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  1. Even "Ole Bigfoot" needs a wine break every now and then - but once Bigfoot has had his wine break, Nita had better look out for him!!!

  2. I LOVE GHANDI !!  "AN EYE FOR AN EYE WILL ONLY MAKE ALL OF US (THE WHOLE WORLD) BLIND !!!

  3. DID YOU KNOW - The human ability to "smell rain" rivals a shark's ability to smell blood, and is credited with a large impact on early man's survival !!!

  4. VERY INTERESTING !!  The Pacific Ocean ALL ALONE is over 6 MILLION square miles BIGGER than the TOTAL combined land masses ON EARTH - (63,800,000 SQ. MILES OF WATER IN THE PACIFIC as compared to 57,000,000 SQ. MILES COMBINED TOTAL LAND MASS ON EARTH) !!!   WOW -- JUST WOW !!!  Now "THAT" is a HUGE amount of water !!!

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

  6. It is time for our first Youth Civil War artifact Give-Away Display of 2023 - "OUR 9TH CONTEST" !!! 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 !!!

  7. 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.

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

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

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

  11. 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 !!!

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

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

  14. 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 !!!

  15. 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.

  16. 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 !!!

  17. 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 !!!

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

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

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

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

  22. 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 !!!

  23. 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 !!!

  24. 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.

  25. 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

  26. 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 !!!)

  27. 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 !!!

  28. 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.

  29. 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!!!

  30. 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!!!

  31. 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" !!!

  32. Beautiful never even washed Richmond Arsenal pattern 2-Piece Confederate Sword Belt Plate.  This excellent Confederate buckle was recovered about 40 years ago from Confederate camps near Brandy Station, VA.  The 2 halves were recovered right together, and fit perfectly.  Excellent brown-green woods patina, and hasn't even been rinsed off.  I don't know that you could possibly dig a nicer one!!--$3,250.

  33. Super rare, Confederate marked, .44 cal., London Armory Kerr revolver.  This revolver has a smooth, gently aging, gray patina with no pitting at all and some case colors remaining in the recessed areas.  It is crisply marked, "J. S. & Anchor" Confederate mark and "London Armory - Kerr's Patent - #9433".  The action remains perfect with deep, sharp cross-hatching on the walnut grip and retains an excellent bore.  The main spring remains as strong as it was during the Civil War.  You just are not going to find a nicer J. S. & Anchor Confederate marked "Kerr" for sale.--$6,950.

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

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

  36. Beautiful condition, excavated, large size, Confederate issue, "Georgia Frame" waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered over 40 years ago from Confederate camps along Duck River near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  It has a smooth, green patina and has never even been washed off.  You won't recover a nicer example.--$650.

  37. Very pretty condition, and especially rare "baby" Model 1839 U.S. oval waist belt plate with very scarce "Dingee - New York" maker mark.  I usually get about one of these per year.--$425.

  38. Absolutely perfect, non-excavated example of the Model 1839, single arrow hook "baby size" US oval.  You couldn't ask for a nicer example.--$375.

  39. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, Model 1851, cast brass, Cavalry Enlistedman's sword belt plate.  This plate was purchased out of a central Ohio estate sale about 30 years ago and almost surely belonged to an Ohio Cavalryman.  It has a rich, bronze/brown, never cleaned patina and has the applied silver wreath remaining perfectly intact.  The belt loop and the attachment hook on the reverse both remain perfectly intact.  Just a very nice example.--$350.

  40. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, circular, lead-filled, Federal Eagle breast plate.  This plate has a perfect face with full lead in the reverse, both attachment loops intact, and a rare, "Boyd & Sons - Boston" maker mark on the reverse.  This is a plate you will not often see offered for sale.--$350.

  41. Very attractive, Belgian made, 6-shot, 9 MM pinfire revolver.  This revolver has the loading gate intact as well as the cartridge ejector.  But, it is unfortunately missing the lanyard ring, and the action does not operate correctly.  It does has an excellent display look though and would be a nice addition to any Civil War collection.  Most of these saw Confederate service.--$595.

  42. Drop dead smoking beautiful excavated "W. H. SMITH - Brooklyn" large oval lead filled U. S. oval cartridge boxplate.  This beautiful plate was recovered on private property here at Stones River over 45 years ago.  This plate is literally still about nice enough to go right back on a cartridge box.  There will never be a need to upgrade this one !!!--$295.

  43. Very nice, 5 inch "bullet-in-wood" from the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.  The bullet appears to be a Confederate Enfield.--$55.

  44. Display of five .52 cal. Spencer repeating rifle/carbine cartridges in a glass case.  These were recovered many years ago from the position of Wilder's Lightning Brigade at Hoovers Gap, Tennessee.  This was the first time the Spencer repeaters were used in a sizable conflict in Tennessee, and it made a very lasting impact on the opposing Confederate Infantry.--$95.

  45. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, 19 MM, vest size South Carolina State Seal.  This button has a rich, aged patina with shank intact and a "Horstmann & Allien - NY" backmark.--$75.

  46. Super cool, excavated, "double strike" bullet in wood.  This bullet in wood is approximately 7 inches in length and has both a Federal .58 caliber 3-ring Minie ball and a .69 cal. Confederate musket ball embedded only two inches apart.  The musket ball popped out when the wood was split and has been glued exactly back in place.  You can see the path of both projectiles through the piece of heart wood pine.  This was recovered many years ago, and I will give the exact location to the buyer.--$195.SOLD

  47. Somewhat rare to come by these days, This is an original "strip" of four Civil War Era "Lucifers" (Civil War matches).--$75 for the entire strip of four in a glass case.

  48. Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Connecticut State Seal.  This button was recovered near Pleasant Valley, Maryland, and has 95% bright gold gilt and RMDC Waterbury Scovill backmark in the depressed channel.  This is an excellent example with no dents whatsoever.--$75.

  49. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, Norwich University Cadet uniform button.  It has 100% bright gold gilt and a D. Evans - Attleboro" backmark.  This backmark dates the button right at the end of the Civil War.  This school was located in Vermont and is considered the oldest military school in the nation.--$45.

  50. Very pretty condition, non-excavated, large size, lead-filled, puppy-paw hook US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle has an excellent face with a smooth, aging, bronze/brown patina.  The reverse has full lead fill and is backmarked, "W. H. Smith - Brooklyn", and it has all three attachment hooks remaining intact.  About as nice as you're going to find.--$375.

  51. Nothing less than absolute beautiful condition, excavated, early "puppy-paw hook" pattern, lead-filled, US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 40 years ago on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River.  You could easily wear this plate today.--$325.

  52. Nice clear 1/6th plate fully cased tintype of a Federal soldier wearing his kepi and also his Federal enlistedman's 9-button frock coat.  The image is cased in a Patented "Union" red-brown Thermoplastic case.--$350.

  53. Drop-dead beautiful condition, excavated, 3-iron hook, 1840 era, NCO Eagle breast plate.  This plate has a smooth, brown, nicely detailed face with full lead and three hooks intact on the reverse.  You just don't find them much nicer than this.--$395.

  54. Beautiful condition RARE "3-loop" large size non-excavated stamped brass Federal enlistedman's "bugle" Infantry hat pin.  Most infantry hat pins are the two loop type.  You couldn't ask for a nicer example.--$125.

  55. Nice condition, excavated lead filled circular Federal Eagle Breastplate.  This was recovered from a lawn on the Battle of Franklin, TN. battle line.  It has nice detail, and full lead, but the wire loops are rusted away.  It has really pretty eye appeal.--$150.

  56. Nice condition unopened "1863" date "yellow" packet of Frankford Arsenal "8 Second" artillery time fuzes.  These are very popular, and are a fine addition to any artillery display.--$95.

  57. A rare, complete, .58 cal., "compressed powder" musket cartridge.  These cartridges were produced with the intent of eliminating the paper wrap and therefore allowing them to be loaded faster.--$125.

  58. Very nice condition complete, original .52 cal. linen wrap Sharps carbine cartridge.  This would be an excellent compliment to display with your Sharps carbine or rifle.--$95.

  59. Excavated .58 cal. extracted Minie complete with extractor recovered from Triune, TN. on Aug. 2, 1975 by my old digging buddy - Forrest Maxwell.--$75.

  60. Excavated cast brass Enfield nose cap recovered here at Stones River, and has a nice hunk of the Enfield wooden stock still intact on the under side.  This was recovered a few hundred yards in rear of my shop many years ago - back when that area was beautiful woods, and was private property.--$48.

  61. Very rare, ID'd, Tiffany & Co., non-regulation Cavalry saber and scabbard.  The saber and scabbard remain in excellent condition with an old ID tag attached, reading, "Saber property of Benjamin Otten, Co. K, 3rd MO V.C."  The saber remains in very nice condition with a crisp Tiffany mark.  The saber has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with a gently aging gray/brown blade.  The scabbard has a smooth, aged, brown/green patina with the old ID tag attached.  In addition to the saber, there is also the Model 1858 canteen that was carried by Benjamin Otten as well.--$1,850 for both.SOLD

  62. Very pretty condition, ornately engraved, 7 MM, Belgian made pinfire revolver.  The revolver has ornate, brown gutta percha grips and has intact the loading gate, folding trigger, and cartridge ejector rod.  It is rare to find a pinfire revolver with all these elements remaining intact.  There is almost always one or two missing.--$650.

  63. Extremely rare and in nice condition, 2nd model, Paris LeMat.  The revolver shows honest evidence of having actually been carried.  This example has a matching serial number of 1573 which is only 18 revolvers between it and the one in the reference book, which is number 1555.  The revolver has a smooth, gray, aged patina with original checkered walnut grips and a .42 cal. cylinder containing 9 shots.  And, number 10 is a .63 gauge shotgun located beneath the revolver barrel.  The LeMat revolver was already famous at the time, and a number of Confederate Generals, and even President Jefferson Davis carried one.  This example has been in a local collection for many years and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of these very famous Confederate hand guns.--$15,000.

  64. Super rare and in very nice condition, Model 1842, .54 cal., Palmetto Armory single shot horse pistol.  This pistol has crisp action with lockplate markings of, "Columbia SC 1852 - the Palmetto Tree and Palmetto Armory".  The pistol locks firmly into both half-cock and full-cock, and the action works perfectly.  The barrel is dated 1853 and has the tiny Palmetto Tree marking.  The walnut stock remains in nice condition and has a large "B" carved into the left hand side.  Palmetto Armory weapons rank among the most sought after of Civil War artifacts.--$3,950.

  65. Absolutely beautiful, freshly recovered, cast brass Indiana State hat pin.  This hat pin was recently recovered by Logan Ross from an Indiana camp located near College Hill, Mississippi.  You could not ask for a prettier example with an olive green, slick patina.--$450.SOLD

  66. This is an actual "Southern Cross of Honor" that was given to all Confederate Veterans that served in the Civil War honorably.  This is the cross device itself missing the bar portion at the top of the pin.  They are quite scarce to come by.--$125.

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

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

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

  70. Beautiful condition, large size, lead-filled, US oval cartridge box plate.  This is a non-excavated plate with a smooth, gently aging patina.  It has full lead in the reverse and both wire attaching loops remain intact.  The loops are 2 1/2 inches apart if you happen to have a cartridge box needing a nice plate.  You couldn't ask for nicer.--$275.

  71. SUPER RARE set of three excavated Towers bullets.  This set includes the standard plug base .69 cal. and also the considerably rarer .69 cal. cone cavity Atlanta Arsenal Towers AND THE MEGA-RARE .75 cal. TOWERS MUSKETOON.  The musketoon was recovered from a Morgan's Cavalry camp near Liberty, TN.  I have in the past seen this one projectile sell for near $500.  The cone cavity Atlanta Towers was recovered in Sweeden's Cove, TN.  I have several in my own collection that I recovered in this same cove.--$295. for all three

  72. Very pretty condition, excavated, .52 cal., Spencer rifle/carbine cartridge.  This cartridge was recovered at Hoover's Gap, Tennessee, and would have been lost by one of Wilder's Lightning Brigade.  General Wilder's mounted Federal Infantry was armed with Spencer 7-shot repeating rifles.  This cartridge would be a nice compliment for your Spencer rifle or carbine.--$45.

  73. A rare, complete, .58 cal., "compressed powder" musket cartridge along with an original "paper wrap" minie.  The paper wrap minie is damaged on one side, but has one good display side, and there are two original percussion caps.  This is an excellent little ammunition display to put with your .58 cal. Civil War musket.--$75.SOLD

  74. Recently recovered lead filled large oval U.S. cartridge boxplate.  This is a nice condition plate with full lead, and one wire attachment hook remaining intact.  It was recovered on private property here at Stones River among the limestone outcroppings.  It remains uncleaned - just as dug.--$165.

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

  76. 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.

  77. Absolutely beautiful 1/6th plate tintype of two seated Federal soldiers, both wearing Infantry frock coats and regulation blue trousers.  One of the men has his kepi resting in his lap.  This image remains crystal clear and is housed in an extremely ornate patriotic black gutta percha case.  The case has an Eagle in the center with wings outspread by an American Flag and also a shield and a cannon with cannon balls.  This style patriotic case is very rare to find.--$395.

  78. Very nice condition, regulation issue, large oval, arrow hook pattern, US waist buckle on original issue black leather belt.  The belt remains in nice condition with an inspector's cartouche and brass adjustor still intact.  The original percussion cap box remains on the belt and still has the nipple pick inside.  Also on the belt is a nice condition, .58 cal., Springfield or contract, triangular socket bayonet in original leather scabbard.  This belt rig is nicer than most that you see on display in the museums.--$1,150.SOLD

  79. Really pretty Confederate carried .318 cal. Colt "Pocket" "Model 1849" 5-shot Revolver.  This revolver has 60 to 70 % cylinder scene, all matching numbers (including the wedge), and remains tight as can be.  Any museum would be proud to have it.  The revolver is serial # 68890, and still has silver wash in some recessed areas.  Serial number 68890 is super early 1852 - 1853 production.  Untampered with Colts this nice are very rare to find now, and with Southern heritage.--$1,350.

  80. Very pretty condition, 1835 date, English Tower fowling rifle in original flint.  The musket is rifled and would no doubt be very accurate.  On the top of the barrel, the owner's name and date are inscribed.  It is marked, "Frank Burns - 1841".  The fowling rifle has a beautifully engraved brass hunting dog inlaid in the shoulder stock.  The musket retains beautiful original rifling.  Early English fowling rifles were very popular in the South for sporting events prior to the Civil War and were often carried off to war during the first years of the Civil War.--$1,850.

  81. Extremely rare Leech & Rigdon Confederate Enlistedman's "raking spur".  I am only aware of about a dozen of these in existence.  This particular example was broken when found and has been professionally restored.  Both pieces were present when found, and the break was right next to the neck of the rowel.  The restoration is plenty strong for normal handling but could not take stress of use.  The repair was made using small pins.--$295.SOLD

  82. Beautiful condition, 1840 - 1850 era, 10 inch powder horn.  This is a perfect accessory to display with your Civil War Era shotgun or fowling rifle.--$95.SOLD

  83. Nice condition, "from life", CDV image of Confederate General Benjamin Franklin Cheatham.  General Cheatham was a Western Theater Army of Tennessee Commander for most of the war.--$195.

  84. This is one of the most sought after weapons of the American Civil War, and was extensively carried by both Union and Confederate Cavalry.  It is the .52 cal. New Model 1863 Sharps Carbine.  This example is out of the local Middle Tennessee area, and has a serial number of C8033.  The carbine has a silver 2 reale coin as a blade front site which is most often a Southern trait, as well.  The action remains tight, and the hammer locks firmly onto both half cock and full cock positions.  The carbine has a very nice bore, and two stock cartouches are clearly visible.  This is a very attractive Sharps carbine that when holding - you can faintly hear the distant chords of "Dixie"!!!--$2,350.SOLD*

  85. Excavated, large size, puppy-paw hook, US oval waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered many years ago here at Stones River and has a smooth, chocolate brown patina, full lead, and two of the three attachment hooks intact.--$195.SOLD

  86. Very pretty condition, and especially rare "baby" Model 1839 U.S. oval waist belt plate with very scarce "Dingee - New York" maker mark.  I usually get about one of these per year.--$425.SOLD

  87. Smoking pretty 1840 - 1850 era large size U.S. oval waist belt plate with rare circular cast stud rear hooks.  The face has an excellent, baby butt smooth chocolate patina.  It was recovered over 40 years ago here at Stones River.--$375.

  88. Excavated, coat size, 2-piece Confederate block “I” (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from the camp of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry located near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  The button has an uncleaned, brown/green patina on the face.--$89.

  89. Excavated, solid cast pewter Confederate Eagle button.  These are the product of a local Confederate manufacturer likely located in north Mississippi.  The button was recovered from an N. B. Forrest Cavalry camp located near the Tallahatchie River.  These are recovered from a fairly limited area in the Western Theater.  This example is missing the cast pewter shank as is almost always the case.--$79.SOLD

  90. Excavated, coat size, Maine 3-piece Staff Officer’s button.  This is an excellent example with about 90% bright gold gilt.  It has a “D. Evans Attleboro” backmark and with shank intact.--$79.

  91. Excavated, coat size, 2-piece Confederate block “I” (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from the camp of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry located near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  The button has an uncleaned, brown/green patina on the face.--$89.SOLD

  92. Quite tough to come by now, as it is out of print, new condition, Uniform Buttons of the United States - 1776 to 1865, by Warren K. Tice.  This is a superb button book that pretty much everyone is using now.--$175.

  93. Beautiful condition excavated 3 piece Shaler projectile.  This was recovered by Edward Heck about 40 years ago along the approach route to Gettysburg.  These are becoming very rare to recover.--$125.

  94. Extremely rare, excavated, .45 cal., HEXAGONAL Whitworth projectile.  This projectile was recovered over 30 years ago by Wayne Jenkins at the Battle of Nashville Confederate sniper positions along the Brentwood hills.  The bullet is a drop but was unfortunately whittled on by the Confederate soldier.  We sent the bullet to the master - Robert McDaniels - and Robert rebuilt the correct profile on the whittled bullet nose.  In perfect condition, these rare projectiles sell for $850 - $1,000.  On this one, although the nose is restored, it literally displays about as well as a perfect one.--$295.

  95. Excavated collection of carved and whittled bullets recovered from Confederate camp sites following the Battle of Stones River.  There are 15 bullets in the set and are displayed in a glass case.--$75.

  96. Excavated set of nine different caliber round balls recovered from private property here at the Battle of Stones River.  The balls range in size from .28 cal. to .75 cal.--$45.

  97. Very nice condition, excavated set of three Confederate French manufactured projectiles.  Two of the projectiles are the large .69 caliber, triangular base, and one is a standard Minie ball with a triangle base.  These were all recovered from Confederate 1863 winter camps near Shelbyville, Tennessee.--$95 for all.

  98. Very nice condition, .58 cal., Model 1861, Trenton, New Jersey contract, 3-band, percussion rifled musket.  This is a nice, clean musket with lockplate markings of, "1864 - Trenton - US" and barrel marking of, "N. J. - 1863".  The musket has the original long-range site, both sling swivels, ram rod, and a nice clear stock cartouche.  In addition, the musket retains a very good bore, and the hammer locks firmly into both half-cock and full-cock.--$1,895.SOLD

  99. Beautiful green patina, Confederate Georgia frame waist belt plate.  This was recovered from an Alabama Cavalry camp near Fosterville Tennessee.--$595.SOLD

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

  101. Beautiful condition, "Haiman" style, Confederate Dog River Cavalry saber.  This saber is the saber only without scabbard and has a very nice, never cleaned, unstopped fuller Confederate blade and a high copper content Confederate made guard and pommel cap.  The grip remains 100% intact and still has the original single strand copper wire.  You couldn't ask for a prettier Confederate made Cavalry saber.--$2,350.

  102. Absolutely beautiful, non-excavated, Model 1850 Officer's Eagle sword belt plate with integrally cast wreaths.  Although non-excavated, this buckle has an aged chocolate patina rivaling many excavated examples.  It has crisp detail and nice wear marks around the hook, indicating lots of actual field service.  It has such a beautiful, chocolate patina that the plate would nicely fit into either an excavated or non-excavated Civil War artifact collection.--$375.

  103. 1880's - 1890's era, 4 inch by 6 1/2 inch albumin print of famous Civil War General George Custer.  The albumin remains very clear and is in its original, late 1800's oval wooden frame.  This will be a fine addition to someone's Civil War/Indian War collection.--$395.SOLD

  104. Nice condition, 1861 date, 2-volume set of Lt. Colonel W. J. Hardee's Rifle and Infantry Tactics - published by J. O. Griffith and Co., 1861, Nashville, Tennessee.  Both volumes remain in good, stable condition and show clear evidence of actually being carried.  This two volume set of tactics was carried by David Creger of the 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Interestingly, the 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry was in line of battle here at the Battle of Stones River during the famous Breckinridge's charge.  In this charge, it is believed that over 1800 Confederates died in 60 minutes.  This is a very historic little set of tactic manuals.--$450.

  105. Original September 23, 1864, Special Order #149.  In this order, the 2nd Massachusetts Artillery was relieved from duty from an earlier order.--$48.

  106. Display of six assorted miscellaneous excavated artifacts recovered here at Murfreesboro, TN.  The six artifacts include a brass bayonet scabbard tip, a complete Spencer carbine cartridge, a 57 base marked dropped Enfield projectile with the box wood plug still intact, a fired .69 cal. triangle base CS used French Minie, a carved lead poker chip, and a .69 cal. musket ball with a wood screw imbedded in it likely used as a "plumb bob" or a fishing sinker.  All six artifacts and the glass display case--$75.

  107. Drop dead beautiful excavated coat size nicely gold gilted South Carolina State Seal.  This button has about 80% bright gold gilt, shank intact, and is backmarked, "Schuyler H & G - New York".  This button was recovered over 30 years ago from Manigault's position here at the Battle of Stones River.  (This site is under a huge hospital now.)  To my knowledge, this is the nicest coat size South Carolina button that has ever been recovered at this battlefield.--$295.

  108. Really pretty, excavated, lead-filled, large size US oval waist belt plate.  This is the style plate with arrow hooks, and on this example, there is a little leather left under the hooks.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina and all three hooks intact.  It was recovered many years ago on private property near Shiloh.--$295.SOLD

  109. Excellent condition, .58 cal., Minie ball in original brown paper wrap.  This is a very nice example and was in a cartridge box I recently purchased.--$95.

  110. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, original paper and foil, Gallagher by Poultney, .54 cal. carbine cartridge.--$55.

  111. Nice condition, excavated drop, .69 cal., Italian Carcano projectile.  This projectile was recovered from a North Carolina Infantry camp near the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia.--$55.

  112. Excellent condition, original wrapped packet of musket percussion caps.  This would be an excellent display accessory for your cap box or Civil War musket.--$48.

  113. Nice condition, .58 cal., wooden tompion.  This is an excellent compliment for your .58 cal. Springfield or contract rifled musket.--$45.SOLD

  114. Beautiful condition Officer's grade Richmond Arsenal C.S. Tongue and Wreath Sword Belt Buckle on original War Date black leather belt.  This belt rig came out of a Richmond, VA. estate approximately 40 years ago, and has been in a local collection until the present time.  The leather belt remains soft and pliable with no repairs, or breaks, and the buckle has a SUPER NICE never cleaned dark, rich, aged bronze patina.  The buckle is 100% officer grade with sharp detail, and perfect fit.  Most museums don't have a C.S. belt rig this nice.--$7,950.SOLD

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

  116. During the mid-1970's, Claiborne and I were able to find the position of the Confederate Sharp Shooters on the Brentwood Hills during the 2nd day's fighting at the Battle of Nashville, Tennessee.  The Confederate Sharp Shooters had a good many of the famous English Whitworth scoped sniper rifles.  Claiborne and I together found a good many beautiful drop, .45 cal., Whitworth sniper projectiles.  This particular bullet is a beautiful example and is one that Claiborne recovered on this line.--$225.

  117. Really pretty, excavated, coat size, CS36A-1, Army Droop Wing Eagle Staff Officer button.  This button was recovered from Confederate winter camps near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  It has a smooth, brown patina with shank intact and small traces of gold gilt around the Eagle.--$450.

  118. Really pretty fully cased 1/9th plate tintype of a young Federal enlistedman.  The soldier is wearing a regulation 9 - Button Federal .Enlistedman's frock coat.  The case is in really nice condition, and the image is very clear without even one little rust spot.  First class image.--$150.

  119. Smooth attic chocolate brown .58 cal. triangular socket bayonet correct for the Model 1855, all of the .58 cal. Model 1861 Springfield and contracts, and the .58 cal. Model 1863s.  The bayonet has never been cleaned, but could, if desired, be cleaned to partial or full bright.  It has a smooth, slick aged patina.--$195.

  120. Excavated stamped brass Federal enlistedman's shoulder epaulet.  This one was recovered on private property near Shiloh.  They are usually recovered from early War sites, and were pretty much gone from 1863 forward.  I have only dug a few of these, as our sites are on the border line of being too late War.  I can tell you that they sound like a buried car hood under ground as they are SOOO large a brass signal !!  It is rare to get a whole one.--$75.SOLD

  121. Beautiful, nicely gilted, cuff size excavated Rhode Island State Seal.  Gold gilt in all the right places, and shank intact.--$48.

  122. May 31, 1863 date, inventory listing of Quartermaster stores received by the Medical Department at Young's Point, Louisiana.  The document lists having received one horse-drawn ambulance, two harness sets, ten "spawz" (spades we think), and two axes.  These were received by J. E. Quider - Surgeon USA.--$75.

  123. Nice little excavated 1855 date "half dime".  This was recovered from an 1863 date Confederate infantry camp located along Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.  This coin has a little hole where it was being worn on a string around a soldier's neck.  I once had a soldier's letter saying that they wore either a dime or half dime around their neck so that they could always buy at least one meal.  This soldier lost his "meal ticket" !!--$45.

  124. Really pretty non-excavated 1863 date mid-War Indian Head cent.  This is a coin that we quite often recover from Civil War camp sites.  Perfect for display in a Civil War camp scene display.--$38.

  125. Really pretty non-excavated 1863 date mid-War Indian Head cent.  This is a coin that we quite often recover from Civil War camp sites.  Perfect for display in a Civil War camp scene display.--$38.

  126. Excavated glazed cream colored crock pipe bowl.  Most that are recovered do not have this much stem remaining.  This one was recovered from a Confederate trash pit along Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.--$48.

  127. Very attractive, excavated, coat size, South Carolina Staff Officer button.  This button was recovered near Charleston, South Carolina, from a camp occupied during the Civil War and later by the South Carolina State Militia during the 1870's.  The button has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with about 20% gold gilt remaining.  The backmark is an 1870's era "Horstmann - Philadelphia" backmark and was almost certainly lost by post-war South Carolina Militia troops.--$45.

  128. Very attractive, excavated, coat size, Georgia Staff Officer button.  This button was recovered near Charleston, South Carolina, from a camp occupied during the Civil War and later by the Georgia State Militia during the 1870's.  The button has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with about 30% gold gilt remaining.  The backmark is an 1870's era "Waterbury - Scovill" backmark with a wide lock ring and was almost certainly lost by post-war Georgia Militia troops.--$45.

  129. Just brought in by a local family, .58 cal., Model 1855, triangular socket bayonet that appears the same as other socket bayonets, except this one has a small "S" marking that differs from most Civil War Era bayonets we encounter.  Some Civil War collectors feel these to be for the Model 1860 Spencer Rifles (that were used in quantity at Hoovers Gap here in Middle Tennessee).  The bayonet is in nice condition with a smooth, chocolate patina.  I am personally unsure what the "S" marking stands for.--$250.

  130. Excavated, large size, lead-filled Martingale Heart.  This is a standard issue, Federal plain face Martingale but was recovered from a Confederate Cavalry camp in Middle Tennessee.  The plate shows lots of service dings and no doubt saw many Cavalry campaigns.--$450.

  131. Excavated, Model 1840, heavy Cavalry saber scabbard.  This scabbard was recovered from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry which was raided and destroyed by Union Cavalry in March of 1863.  This scabbard was broken into three pieces and was actually recovered many, many years ago when we first found the camp.  It is currently still in three separate pieces, but displays very nicely.--$75.

  132. Seldom seen, unused Civil War Patriotic cover for the “State of Oregon”.  This cover is maker marked, “Upham – 310 Chestnut St. Phila.”--$48.

  133. Excavated, triangular socket bayonet that was recovered here at Stones River on private property among the limestone out-croppings.  The bayonet has a broken blade but displays nicely just laid in place.--$50.SOLD

  134. Excavated Infantry musket ram rod that was recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at the Battle of Stones River.  This appears to be about three fourths of the entire ram rod.--$45.

  135. Quite rare to come by -- Beautiful military commission from the governor of the State of New York to Henry C. Roome as "Lieutenant Colonel" of the 89 Reg. New York Infantry.  The interesting thing is that this Commission is dated May 15, 1865, AFTER THE END OF THE WAR, but perfect to receive a pension (with an extremely LOW RISK of being injured or killed !!)  Really nice frameable New York Commission.--$125.

  136. Beautiful condition, excavated, Federal Eagle breast plate recovered over 30 years ago among the limestone out-croppings on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.  They don't get much prettier than this one with excellent face, full lead, and both iron attachment loops intact.--$225.

  137. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, cuff size, VA20A4, Virginia Staff Officer's button.  This button has 100% bright gold gilt with shank intact and "Scovill Mfg. Co./ Waterbury" backmark.  They just don't come prettier than this one.--$225.

  138. Excavated Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse plug from the Second Day fightlng - Battle of Nashville, TN.  It appears that upon impact the top of the fuze plug sheared off when the internal fuze slider hit it.  Neat artillery relic !!--$38.

  139. Intact sardine ration tin that was recovered many years ago from a Confederate camp site along Duck River, near Shelbyville, TN.  These are rarely ever recovered anymore as most are almost totally rusted away, and in pieces now.--$35.

  140. Fresh in out of a local Confederate estate, this is a Model 1855, .58 cal., Maynard primed, percussion "pistol - carbine" made only between 1855 and 1857 by the Springfield Armory with a total production of only 4,021.  Almost every one of these that I have encountered over the years have had Confederate association.  This example shows good wear, but remains in very decent displayable condition.  When the pistol was brought into the shop, it was missing the front barrel band, and I was able to locate one that fits reasonably well.  With the massive pistol carbine, we are including an excavated Maynard door from this exact type pistol.  I recovered that door many years ago from the camp of the 8th Texas Cavalry located near Unionville, Tennessee.  This is a weapon that most museums do not even have an example of.--$1,650.

  141. Beautifully crafted, 13 inch, Confederate bone handle side knife, blacksmith made from an 1840 era Knight's Head Militia Officer's sword.  This knife has an 8 inch blade that remains razor sharp yet today.  This is out of our local area and was no doubt carried by a local Middle Tennessee Confederate.  This would be an excellent addition to any Confederate display.--$795.

  142. Very cool artifact!!  Regulation Federal Cavalry spur that is clearly bullet struck.  This spur was recovered many years ago from a position near Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas.  The bullet appears to have taken the entire heel of the Cavalry boot off.--$195.

  143. Excellent condition, excavated, large size, US oval cartridge box plate.  This plate was recovered here at Stones River about 40 years ago and has never even been washed off.  The face has a smooth, brown/green patina, and the reverse has full lead and both attachment loops intact.--$225.

  144. Beautiful condition, non-excavated, Model 1851, cast brass, Federal sword belt plate.  This buckle has a rich, aged patina having never been cleaned at all.  It has seen definite service with wear where the keeper has slid on and off.  This is the variety with the three piece applied silver wreath, and it is 100% intact.--$395.

  145. Beautiful condition, extremely rare, excavated, "E. Gaylord" backmarked, Federal Eagle breast plate.  This is a super nice plate with a smooth chocolate brown face, full lead, and a deep, sharp makers mark.  The "E. Gaylord" makers mark is one of the harder ones to find.--$425.SOLD

  146. Nice condition, Model 1850, Federal Foot Officer's sword and leather scabbard.  The sword still has intricate visible engraving top to bottom and is maker marked, "W. H. Horstman - New York".  The original shark skin grip remains in nice, complete condition with full wire intact.  The leather scabbard is complete and in nice condition, except somewhere along the way, the brass drag has dropped off.  This would be relatively easy to replace.  This sword is actually out of a central Georgia estate and was quite likely to have been Confederate carried.--$975.

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

  148. Nice condition, quite rare, excavated, 3-iron hook pattern, N.C.O. cross belt plate.  This plate was recovered about 40 years ago from a Federal camp site here in Middle Tennessee.  The plate has a smooth, chocolate brown face with smooth, full lead, and all three iron attachment hooks remaining intact.  There is a small number "61" stamped into the face of the plate.--$375.

  149. Beautiful condition excavated Federal cartridge box plate that was recovered during the 1970s on private property at the Battle of Franklin, TN.  They don't get much prettier than this one.  Reflective brown patina on the face, and full lead, and both loops intact on the reverse !!--$250.

  150. Very attractive, circular, lead-filled Eagle breast plate, not only found at the Battle of Stones River but "in" Stones River.  The plate has nice detail and full lead, but the wire loops are rusted away.--$150.SOLD

  151. Good, complete condition, Model 1851, Officer’s grade, cast brass, Eagle sword belt plate complete with belt, drops, and hangers.  This Officer’s belt rig came out of a Georgia estate and was most likely Confederate worn.  The leather shows evidence of actual service and wear.  Although remaining complete, the leather belt has several cracks and weak spots from wear.  The buckle itself retains about 80% gold gilt, and the rig as a whole displays beautifully.--$695.

  152. Meet full 6 feet (+) tall "Johnny Reb".  For many years, Johnny Reb stood at the entrance of a Civil War museum near Panama City, Florida.  When the museum closed many years ago, my 1970's relic hunting buddy, Forrest Maxwell, purchased Johnny Reb.  Johnny has been on display in Forrest's relic room for the past 40 - 50 years.  I purchased Forrest's collection a few days ago, and big Johnny Reb came with the collection.  Johnny is made of fiberglass, and aside from needing a little touch-up, is ready to go on display in your relic room.  He used to have a wooden musket, but apparently Johnny got captured and had to give up his musket.  The Cavalry saber pictured does not come with Johnny.  Actually, the Cavalry saber is worth more than Johnny!  I would estimate that Johnny weighs somewhere between 80 - 100 pounds, and he will definitely need to be picked up here.  A person would pretty much need a coffin to ship him in.  He is priced super reasonably and is something you would rarely get a chance to own.--$495.

  153. Nice condition, Model 1860, Light Cavalry saber and scabbard.  The blade has a smooth, aging, gray/brown patina with blade markings of, "US - Emerson & Silver - Trenton, NJ - 1864 - US - DFM".  The brass guard has a smooth, dark, attic bronze/brown patina, and the grip and wire remain intact.  The scabbard has been nickel plated which suggests it was likely at some point on display in a GAR Veterans Hall.  The saber displays very nicely.--$795.

  154. Quite uncommon "J. E. Bleckman" Model 1860 light cavalry saber and scabbard.  The saber is clearly marked, and is out of a local Southern estate.  Bleckmann sabers were imported from Solingen, Prussia.  A Rebel Tennessee Cavalryman very likely carried this one !!--$795.

  155. Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, Model 1839, small US oval, lead-filled cartridge box plate.  The face has a slick, chocolate brown patina and is literally perfect.  The reverse has full lead and both wire attachment loops intact.--$395.

  156. Absolutely beautiful condition, small size, lead-filled, "Burnside" Eagle breast plate.  The smaller size plates were mostly issued to Burnside's troops and are generally found in those camps.  This is an exceptionally nice example with a smooth, chocolate brown face, full lead, and both wire attachment loops intact.--$425.

  157. Very nice condition, non-excavated, cast brass Model 1851 Federal Sword Belt plate.  The plate has a pleasing aged patina, and has the applied silver wreath remaining 100% intact.  The buckle has the brass keeper still with it, and shows nice wear from actual field service.  This plate is out of the local area, and very well could have been Confederate used.  Really pretty plate.--$395.

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

  159. Beautiful condition, excavated, large size US oval cartridge box plate.  This plate was recovered over 40 years ago on private property here at Stones River among the limestone out-croppings.  The plate is literally about nice enough to go back on a cartridge box.--$250.

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

  161. Excavated, coat size, "C.S.A." uniform button.  This button remains solid as can be and has a war date "Superior Quality" backmark.--$350.

  162. Beautiful condition, original, Regimental size, 1855 to Civil War Era drum.  This drum measures 15 inches in height and 17 inches across and is a larger regimental size.  Both heads are intact and remain in nice condition with red trim top and bottom.  The label inside reads, "Bass and Tenor Drums - Porter Blanchard - Concord NH".  The drum has original ropes and has a museum worthy display presentation.(CW)--$1,450.

  163. Model 1850, Federal Field & Staff Officer's sword in original, brass mounted metal scabbard.  The blade on this officer's sword was at some point in time plated and has residue of old plating remaining today.  The cast brass guard remains in nice condition with a good bit of original gold gilt still visible.  The grip remains very nice with original shark skin wrap and wire.  The metal scabbard remains in nice condition as well and also has residue of old plating.  Over the years, I have discovered that a good many Civil War guns and swords that were plated were on display in old GAR meeting halls and UCV meeting halls.  Their thinking apparently was, if we plate them, we won't have to keep cleaning them.  This is a very attractive sword and scabbard with the cut-out "US" in the guard.--$950.

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

  165. Just brought in today, .36 cal., percussion double barrel boot pistol.  This little pistol has a smooth, chocolate brown, never cleaned patina, and the action of both barrels still works perfectly.  It is believed to have been carried by a Confederate ancestor.--$595.

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

  167. 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.(CW)--$650.

  168. Confederate manufacture "Dog River" style Confederate saber that was brought home from the Civil War, and made into a "tobacco cutting knife".  It was a very normal thing for Confederates to bring military items home from the war and adapt them to needs at home or on the farm.  This example has the classic "unstopped fuller" Confederate manufactured blade, and the "red brass" Southern style Cavalry saber guard.  The pommel cap has a casting flaw which is also a trait of Confederate made weapons.  This is a very classic example of how Southerners adapted Civil War weapons to civilian needs back at home.--$750.

  169. Nice condition, large size, arrow hook pattern, US oval waist belt plate on original black leather waist belt with brass adjustor remaining intact as well as an original leather percussion cap box marked, "C. S. Storms - Maker NY".  The cap box remains pliable and still has some original percussion caps inside.  This belt rig came out of a Central Ohio estate sale several years ago.--$695.

  170. Massive 20 inch blacksmith made Confederate bowie with leather scabbard.  The bowie has a 14 inch long, and 1 1/2 inch wide blade with a clip tip.  The eaglehead pommel cap is from an 1820 era militia sword.  The grip is bone, and has "the remnants" of the original leather sheath, but the leather sheath is about gone "to the great beyond".  This is a REALLY big knife actually resembling a short artillery sword !!--$1,450.

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

  172. Very attractive, Model 1864, .58 cal., Federal cartridge box with embossed US on the outside flap.  This cartridge box remains complete and pliable with both cartridge tins remaining intact inside.  With this cartridge box is an over-the-shoulder leather sling that was purchased and carried in 1963 for the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.  On the sling is a beautiful condition, original, circular, Federal Eagle breastplate.  This cartridge box and sling displays beautifully and at a very reasonable price.--$650.

  173. 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.

  174. Very attractive, Model 1860, Light Cavalry saber and scabbard.  The blade has a gently aging, gray/brown patina with blade markings of, "Ames Mfg - Chicopee - 1863 - US - ADK" (Alias King).  The three-branch brass guard remains in very nice condition with original wrap and wire on the grip.  The iron scabbard has a deep, aged, chocolate brown patina with only one dent near the lower mount.  This saber shows wear evidence indicating quite a lot of use.--$895.

  175. Very attractive, Federal enlistedman's regulation US oval waist beltrig with large size US buckle and percussion capbox with some original wool left inside.  The US buckle has a beautiful, rich, never cleaned, aged, bronze/brown patina and is the "arrow hook" variety.  This beltrig is out of a Central Illinois estate sale.--$595 complete.

  176. Nice condition, Model 1864, .58 cal., Federal cartridge box.  This cartridge box has the embossed US oval on the flap, but during the Civil War Era had a standard US oval cartridge box plate attached over the embossed US mark.  The box is maker marked, "W. H. Wilkinson Maker - Springfield Mass."  This cartridge box has no flaking at all and remains quite pliable with both iron roller buckles intact as well as both belt loops, the leather closure tab, and both cartridge tins intact inside.  This is a really nice Civil War Federal cartridge box.--$595.

  177. Virtually drop dead beautiful MINT large size "puppy-paw" U.S. oval waist belt plate on it's original mint unissued brown buff leather belt.  This belt rig was no nicer 150 years ago than it is today !!--$695.

  178. Very pretty, non-excavated, family hand-me-down, large size, lead-filled, Civil War Martingale Heart.  This pattern Martingale Heart was most often Confederate used, and the family where this one came from had relatives that served in the Tennessee Cavalry CSA.  The heart has nice patina and has a number of small marks from actual service.  This would be a fine addition to any Confederate Cavalry display.--$595.

  179. Very nice condition GOLDEN SABER II TESORO METAL DETECTOR complete with stock 8 inch coil and new high quality set of headphones.  Tesoro is well known for producing excellent quality, and long lasting hobby metal detectors.  The Golden Saber II is basically an "On And Hunt" machine.  It is ideal for both coin hunting, and Civil War Relic hunting.  My friend purchased this one a while back, and his health failed, and I'm not sure if this machine has even been used once or not.  There is a second elliptical shaped coil that comes with the detector.  Tesoro detectors are famous for having really good discrimination, and this one has crisp tone and very good depth.  My friend paid $429. for the detector, and $89. for the headset for a total of $518. plus shp/ins.  Your price is $295. plus shp, and has new batteries in it - ready to go digging !!SOLD

  180. Nice condition, 7MM, French pinfire revolver.  The original walnut grips are intact and in nice condition.  The loading gate, cartridge ejector rod, and folding trigger all remain intact.  The action works sometimes, and sometimes it does not.  It is difficult to find a Civil War Era pinfire revolver with all the little accessories intact.--$595.

  181. Very pretty condition Civil War era Belgian 7mm Pinfire 6 shot revolver.  Small Pinfire revolvers were very popular as a last resort weapon among Confederate officers.  It is difficult to find one of these that is all complete and functions properly.  This is a beauty with folding trigger - ejector rod - and cartridge door all remaining intact, and everything works perfectly.  The revolver has ornate gutta percha grips that are without a single chip.  This is a museum quality example.--$695.

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

  183. Very pretty, single barrel, .58 cal., percussion musket made by Ketland of London.  This fowling rifle dates Civil War era, and is out of a local estate and actually has a military (Enfield) type ram rod.  According to family legend, a relative carried it to the Civil War in the very beginning as was often the case in the South.  The fowling rifle still has a strong main spring, and the action still works nicely (some of the time) !!  This historic old rifle would be fantastic hanging over the fireplace !!!--$650.

  184. Model 1860 Federal Navy Cutlass.  The large brass guard remains in nice condition, and the blade has a pleasing, gray/brown, aged patina.  The grip is down to wood, which they often are.  The markings on the blade are literally almost worn off, but under the glass, I can still see "186?".  Just a good, honest Naval Cutlass from the Civil War.--$450.

  185. Absolutely drop-dead beautiful excavated condition, coat size, CS127A2.  This is a coat size Confederate Cavalry with a blank back, but many believe they were made by Superior Quality.  It has a smooth, chocolate patina with perfect, straight shank and the nicest detail you could ever hope to see.  This button was dug many years ago from a Confederate Cavalry camp near Fredericksburg, Virginia.--$595.

  186. Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber that somehow has the three-branch guard missing and has never been taken apart.  The blade has a smooth, chocolate patina and is marked, "Mansfield & Lamb - US - 1864".  There has to be quite a story as to how the brass guard came to be missing from this saber.  The grip remains completely intact with full original wrap and wire.  This is a great relic for a very reasonable price.--$475.

  187. I have no idea about this button, and the collection that it came as a part of just had a "?" mark.  It is a cuff size eagle "D" and has a backmark of "A. J. FULKS (?) Co. - WHITESTOWN" (which I have never heard of).  Has anyone ever seen one of these before, or ever even heard of this maker - would appreciate any help !!  FOR EVERYONE'S REFERENCE - "A. J. FULKS" is a sutler of current living history/re-enacting materials.  It is a current made button, and to make it more fun -- I KNOW ANDY FULKS, and will probably see him next week-end !!!!  We do try to get to the bottom of things !!!!

  188. Beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Mississippi "I" (Infantry).  This button was recovered many years ago from Camp Withers (an 1862 Mississippi Infantry brigade camp located near Allisonia Station on Elk River here in middle Tennessee.)  It has beautiful gold gilt, and a "Hyde and Goodrich" backmark with shank intact.  You couldn't ask to dig a prettier one, and this one hasn't even been completely washed off.--$595.

  189. Absolutely beautiful condition and extremely rare, non-excavated, coat size, Confederate Officer (C.S.A) button with "S. Buckley Birmingham" backmark.  This button has a rich, uncleaned, aged patina with a backmark crisp enough to read from four feet away.  "S. Buckley" Confederate Officer buttons are highly sought after, and this is a beauty.--$650.

  190. Absolutely beautiful condition, non-excavated, 23 MM, coat size, CS55A.  This is a beautiful, gilted, Confederate Navy with 100% bright gold gilt and backmarked, "Courtney & Tennent/S. C/Charleston".  This is one that you will never need to upgrade.--$1,450.

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

  192. Extremely rare, Confederate carbine cartridge box created by hand altering a standard Model 1855 Federal musket cartridge box into a CS carbine box complete with wooden block.  It is easy to see the Southern alterations that were made in order to convert the cartridge box from a standard .58 cal. musket cartridge box to a much smaller carbine cartridge box with the wooden block.  This is out of the local area, and the family had relatives that served in the 8th and 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry CSA.  This will make an excellent addition to someone's Confederate Cavalry display.--$850.

  193. Very attractive Model 1851 "Script NY" sword belt plate on original black leather waist belt.  This is the early pattern Script NY with the very narrow tongue.  The belt is complete and remains pliable with only one weak spot that has been supported from the reverse for strength.  The plate has a rich aged patina and is one that you do not encounter very often.--$1,295.

  194. Very nice condition, .52 cal. rim fire, Joslyn Model 1864, single-shot cartridge carbine.  This carbine is serial number 5536 and has crisp action with some traces of original color.  The Joslyn carbine were used by the 4th and 8th Indiana Cavalry, 19th New York Cavalry, 13th Tennessee Cavalry, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, 2nd Wisconsin, 1st Nebraska Cavalry, and 11th Ohio Cavalry.  This is a nice quality carbine that could literally still be fired today.--$1,650.

  195. 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.

  196. Very pretty condition, Model 1861, US Navy rifle saber bayonet.  This style saber pattern bayonet was made for the Model 1861 Plymouth Navy rifle.  This example has a bright, clean blade marked, "Collins & Co- Hartford, Conn."  The cast brass guard remains in perfect condition with the attaching spring intact and strong.  The saber bayonet remains in its original leather scabbard, and we have added a reproduction leather carrying frog for display.  If you have a Model 1861 Plymouth Navy rifle, this would make a fantastic compliment to complete your musket display.--$650.

  197. Nice, clean, Model 1850, Foot Officer's sword (without scabbard) out of a Central Ohio estate.  The blade remains clean with clearly visible engraving from top to bottom.  The brass guard remains in very nice condition with rich, aged patina and gold gilt showing through in areas.  The grip has original sharkskin and some of the original wire.  The sword shows honest wear and no doubt saw action.--$595.

  198. Very pretty condition, Model 1840, NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) sword and scabbard.  The sword blade remains bright and clean with a crisp "Ames Mfg. Co. - 1864 - ADK - US" blade marking.  The cast brass guard remains in perfect condition.  The sword remains in its original leather scabbard, and the scabbard is complete but does have an old repair to a weak area a few inches above the brass drag.  This Model 1840 NCO sword and scabbard is definitely nicer than most that you see.--$695.

  199. Very pretty condition, Model 1840, Federal Light Artillery saber and scabbard.  The saber itself has a bright, clean blade, marked, "Ames - Chicopee Mass - 1854".  The saber retains original wrap and wire on the grip, and the classic cast "D-guard" has a rich, never cleaned, aged patina.  I believe the saber was likely at one time on display in a "GAR" post, as the scabbard is lightly nickel plated, which many GAR posts did so that very little cleaning and maintenance was required.  If a person so desires, the nickel plating can be removed.  This is a nice quality Federal Artillery saber.--$895.

  200. Just brought in - A very pretty condition, Model 1860, Federal Light Cavalry saber and scabbard.  This saber has a nice clean blade marked "1864 - US - C. ROBY".  The saber has original wrap and wire, and the cast brass guard has a nice uncleaned, aged patina.  The scabbard has an uncleaned brown/black patina with only a couple minor service dings.  The saber has the type aged look we all really like.--$895.

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

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

  203. 40 volumes of UCV magazines nicely bound by the year and including 1893 - 1932 with 3 volumes of indexes.  I have found the Confederate Veterans magazines to be an excellent research source.  We are offering this complete set of bound UCV magazines for less than $19 per volume.--$750.

  204. Super, super rare and in beautiful condition, Model 1849, long barrel, Colt Pocket revolver with all matching serial numbers of 211975.  This revolver is inscribed to and was carried by Confederate General Thomas Benton Smith and what a story General T. B. Smith has to tell.  General Thomas Benton Smith was born near Mechanicsville, Tennessee, and grew up on a farm near Triune, Tennessee.  General Smith was widely known in the area as being incredibly, intellectually gifted.  By age 15, General Smith had been given a patent on a locomotive "cow-catcher" and appeared to be headed toward a lucrative career in railroading.  When the Civil War came, young Thomas Benton Smith was enrolled in the prestigious Nashville Military College in Nashville, Tennessee.  Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Thomas Benton Smith would raise the unit that eventually became known as Co. B of the 20th Tennessee Infantry under the command of Col. Joel A. Battle.  At Shiloh, the regiment suffered over 50% casualties including the capture and imprisonment of the regiment's Colonel, Joel A. Battle.  Upon reorganization, a month after the battle, his fellow soldiers elected Thomas Benton Smith as their new Colonel.  As Colonel of the 20th Tennessee, he led them at Murfreesboro where he was shot through both the breast and left arm.  Over the coming months, Col. Smith recovered, and at Chickamauga, Col Smith was again wounded.  At Missionary Ridge, the brigade commander, Col. Tyler was wounded, and Col. Thomas Benton Smith was assigned command of the entire brigade.  Through the fighting toward Atlanta, Col. Thomas Benton Smith was so impressive that, on July 29, 1864, while in front of Atlanta, he received his commission as Brigadier General CSA.  At this point, he was the youngest Brigadier General in the Army of Tennessee.  On December 16, 1864, on the apex of Shy's Hill at the Battle of Nashville, stood the tattered remnants of the 20th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry.  At approximately 4:00 pm, on December 16, 1864, the Federal Infantry overran the Confederate lines on Shy's Hill at the Battle of Nashville.  General Thomas Benton Smith had been ordered by Confederate General William B. Bate to "hold the line at all hazards".  General Thomas Benton Smith and a small squad of his soldiers fought until they were totally surrounded, and at the bitter end, held a white handkerchief over his head surrendering himself and his few remaining men.  General Thomas Benton Smith was approached by Col. William Linn McMillan who appeared to be inebriated and began to curse and berate Gen. Smith.  All witnesses stated that General Smith's simple response to Col. McMillan was to state that, "I am a disarmed captured prisoner."  Col. McMillan was so enraged that, according to witnesses, he appeared temporarily insane.  The Colonel became so enraged that he drew his saber and struck General Thomas Benton Smith three times over the head, each blow cutting through Gen. Smith's hat and crashing into his skull.  Shocked by the action of their own officer, nearby Federals rushed General Smith to a field hospital where the attending surgeon examined the wound and remarked, "Well, sir, you are near the end of your battles, for I can see the brain oozing through the gap in your skull."  Much to everyone's surprise, the boy General, Thomas Benton Smith, would survive these horrific blows.  Unfortunately, in a short time following the war, General Thomas Benton Smith had to be admitted to the Tennessee State Asylum, also known as the Tennessee Central State Psychiatric Hospital.  On some days, General Smith appeared near normal while on other days he was ordering his troops forward.  Many more years passed until, on May 21, 1923, General Thomas Benton Smith was released from his earthly bondage.  His grave rests with his former comrades in the Confederate Circle of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.  By all measures, Confederate General Thomas Benton Smith was a hero in every regard, and whoever becomes caretaker of his Colt revolver should treasure it and preserve and protect it.  This artifact is nothing less than an Absolute Civil War Southern Treasure.--$28,500.SOLD

  205. Extremely rare to recover, massive 14 inch Confederate bowie knife blade recovered from the camp of the 8th Texas Cavalry.  This bowie knife was made from a huge rasp, and you can still see remnants of some of the rasp teeth in areas.  Apparently the Texas guys were much like Crocodile Dundee, "No, this is a knife."  This will be a fine addition to any excavated Confederate weapons display.--$750.

  206. Super rare, one of less than five known, excavated, kepi size, Confederate manuscript "A" button.  This beautiful button was recovered near Savannah, Georgia.  The button has a backmark, but is so tiny that I am not sure what it is, but my best guess is "Super Fine".  They just don't get nicer or rarer than this little gem.--$1,250.

  207. Extremely rare, non-excavated, coat size, Charlotte Military Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina button.  This is "SU 55" in Albert and has a RMDC backmark of "Scovill Mfg Co/Waterbury".  This is an extremely rare Confederate used North Carolina Civil War button to come by in non-dug state with 90% bright gold gilt.  I do not recall ever having one of these non-dug before.(CW)--$795.

  208. Extremely RARE non-excavated CS107A3 - Confederate Coat Size non-excavated Script "A".  This button does actually show field use.--$795.

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

  210. Model 1851, Federal Officer's cast brass Eagle sword belt plate with integrally cast wreaths on its original leather belt.  The belt remains pliable with no breaks or weak spots.  The cast brass Eagle Officer's buckle has a very nice, uncleaned, aged brown patina and would make a very nice addition to any Civil War display.--$650.

  211. 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.

  212. Confederate tin drum canteen with original linen strap.  The canteen measures 6 3/4 inches by 2 inches.  It has all three sling strap holders intact as well as the tin spout and cork stopper.  There appears to be some soldier initials in old brown ink on the linen sling.--$795.

  213. 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.

  214. Regulation, black leather, Federal Civil War Enlistedman's US waist belt rig with original percussion cap box still intact.  The waist belt remains soft and pliable with no breaks or weak spots.  The buckle has a nice uncleaned, aged patina with all attaching hooks remaining intact.  Original Civil War percussion caps are still in the cap box.  Every Civil War collection should have a nice example of a typical Federal Enlistedman's waist belt rig.--$650.

  215. Quite scarce, Model 1839, small oval, US waist belt plate on original leather belt.  The original percussion cap box remains intact on the belt and still has percussion caps inside.  The belt is quite short and was probably a bit longer to begin with even for skinny Civil War soldiers.  You do not often see this small size, early model US oval on belt for sale.--$595.

  216. Regulation, black leather, Federal Civil War Enlistedman's US waist belt rig with original percussion cap box still intact.  The waist belt remains soft and pliable with no breaks or weak spots.  The buckle has a nice uncleaned, aged patina with all attaching hooks remaining intact.  Original Civil War percussion caps are still in the cap box.  Every Civil War collection should have a nice example of a typical Federal Enlistedman's waist belt rig.--$650.

  217. 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.

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

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

  220. forrestprint.JPG (71374 bytes)Beautiful and tough to come by 1973 print of General Nathan Bedford Forrest that was done by the Sons of Confederate Veterans over 30 years ago.  The print is BIG measuring 24 inches by 30 inches before framing and is absolutely breathtaking once it's matted and framed.  I seldom get these in anymore.--$89.
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Middle Tennessee Relics
Larry Hicklen
Shop:  (615) 893-3470
Email: larryhicklen@comcast.net