "Van Wort" backmark and has shank intact.  About as pretty as they get.--$450.

    Very attractive, Model 1842, percussion single-shot horse pistol.  This was recently brought into the shop and was almost surely Southern carried.  The lockplate is marked, "US - 1854 - I.N.JOHNSON".  The action still works perfectly with a strong main spring.  The pistol has a wooden ram rod rather than the issued pivoting metal rod, and there is a military shield carved into the wood opposite the lockplate.--$795.

    Excavated, 1820 era flintlock lockplate to a single shot, smooth bore, flintlock pistol.  Confederates were forced because of lack of available weapons to use long out-dated pistols and rifles.  This example was recovered in an 1861 Confederate camp.--$65.

    Excavated, cast brass, Leech & Rigdon pattern, Confederate sword hanger hook.  These are quite ornate and quite rare to recover.--$65.

    Very pretty, excavated, coat size, Federal three-piece Staff Officer button.  This button has an "Extra Quality" backmark with nice gilt remaining around the Eagle.  It is missing the loop on the reverse which was no doubt why it was lost.  It was recovered from a Texas Cavalry camp and was almost certainly being Confederate worn.--$55.

    Excavated, 1852 - O (New Orleans) - half dime recovered in an early war Texas Cavalry camp.  The coin has some wear, but the 1852 date is still clear and easy to read.--$75.

    Very nice condition, Civil War Era, complete pewter covered whiskey flask.  This flask is maker marked, "G. & J.W. Hawksley".  It is the style where the top section slides off and becomes a drinking cup.  This flask has been on display in an Arkansas museum for a number of years.--$150.

    Very nice condition, folding Civil War Era straight razor.  The holder is made of bone, and the razor itself is marked, "J.B.F. Chambliss & Sons".  The razor remains literally still sharp enough for shaving with no rusting at all.  It will display nicely in a camp scene display.  This is an item that many soldiers carried, and we commonly recover them in Civil War camp sites.--$75.

    Very pretty, double matted, John Hunt Morgan of Kentucky print.  This print will be beautiful hanging on the wall of some Kentucky relic room.--$15.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, solid cast, Texas uniform button.  This button is a TX27A and was recovered from a Texas camp in north Mississippi.  It is quite rare with this button to actually be able to see the "CS" cast into the face of the star.  On this button, you can relatively easily see the "CS".  It has a pretty, uncleaned, brown/green patina.--$1,650.

    Really - Really Cool excavated Leech and Rigdon Confederate Cavalry Officer's Spur !!  This spur apparently broke during the Civil War, and the Confederate Cavalry officer DID NOT want to give up his "CS" marked cavalry spur.  The soldier had a blacksmith apply an "iron splint" to the outside of the spur with pins coming through the spur.  The spur has very sharp, distinct stars on each side, but the "CS" is worn very dim.  This is "for sure" one of a kind, and I have never seen a "War Time" repair like this before.  It was recovered from Gen N. B. Forrest's Confederate Cavalry camp occupied during 1863, and located near Spring Hill, Tn.  Talk about a relic with character !!--$1,250.

    Very pretty condition and extremely rare, first year production, Model 1849 Colt, 5-shot, .318 caliber pocket revolver.  This revolver has a matching serial number of 15334, which is not only a Model 1849, but was also produced in 1849.  It shows honest wear with all corners rounded which you would expect from a revolver carried all the way through the American Civil War.  It is out of a Southern estate and comes in its original Confederate made leather holster.  This is a museum quality, Confederate carried Colt, at a very fair price.--$1,850.

    Very pretty condition, non-excavated, Model 1851, cast brass, Eagle sword belt plate.  This sword belt plate came out of the local area and has most of the applied silver wreaths remaining intact.  The buckle has a rich, aged patina with belt hook on the back and keeper hook on the side both remaining intact.--$350.

    Really pretty, excavated, "Eagle Claw" smoking pipe.  The pipe is made of glazed, light clay and displays very nicely.  There is 2 1/2 inches of the original stem remaining.  Eagle Claw pipes are quite rare to recover, and in 50 years, I have only recovered one.--$125.

    Excellent condition, excavated, very ornate, 1820's era, stamped brass Eagle Militia buckle.  These are considered by many to be among the most beautiful military plates ever produced.  They were carried over and extensively used by the Confederacy during the Civil War.  The Union Army had adopted more current buckle styles by this time.  This buckle was recovered from a Confederate camp site and has a beautiful, uncleaned, brown/green patina.  It has both the bar with hooks and main front hook all remaining intact.  This is going to be a beautiful addition to someone's Civil War buckle collection.--$795.

    Very nice condition, original Civil War Era surgeons pocket field kit.  This medical kit contains 15 pieces including numerous probes and scalpels.  All have ivory handles.  The case itself measures 7 by 6 inches in open position.  The kit has two compartments, and all the instruments remain in nice condition.  This medical kit was on display for a number of years in the private museum owned by Ann and C. W. Webb located in Lowell, Arkansas.--$595.

    Excellent condition, small leather Federal percussion cap box.  This is your standard Civil War cap box with both loops intact for the waist belt, closure tab, brass finial, and inner flap all intact.  The box remains quite pliable.  It was on display for a number of years in a private museum and is really a nice example.--$165.

    Very nice condition, excavated, Model 1851, cast brass, Federal Cavalry Eagle sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from Camp Stanley which was the Federal Army of the Cumberland's 1862/1863 winter camp here in Murfreesboro following the Battle of Stones River.  The wreath was missing when recovered and has been reapplied for nicer display.  It has the bench mark number 588 on the reverse of the buckle.  Both the keeper and attachment hook remain intact.--$395.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, non-excavated, silver, Federal 23rd Army Corp badge.  This badge has the classic Civil War "T-bar" attachment.  The Division represented is determined by the color fabric in the center of the pin.  1st Division is white, 2nd Division is red, and 3rd Division is blue.  This corp badge was on display for many years in the private museum owned by Ann and C.W. Webb in Lowell, Arkansas.--$595.

    This button is an AY58A, Artillery Corp, 1814 - 1821, with a "Kendrick & Co/Superfine" backmark.  The button is non-excavated and literally has near 100% bright gold gilt.  It was in a museum in Arkansas for many years and just about could not be nicer.--$95.

    Civil War Confederate newspaper from Wilmington, North Carolina, and dated Saturday, May 25, 1861.  This is the "Daily Journal".  The newspaper has four pages and measures 22 by 15 inches for each of the four pages.  It contains every kind of content you can imagine.  This newspaper is from very early in the Civil War, and harness makers and other similar specialty trades were in "immediate need".--$95.

    Quite rare to come by, small size, lead-filled, "star and shield" rosette.  These are generally associated with Texas Cavalry.  The larger size, which measures 2 1/2 by 3 inches, was mounted on a leather pad and served as a Martingale.  This small one is 1 1/2 inches tall and 1 1/8 inches in width and serves as a rosette as opposed to a Martingale like the larger one.  These are quite rare to recover, and this example has full lead and all three attachment wires intact.--$395.

    Very pretty condition, large size, Star in Shield Martingale recovered long ago from Wharton's 8th Texas Cavalry camp occupied in 1863 and located near Unionville, Tennessee.  The Martingale is attached to a wooden plaque and has a rich, deep chocolate brown patina.  This is a rarity in large size.  The Martingale measures 2 1/2 inches in width and 3 inches in height.--$650.

    Very nice display showing two original rolls of Maynard percussion priming tape.  One of the rolls even still has the original wrapper around it.  The Maynard system was used in Model 1855 percussion muskets.  The positive surrounding these tapes was that they were automatic feed.  One of the biggest negatives was they often failed in rainy or humid conditions, because they absorb moisture.  The Model 1855 is quite a rarity among collectors today.--$75. for both primers and display case.

    Excellent Confederate excavated display containing a cast brass Enfield tompion and an extremely rare cast brass center Cavalry saber scabbard brass mount.  This mount is for an extremely scarce Kraft, Goldsmith, and Kraft Confederate Cavalry saber.  These items were recovered near Charleston, South Carolina, by Dr. Don Orth during the 1970's.--$150.

    Quite rare, and very pretty condition non-excavated small Model 1839 "Baby U.S.".  It has a very nice face with full lead, and RARE "Boyd and Sons - Boston" backmark.  Both hooks remain intact on the reverse.--$450.

    Beautiful condition non-excavated large size "US" oval cartridge box-plate with a very rare "Boyd and Sons" backmark.  Smooth never cleaned chocolate patina.--$325.

    ornate, gilted, 1840 era, Militia Officer's sword and brass scabbard.  This sword has an ivory grip that was replaced some time back and has an entire Eagle with spread wings as a pommel cap and a massive gilted brass cross guard with a chain attached to the Eagle's beak.  The blade remains in nice condition with some areas turning a gray/brown in color.  The brass scabbard is ornately engraved with about 20% remaining gold gilting.  Anyone would be proud to have this sword in their collection.--$850.

    ARE YOU SITTING DOWN !!!  In the 50 years that I have been in the shop here at Stones River Battlefield this ranks as "one of the" VERY RAREST CONFEDERATE ITEMS to have EVER come through.  This is a SOLDIER IDed "J. P. Murray" Confederate produced .58 cal. Rifle.  This rifle was carried by James F. Clement - Co. "A" - 35th ALA. INF. Regiment during the Civil War.  The rifle has remained in the Clement family until the current time, when we were able to purchase it from them.  We have a signed letter from the family.  There were only 262 Mississippi style rifles ever made for the State of Alabama by "J. P. MURRAY".  The barrel is marked "ALA - 1864", and the lockplate is marked "J. P. Murray - Columbus, GA.".  James Clement fought at The Battle Of Franklin, TN. - AND WAS WOUNDED there as witnessed by G. E. Richardson, and by J. N. Thompson, and he would have been "carrying" this very gun when wounded at Franklin !!  James had begun work on installing a Patchbox in the rear of the stock, but did not get it completed.  In 100 % complete honesty -- this will likely be the ONLY chance you will ever have to own one of these in our lifetime !!!!--$24,500.

    Very nice condition, small size Civil War field surgeon's kit.  The kit is 9 3/4 by 9 inches in the open position.  It consists of 12 pieces, including the master bone saw, scissors, flesh stretchers, two large knives, five scalpels, and suture implement for stitching wounds.  In this kit, there is one handle that "quick disconnects" and will fit three separate instruments.  Most instruments are Civil War Era maker marked, "Milikin - 151 Strand - London".  This kit has been in a private museum in Arkansas for the past number of years.  The case itself remains in beautiful condition with an uninscribed oval plaque on the walnut lid.  This medical kit would be a fine addition to any museum or Civil War collection.--$1,650.

    We are talking "Smoking Rare" CONFEDERATE COLLEGE HILL CAVALRY OFFICER'S SABER MADE IN NASHVILLE, TN. IN 1861 - 1862. The 2 branch "INFANTRY OFFICER" version of this sword is pictured on page 36 of "Albaugh's CONFEDERATE SWORDS", but the 3 branch cavalry officer's saber ISN"T EVEN PICTURED !!!  I have seen a total of only THREE of these in the 50 years that I have been in business here at Stores River, and this is the ONLY ONE that I have ever owned !!!  This one came out of an estate in central Alabama.  If you wait for the next one - I genuinely hope that you are a very, very young person !!!!!--$4,950.

    Absolutely beautiful, excavated, SUPER SUPER RARE, solid cast brass, "CS in Star" coat size Confederate Texas uniform button.  This button was recovered many years ago from a Confederate camp located near Houston, Texas.  The button is a product of T. Miller Company in Houston.  This is one of the most sought after of the Texas buttons, and it is an absolute end-of-the-street beauty!!  This is one you will never need to upgrade.S--$6,500.

    Very rare to come by.  This is an original Model 1850 Federal Foot Officer's sword, and matching brass mounted leather scabbard.  The blade is clean with bright, sharp, crisp engraving top to bottom.  The scabbard remains in nice condition with full leather, and nicely gilted brass mounts.  The blade is crisply marked, "Tiffany & Co. - New York".  The sharkskin grip and brass wire remain 100% intact.  This sword and scabbard is out of a central Ohio estate and was almost certainly carried by an Ohio Infantry Officer.  It remains in nice enough condition that it could easily be in a museum.--$1,150.

    Absolutely beautiful, mint, unissued condition brown buff leather Federal waist belt with mint large size lead filled arrow hook pattern U.S. oval waist belt plate.  You won't find nicer because it was no nicer than this one is when issued during the Civil War.--$695.

    Super nice condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled, US oval cartridge box plate.  This plate shows nice even wear, and you can clearly see it has been worn and saw service.  It has full lead and both attachment hooks intact.  You couldn't ask for a nicer example.--$275.

    Excellent condition, excavated, Federal Cavalry picket pin complete with the "figure 8" horse attachment loop still perfectly intact.  This example was found among the limestone out-croppings on private property about 40 years ago here at Stones River.--$195.

    Excavated Confederate waist belt plate fabricated from a cast brass Federal carbine sling buckle.  The Confederate soldier removed the cast brass frame around one side of this carbine sling buckle.  In the process, he turned it into a cast brass D-buckle with double tongues.  This buckle was recovered from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry located near Middleton, Tennessee.  The buckle still remains completely functional.--$195.

    Excavated, coat size, NC Sunburst uniform button with traces of silver wash still visible on the face.  This button was recovered from an Army of Tennessee 1863 camp located near Dalton, Georgia.  It has a nice clear "NC" but is missing the soldered on wire shank as they almost always are.  It is otherwise a very nice example.--$125.SOLD

    Very attractive, large size, lead-filled, US oval, arrow-hook pattern waist belt plate on a mint condition, brown buff leather belt.  The belt literally appears to be in unissued, like new condition.  On the belt is a .44/.36 cal. pistol ammunition box.  It has a regular US cartridge box plate on the outside flap.  This belt rig is in museum grade condition.--$950.

    Excavated nose section of a ten pounder Federal Parrott projectile.  This nose section pretty much split in half exposing the threads of the time fuse.  This was recovered many years ago here at Stones River from the Homer Gannon farm which is now a HUGE Baptist Church and associated grounds.--$25.

    Excavated, 2-tone, cream colored, 8 1/2 inch Ginger Beer bottle.  This bottle was recovered from a Confederate trash pit located near Brandy Station, Virginia.--$48.

    Confederate carried, tarred leather pistol cartridge box.  This box is out of a local estate and is believed to have been carried by a member of the 8th Tennessee Cavalry CSA.  It remains pretty much complete, but the tar has grown very hard with time.  The box will barely open up because of how hard the tar has become.  This box will fit nicely into a Southern Cavalry display.--$450.

    Complete, excavated, Model 1855, Springfield or contract, triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet was recovered along the Federal battle line on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.  It remains full length and is only missing the small lock ring around the socket.--$125.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, 1837 silver half dime.  This half dime was recovered by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate camp near Charleston, South Carolina.  It does have some wear, but you can still read full "Liberty" on her headband.--$85.

    Excellent new condition, Official Military Atlas of the Civil War.  It has 821 maps, 106 engravings, and 209 drawings.  All the maps that accompany reports in the Official Records of the Civil War are contained in this massive book.  It is an absolute must to have if you do very much Civil War research or relic hunting or most any other purpose.--$95.

    Very nice condition, frameable 11 x 14 print of Confederate General "JEB" Stuart.  This print is going to look great in someone's relic room.--$25.

    Pair of two non-excavated, three-prong, Civil War Era, wooden handle eating forks.  This pair of forks came out of a local Southern estate.--Both forks for $45.

    CDV of Lt. Frederick A. Copeland of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry.  Lt. Copeland was born in Michigan but moved with his family to Wisconsin around the time the Civil War broke out.  He joined the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry as a Private and made his way up to Lieutenant.  This unit mainly served in the Trans-Mississippi area.  The ID on the reverse side of the image has him listed as a Major, but from all we can find, he was actually a Lieutenant.--$85.SOLD

    Excellent condition, Civil War Era, soldier's folding leather wallet.  This wallet came out of a Georgia estate, and there are two Confederate Georgia notes still inside the wallet.  It remains in museum grade condition.--$125.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled US oval arrow-hook waist belt plate.  The brass face of the buckle has a pleasing, aged, bronze/brown patina.  it remains intact and could easily go back on a belt and be worn.--$325.

    Excavated, "one side" of a cast brass Federal Cavalry Officer's spur.  The spur has ornate ridges running up and down its length.  The spur broke (and was discarded) at the point where it attaches to the "neck" in the reverse of the spur.  This spur was recovered on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.--$38.

    Excavated, coat size, Confederate, stamped brass, iron back, block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from Confederate General Leonidas Polk's camp occupied during the spring of 1863, located along Duck River near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  This button is complete but has been stepped on and is somewhat flattened.--$45.

    Display case of four excavated buttons recovered by Dr. Don Orth in the 1980's from a Confederate camp located near Charleston, South Carolina.  The display includes one gilted, plain-face button, one vest size South Carolina State Seal with the Palmetto tree, one brass sew-on shirt button, and one coat size Federal Eagle button.  The four buttons in a glass Riker mount display--$95.

    Excavated, cast brass, political token commemorating President Benjamin Harrison as the 23rd President of the United States dated 1889.  He was promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General during the Civil War, became a US Senator and later elected President.  During his Presidency, six territories became states.  His nickname was "Backbone Ben"--$38.

    Excellent condition, Civil War Era, non-excavated, fork and butter knife.  Both utensils have perfect, complete bone handles and would display very nicely in a Civil War camp scene display.--$38. for both

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled, arrow-hook pattern US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle has a rich, uncleaned, aged bronze patina and came out of an Ohio estate sale many years ago.  The plate is nice enough to put on a belt and wear.--$325.

    Excellent condition, large size, stamped brass, 1870 - 1880 era, Federal Militia Eagle sword belt plate.  This buckle shows even wear with nice gilt remaining.  It is very likely it saw service during the Indian War's Era.--$125.

    Excavated, "skin only" to a large size O.V.M. waist belt plate.  This plate was recovered many years ago from a trash pit here at Murfreesboro where many Ohio troops spent the winter of 1862 and 1863.  The plate got hot, and the lead was melted out of the reverse of the plate.  At some point, the outside rim was cut away leaving just the OVM part in the center.  It was recovered by Claiborne Lytle during the 1980's.  Maybe not a mint OVM but also not $1,200 - $1,400.--$325.SOLD

    Excellent condition, original, Model 1858, Federal bullseye canteen.  The canteen was in an Arkansas museum for many years.  IT has a complete butternut wool cover, stopper and chain, and complete line sling.  Every Civil War collection should have a nice original canteen.--$650.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, Confederate, solid cast brass, block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered along Columbia Pike in a lawn south of the Carter House.  It has not even had the dirt washed off.--$175.

    Excellent condition, excavated, dropped, "57" base marked Enfield.  This projectile was recovered on private property along the Confederate line here at Stones River.  This is a super slick example.--$20.

    Excavated, quite rare, "gutter back", Confederate Georgia frame waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 40 years ago from the south side of the lawn near the well of the Widow James house that served as both a hospital here at the battle and was also General Leonidas Polk's headquarters for a time.  The buckle has a chocolate brown patina and remains in good condition.--$650.SOLD

    Quite rare, excavated, Confederate 20 pound size, copper time fused, Read Parrott projectile.  This rare Confederate shell was recovered near Charleston, South Carolina, by Dr. Don Orth about 40 years ago.  The projectile has been cleaned, coated, disarmed, and is ready for display.  It is quite rare to recover a copper time fused 20 pound CS Read Parrott.--$425.

    Very attractive, Model 1850, Federal Foot Officer's sword.  This sword came out of an Indiana estate sale many years ago.  The blade has a gently aging patina with full engraving top to bottom.  The brass guard remains in nice condition, and the original sharkskin and wire remain intact.  This is the sword only without a scabbard.--$550.

    Just brought in, very attractive, Model 1855, .58 cal., leather Federal cartridge box.  The box remains very pliable with both outer and inner flaps, closure tab, brass finial, both belt loops on the reverse, and cartridge tins inside.  The small roller buckles for the sling at the bottom of the cartridge box have been intentionally removed, suggesting that the box may have been Cavalry used.  This box will make an excellent addition to someone's Civil War Infantry display.--$495.

    Quite uncommon to come by, Model 1864, leather Federal cartridge box IN .69 CAL. SIZE.  This is a very nice box with embossed "US" on the outside flap, closure tab, brass finial, and both cartridge tins inside.  This is a late war box, and by this time, most of the Federal Infantry was armed with .58 cal. weapons.  You do not often see the .69 cal. box with an embossed "US".--$495.

    Excellent condition, Civil War Era, tri-folding leather wallet.  This wallet was brought in by a local family and was for sure Confederate carried.  It still has a couple of Confederate notes inside.  The Confederate notes remain in good condition.--$195.

    Excellent condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate solid cast brass "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered a few hundred yards south of the Carter House from a lawn along Columbia Pike.  It is nice enough to sew back on a uniform.--$165.

    Very nice condition, non-excavated, cast brass, 1870's era, "Indian War" Eagle sword belt plate.  This buckle has a rich, aged patina and is backmarked, "Horstmann, Phila".  It dates the Indian War years immediately following the Civil War.  Both the buckle hook and keeper bar remain intact.--$125.

    Excellent condition, original, .69 cal. "bore brush" with the original leather thong.  With this bore brush comes a .69 cal. original wooden tompion.  These are two excellent compliments to your .69 caliber musket display.--$150. for both

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, .69 cal., "spring type" bullet extractor.  This extractor is displayed in a class display case with an original .69 cal. 3-ring Minie ball recovered on private property here at Stones River.--$75.

    Very nice condition, non-excavated, .69 cal., musket "ball puller" (extractor).  It is displayed in a glass riker mount display with an actual pulled .69 cal. Minie ball recovered on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.--$75.

    REPRODUCTION, .58 cal., Confederate cartridge box carried in the 1986 series, "North and South".  This was the series that helped make Patrick Swayze a household name for playing Orry Main in the mini-series.  This box was in a number of the battle scenes.--$75.

    Excellent condition, small leather Civil War percussion cap pouch.  This pouch remains in very nice condition with everything remaining intact including both belt loops on the reverse, brass finial, leather closure tab, and inner leather compartment flap.  It even has the original wool still inside.  It is very likely this cap pouch may be of Confederate origin in that the belt loops are sewn and not bradded, and the cap pouch has the small holes where it was tacked down during manufacture.  It is also a little cruder than most Union boxes you see.  This is a beauty and still has some original caps inside.--$595.

    Excavated, coat size, Confederate, two-piece, block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from General Breckinridge's Confederate November 1862 camps located near Readyville, Tennessee.  The Confederates believed this would be their long-term winter camp, but Federal General Rosecrans moved from Nashville to attack the Confederates on December 31, 1862.  This was one of my favorite to hunt early Confederate camps.  I recovered six Confederate buckles from this camp.  One, a pretty Confederate fork tongue was from the front yard of Ms. Ready whose grandfather founded the town.  What fun relic hunting was back during those days.--$150.

    Large size, excavated, Confederate cast brass Cavalry spur.  This spur was recovered about 30 years ago from the camp of Whitfield's Texas Legion located just south of Spring Hill, Tennessee.  The spur remains in nice condition with a slick, brown/green patina.  The rowel is missing, but one could easily be put in place, because the slot remains open and the pin is intact.  This is an excellent Confederate Cavalry spur.--$295.

    Excavated, complete, .58 cal., Model 1855 Springfield triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet was recovered about 35 years ago from the rock out-croppings along Stones River in rear of the current "Bumpus Harley Davidson" shop.  During the battle it was the position of numerous Federal Infantry reserves.  The bayonet has been cleaned, is very stable, and is ready for display.--$125.

    Extremely rare and in very pretty condition, .58 cal., "RICHMOND ARSENAL", 3-band, rifled percussion musket.  This musket has the "medium hump" lockplate and is marked, "CS - Richmond, VA. - 1862".  The musket has all three bands intact, original ram rod, and original brass butt plate.  The butt plate is stamped "3534", and that is likely a number that the soldier used to identify his musket.  The action remains crisp with a strong main spring.  The wood itself is actually "Richmond Arsenal" wood and not left over "Harper's Ferry" wood, as there is no cut-out for the Maynard primer system.  Historically, when you are able to find a "real deal" Richmond rifled musket, it is usually in "very used condition".  This .58 cal. Richmond rifled musket would be a very nice addition to any museum or Civil War display.--$13,500.

    Very attractive and rare, Confederate manufactured Cavalry saber.  This is a "Dog River" and was taken home to Wisconsin as a war trophy.  It was no doubt broken somewhere in battle and left on the field.  This saber has the classic Confederate unstopped fuller blade but is unfortunately broken about 8 or 10 inches from the tip.  The saber has the classic Confederate high copper content guard and has the leather and wire remaining intact.  This is a museum quality battlefield pick-up Confederate artifact.--$1,650.

    Beautiful condition excavated 2-Piece "Leech and Rigdon" C.S. sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from General Forrest's 1862 Cinfederate Cavalry camp along Tippa Creek, and the Hatchie River in North Mississippi.  The two halves were only inches apart.  This is one of the more sought after patterns with serifs on the end of the letters.  The fit is really nice, and the buckle has never even been rinsed off.--$3,850.

    Very pretty condition, Model 1850, Field & Staff Officer's sword and brass mounted leather scabbard.  This sword and scabbard is out of a central Ohio estate and no doubt belonged to an Ohio Infantry Officer.  The blade remains clean and bright with beautiful, clear engraving top to bottom.  The leather grip is original and remains 100% tight and intact.  The leather scabbard is complete and in very nice condition.  The leather is a little weak where it joins the brass drag, and some reinforcing tape has been added there to strengthen the leather scabbard.  The brass mounts have a beautiful, gently aged patina, and any museum would be pleased to have this sword on display.--$1,150.

    Excellent condition, .44 cal., single-shot, percussion "boot pistol".  These were carried by both Union and Confederates as a "last line of defense".  This pistol still has a good strong main spring and locks in both half-cock and full-cock.  We are including in a small case an original projectile recovered on private property here at Stones River, and two correct, original percussion caps.--$495.

    Two excellent condition, excavated centerpieces to English three-piece "snake style" waist belt plates.  One of these centerpieces is without question a snake.  The second one actually looks more like a duck!!  Both centerpieces were recovered from Confederate Cavalry camps here in Middle Tennessee.--$350. for both centerpieces in a glass display case.

    Very pretty condition, .32 cal., 6-shot, 1845 date, Allen & Thurber pepperbox revolver.  This revolver is out of a deep south estate and was almost certainly Confederate carried.  Everything remains perfectly intact with a very strong main spring.--$695.

    Extremely rare Civil War surgeon's AMPUTATION KIT.  This kit consists of three amputation saws (two use the same handle), two sets of flesh stretchers, one large surgical knife, several probes and picks, one original "MS" (Medical Service) hat insignia, and several sets of original needles and sutures.  Most museums do not have a Civil War surgical kit this nice.--$3,850.

    Quite rare to find, blacksmith crafted, 5 feet long, "boarding pike".  These were used during the Civil War Era to come along another vessel, hook it and pull it to your vessel to secure, and thus be able to board the other vessel.  They are quite scarce to come by.--$450.

    Long, four page Confederate soldier's letter written from Talladega, Alabama, on November 30, 1864.  Little did the writer of this letter "R. B. Patton" realize that as he was writing this letter, one of the bloodiest and significant battles of the Civil War was raging -- (The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee).  This is a very long Confederate letter filled with Civil War news but (without a clue) that one of the most significant battles of the Civil War was happening as he wrote the letter.  The Confederacy would lose a half dozen of its best Generals on this day, including General Patrick Cleburne.  This Confederate letter is quite a piece of Confederate history.--$295.

    Absolutely stunning beautiful condition, CS54A, coat size, Confederate Navy Officer's button.  This button has literally 100% bright gold gilt with a "Courtney & Tennent - Charleston" backmark with shank intact and some original thread still in the shank.  They just do not get prettier than this button is.--$750.

    Quite rare, fully cased, 1/9th plate, Ruby ambrotype of a young Confederate.  He is wearing a shell jacket with a spear blade dirk slid through two button holes.  The image has very decent clarity, but we unfortunately do not know his identity.--$425.

    .44 cal., Colt double cavity bullet mold.  This mold is for a Model 1860, .44 cal., Colt Army revolver.  The mold has been modified to mold three bullets instead of two.  A cavity for a .22 cal. projectile has been added to the two .44 cal. the mold originally made.  The two handles have been modified and probably had wood on each one to keep heat down.--$95.

    Really pretty non-excavated coat size Confederate lined "C" (Cavalry) uniform button with "SUPERIOR QUALITY" backmark, shank intact, and 90 % bright gold gilt.  This is a first class example !!--$495.

    Excavated "1775" one Reale "Carolus" Spanish silver coin.  This coin was recovered many years ago by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate camp near Charleston, SC.  It is hard to grasp that this coin is something like 250 years old !!--$65.

    Excellent condition, excavated, one piece, coat size, Federal Artillery button.  These buttons date 1830 to 1840 and are usually found in Confederate camp sites.  This example was recovered from a South Carolina camp near Charleston, South Carolina.  It has a smooth chocolate patina with shank intact.--$65.

    Excavated, .54 cal., Confederate used, 4-side Austrian Lorenz bayonet.  This was recovered many years ago on private property along the December 31, 1862, battle line here at Stones River.  It is cleaned, coated, and ready for display.--$150.

    Very rare, excavated, 1738, English 1/2 cent piece.  This extremely early copper coin was recovered by Dr. Don Orth about 30 years ago from a Confederate camp near Charleston, South Carolina.  The coin has a nice smooth chocolate brown patina and good detail to be excavated and 288 years old!!  Many extremely old coins are found in both Union and Confederate camps along the coast.--$65.

    Very attractive, 5 " x 6" glass Riker display case consisting of six Civil War projectiles including 1) Burnside Carbine, 2) bullet extractor with Minie, 3) .56 cal. Spencer carbine, 4) 12mm French pinfire cartridge, 5) .69 cal. Confederate buck-and-ball, and 6) 9mm French pinfire cartridge.  For the entire display--$89.

    Really nice display consisting of five excavated, nicely carved Civil War bullets.  The bullets are in a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch Riker display case.--$48. including case.

    Nice condition, Confederate 3 inch Read rifled projectile recovered many years ago near Roper's Knob, Franklin, Tennessee.  The projectile has chipping at the base which was a classic Confederate Artillery problem with their Read shells.  Thes brass sabot with nice rifling and the brass fuse both remain intact.  It has been disarmed and is ready for display.--$425.SOLD

    Excellent condition, Model 1858, Federal, 9-ring "bullseye" canteen.  The canteen remarkably doesn't have any dents at all, and all three linen carrying strap holders remain in place.  Every collection should have a Civil War canteen.--$195.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, very heavy cast brass, private purchase, Confederate used Cavalry spurs.  This matching pair was taken back home to Illinois as a war trophy.  Many years ago, I excavated a perfectly identical example from the 1863 camp of Starnes Confederate Cavalry.  These have a rich, aged, bronze patina and remain in perfect condition with both rowels intact (will still spin).  You could, without question, still use these on horseback today.--$595.

    Just brought in out of the local area, beautiful condition, Model 1840, "Old Wristbreaker" Confederate carried heavy Cavalry saber.  This saber has a bright, clean blade and is maker marked, "Sheble & Fisher, Philada."  The grip remains in nice condition with only one or two small chips.  The brass guard is perfect with a nice, aged, bronze patina.  The iron scabbard remains perfect without a single dent.  It would be hard to find a nicer example.--$895.

    Very nice condition, Model 1855, .58 cal., Federal cartridge box complete with both cartridge tins, lead-filled oval cartridge box plate, both belt loops and closure tab intact.  The lower iron roller buckles were intentionally removed - likely for cavalry use. The interior flap of the cartridge box is dated 1863, Lewiston, ME.  This box was on display in the private museum owned by Ann & C. W. Webb of Lowell, Arkansas, and is absolutely museum quality.--$650.SOLD

    Extremely rare, plain face, puppy-paw hook, lead-filled oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from a fire pit in a Texas Cavalry camp.  The buckle started life as an 1840 - 1850 era puppy-paw hook, US oval waist belt plate.  The Confederates covered the "US" motif with a layer of sheet brass that exactly fit the interior of the buckle.  This covered up the "US" markings and created a plain face oval waist belt plate.  At some point the buckle ended up in a camp trash pit, and a fire partially melted the lead in the reverse allowing the hooks to shift sideways.  This is a one-of-a-kind and the only Confederate conversion of this type that I have ever had.--$895.

    Very pretty condition, Model 1860, light Cavalry Federal saber with matching scabbard.  This saber has a clean blade just beginning to tone with age.  It does not have even a single blade nick.  It is marked, "C. Roby - Chelmsford, Mass. - 1864".  The guard has a smooth, aged, brown, brass patina, and the grip is excellent.  The Model 1860 Cavalry saber is considered by most the classic Cavalry saber representing the American Civil War.--$975.

    Extremely rare, coat size, excavated, "CS188", small size, Script "I".  This button is a beauty with a smooth chocolate brown face and no dents or cracks.  The reverse is solid as can be and has the shank intact.  The button was recovered about 40 years ago by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate Infantry camp located near Charleston, South Carolina.  This one is about as nice as any of this type ever recovered.--$450.

    Excavated, cuff size, South Carolina State Seal.  This button was recovered on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.  The button has a brown/green patina, nice detail, and traces of gold gilt.  But it is unfortunately dented.  It has an "Extra Rich - R.M.D.C." backmark.  The attachment shank is not present.--$38.

    Excavated, cuff size, two piece Eagle "R" button.  It has gold gilt in the shield and around the perimeter of the Eagle.  The loop is missing which is no doubt why the button was lost.  The button has excellent eye appeal with the gold gilt in all the right places.--$45.

    Very pretty condition excavated one piece cast pewter "U.S." Great--coat button.  This button was recovered from the sand near Charleston, SC.--$55.

    Absolutely beautiful face on this excavated, large size, lead-filled, "OVM" (Ohio Volunteer Militia) cartridge box plate.  This cartridge box plate was recovered about 40 years ago from an Ohio Infantry camp located near Decherd, Tennessee.  I actually dug a matching OVM buckle to this box plate about 50 feet away.  This will be a centerpiece to someone's Ohio display.--$2,450.

    Absolutely beautiful, silver cased, Civil War Era soldier's pocket watch.  There is an old, brown ink tag with the pocket watch indicating that it was picked up from the battlefield following the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.  I wound the watch up a few turns, and it took off running just like the day it was made.  At some point, the silver back cover was misplaced, but a replacement can certainly be found.  The original key remains with the watch.--$450.SOLD

    Just brought in out of the local area, a Model 1841, .54 cal., Mississippi rifle.  This rifle shows lots of service with plenty of small dings and marks.  The soldier's initials, "WB" and "1862", are deeply cut into the stock.  The rifle was used for hunting and feeding the family following the war and has no remaining rifling so that buck can be used for hunting.  The lockplate is marked, "1848 - Robbins & Lawrence - Windsor VT".  The rifle still has the brass patch box and the original brass tip ram rod.  It may not be a grade 9 or 10, but it does sing "Dixie" loud and clear.  It is just a good, classic Southern relic.--$1,650.

    Really pretty, Confederate manufacture, Foot Officer's sword with gray/brown patina and unstopped fuller Confederate blade.  I believe this sword could be a product of E. J. Johnson of Macon, Georgia, but am not 100% certain which maker it is.  This sword is very well made, purely Confederate, and displays beautifully.--$2,850.

    Very nice condition excavated "high copper sabot" 3 inch "Selma Arsenal" Western Theater Confederate Read.  This projecrile was recovered near Atlanta, and is a beauty.  It literally has "knee deep" rifling on the VERY tall copper sabot.  It is a super rarity for one of these to come to market.--$1,250.

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, Missouri State Seal Officer's button.  This is a M0205A3 in Tice and is exactly the same strike and backmark as the Missouri buttons recovered by Meigs Brainard and Bill Gurley from the Arkansas camp of Mosby Parson's Missourians.  This button could not be a nicer example with 100% bright gold gilt and shank intact.--$395.

    Excellent condition, excavated, Confederate polygonal cavity cannonball recovered about 40 years ago in rear of Mendenhall's Battery here at the Battle of Stones River.  We have included a section of the polygonal cavity that was recovered from the same area to show the shape of the polygonal pieces of shrapnel from the cannonball.  The polygonal cavity was designed to have pre-determined, designated break lines.  The ball has been cleaned and disarmed, and you can feel the polygonal shaped fragments inside the ball with your little finger.--$350. for the Confederate cannon ball and fragment piece.

    Very attractive, 12 mm, French pinfire revolver.  This is the large caliber pinfire and very much resembles the famous "Lemat" revolver.  This revolver is serial number 4830 which is early war Civil War production.  The loading door and cartridge ejector rod both remain intact.  This would be an excellent addition to any Confederate display.--$1,150.

    Very pretty ornately engraved 7 mm French 6-shot Pinfire revolver.  The revolver remains clean with no rusting at all.  It has Rosewood grips without a single chip.  The revolver is missing the cartridge loading door, and the empty cartridge ejector rod, but is otherwise complete and functions well.  It displays VERY nicely, AND WAS MOST OFTEN CONFEDERATE USED.--$450.  (We have an excellent condition original 7 MM French pinfire cartridge to display with the revolver for a mere $25.)SOLD

    Absolutely breathtaking beautiful, framed print of "Thundering Home" by Nicolas Trudgian.  This is print number 546 out of 1,000, and the plates have been destroyed.  This beautiful WW II print is actually signed by four participants including two Generals (General Ben Davis, Captain Al Brown, General Carrol (Red) McCalpin, and Lt. Hugh L. Wright).  The print has been professionally framed using acid-free matting and light filtering glass.  It comes with its original Certificate of Authenticity.  It is absolutely beautiful and ready to hang.--$450.

    Excavated large size lead filled U.S. oval waist belt plate.  This is the "arrow hook" variety, and has full lead, and all three hooks intact.  It has a smooth chocolate brown patina, and was recovered by Butch Mayes about 40 years ago.  I personally dug 4 U.S. ovals in the same area that this one was found.  This is an excellent piece of history, and is nice enough that it could literally still be worn today.--$325.

    Absolutely drop dead beautiful excavated coat size VA13A1.  It was recovered near Fredericksburg, VA.  It has LOTS of gold gilt in all the right places, and has a rmdc "Waterbury - Scovill" backmark.  The face is slick chocolate, and the shank remains intact.  This is an eye popper !!!--$325.

    Beautiful, flawless example of a rare non-excavated coat size LA7A1 in Albert.  This button has near 100% bright gold gilt, and shank is intact.  It has a "Horstmann & Allien - NY" backmark.--$395.

    Quite rare, excavated, .58 cal., Minie ball in its original "skin" cartridge.  This was recovered by Dr. Don Orth from near Harrison's Landing, Virginia.  It was recovered about 35 years ago, and it is extremely rare to find a complete one now.--$115.

    .577 cal., Confederate Enfield projectile remaining in an original knot of heartwood pine.  This was recovered about 30 years ago on private property near Chickamauga, Georgia.--$48.SOLD

    Really pretty, Federal Reunion badge and ribbon from the 1907 Reunion of the 13th Federal Tennessee Cavalry.  The reunion was held on September 20 - 21, 1907, in Hampton, Tennessee.  The badge itself remains in excellent condition with the original pin remaining intact.  The badge is marked, "Made by The Whitehead and Hoag Co. - Newark".  It is actually more common in Tennessee to find Confederate Reunion badges than Federal ones.  It is displayed in a 6 x 8 glass front Riker display case.--$125.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, cuff size, Federal Infantry Officer "I" in the Eagle Shield.  This button has nice gold gilt surrounding the Eagle and in the Shield around the "I".--$25.

    Excavated, one piece, 1820 era, cuff size Militia Eagle button.  The reverse has shank intact and nice gold gilt.  This button was recovered from an 1861 Confederate camp near Charleston, SC.--$25.

    Very pretty condition, non-excavated, coat size Georgia State Seal Civil War Confederate button.  This button came out of a North Georgia estate and has nice, crisp detail and is backmarked, "Horstmann & Alien".  The shank remains intact and straight, and it has near 100% bright gold gilt.--$250.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, extremely scarce, Lindner carbine projectile.  I recovered this projectile over 30 years ago from a US/CS Cavalry camp located near Huntersville, West Virginia.  This is the only site that I ever recovered Lindner carbine projectiles.  I was relic hunting with my old buddy Joe Hayworth at the time.--$45.

    

    Excavated lead driving band (sabot) from a 3-inch Hotchkiss projectile.  This is 2/3 of a complete sabot that was thrown off.  It has a pretty white patina, and nice, deep rifling, and was recovered just in rear of the stone wall near Leland Lane at the Second Day fighting at Nashville.--$25.

    Very nice condition excavated drop .50 cal. Dimick SharpShooter bullet.  This bullet was recovered from the 1862 camp of the 63 Ill. Sharpshooters that was located near Corinth, Miss.  It has a smooth white patina.--$85.

    Excellent excavated condition drop Type I Williams Cleaner .58 cal. minie.  This was the original early 3-ring design, but it was soon found that a lead plug was needed to help keep the zinc washer in place.  This example has 100% zinc cleaning washer remaining intact.--$20.

    Very pretty condition excavated pair of dropped "plug base" Confederate Enfield bullets.  One is a raised "57" base, and the other is a "raised dot" base.  There is one "boxwood plug" in the display that would be correct for either bullet.  The pair are displayed in a glass riker case.  Both bullets were recovered along the Confederate Battle Line here at Stones River.--$35. for the display

    Excellent condition pair of "PARIS" marked Civil War era field glasses.  The original leather remains intact, and the optics are as good as they ever were.  Every collection needs a nice pair of binoculars !!--$135.

    Excavated single layer of cannister (7 balls) for a round of 3 inch rifled cannon cannister.  The individual balls are 1 inch to 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  These were recovered over 40 years ago when the area was a pig farm !!!  This was known as Breckenridge's Charge, and 1.800 young Confederates died here in one hour on Jan.2, 1863.--$125.

    Very interesting set of excavated 3 inch size projectile bases.  One of the bases is a brass saboted Read base and was recovered in rear of Mendenhall's Battery here at Stones River and would have been Confederate fired.  The other is an iron saboted Federal Parrott projectile that was recovered in rear of the Confederate line near McFadden Ford here at Stones River and would have bene Federal fired.  Both bases have full sabots with the Confederate being brass and the Federal one being iron.--$95. for the pair.

    Extremely rare and in beautiful condition, 22 inch long, hand crafted, solder seamed, Civil War map carrying case.  This case belonged to Col. John D. Weeden of the 49th Regiment Alabama Volunteer Infantry.  The 49th Alabama was an excellent unit and participated in many battles including, Shiloh - Baton Rouge - Corinth - Port Hudson - Resaca - Franklin - and Nashville.  This excellent artifact has an old tag with full information and was purchased directly from the family.  This is a museum quality relic.--$495.SOLD

    Civil War era brown leather wallet with several Confederate notes still inside.  It is possible this wallet may have been carried by Col. John D. Weeden, of the 49 Alabama Infantry.  It remains in excellent condition, and displays museum like.  Very Nice.--$150. (with Confederate Notes included)SOLD

    Very nice Confederate grouping just brought in out of the local area.  This grouping consists of a hand-formed powder horn and a hand-stitched brown leather accessory pouch for holding ammunition, musket caps, and patches.  There is a partial name on the powder horn, and I believe I know who these items belonged to.--$450.for both items.SOLD

    Excellent condition, excavated, solid cast brass, Army of Tennessee "round corner" waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry located just south of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, near the Midland, Tennessee crossroads.  The buckle has a never-cleaned, brown/green patina with nice spun-downs around each of the three attachment hooks.  All three hooks remain intact.  Details of the Federal raid on this Confederate Cavalry camp can be found in Volume 23, Part 1, of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion which occurred on March 23, 1863.  We have recovered right many Confederate buckles from this camp.  I have personally recovered (1) Army of Tennessee solid cast round corner, (2) large size oval Alabama Map-on-Tree waist belt plate, (3) large Breckinridge style oval CS waist belt plate, (4) center star disc to a New Orleans "Star" two piece buckle, (5) egg shaped CS oval, and (6) a broken Noble Brothers pewter CSA.  Now that was a sweet camp!!--$4,650.SOLD

    Very attractive, excavated, thinner Tennessee style, cast brass, rectangular, "CSA" waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered several years ago near Lovejoy Station, Georgia.  When the plate was recovered, it had been struck and bent by a piece of farming equipment.  The buckle straightened without breaking, and only a small line is left where the bend was.  It has a smooth brown/green patina and all three original hooks remaining intact.  This is a very good buy on a nice rectangle "CSA" waist belt plate as I'm often seeing them now priced well into the upper $3,000's.--$2,650.

    Excellent condition, excavated, cast brass, small Cavalry size, Georgia frame Confederate waist belt plate.  This style Georgia frame is identical to those marked, "McElroy & Hunt - Macon, GA".  Among collectors, this Georgia frame is sometimes referred to as an "unmarked" McElroy & Hunt frame buckle.  It has a smooth chocolate patina and literally couldn't be nicer.--$750.

    Excellent condition, excavated, 3-inch, Confederate Read projectile.  This shell was recovered here at Stones River many years ago.  It has been cleaned, coated, disarmed, and is ready for display.--$850.

    Very attractive Model 1842 54 cal. smooth bore single shot horse pistol.  The metal has a pleasing uncleaned "attic brown" patina, and the wood has the look and wear of a 150 year old walnut staircase rail.  The metal has a pleasing never cleaned grey/brown patina with lockplate markings of "1854 - U.S. - Middtn. - Conn. - I. N. Johnson.  The pistol has a wooden ramrod as opposed to the pivoting metal one it originally had.  By far, most of these turn up in the South, and were Confederate carried.  Any sane person would want to change this out for a multi-shot revolver at the first opportunity !!!--$725.

    Very nice condition, 1991 printing of the reference book, Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates, by Steve E. Mullinax.  This book is out of the collection of Dr. Don Orth and remains in almost new condition.  It is one of the reference books that every Civil War collector should have on their shelf.--$150.

    Civil War and pre-Civil War cannon "port fire".  This was used to touch off cannons in the early days when a wick was used to touch off the cannon rather than the Civil War Era brass cannon friction primers.  This one remains in excellent, unused condition.--$75.

    Very attractive, silver 3 cent piece recovered by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate camp near Charleston, South Carolina.  I, unfortunately, can't quite make the date out.--$25.

    Excavated, 1854, silver half dime.  This coin was recovered from General Breckinridge's 1862 camp located near Readyville, Tennessee.  The coin does have some wear, but the 1854 date remains sharp and clear.--$65.

    Excavated, silver dime recovered from an 1863 Army of Tennessee winter camp site.  The dime has a hole for wearing it on a string so as to always have the money for a meal.  This dime is dated 1840 and appears to have some sort of carving with the sharp point of a pen knife.  It more or less appears like a checker board to me but likely has other meaning.--$48.

    Very nice condition, excavated, quite rare, cuff size, Rhode Island "Navy" button.  This button has a smooth, chocolate patina with hints of gold gilt.  The button does have a backmark, but it is so tiny I can't read it.  The shank remains intact.--$35.

    Very nice condition, non-excavated, 1862 date, Indian Head Cent.  This coin was in a coin purse brought home from the Civil War by a Confederate Soldier.--$28.

    Very nice condition, 9 mm, French pinfire revolver.  This revolver is nearly identical to the revolver carried by Confederate General Jeb Stuart.  It remains totally complete with lanyard ring, ejector rod, and loading door.  The action works perfectly and it has original varnished walnut grips.  This is a nice quality Civil War pinfire revolver that was heavily Confederate used.--$595.

    Very nice condition, original full tin of Civil War Era pistol percussion caps.  This would be an excellent compliment to display with your Colt pocket model, Navy or Army.--$48.

    Excavated, coat size, Connecticut State Seal uniform button.  This was recovered near Charleston, South Carolina, and is a "CT13B".  It has a chocolate brown patina with a few traces of gold gilt.  The reverse of the button is pushed forward just a little bit.  This is not a mint, high-grade example but is a good solid excavated Connecticut.--$35.

    Extremely rare and sought after "1863" date Richmond, VA. Confederate manufactured Cavalry carbine.  This rare carbine is wartime production, and was purchased about 40 years ago by Jim Brandon out of a local Richmond estate.  I purchased the carbine as a part of Jim's estate probably close to 20 years ago now.  I sold the carbine to a friend who has  had it until the current time.  It has a pretty - never cleaned - chocolate brown patina tip to tip.  The lockplate is marked "1863 - Richmond, VA", and the hammer locks firmly into both half cock and full cock.  The hammer is an old Springfield replacement, and appears to have been there since the Civil War era. This carbine carries a mystery with it.  It appears to have been originally carried by one Confederate who was apparently either killed or wounded.  The original Confederate owner had his name carved with a pen knife into the rear of the shoulder stock.  The "new owner" did not want a name on his gun that was not his own for fear that he may be killed and misidentified to his family, and they would therefore not know what happened to him.  It is quite common for the new owner of a Confederate gun to remove the previous owners name or initials and often put his own.  On this weapon, the original owner had his name and unit carved into the bottom of the butt stock.  You can still make out "Wickhams" Brigade, but I can only see a couple of letters of the soldier's name.  Wickham's Brigade and likely this weapon participated in the Battle of Williamsburg, the Seven Days' Battles, and the Second Manassas and Maryland campaigns.  Later the unit was involved in the conflicts at Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Haw's Shop, and Bethesda Church.    It is extremely rare at this point in time to find an honest, Confederate manufactured, Richmond carbine on the market for sale.--$7,500.

    Very nice condition regulation issue small leather Federal percussion cap pouch.  With this cap pouch is an old tag that reads "Dr. Gamble's Grand-Fathers cap pouch -- 13th Tennessee Cavalry".  The cap pouch remains in very nice condition with a maker mark "E. Gaylord -- Springfield, Mass."  The box still has the original "nipple pick", and a number of original percussion caps inside.--$195.

    Original brown paper wrapped, wooden block, containing an assortment of different fuse-burn rate artillery time fuses.  The top is partially open, and a couple of the fuses are visible.  This is an excellent compliment to display with your Civil War Artillery collection.--$75.

    This is one of my personal all-time favorite reference books.  It is The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics, by Stephen W. Sylvia and Michael J. O'Donnell.  This reference book was printed in 1978 by Moss Publications, and this is the second printing, dated July 1985.  It remains in very nice condition, almost just as it was issued 40 plus years ago.  I used to have this reference book come through quite often, but not so much anymore.--$85.

    Excavated, partially melted, 8 Reale, 1800 era, Spanish silver coin recovered from a South Carolina Infantry fire pit near Charleston, South Carolina.  This is by no means a collector grade coin, but for a beginning Civil War collector, here is a genuine 200-year-old coin recovered by Dr. Don Orth about 30 years ago.  You can't get more reasonable than this.--$30.

    Excellent condition, excavated wreath half to a Leech & Rigdon "tongue & wreath" sword belt plate.  The keeper measures 1 7/8 inch outside to outside.  The circular wreath portion itself is 1 3/4 inch across outside.  It will accept a tongue with a disc measuring 1 1/8 inch across.  It was recovered near Ft. Donelson, and has a never-cleaned, brown/green woods patina.--$895.

    Very nice condition, regulation issue, Federal lead-filled, large oval, arrow-hook pattern, US waist belt plate on original black harness leather belt.--$550.

    Absolutely beautiful museum condition, Model 1864, .58 cal., Federal cartridge box.  This box is complete with a deeply embossed US oval, a US Ord. Inspector mark, and "W. H. Wilkinson" makers mark.  The box remains virtually new as issued and has both tins intact, both attachment buckles, both belt loops and closure tab all perfectly intact.  This box has virtually no flaking at all and would be nice enough for any collection or museum.--$550.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate droop-wing Eagle Staff Officer button.  This is a "CS25A" with a blank Confederate local back.  This button was recovered many, many years ago from Lucius E. Polk's 1863 camp located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  The button is so slick it is nearly reflective.--$275.

    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.--$6,495.

    Very nice condition excavated coat size North Catolina Confederate local uniform button.  This is a "NC8C" with the raised 5 point star in the depressed channel.  The button is very crude (as it was the day it was made), but remains as slick and beautiful yet today as ever.  The button was recovered about 30 years ago by Dr. Don Orth from a North Carolina Infantry camp located near Charleston, SC.  Even though this is a very crude button, and has never been cleaned - You can see everything as nicely as the day it was made.--$225.

    Absolutely stunning excavated coat size Confederate "Lined Block A" uniform button.  This is a "CS102A2" in Albert, and has a near reflective chocolate brown patina.  The lines in the "A" can be seen from 6 feet away.  The reverse is perfect with a "Superior Quality" backmark, and shank is intact.  This button was recovered about 30 years ago by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate "Artillery" camp located near Charleston, South Carolina.--$425.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, "gutter back", Georgia frame, Confederate waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 30 years ago near the "Widow James" home which was General Leonidas Polk's headquarters.  The home was also used as a hospital.  The buckle has a smooth, never cleaned, brown/green patina and was recovered in the front yard of the old mansion.  The two teeth remain intact and sharp as can be.--$650.

    Very nice condition, English walnut grip, single-shot, .44 cal., percussion boot pistol.  These were widely used during the Civil War as a last line of defense, usually carried in the vest pocket.  This one still has a good strong main spring and would definitely still get the job done.--$475.

    Extremely rare, excavated, coat size, "CSA" Confederate Officer's uniform button.  This button was recovered by Dr. Don Orth from a Confederate camp on the outskirts of Charleston, South Carolina.  This "CSA" button has an unmarked, blank back but is known to have been manufactured by "S. Buckley" of Birmingham, England.  This is known because the face is a "Buckley" strike rather than a "Superior Quality" strike.  This button has a smooth, uncleaned, chocolate brown patina and "CSA" letters that stand out bold and clear.  The button was unfortunately stepped on and has a somewhat more flattened profile than when it was issued.  The reverse is unmarked and has the large English shank intact.  This is a very rare button that many advanced collections are even missing.  Very reasonably priced--$350.

    If you are wondering what the "address" of this button is, it would be one of the last houses on Bad Ass Street!  This is a coat size Florida Territorial with 100% bright gold gilt, RMDC Scovill backmark, and the shank perfectly intact and straight.  This button has been in an Arkansas museum for the last 20 years or so.  Do not even think about ever upgrading this button.S--$2,500.

    Very pretty condition, Model 1861, Federal contract, rifled musket.  This musket has a lockplate marked, "1863 - E. Robinson - New York".  The metal overall has a gently aging gray patina with some flash around the nipple area.  The barrel retains deep, sharp rifling, and both sling swivels and ramrod remain intact.  The main spring remains about as strong as it was in 1863, and the hammer locks firmly in both half-cock and full-cock.  The wood remains very pretty with an old age crack running straight back from the wrist but does not go all the way through.  This musket clearly shows Civil War usage but is not terribly burnt out behind the nipple.  This would be an excellent first Civil War musket.--$1,650.

    Very nice condition and super rare, Model 1842, "PALMETTO ARMORY", .58 cal., percussion horse pistol.  This pistol has been in the private museum owned by Ann and C. W. Webb for the past 40 years.  The pistol shows honest wear and crisp, clear lockplate markings of, "Palmetto Armory and the Palmetto tree - Columbia SC -1852".  The barrel has the tiny Palmetto tree stamping as well.  The action still works correctly locking firmly into both half-cock and full-cock.  It is quite rare anymore for a nice, honest example of this Confederate used pistol to come up for sale.L--$4,650.

    Beautiful museum grade condition, Model 1858, Federal bulls eye canteen complete with wool cover, linen sling, stopper with pull and chain.  This canteen remains just as issued in 1861 and is without even a single hole.--$650.

    Beauriful condition "Arsenal Marked" powder bag punch for a Civil War 12 inch Mortor.  The punch is marked "12 - M (Mortor), and Waterveliet Arsenal - U.S."--$125.

    Group of 3 projectiles recovered on private property here at Stones River.  #1 is a standard .58 cal. 3-ring "Minie Ball" - #2 is a rare "4 piece" .69 cal. , Confederate "Buck and Ball", and the third projectile is a Confederate used .577 cal. Enfield.  All are displayed in a glass riker display case.--$25.

    .Here is one that you will not "see" every day.  It is an original, 1800's era, case containing "glass eyes."  These were needed by soldiers returning home from the Civil War with eye injuries.  Since Nita wears contacts I thought that we could put one of these in her eye, but I just could not hold her still!!--$175.

    Absolutely beautiful, non-excavated, super rare, Palmetto Guard Confederate uniform button.  This button has at least 90% original bright gold gilt with the reverse completely intact as well as the shank being intact.  This button has for many years been in the private Civil War Museum owned by Ann and C. W. Webb and located in Lowell, Arkansas.  This has always been considered one of the very rarest and most desirable Confederate buttons to obtain.  The motif is a Palmetto tree with a coiled snake going up the trunk and the letter "C" on one side of the Palmetto tree and "S" on the other side of the Palmetto tree.  The Palmetto Guard button is considered one of the "cornerstone buttons" of any advanced Confederate uniform button collection.--$2,850.

    Excavated, 24 pound size, Confederate wood drive-in fuse cannonball.  This cannonball was recovered on private property near Vicksburg, Mississippi, and does have some ground action pitting.  The shell has been disarmed, cleaned, coated, and is ready for display.  There are far fewer 24 pound size cannonballs recovered than 6 pound and 12 pound size.--$375.

    Beautiful condition non-excavated large size lead filled arrow hook pattern "U.S. Oval" Federal waist belt plate.  This plate was recently brought into the shop out of the local area, and was likely left over from the Battle here.  It is in super nice condition, and could literally be put back on leather and worn today !!--$350.

    Set of excavated, dropped, approximately .34 to .36 caliber pistol projectiles that appear appropriate for an Adams or Tranter.  These were recovered together by Steve Johnson at Ft. Donelson many, many years ago.--$50. for the pair.

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, Star and Sheild rosette or Martingale.  These were used by Texas Cavalry, Mississippi Cavalry, and pre-war Militia.  This example was likely Texas used from where it was found.--$395.

    Nice condition and quite rare, Model 1841, original "Mississippi Rifle".  This rifle remains in original .54 cal., and has a southern wedge-type rear site.  This rifle has smooth, gently aging, gray patina metal with lockplate markings of, "Tryon - 1847 - US - Philada - PA".  The stock remains in very nice condition with two inspector cartouches still faintly visible in the wood reverse side from the hammer.  It has the original brass tip ram rod, both sling swivels, brass patch box with extra nipple, and still has very decent rifling.  This Mississippi rifle almost certainly saw Confederate service and will be a fine addition to any collection.--$2,450.

    Very pretty, excavated, clip-corner, stamped brass, plain face Confederate rectangular waist belt plate.  Most of these we recover in early war (1861 - 1862) Confederate camps.  This example has a smooth chocolate patina with visible solder marks where the hooks once were.  It is just as Confederate as any CSA rectangle or CS oval waist belt plate.   It was recovered on private property near Shiloh.--$425.

    Absolutely drop-dead smoking beautiful, baby size, Model 1839 US cartridge box plate.  This plate was recovered many, many years ago and could very well be the nicest most perfect baby US cartridge plate ever found here.  It was recovered here in Middle Tennessee, and there is literally "NO WAY" you could improve upon it.--$425.

    Very attractive Model 1863 Type II .58 cal. Springfield 3-band musket.  It was rifled originally, but is smoothbore now, and was no doubt used with "buck" to hunt game to help feed the family following the Civil War.  The musket is thought to have been brought home by a local Confederate - "James Vernon - 24th TN. INF." out of Nolensville - Williamson, Co. - TN.  The musket is all Model 1863 except the barrel and hammer which are Model 1861.  This musket displays nicely, has perfect action, and would still kill a squirrel for supper !!  Both sling swivels, long range site, and ram rod remain intact.--$1,250.

    Super nice condition excavated large size oval lead filled "Puppy Paw" hook style U.S. oval waist belt plate.  This plate was dug by Wade Buchanan about 35 years ago among the limestone outcroppings on private property here at the Battle of Stones River, and you could "literally" still wear it today !!  There are initials cut into the lead on the reverse.--$350.

    Extremely rare, NON-EXCAVATED, 3.4 inch, Dahldren Federal Navy projectile for the Federal rifled boat howitzer.  This is a beautiful non-excavated example with full lead sabot and original cord.  These are called "blind shell shot" and were intended to disable and sink Naval vessels.  A non-excavated example WITH CORD is extremely rare to come by.--$1,450.

    Model 1860 Colt, .44 cal., 6-shot, percussion Army revolver.  This revolver has an all-matching serial number (including the wedge) of 52095.  This is a very desirable 1862 production date.  The revolver has a pleasing, aging, gray/brown patina overall and indexes well, locking in both half-cock and full-cock.  There is some wear making the barrel marking a bit dim, but it still can be seen.  This is a real deal Colt Army that has seen actual service, and that service quite possibly Confederate.--$1,595.

    Here we have a beautiful "Hi-Grade" Model 1850 Federal Field and Staff Officer's sword and scabbard that was purchased in 1975 directly from the family.  The information that came with the sword indicated that the sword was carried by an ancestor by the name of Lt. Jacob Probst.  He was a member of the 21st New Jersey Infantry.  The sword has an ornate brass guard with "US" cast into the guard.  The engraving on the blade is really something having US, a drum, a shield, stacked arms, a flag, crossed cannons, a camp scene with tents, and a soldier on picket.  The leather scabbard is ornately tooled, and patterned, but does have an old repair just above the drag.  This sword has been carried A LOT as the drag has "TONS OF WEAR".  He served in the Fredericksburg campaign, as well as Salem Heights.  Lt. Probst was born in Bremen, Germany, April 20, 1841, and died February 13, 1901, at age 59 years.  He was very active in Veteran and community activities.--$2,150.

    Very attractive, regulation issue, Cavalry Gallager carbine, serial number 3058 which is reasonably early production.  This was a popular carbine with Federal Cavalry being used by the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.  Also, it was carried by the 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (Union) and the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry (Union).  Interestingly, Mahlon J. Gallager, the inventor, was from South Carolina.  This is a good, solid Gallager carbine showing clear evidence of actual Civil War use.--$1,450.

    Really pretty condition excavated standard large size Confederate "GA. FRAME" waist belt plate.  This one has a slick brown-green patina, and was recovered from an 1863 Polk's Corp, Army of Tennessee, Confederate Infantry camp located along Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.  We recovered some GREAT RELICS from these camps !!!--$650.

    Exceptionally pretty condition, CONFEDERATE MANUFACTURED, Southern percussion cap box.  This cap box has the distinctive Confederate hand-sewn belt straps and the small construction tack holes that Confederate leather usually has.  It remains complete and pliable with the nipple pick intact as well as original percussion caps.  This is a dandy little Confederate box.--$595.

    Absolutely beautiful set of three Federal US waist belt plates.  These three plates represent the three different sizes that US plates may be found in.  The top plate is a Model 1839, non-excavated "baby oval" US waist belt plate with full lead and single arrow attaching hook.  The second plate is the ultra-rare "true medium size", lead-filled, US oval with puppy-paw hooks waist belt plate.  This plate has only been recovered in a few locations.  This example was recovered at Harrison Landing, Virginia, in 1991.  And the third plate is a standard early war large size US oval with puppy-paw hooks and full lead.  This buckle was recovered here at Stones River about 40 years ago.  It is very, very rare to see this set of US buckles in excellent condition offered together.--$1,450 for the entire set.

    Excavated, large size, Confederate Georgia frame waist belt plate.  It was recovered from the Camp of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry CSA located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with no damage at all.--$650.

    Absolutely mint beautiful condition, heavy cast brass, .577 cal., Enfield bullet mold.  This mold is complete with both sprue cutter and cavity forming plug.  You could not ask for a nicer example, and we have inserted an Enfield bullet recovered from the Confederate line here at Stones River that perfectly fits the mold.  This is all you need to take your Enfield musket to museum level.--$595.

    Extremely rare, non-excavated, Federal 9th Corp Badge.  This example is gold filled with a white enamel background indicating 2nd Division.  The original "t-bar" attachment device remains intact on the reverse.  This is one you rarely see.--$450.

    Very nice condition, Model 1860, Federal Naval Cutlass with a nice clean blade marked, "Ames - USN - 1862".  This Naval sword has a large brass hand guard and is just beginning to patina with age.  The leather scabbard is complete and original with brass rivets completely down the side.  It is only missing the very tip where there was a large brass rivet.--$950.

    Beautiful condition, coat size, Confederate Block "R" (Rifleman).  This button is in virtually mint condition with 100% bright gold gilt and a perfect reverse with "H.T. &B. - Manchester".  I don't think you could hope to find a more flawless example for your collection.--$650.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, large size, lead-filled, "SNY" (State of New York) waist belt plate.  This is the puppy-paw hook variety and was recovered near Cold Harbor, Virginia.  It has a brown/green, uncleaned patina, full lead, and all three hooks intact.--$895.

    Excellent condition, excavated, plain face, rectangular brass waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from the camp of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry CSA located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  It has a very nice, never cleaned, brown/green patina and solder marks on the reverse where the hooks once were.--$595.

    Just brought in, and really nice .69 cal. Model 1816 "P. & E. W. BLAKE" musket originally produced in flintlock, and converted to percussion for Civil War use.  This is out of a local family that had 100% Confederate ancestry.  During the Civil War it would have fired "Buck and Ball" as well as a standard musket ball.  It has a pretty attic brown patina tip to tip, and has lockplate markings of "P. & E. W. BLAKE-1830-NEW HAVEN".  The action remains as tight and strong as during the Civil War.  There is still a clearly visible inspector cartouche in the wood opposite the lockplate and hammer.  If you have always wanted to own a really nice Confederate carried musket from the Civil War - here is your chance !!--$1,450.

    Very nice condition, excavated, unmarked, "McElroy & Hunt" pattern, Confederate Georgia frame waist belt plate.  I dug this one back in the 1970's from the camp of the 51st Alabama Cavalry.  The exact spot where this buckle was recovered is now under the extreme right lane of Highway 231 South between Murfreesboro and Shelbyville.  During the Civil War, and even up until the point I recovered this buckle, Highway 231 South was just a two-lane road.  It is now a four-lane highway with a wide median in the center.  That is what caused that portion of the camp where this buckle was recovered to now be under highway.  It has a very nice, uncleaned, brown/green patina with wide triangle teeth (quite a number of years later, Nita & I found another identical example in one of the picket camps over near the railroad).--$850.SOLD

    Very attractive, excavated, large oval, lead-filled, "SNY" (State of New York) waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered over 30 years ago from private property near Cold Harbor, Virginia.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina on the face with full lead and all three hooks present on the reverse.  This plate would make an excellent addition to any collection.--$895.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, large size, lead-filled, "VMM" (Volunteer Maine Militia) cartridge box plate.  The face has a smooth, chocolate brown patina, and the reverse has full lead.  This plate was recovered near Port Hudson, Louisiana.  It is without question one of the nicer ones I've seen come from that area.  This will be a fine addition to someone's plate collection.--$1,150.

    Very nice condition, excavated, "VMM" (Volunteer Maine Militia).  This plate was recovered about 40 years ago from a Maine Infantry camp located near the Berkley Plantation in Virginia.  It has a very nice, uncleaned, brown/green patina on the face with full lead and both wire loops intact on the reverse.  This is a very nice example.--$1,150.

    Beautiful excavated large size oval "VMM" (Volunteer Maine Militia) cartridge boxplate.  This plate was recovered about 40 years ago on private property near Port Hudson, LA.  The face has a slick chocolate brown patina and sharp, crisp letters and the plate has literally never even been rinsed off.  The plate is the pattern ""VMM" with very little lead in the back - Actually just barely enough to keep the wire loops in place.  Rusty residue of the wire loops still remains.  This is one of the prettiest "VMM"s from that area that I have seen.--$1,150.

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, battlefield pick-up, 3 inch, case shot Schenkl projectile.  This projectile was picked up near Fredericksburg, Virginia, and has been for many years in a Civil War Era home there.  The projectile has been disarmed and is cleaned, coated, and ready for display.--$595.

    Very attractive, excavated, large size, cast brass, Confederate "fork-tongue" frame waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from General Hardee's Jan. 3 -June 25, 1863, Confederate Infantry camp located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  It shows actual use with visible wear, and has a very nice - never cleaned brown-green patina.--$895.

    Very nice condition early Battlefield Pick-Up 3 inch case shot Schenkl.  The second numbers are still readable on the fuze.  This is a tough shell to find in this condition.--$595.SOLD

    Excavated, 3-inch, Confederate Read Parrott projectile.  This projectile was recovered near Atlanta, Georgia.  It has a nicely rifled copper sabot 90% intact.  It also has an excellent condition Confederate copper time fuse.  It is disarmed, cleaned, coated, and ready for display.--$495.

    Absolutely mint beautiful, unfired DROP, 3-inch Confederate Read projectile.  This was recovered near the Augusta Confederate Arsenal located on the Savannah River in Georgia.--$1,150.

    Very nice condition, excavated, large size, lead-filled, puppy-paw hook pattern, US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered by Wade Buchanan here at Stones River many years ago.--$325.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, 10-pound, "flat top" Parrott bolt projectile.  This Parrott bolt was recovered about 40 years ago on private property at Vicksburg, Mississippi.  It is the rarer iron sabot variety and is cleaned, coated, and ready to display.--$850.

    Super rare to recover - a COMPLETE pattern, 1853, .577 cal., Enfield 3-band rifled musket.  This example was recovered about 40 years ago from the Confederate defenses at Spanish Fort, Alabama.  The musket includes butt plate, trigger guard, lockplate with hammer, nipple protector, barrel with long-range site intact, all bands, brass nose cap, and ramrod.  An excavated Enfield does not get more complete than that.  Now the bad news:  We do not feel we can safely ship this artifact and it arrive in one piece.  This is one that will need to be picked up here at the shop.--$850.

    Very pretty, excavated, emerald green, gutter-back, Georgia frame, Confederate waist belt plate.  This plate was recovered about 30 years ago here at Stones River.  I can faintly see lettering across one edge of the buckle.  I feel sure this is the soldier's name, but I can't make it out completely.  This one will be fun for someone.--$650.

    Beautiful, condition, excavated, plain face, Confederate sheet brass rectangular waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from a Confederate camp on private property near Chickamauga, Georgia.  The buckle remains in nice condition with some faint lettering on the face.  It is likely the soldier's name but is not visible enough to make it out.--$595.

    Very pretty excavated coat size Mississippi "I" Confederate uniform button.  I recovered this one back around 1982 from "Walthall's Mississippi Brigade" 1862 winter camp located near Estill Springs, TN on the Elk River.  (Known during the Civil War as Allisonia Station.  It has a nice trim of gold gilt in the "I", and around the letters, and a nice clear Hyde and Goodrich - "N O" NEW ORLEANS backmark.--$425.

    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.--$6,495.

    Absolutely pristine beautiful condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled "SNY" (State of New York) cartridge box plate.  This beautiful plate came out of a central New York estate about 45 years ago.  The soldier's name (D. E. Dunn) is cut with a pen knife into the face of the plate.  The name's patina is consistent with the rest of the plate and is no doubt Civil War Era.  We attempted to locate him, but there seemed to be unending choices.  The plate has a rich, aged patina, full lead, and both attachment loops intact.--$975.

    Absolutely stunningly beautiful, excavated, coat size, Confederate lined "C" (Cavalry) uniform button.  They just do not get prettier than this button.  The shank remains perfectly intact.--$450.

    Absolutely drop-dead beautiful condition, non-excavated, Model 1840, lead-filled, 3-double wire hooks Eagle cross belt plate.  This plate is from the early era where the Eagle buckle actually hooked and unhooked taking on and off.  The face couldn't be nicer, and the reverse has full lead and all three hooks completely intact.--$550.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, regulation, large size, arrow-hook pattern, US oval, lead-filled waist belt plate.  This buckle is literally is pretty today as it was 160 years ago.--$350.

    Excavated, rectangular, sheet brass, plain Confederate waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered by Bill Shaner at LaGrange, Tennessee, in 1989.  The hooks are not present on the reverse, but the solder marks where they were are clear.--$595.

    Very nice condition, excavated, Confederate 3-inch Read Parrott projectile.  This was a local find from about 45 years ago.  You can still see some lathe marks, and most of the Confederate wooden drive-in fuse plug remains intact.  It is disarmed, cleaned, coated, and ready for display.--$850.

    Very nice condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate script "C".  This button was recovered near Savannah, Georgia, and is a nice quality classic example with shank intact.--$495.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate pewter "I" (Infantry) button.  This button was recovered many years ago near Fredericksburg, Virginia, and could be literally sewn back on a uniform today.  The shank remains intact on the reverse.  You really couldn't ask for a nicer example.--$250.

    Excavated, very rare, circular Eagle breast plate converted to a Confederate waist belt plate by Noble Brothers of Rome, Georgia.  This buckle was recovered by Mr. Otis Brown in the mid-1970's from a Confederate camp near Ft. Donelson, Tennessee.  This is a very rare buckle to excavate.  I have recovered 69 Confederate plates and buckles and only one of these.  It could be a very long time before you get another chance at one of these.--$850.

    Very pretty condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled, US oval cartridge box plate.  The plate has full lead, both attachment loops 100% intact, and a "Boyd & Son's - Boston" backmark.  The plate has a pleasing, aging patina with early "block letter" style US.  This was a local hand-me-down plate brought into the shop.--$395.

    Absolutely drop-dead beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, CS1, Confederate "CSA" in the Shield Confederate Staff Officer button.  This example is in near perfect condition with 98% bright gold gilt and an "Isaac Campbell - London" backmark.  You would be very hard pressed to find a nicer example than this one.--$1,450.

    Excellent condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate Script "A" (Artillery) uniform button.  This button was recovered from the Confederate Artillery Park on Lewisburg Pike outside Shelbyville.  You couldn't ask for a prettier example.--$450.

    Drop-dead beautiful condition, excavated, large size, puppy-paw hook pattern, US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was so nice that the relic hunter put it on a leather belt and wore it for special occasions.  It literally approaches perfection.--$350.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, coat size, Louisiana Pelican button.  This is the "sideways" Pelican, LA6, coat size with gold gilt nicely outlining the figures.  It was dug many years ago from General Hardee's winter camp near Tullahoma, Tennessee.--$475.

    Drop Dead Beautiful, and "SUPER RARE" "elongated nose" 3.59 inch Schenkl case shot Projectile.  This is a "Non-Excavated example" that came out of a Civil War era home in Fredericksburg, VA.  To my knowledge, there are less than five "non-excavated" examples of this projectile in existence.  In 50 years here at the store, I have only seen three.  Being non-excavated, the condition is nothing short of super nice just as issued.--$1,850.

    Very nice condition excavated 3.8 inch Hotchkiss time fused rifled projectile.  This projectile was recovered about 40 years ago from private property near Vicksburg, Mississippi.  It has been disarmed, cleaned, and coated and is ready for display.  This is a projectile not often encountered in complete condition.--$595.

    Extremely rare, Model 1858, "BLUE COVER", smooth type canteen that is rigged for Cavalry service.  The stopper with chain remains intact as does a short linen sling with equipment snap hook for being in the saddle.  This one is out of central Ohio.--$650.

    Extremely rare to find, a non-excavated, coat size, NC8, Confederate local manufactured, North Carolina State Seal.  The face has over 90% bright gold gilt, and the reverse is perfect with Southern Local depressed channel and shank intact.--$695.

    Absolutely drop dead beautiful excavated coat size 90 % bright gold gilted North Carolina Sunburst Confederate uniform button.  The reverse is beautiful as well with gold gilt everywhere, and shank intact.--$975.

    Very nice condition, Model 1840 heavy Cavalry saber and matching scabbard.  This saber has a smooth, never cleaned, chocolate patina with a bright blade just beginning to gray with age.  The blade is marked, "Horstmann - Phila."  This was a very popular Cavalry saber among Confederates in Middle Tennessee.  If you have been waiting for a nice Cavalry saber to represent your Confederate ancestry, this one is perfect!!--$895.

    Very attractive, Model 1865, Spencer 7-shot repeating carbine with a 20 inch barrel.  The Model 1865 Spencer was issued to the military at the very end of the Civil War, and more importantly, during the Indian Wars Era.  This example has crisp action, nice deep rifling, and is marked on the barrel, "Model 1865 - Spencer Repeating Rifle - Manuf'd by Burnside Rifle Co. - etc."  The carbine remains in very nice condition and completely functional but does show honest wear from actual use.  This carbine is serial number 3629 which is quite early production.--$1,850.

    Excavated Leech and Rigdon "CS" sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 30 years ago from General Forrest's Confederate Cavalry camp located along Tippa Creek in North Mississippi.  The buckle has a good fit, and matching patina, and was recovered together, but it appears that the original wreath had broken and a replacement had been found.  The replacement wreath fits well, but does have a little bit heavier belt loop than the tongue.  Other than that, it fits perfectly, and was being worn that way.  The buckle has a very pleasing display look.--$2,450.

    Very attractive, Model 1860, .44 cal., Colt 6-shot percussion revolver.  This revolver has an all-matching serial number of 30672 which is quite early Colt production "1862".  It is a very sought after "4-screw" which is cut for taking a shoulder stock.  The revolver has a smooth, gray, aging patina overall, and the action still works well.  It came out of a local Middle Tennessee estate and quite likely saw Confederate service.--$2,650.

    SMOKING NICE CONFEDERATE CARRIED Model 1858 Federal "Bullseye" canteen WITH A HOME SPUN REBEL "BED TICKING" cover, and a home made TICKING sling !!!  Every time you hold this jewel -- You hear "DIXIE" playing LOUD AND CLEAR !!!  This beautiful Southern artifact is out of a Southern estate located near "Ringgold, GA.".  I think it only fair that I include "ear protection" with this canteen FOR HOW LOUD DIXIE IS PLAYING" !!!!  This is a FANTASTIC artifact !!!--$795.

    Really nice CONFEDERATE CARRIED, but Union produced .58 cal. leather cartridge box.  The box is out of this local area, and has the "upside down" U.S. cartridge boxplate meaning "SOUTHERN NATION".  It remains in very nice soft, pliable condition, and still has the Confederate produced one piece cartridge tin still inside - just as it was carried.  This is a first class box with both belt loops intact - original plate intact - closure tab in place - and Confederate one piece cartridge tin.  You really should wear "ear protection" when handling this artifact BECAUSE "DIXIE" IS PLAYING SO LOUD !!!!!!--$895.

    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, 16^th 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 16^th 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.--$12,950.

    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.--$5,500.

    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.--$3,500.

    Extremely rare and sought after "1863" date Richmond, VA. Confederate manufactured Cavalry carbine.  This rare carbine is wartime production, and was purchased about 40 years ago by Jim Brandon out of a local Richmond estate.  I purchased the carbine as a part of Jim's estate probably close to 20 years ago now.  I sold the carbine to a friend who has  had it until the current time.  It has a pretty - never cleaned - chocolate brown patina tip to tip.  The lockplate is marked "1863 - Richmond, VA", and the hammer locks firmly into both half cock and full cock.  The hammer is an old Springfield replacement, and appears to have been there since the Civil War era. This carbine carries a mystery with it.  It appears to have been originally carried by one Confederate who was apparently either killed or wounded.  The original Confederate owner had his name carved with a pen knife into the rear of the shoulder stock.  The "new owner" did not want a name on his gun that was not his own for fear that he may be killed and misidentified to his family, and they would therefore not know what happened to him.  It is quite common for the new owner of a Confederate gun to remove the previous owners name or initials and often put his own.  On this weapon, the original owner had his name and unit carved into the bottom of the butt stock.  You can still make out "Wickhams" Brigade, but I can only see a couple of letters of the soldier's name.  Wickham's Brigade and likely this weapon participated in the Battle of Williamsburg, the Seven Days' Battles, and the Second Manassas and Maryland campaigns.  Later the unit was involved in the conflicts at Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Haw's Shop, and Bethesda Church.    It is extremely rare at this point in time to find an honest, Confederate manufactured, Richmond carbine on the market for sale.--$7,500.

    Extremely rare, Confederate manufacture, "Dog River" Confederate Cavalry saber and scabbard picked up on the battlefield and taken home as a war trophy.  The saber has original, single strand iron wire on the grip and some of the original leather.  The cast high copper content brass guard has a rich, never cleaned patina.  The saber has the original unstopped fuller Confederate blade, and it is snapped into about ten inches up from the tip.  The Confederate lap seam "Dog River scabbard" could not be more perfect and has an excellent soldered lap seam with brass mounts.  This is a beautiful, museum quality artifact.--$2,850.

    Super scarce, huge 26 mm, coat size, Confederate Staff Officer button with "CSA" in the shield, near 100% bright gold gilt, and rare "Courtney & Tennent" backmark.  This button is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful of all Confederate uniform buttons.  This is CS1A1 in Albert, and I do not believe it possible to find a more beautiful and perfect example.--$1,950.

    Quite rare Model 1858 Federal canteen with "Sky Blue" cover, original sling, and stopper.  The canteen is maker marked "J. H. Rohrman -- Philadelphia" on the spout.  Federal canteens in nice condition with the "Sky Blue" cover are quite sought after, and rare to find.--$650.

    Extremely rare to find - Model 1832 cast brass Artillery 2 Piece Sword Belt Plate on its original white buff waist belt complete with the original white buff carrying "saddle" for the Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword.  If you have a Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword and Scabbard, this is all you need for a museum level display.  The white buff is now "tanned" with age and use, but remains very strong and pliable.  This is a belt rig that you rarely see available complete and undamaged.--$1,150.

    Very attractive, .69 cal., Model 1816, smooth bore musket converted from flint to percussion.  This musket has lockplate markings of "Springfield - 1829" and has a smooth, dark, never cleaned patina.  It is out of a local estate and has been fired a great deal to the point that flash from the nipple has literally burnt a hole in the wood right behind the nipple.  This is a very typical Southern carried musket, especially during the early years of the Civil War.  It would have fired .69 cal. buck and ball.--$1,150.

    Really pretty .69 cal. 3-band Potsdam rifled musket.  These are also known as "Prussian Muskets", and the governor of OHIO purchased a "bunch" of these, and sent early War Ohio troops off to war armed with them.  As relic hunters, anytime we are hunting an early War camp, and start digging "Prussian Bullets" -- You know that you are in an early War Ohio Infantry camp.  It is likely this musket spent time in an Ohio G.A.R. Hall.  The metal on the musket has been lightly nickel plated, so that the musket stays clean and bright with very little effort at all.  If you'd like a bright clean musket that is going to stay that way with near zero effort -- Here Is A BEAUTY (and priced RIGHT) !!!--$1,250.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, large oval, lead-filled, "SNY" (State of New York) 1840 - 1850 era, puppy-paw hook waist belt plate on the original brown buff Civil War waist belt.  This one appears to be unissued and is in super nice condition.  This would be a fine centerpiece to someone's New York collection.--$1,150.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, "Droop Wing Eagle" Confederate Staff Officer's button.  This button was recovered many years ago from a Confederate camp near Chickamauga, Georgia.  It was recovered by Dr. Francis Fesmire from a Confederate position on private property near Chickamauga, Georgia.  The reverse has the single depressed channel and remnants of what was once the iron attaching loop.  It is very difficult to dig a prettier Confederate local "Droop Wing Staff" than this one.--$1,250.

    .Very attractive Model 1850 "Horstmann and Sons" Foot officer sword in original leather scabbard.  This sword was recently purchased out of a local Tennessee estate, and has the name "Helmer Hansson" engraved into the middle mount.  I have looked in a couple places, and don't seem to see Helmer.  The sword has a clean blade with light engraving, but was broken about 9 inches from the tip, and has been repaired.  The sword has a very ornate guard, but is missing the very back of it. It looks like it could have been intentionally removed to form an "S" guard.  The leather scabbard remains with the sword, but the brass tip has been lost off.  There are loose Foot Officer Sword brass drags available at almost every Civil War Show, so getting a replacement brass drag should be no real problem.  If this sword did not have the couple issues, you would expect it to be priced at $1,250. or so.  Here is your "deal of the day"  --- Priced at less than HALF !!--$595.

    Here is a Civil War Cavalry Saber with a TON of "COOLNESS FACTOR" going on.  It is a nice quality Model 1860 Federal light cavalry saber.  It has blade markings of "Ames - 1863 - ADK (Alias D. King) - Ames Mfg. Co. - Chicopee, Mass".  The saber has been "jeweler enhanced" to officer grade.  This saber is out of a local family, and I believe that it was Confederate carried.  The soldier made "officer" and I believe that the soldier wanted to keep his saber, and it was engraved to indicate "officer".  The leather on the grip was decayed, and was replaced about 40 years ago.  I will pass along to the buyer the Confederate's name that "I believe" likely carried this very cool  saber.--$1,250.

    Very nice condition, 4th Model Burnside Carbine.  This carbine has an all matching serial number of 12329.  There is original bluing remaining in recessed areas, and the rifling is as deep and sharp as it was during the Civil War.  The original long-range site remains intact as well as the floating snap swivel bar and ring.  The main spring remains as strong as when issued.  This is a nice quality little Burnside Carbine, and they were issued to, and were used by regiments of Cavalry of almost every state in the Union.--$1,650.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    We have assembled several 8 inch by 12 inch artifact displays containing 12 - 14 Civil War artifacts and a colorful Civil War scene in a glass Riker case.  These make excellent gifts to anyone interested in the Civil War Era.--$45. each case

    Absolutely beautiful condition, Model 1839, "baby US" on original white buff waist belt being worn upside down so as to read "Southern Nation".  This belt rig is out of a north Alabama family and has a very nice condition CONFEDERATE MANUFACTURE cap box on the belt rig.  You will not get more solid Confederate than this rig, and it remains in first-class, museum grade condition.--$1,450.

     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.

    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 !!!!

    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 !!!

    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.