NEW ITEMS

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1. I JUST LEARNED THAT THERE IS A SPECIES OF "BAMBO" THAT CAN GROW UP TO AN INCH AND ONE HALF "PER HOUR".  THAT IS FAST ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY "WATCH IT GROW"!!!

2. After many years of maintaining a swimming pool as my daughters grew up through their teenage years and now have their own families, the swimming pool gets absolutely no use any more.  I was always intrigued by the "Beverly Hillbillies" cement pond, so I decided that I needed a 24,000 gallon aquarium (AKA - CEMENT POND) !!!  I now enjoy it every day, and the fish come running every time they see me (because they know they're about to be fed).  I'm thinking about putting a couple of tree tops in for cover!!

3. ROBERT WAS "SUPER SURPRIZED", AND HE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT ON EARTH WAS HAPPENING !!!  WE HOPE TO HAVE A PICTURE FROM HIS SISTER SOON  (GOT IT)!!  THANKS TO EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR HELPING MAKE ROBERT'S 80TH BIRTHDAY "REALLY SPECIAL" !!!  A special thanks to Wayne Bryan whose idea it was to make Robert's 80th birthday special!!!  And we couldn't agree more!!!  VERY IMPORTANT !!!  COMING UP IN JUST A FEW DAYS (JUNE 30TH) A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND IS HAVING HIS "80TH BIRTHDAY" !!!  OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS OR SO "ROBERT McDANIEL" HAS RESTORED AND STABILIZED RELICS FOR MANY, MANY OF US, AND DONE SO WITH THE "UTMOST" ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND AT A COST AFFORDABLE TO PRETTY MUCH  ANYONE.  I THINK IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL IF ROBERT GOT A "SACK FULL" OF HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARDS, AND WE MADE THIS "80TH" A BIRTHDAY THAT ROBERT WILL "LONG REMEMBER" !!!  ROBERT'S ADDRESS IS --  ROBERT McDANIEL -- P.O. BOX 113 -- WATERLOO, AL. - 35677.  ROBERT HAS NO IDEA THIS IS HAPPENING !!!  I WILL WRITE AN UPDATE AFTER HIS BIRTHDAY !!!!  THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE "TOMORROW" !!!  THANK YOU ALL VERY - VERY MUCH !!!

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

5. Yesterday, my buddy Kevin Cummings drove down from Evansville, Indiana, and we went to the mountain cabin near Sewanee, Tennessee.  We spent couple of hours relic hunting the old military road that the Army of Tennessee Confederates used in crossing the Cumberland Plateau.  The woods and the old sunken road are very picturesque, but we have hunted the area enough that you have to work pretty hard to recover artifacts now.  We did manage to root out several nice dropped bullets.  The day was mid-70's and couldn't have been more comfortable.  The only negative was, at one point, we had a copperhead snake at 9:00 and a timber rattler at 3:00.  A person just has to keep a very close eye on where they are putting their feet!!!

6. A HUGE SALUTE AND HEARTFELT "THANK YOU" TO ALL OUR VETERANS FOR PROTECTING US, AND FOR PROTECTING THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY WE CALL HOME !!!!  GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. !!!!

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

8. As many of you know, our big Civil War Show at Franklin, Tennessee, was held this past weekend (DEC. 7 and DEC. 8, 2024).  I was walking down an aisle - scanning as I walked, and right in the middle of a display containing 60 - 80 plates, I spotted a "rope-border" CS Oval that I recovered back in 1986.  I immediately stopped and looked closer, and the tag said "Wayne Jenkins, 1986".  I absolutely knew that was the plate, because I sold the buckle to Wayne the following day after digging it in "1986".  I sold the buckle for $500 in 1986, which at that point in time was a pretty good amount of money.  I bought the buckle back this past Friday afternoon for $1,700 and was happy as a clam!!  After an absence of nearly 40 years, it is headed back upstairs to go into the display with its brothers and cousins.  I had a whale of a good time at the Civil War Show buying and selling several pieces, but I would have been thrilled if getting my buckle back was the only thing I accomplished at the show!  (These are some fun memories from 38 years ago of one GREAT day digging at a newly found "Polk's Corp" Army Of Tennessee 1862 - 1863 winter camp located along the Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.  The day's finds include 2 nice arrow hook "U.S." oval waist belt plates - one C.S. manufacture plain face pewter waist belt plate - one very rare "Rope Border" style C.S. oval waist belt plate - A beautiful Leech and Rigdon style "CS" marked Confederate Cavalry Officer's spur - and over 100 bullets and buttons.  Now those are some priceless memories !!)

9. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS HAPPEN TO HAVE ANY OLDER BACK ISSUES OF "PROGRESSIVE FARMER OR ANY TYPE COUNTRY LIVING" MAGAZINES THAT YOU DON'T NEED - I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE HAVING THEM !!  MY 93 YEAR OLD DAD IS EXPERIENCING A LEVEL OF OLD AGE DEMENTIA.  THE OLDER "FARMING/COUNTRY LIFE" MAGAZINES HELP TO BRING HIM BACK TO PLANET EARTH AND CALM HIM DOWN.  PLEASE JUST SEND THEM OVER IF YOU HAVE SOME EXTRAS.  MANY THANKS!!!  (ACTUALLY, THE OLDER THE BETTER)--- A HUGE HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO MY BUDDY - KEVIN CUMMINGS - FOR THE BOX OF OLD FARMING MAGAZINES !!!  I'M GOING TO HAVE TO LET HIM HAVE THEM A COUPLE AT A TIME.  I FEAR IF I GIVE THEM TO HIM ALL AT ONCE, HE'LL TRY TO GO TO THE BARN, AND GET BACK ON THE TRACTOR !!!!  IT IS TOO BAD THAT WE CANNOT TRANSPLANT MY OLD DAD'S WORK ETHIC INTO SOME OF TODAY'S YOUTH !!  HIS IDEA OF A DAY'S WORK WAS FROM THE TIME YOU COULD FIRST SEE UNTIL IT WAS BLACK DARK !!!  THE 4 AM START TIME IS A LARGE PART OF WHY I MAKE MY LIVING SELLING CIVIL WAR RELICS !!!

10. It is hard to believe, but it is, once again, time for our annual MIDDLE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SHOW AND SALE which will be held NEXT WEEKEND (DEC. 7 and DEC. 8, 2024) at the WILLIAMSON COUNTY AG. CENTER located just south of Franklin, TN. at the "GOOSE CREEK EXIT" just off "Interstate - 65".  The show will be open Sat. (Dec. 7) 9AM until 5PM, and Sun. (Dec. 8) 9AM until 3 PM.  There will be hundreds and hundreds of tables containing some of the rarest artifacts remaining in existance today, both "For Sale" and "On Display".  There will be experts on hand to help with IDing and appraising any artifacts that you might have, and want additional information on.  Be Sure And Come By My Tables And Say "HELLO" !!!  SEE YOU THERE !!!  WOW -- HOW WONDERFUL IT WAS TO GET TO SEE EVERYONE AGAIN, AND ENJOY A GREAT SHOW !!!  YOU WAIT - WAIT - WAIT, AND THEN IT COMES, AND IS GONE IN (WHAT FEELS LIKE)THE BLINK OF AN EYE !!!

11. Every once in a while we still find a cool relic up at the Sewanee mountain cabin.  Our buddy, Joe, who helps take care of the mountain property, and also likes to detect recovered it.  This nice little item along with one bullet was lying a little deeper in the woods along the old mountain road.  We are going to put it on display at the cabin.  This item was lost the first week of August, 1863!!!

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

13. Coy Kitchens, our good friend in Civil War collecting over the last 30 - 40 years, has just put up his own website.  It's name is "BAMA RELICS" and has some very rare Confederate items as well as plenty of entry level relics.  Coy has been an active Civil War collector pretty much his entire life.  He also has looked for and collected Native American artifacts, and his website has plenty of each.  You have my word that Coy is a "straight-up" good person to deal with.  He will treat you right, and you can depend that he will tell you the whole story as best he knows it.  Go take a visit!!!  www.bamarelics.com --- (I HEARD THAT IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE A "VANDY COMMODORE" -- YOU MIGHT VERY WELL GET AN "EXTRA SPECIAL" DEAL !!!) HA !! ---(2024 - THE YEAR VANDY GOT REVENGE ON THE ENTIRE STATE OF ALABAMA !!!  AND WHO CURRENTLY HAVE THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE - KNOXVILLE "SERIOUSLY WORRIED" !!!!)  It really is kind of cool to see a school that gets kicked around every year have some success -- Congrats to the Smart Kids !!!!

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

15. Take a good look at these.  We do not relic hunt much during the summer months.  Can you guess why??

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

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

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

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

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

21. Soon to be married "74 years" (TOMORROW - NOW PASSED) - DEC. 8) - Dad is 94 and Mom is 93.  The secret to such longevity begins with a love for life and love for each other as well as dogged perseverance in the face of every challenge life brings.  Instead of "growing old gracefully", they are fighting it each step of the way!

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

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

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

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

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

27. A couple of days ago, we got a visit from someone very special to us.  Lorenzo Grover-Rizzo and his twin brother Iniko apprenticed in the relic shop here for several years.  Lorenzo took a deep interest in Civil War history and military in general.  After reaching 18, Lorenzo joined the military, and to this point is really enjoying the experience.  He was recently home for a few days on Christmas leave and came by to visit.  What a treat it was to get to see Lorenzo and a great opportunity to let him know how proud of him we are.  Salute!!  Lorenzo's twin brother, Iniko, has been on a mission in Georgia (country, not state) and has learned it's language fluently.  We have not seen him recently, but hopefully in the near future, he can return to share his experiences as well.  My two young buddies came back to visit during Christmas 2024, and we went to our favorite (all you can eat) retaurant.  I used to be able to "out-eat them" - BUT NO - MORE !!!  WE LOVE THESE GUYS !!!

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

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

30. 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 !!!

31. 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."

32. 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.

33. 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 !!!

34. 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.

35. 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 !!!

36. 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 !!!

37. 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.)

38. 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 !!!

39. 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 !!!

40. 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.

41. 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

42. 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 !!!)

43. 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 !!!

44. 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.

45. 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!!!

46. 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!!!

47. 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" !!!

    Very nice condition, Model 1816, flintlock musket converted to percussion by Remington using the Maynard tape primed system.  The lockplate is marked, "Remington's - Ilion NY - 1857".  The metal is clean with crisp markings.  The long-range site, the ram rod, and both sling swivels remain intact.  The musket retains decent rifling, but the rifling is quite dirty.  The stock remains in very nice condition with a clearly visible inspector's cartouche.  There is a small, circular inlay on the shoulder stock.  This musket is nice enough for about any museum or collection.--$1,450.

    Model 1858, smooth type canteen with complete butternut cover, linen sling, stopper, and chain.  This canteen is out of a central Ohio estate sale and displays very nicely.  The cover has been re-stitched in several places where the original stitching broke loose.--$425.

    Very pretty condition, .69 cal., friction fit triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet is out of a central Ohio estate sale and is no doubt one of the Prussian bayonets purchased by the Governor of Ohio at the beginning of the Civil War.  If you have one of the Ohio marked, .69 cal. Prussian musket, this is your chance to get a correct bayonet to go with it.--$175.

    Nice condition, non-excavated, Federal stamped brass, French horn Infantry hat pin.  One of the two attachment loops remains intact.  The hat pin has a nice, never cleaned, aged patina on the face.--$79.

    Beautiful condition, August 28, 1862 date, TEXAS Treasury Warrant for $2.50.  This note was issued out of Austin, Texas, and is serial number 100543.  Civil War date Texas currency is quite rare to come by.--$125.

    Very nice condition, original maker marked, Civil War musket sling correct for Model 1861 rifled muskets.  The sling is "Metzger -Philadelphia" maker marked and is also inspector marked.  It remains very pliable, and there is hardly any flaking at all.--$225.

    Very nice condition, lightly circulated, February 17, 1864, $10 Confederate note picturing horses pulling a cannon.  This note is serial number 26742.  This is one of the most popular of all the Confederate notes.--$85.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, "accentuated serif" pattern Richmond Arsenal "CS" tongue and wreath sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered many years ago by Dr. Francis Fesmire near Brandy Station, Virginia.  The belt loop on the wreath side is a bit heavier than the belt loop on the tongue side, but the buckle fits perfectly and was no doubt being worn together.  This buckle was recovered about 35 years ago and has been in Dr. Fesmire's collection the entire time.  We are including a Confederate Flag walnut display case that Dr. Fesmire had a number of his buckles displayed in.--$2,850.

    Excellent condition, excavated, solid cast brass, "Army of Tennessee" round-corner CS waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered many years ago from a Confederate Cavalry camp located at Tullahoma, Tennessee.  It has all three hooks perfectly intact and traces of black enamel still visible in the buckle background.  This is a super nice example of a very rare Confederate waist belt plate.--$4,250.

    Absolutely "smoking nice", excavated, "EGG SHAPED" CS oval, Western Theater style waist belt plate.  This beautiful buckle was recovered about 40 years ago from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry that was raided by Union Cavalry March 23, 1863.  I have an almost twin to this buckle that I recovered about 50 yards from this one.  The Union Cavalry surprised the Confederate camp at dawn and literally burned and destroyed the camp.  Our whole hunting group together recovered around twenty CS belt plates from this camp.  I got four.  This is a style plate that is extremely difficult to find with anything near crisp letter definition.  You can read "CS" on this plate from across the room.  If you have been waiting for a really NICE "CS Egg", wait no more.--$2,650.SOLD

    Absolutely beautiful condition, quite rare, "accentuated serif" style Richmond Arsenal CS tongue and wreath sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered many years ago near Brandy Station, Virginia.  Both pieces were dug together and have not even been washed off.  You will not find a more beautiful, perfect CS two piece tongue and wreath.--$3,250.

    Absolutely beautiful, uncirculated condition, Confederate $500 "Stonewall Jackson" February 17, 1864, note.  Over the last 48 years, I have had a fair number of Stonewall Jackson $500 notes.  This is without question the nicest I have ever had without a single fold mark.  The note is serial number 32831 and is bright and vivid with crisp edges all around.--$950.

    Super rare pattern, excavated, "CS marked", CONFEDERATE Cavalry Officer's spur.  This spur was recovered a number of years ago from General N. B. Forrest Confederate Cavalry camp located near Spring Hill, Tennessee.  This rare style spur has a significantly wider slot for the leather attachment strap than is usually the case.  The spur had one leg broken when recovered, but the broken leg was found nearby and has been expertly re-attached.  It is totally secure enough for normal display but would not hold up to very much stress.  If this spur had not been broken when recovered, it would have been a $2,850 spur for certain.  It is quite a rarity and displays beautifully.  There are thought to be less than ten of this style in the known collecting community.--$1,450.

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

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

    Smoking beautiful complete excavated cast brass James Artillery Shell ANVIL CAP and cast brass PLUNGER.  These were recovered on private property near Shiloh, and haven't even been washed off !!!--$250.

    Very pretty, non-excavated, coat size, South Carolina State Seal.  This button has an "RMDC" backmark of Waterbury Scovill, and at some point following the war, it was made into a lady's stick-pin.  The stick-pin itself is broken off, but the solder holding it remains intact.  It has a rich, aged, never cleaned patina.--$125.

    Excavated, two-piece, iron reverse, coat size, Confederate block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from General Breckinridge's camp occupied in November, 1862, near Readyville, Tennessee.--$89.

    Extremely rare, "Kepi size", Confederate Staff Officer Droop-wing Eagle.  This tiny little droop-wing has a gold filled depressed channel on the reverse with shank intact.  It was recovered by Dr. Francis Fesmire on private property near Chickamauga, Georgia, about 30 years ago.  I literally do not generally have over one or two of these per year.--$295.

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, Vermont State Seal VT9.  This button literally has 100% bright gold gilt on the face and an "RMDC" Waterbury Scovill backmark with shank intact.  It would be very difficult to locate a more perfect example.--$175.

    Quite rare, excavated, drop, LARGE SIZE, .58 cal. Sharps rifle projectile.  This was recovered here at Stones River and is a super nice example.--$25.

    Absolutely beautiful, uncirculated condition, Confederate $500 "Stonewall Jackson" February 17, 1864, note.  Over the last 48 years, I have had a fair number of Stonewall Jackson $500 notes.  This is without question the nicest I have ever had without a single fold mark.  The note is serial number 32831 and is bright and vivid with crisp edges all around.--$950.

    Just brought into the shop out of a local family, very pretty, Model 1840, heavy Cavalry saber and scabbard (Old Wristbreaker).  1840 heavy Cavalry sabers were extensively carried by Confederate Cavalry throughout the Civil War.  Even the famous Confederate Cavalry General Nathan B. Forrest carried one early in the War.  This example has a bright, clean blade and an original grip in beautiful condition.  The blade is "Solingen" marked.  The saber is out of a local estate and almost certainly would have been Confederate carried.  It will be an excellent addition to someone's Civil War display.--$895.

    Very attractive, Model 1850, Horstmann marked, Federal Foot Officer's sword and partial leather scabbard, picked up on the Olustee, Florida battlefield following the battle.  The blade shows evidence of exposure, but engraving can still be seen top to bottom.  The grip of the sword is decayed away leaving only the tang of the blade.  About 2/3 of the leather scabbard remains intact with the sword as well as both brass mounts.  There are faint remnants of an old Olustee, Florida mark on the scabbard.  Battle of Olustee artifacts do not turn up very often.--$550.SOLD

    Just brought in by a local family that had a relative who was an officer in the "8th Tennessee Confederate Cavalry".  It has aways been said that this button was off their ancestor's C.S. uniform.  The button has a rich, aged patina, and a correct Civil War date "Superior Quality" backmark, and has the shank intact.  I will pass family information along to the buyer along with the name of the Confederate Officer we believe this button belonged to.--$250.

    Beautiful condition, State of North Carolina State Seal with nice detail and gold gilt in the depressed channel in the rear.  Although unmarked, it is believed that Meyers of New Orleans was the maker of this button.  This button was recovered about 30 years ago from along the Columbia Pike of the Battle of Franklin.--$150.SOLD

    Very nice condition excavated coat size Confederate Block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This is a CS182A in Albert with a brass face, and an iron reverse.  This button has a pretty green patina on the face, and was recovered about 40 years ago by Dr. Francis Fesmire on private property near Chickamauga.--$95.

    Very nice condition "Southern Cross of Honor".  This is the style made by Charles Crankshaw – Atlanta.  These Southern Crosses were unmarked when presented, and it was up to the soldier to have his name put on the bar if he so wanted.  This one was given to "W. A. Hansell" who was a Confederate Engineer.  The Cross was "not engraved" at the time, but the family "later" had a jeweler engrave W. A. Hansell’s name on the bar.  It remains in excellent condition, and I, this past weekend, had the pin checked out by Everett Bowles (Mr. U.C.V.) while at the Chattanooga Civil War Show.  The Cross is absolutely one of the originals issued by the "Daughters of the Confederacy" shortly after the Civil War.--$450.

    Very attractive, excavated, large size, cast brass, Confederate "fork-tongue" frame waist belt plate.  This buckle was recovered from General Breckinridge's November - December, 1862, Confederate Infantry camp located near Readyville, Tennessee.  It shows actual use with visible wear.--$895.

    Really nice, excavated, 6 pound Bormann, Confederate case shot cannon ball that has been beautifully cross-sectioned.  You can see the Confederate Bormann fuse, the underplug, the lead case shot balls, the tar matrix, and the powder cavity.  This is a very educational Confederate Artillery artifact.  It was recovered about 40 years ago here at Stones River.--$295.

    Extremely RARE excavated nose section of a 2.6 inch Wiard Bolt projectile.  This is one of only 4 that I am aware of that have been found here at Stones River.  It was recovered many years ago.  I recovered a tiny little 2.6 inch dropped round of Wiard cannister at about the same time -(about 40 years ago).  This is a rare little guy that you will not often see offered for sale - especially from here locally around Stones River.--$375.SOLD

    Very attractive condition Model 1858 "Smooth Type" Federal canteen complete with brown "Butternut" wool covering - original linen sling, AND original stopper with chain.  AND, a very cool little extra -- The soldier's name appears to be cut with a pinknife around the pewter spout.  I can't quite read it, but I AM SURE IT CAN BE DONE !!!--$425.

    Very attractive, 7 1/2 inch, "game scene", brass powder flask of the type carried from home to the Civil War by young Confederates in 1861.  The brass has a nice aged patina and is pretty much without even a single dent.  Ornate powder flasks add a touch of class to any Civil War display.--$150.

    Absolutely beautiful, stamped brass, 8 inch powder flask with a shield surrounded by an intricate pattern of vines and leaves.  The flask has a rich, aged patina, nearly approaching brown.  This will be a beautiful addition to any Civil War display.--$225.

    Beautiful rich, aged patina on this "BIG" intricate 9 inch tall stamped brass Civil War era powder flask.  A flask like this would have been what many young Confederates left home for the Civil War carrying.  It is 100% guaranteed to add "an extra touch of class" to any Civil War display or collection !!!--$225.

    Excellent condition, excavated pair of dropped .58 cal. "spoke base" 3-ring Minie balls.  These were recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River.  One is 5-point, and one is 6 point.  For the pair and display case--$38.

    Very attractive pair of .56 cal. Spencer carbine cartridges in a glass display case.  One of the cartridges is non-excavated, and the other was recovered from the position of Wilder's Lightning Brigade at Hoover's Gap, Tennessee.  This will be a beautiful set of cartridges to display with your Spencer rifle or carbine.--$75.

    Excavated, drop, .577 cal. Enfield recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River.  The boxwood plug still remains intact and can be removed to clearly reveal the "L2" base marking.  This is a hard marking to get in nice condition.--$25.

    Excavated pair of Springfield combination musket tools.  One is an open-end, and the other is a box-end tool.  These were recovered near Franklin Road where the Battle of Stones River first started.  For both--$65.

    Small tin of percussion revolver caps.  This will be excellent to display alongside your Civil War revolver.  There are still many caps inside.--$48.

    If you have an original Civil War canteen missing the stopper, here's your chance.  Original Civil War stopper for the Model 1858 canteen still having the original cork.--$45.SOLD

    Excavated, early pattern, low profile, Virginia State Seal.  This button was recovered on private property near Longstreet's position at Chickamauga.  It has a chocolate brown patina and what looks to be a "Young Smith" backmark.  The shank remains intact, but the button does have some grainy texture.  The button looks to be a VA2.--$150.

    Non-excavated, vest size, South Carolina State Seal.  This button has nice detail and has a "Horstmann & Alien" 1850's era backmark.  It came out of a Chattanooga area estate and has a nice, aged patina.--$95.

    Excavated, coat size, Confederate block "A" (Artillery) with "H. T. & B. Manchester" backmark.  This button was recovered by Dr. Francis Fesmire on private property at the Battle of Chickamauga.  It appears to have been run over by a wagon or cannon and pretty much flattened.  The "A" can still be easily seen though.  Maybe not beautiful, but priced right.--$79.SOLD

    This is one of the more popular of all Civil War Confederate notes.  It is the 1862 date, "Negros Chopping Cotton" $100 Confederate note with the orange over-print.  The note has "Interest Paid" stamps on the back where it was reissued for three consecutive years.  The note is circulated and shows use, but remains completely intact.--$125.

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

    Extremely ornate, 7 inch powder flask with an intricate hanging game scene on each side.  The flask has a rich, never cleaned, bronze patina and is the exact type carried by many young Confederates when they left home for the Civil War in 1861.  This flask would be a very nice addition to any Civil War collection or display.--$115.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, great coat size, Federal "C" (Cavalry) uniform button.  This beautiful button was recovered by Dr. Francis Fesmire from a Federal Cavalry position on private property near Chickamauga.  There is gold gilt remaining in the shield around the "C" and also gold gilt encircling the Eagle.  This is a beauty!--$85.

    Excavated, cast brass, Federal Cavalry spur.  This was recovered from a Federal Cavalry camp located on private property near the Battle of Shiloh.--$75.

    Very nice condition, non-excavated, stamped brass, mounted Rifleman hat insignia.  The insignia remains mounted on the oval cloth backing that would have been sewn to the hat.  The fasteners remain intact on the reverse.--$350.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, gilted pair of Federal Staff Officer buttons.  Both buttons have near 100% bright gold gilt, and both buttons have the shank intact with "Waterbury Button Co." backmarks.  Although these buttons are Federal Staff Officer buttons, it is believed that they were Confederate worn.--$95. for the pair.

    Excavated brass frame from a single-shot, 1850 era, flintlock pistol.  This was recovered from an early war Confederate camp near Shiloh  They were often carried as a last resort in a boot or vest pocket.--$75.

    Very attractive condition, non-excavated, "hand-me-down", 1861 date Indian Head Cent.  This coin is from the estate of a Commander of the 8th Tennessee Cavalry - CSA.--$45.

    Wicked, 10 inch overall, Confederate blacksmith made dagger with a triangular, needle sharp, 5 1/2 inch blade.  This dagger came out of a north Alabama estate and would have almost certainly been Confederate carried.  There is a current wide spread misconception that triangular blades of this nature on both knives and bayonets were banned at the Geneva Convention.  The fact is that they never were.  This example has a 4 inch cross guard and a turned American walnut handle.  This is a wicked little dagger and still sharp as a razor.--$495.

    Complete, excavated, cast brass, Confederate, Cavalry spur.  This was recovered many years ago, and has a smooth olive green patina with remnants of the iron rowel.  The spur was recovered from the 1863 camp of Starnes Confederate Cavalry, and has traits leading one to think that it is likely a product of Leech and Rigdon of Memphis, Tennessee.--$295.

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

    Very pretty condition and quite rare, Boyle & Gamble "CS" marked Field & Staff Officer's sword and scabbard.  The blade remains clean with visible engraving a good portion of the way down the blade.  The "CSA in shield" remains easily visible.  The grip remains 100% intact with original wrap and wire.  The sword is in an import leather scabbard and came down through the years in that scabbard.  This is a nice quality "CS" MARKED "Boyle & Gamble" Confederate Field and Staff Officer's sword that would be a fine addition to any collection.--$8,750.

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

    Very attractive, Model 1851, Officer's cast brass sword belt plate on original black leather belt.  The buckle has the integrally cast wreath and the medium width tongue characteristic of the Civil War Era.  The buckle has a rich, aged patina, and the belt remains reasonably pliable.--$650.

    Very pretty condition, "Allen's Patent", 6-shot, .31 cal., "Pepper Box" revolver.  This revolver has a very nice look with a smooth, chocolate patina and perfect walnut grips.  It is dated 1837 on the barrel, and the action still works perfectly.  The original percussion cap shield remains in place.  The revolver originally had a small trigger guard, but this appears to have been removed many years ago.  This was sometimes done to be easier to slide the revolver behind a belt or into a boot.  This is going to be a nice looking addition to someone's Confederate display.  It is out of a north Florida estate, and you can hear "Dixie" playing when you hold it!!--$450.

    Very nice condition, excavated, cast brass, Federal Model 1851 Enlistedman's Eagle sword belt plate with applied wreaths.  It is a very rare thing for any of the applied wreath to be remaining.  This one has at least 1/3 of the wreaths still intact.  It was recovered from Camp Stanley located on Lytle Creek here at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.--$350.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated, circular Eagle Federal breast plate.  This was recovered among the limestone out-croppings at the end of Nickens Lane behind "One-Eye Taylor's" house (he actually built us a wooden ladder to get over his fence to relic hunt so we didn't mash down his fence)!!  The buckles, box plates, and breast plates that came out of this area were absolutely spectacular.  The limestone neutralized any acid in the ground, and the plates were gorgeous.--$225.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, cast brass, regulation, Federal Enlistedman's Cavalry spur.  This spur has a rich, aged, never cleaned, bronze patina, and the rowel will literally still spin.  You're not going to find a nicer example than this one.--$95.

    Very nice grouping of "THREE" Civil War era Federal images.  These turned up here in Middle Tennessee, but are likely originally from Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois.  The first image is a really cool 1/9th plate fully cased one with the soldier seated, and in full uniform.  He is apparently recovering from a wound as he has a "walking cane".  The second image is a 1/6th plate, and appears to be the same person, but in civilian clothes, and was likely discharged due to disability from his wound.  The third image is a 1/9th plate ruby ambrotype of a young lady - about his same age, and very likely his wife.  For all three Civil War images including the wounded soldier in uniform.--$250.

    Non-excavated, stamped brass, lead-filled, 1 1/4th inch cartridge box letter "B".  This style and type lead-filled letter is often found on the outside flap of cartridge boxes.  It would not be unusual to have two letters such as "B" and "L", meaning "Brown's Legion" or something of that sort.--$75.

    Non-excavated, stamped brass, lead-filled, 1 1/4th inch cartridge box letter "L".  This style and type lead-filled letter is often found on the outside flap of cartridge boxes.  It would not be unusual to have two letters such as "B" and "L", meaning "Brown's Legion" or something of that sort.--$75.

    Very nice condition and quite rare, excavated, drop, Confederate, .69 cal., 2-ring Gardner.  This projectile was recovered several years ago from Lucius Polk's 1863 winter brigade camp located near Tullahoma, Tennessee.  This is one many collections are lacking.--$95.

    Excavated, cast brass, Model 1851, Eagle sword belt plate.  This buckle was recovered about 35 years ago from a Federal Cavalry camp located on private property near Shiloh.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with belt loop and attachment hook both remaining intact.  A reproduction silver wreath has been set in place for display only.  It can either be left or removed.--$375.

    Model 1851, N.C.O. (Non-Commissioned Officer) belt with original cast brass sword belt with applied silver wreath intact.  The belt is the early issue pattern with the flat style brass adjustor hook.  The buckle itself has a pleasing, aged patina and is 100% complete.  The belt remains pliable with minimal flaking and could literally still be worn.--$650.

    Excavated cast brass Confederate Cavalry spur that is a close (but rather crude) copy of a regulation Federal Cavalry spur.  This spur is cruder, and has a square shank neck.  It was recovered by Don Odom many years ago from a Confederate Cavalry camp near Shiloh, and hasn't even been washed off.  This will be a nice addition to someone's Confederate cavalry display.--$225.

    Excavated, cast brass, regulation, Union Cavalry spur.  This spur was recovered on private property near Shiloh.  It is the "gutter back" style and has most of the original iron rowel still remaining intact.  It has a beautiful, never cleaned, pea green patina.--$95.

    Very pretty excavated chocolate brown coat size Confederate local North Carolina State Seal uniform button.  This was recovered from Confederate camps around Dalton, GA. that were occupied in early 1864.  The Confederate Govt. had purchased these jackets from the State of North Catolina, and were being issued to members of the Army Of Tennessee.  Most likely, it was a Tennessean wearing this button.--$125.

    1993 edition of Handbook of Confederate Swords, by William Albaugh, III and Richard D. Steuart.  For years this was the "go to" sword handbook that folks carried around at shows.  Although more extensive and detailed books are now available on swords, this little handbook is super handy and is filled with valuable information.--$35.

    Excavated complete brass cavalry bore brush.  This brush was recovered by Don Odom on private property near Shiloh, and originally had "hog hair" with a leather thong, and was drawn through the carbine barrel to clean out the burnt debris in the barrel.  It is quite rare to recover a nice complete one.--$45.

    Absolutely beautiful, shadow box framed, beautifully gilted, non-excavated, Confederate officer's coat size CSA uniform button.  This button has nearly 100% bright gold gilt, the correct Civil War "Superior Quality" backmark, and shank intact.  You could not ask for a more beautiful example.--$225.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, two-piece, Confederate block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown face with a brass back and a series of dots surrounding the reverse.  The button has a perfect shank intact and could be literally sewn back on a uniform.  You just don't dig Confederate buttons much prettier than this one.--$135.

    Excavated, coat size, two-piece, Confederate block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  It has a smooth chocolate brown patina on the face and is iron on the reverse.  This was recovered from Polk's Corp, Army of Tennessee 1863 camps located along Duck River near Shelbyville, TN.  This was recovered by Dr. Francis Fesmire about 30 years ago. There is a light mark on the face where Dr. Fesmire's digging tool made slight contact.--$89.

    Excellent condition, excavated, cast brass carbine sling belt tip.  This example still has a little leather intact on the back side.  It was recovered at Camp Stanley here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and remains in excellent condition.  If you have recovered a carbine sling buckle, here is your chance to complete your display.--$48.

    Excellent condition, drop, .577 cal., Enfield projectile recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River.  This example has a raised "57" basemark and remains in excellent condition with full boxwood plug intact.--$20.

    Very pretty, excavated, stamped brass Eagle device.  We are not sure if this was worn on the hat or was part of a Patriotic watch fob.  It was recovered a number of years ago from a Confederate camp located near Shelbyville, Tennessee.--$75.

    Group of ten excavated silver coins dating from the latter 1800's to the early 1900's.  This group includes several mercury dimes, a Barber half-dollar, a Walking Liberty half-dollar, and a nice condition, 1877 CARSON CITY Seated Liberty dime.  These were all recovered around Civil War Era homes here in Middle Tennessee while searching for Civil War artifacts.  The Seated Liberty Carson City dime is a rare find.  The entire case with ten silver coins--$195.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, 4-side Austrian bayonet for the .54 cal. import Austrian musket.  These were, to a large extent, Confederate used, and I have recovered two of them in Confederate positions here at Stones River.  This example is bright and clean and would be an excellent compliment for your Austrian musket.--$195.

    Beautiful condition, .69 cal., Model 1816, triangular friction fit socket bayonet.  This bayonet was just brought in out of the local area and was likely a leftover from the Battle of Stones River.  The majority of these were Confederate carried, and this example has a smooth, never cleaned, chocolate patina.--$195.

    Excavated, coat size, "Tennessee puff-rim", block "I" (Infantry) Confederate uniform button.  This button was recovered from Confederate camps along Duck River near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  This style with the "puff-rim" is considerably rarer to dig than the regular block "I" buttons.--$125.

    Very nice condition, excavated, coat size, gilted, New York State Seal, 3-piece, Staff Officer button.  This button was recovered from General Hooker's 1864 New York camps located at Tiftonia, Tennessee, (near Chattanooga).--$45.

    Beautiful condition, group CDV, picturing nine Confederate Generals.  The CDV is entitled "The Generals of the Confederate States Army" and includes General Robert E. Lee, General Beauregard, General Hardee, General Benham, General Floyd, and has a backmark of "D. Appleton & Co. - New York".--$175.

    Beautiful condition, 1864 date, $3 Texas Treasury Warrant.  This note is serial number 38146 and remains in excellent, uncirculated condition.  The note has green over-print and was issued out of Austin, Texas.--$125.

    Excellent condition, excavated, cast brass, Enfield nose cap.  This was recovered on private property along the Confederate battle line here at Stones River.--$48.

    Excellent condition, non-excavated, threaded, .58 cal., Civil War "musket worm" or "bullet extractor".  This extractor remains in near perfect condition.--$65.

    Excellent condition, regulation, cast brass, Federal Cavalry spur.  This spur was recovered from a Federal Cavalry position on private property located near Shiloh.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina with a portion of the iron rowel still intact.--$95.

    Excavated, large coat size, Confederate lined "C" (Cavalry) uniform button.  This button was recovered years ago from the site of the Mayo Tobacco Warehouse in Richmond, Virginia.  When this site was being developed, LOTS of Confederate buttons surfaced.  The button is missing part of the shank but is an attractive representative example of a difficult button to recover.--$225.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, coat size, Confederate cast brass "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered at the base of Winstead Hill on the west side of Columbia Pike.  It has a pretty pea-green patina with shank intact.--$175.

    Extremely rare to find, complete Civil War leather "Cavalry Breast Strap" with large size brass Martingale Heart still attached.  This is a leather item that you hardly ever find in decent condition.  This one is out of a Texas estate and is very likely an artifact of Confederate Cavalry.  This particular Martingale has a large silvered "7" affixed in the center of the Martingale which could stand for 7th Texas Cavalry. We have excavated very similar Martingale Hearts here in Middle Tennessee from camps occupied by Army of Tennessee Confederate Cavalry.  It is described in chapter 11 of Confederate Saddles and Horse Equipment by Ken R. Knopp.  It has  been quite some time since we have had one of these.--$650.

    Excavated, cast brass, Confederate Cavalry spur.  This was recovered from a Confederate Cavalry camp in north Alabama by Don Odom.  It remains in excellent condition with most of the iron rowel still intact.  It is a crude copy of a standard Federal rooster neck except for being crudely cast with a square neck instead of round.--$250.

    Excavated, cast brass, Confederate Cavalry spur.  I recovered this spur many years ago from the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry.  It is a style spur that the neck and rowel is inset into a hole in the back of the spur.  The spur has knobs on each side for the leather attachment strap.  Spurs of this style are somewhat rare to recover.--$275.

    Excellent condition CDV of Brigadier General "Stonewall" Jackson.  This is the classic view with "Brig. Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson" on the bottom of the image.  The Anthony backmark motif is on the back of the image.--$250.

    Very pretty condition fully cased 1/6th plate WELL EQUIPTED Federal Infantryman literally ready to head to the front.  This image is out of an Ohio estate and the young man has his "US" waist belt rig complete with US buckle, cartridge box, over the shoulder sling, and cap box, and is "at attention" with his musket with bayonet at his side.  This is very close to being your absolute classic Federal soldier of the Civil War "ready to go".  It is housed in a super nice thermoplastic hard case made by "Littlefield, Parsins, and Co. - UNION CASES - 1857".  This is a "SMOKING NICE" little image.--$450.

    Very nice condition, .69 cal., four-side Austrian, triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet is out of an Alabama estate and was almost certainly Confederate carried.  It is in very nice condition, gently darkening with age.--$195.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, Confederate produced, cast brass Cavalry spur.  This is a very crude Confederate local produced southern spur.  The spur was broken when recovered, but both pieces were there, and it has been put back together by the best around - Robert McDaniel.  The two pieces went back together so perfectly that it is very hard to find where the spur was broken.--$195.

    Very attractive condition, excavated, Richmond Arsenal pattern, regulation, cast brass, Confederate Cavalry spur.  This spur was recovered from the camp of Wharton's 8th Texas Cavalry.  It was broken when recovered right against the neck where they always are.  Both pieces were right together, and it has been put back together and displays beautifully.  I recovered six Confederate Richmond Arsenal spurs from this same camp, and all six were broken in the identical place.  It displays like a million bucks with rowel intact.--$195.

    Excavated, coat size, Confederate block "A" (Artillery).  This button was recovered from the 1863 winter Artillery Park for the Army of Tennessee near Shelbyville, Tennessee.  It has a smooth, chocolate patina with a slight push on the face.  The reverse is backmarked, "Superior Quality" with the shank intact.--$225.

    Beautiful condition, non-excavated, coat size, South Carolina State Seal.  This button has near 100% gold gilt with "H. T. & B. Manchester" backmark with the shank perfectly intact.  You could not ask for nicer.--$195.

    Mint, beautiful condition, 24 mm coat size CS5 Confederate Staff Officer button.  This button is in pristine condition with near 100% bright gold gilt.  It has the"Extra Rich/Treble Gilt" backmark.  You couldn't ask for nicer example.--$295. for this beauty.

    Excavated soldier's large pocket watch with chain and winding key.  This isn't a relic you often see recovered as soldier's prized their pocket watches and rarely lost them.  This watch was recovered by Don Odom from a Confederate camp in north Alabama.--$85.

    Excavated, circular, Federal Eagle breast plate recovered here at the Battle of Stones River near where the battle started at the highway to Franklin.  It has a smooth, chocolate brown patina on the face with full lead in the reverse.  We can see that there are numbers and letters carved into the reverse, but I am not sure what they stand for.--$150.

    Excavated, coat size, Confederate 2-piece block "I" (Infantry) uniform button.  This button was recovered from General Breckinridge's November 1862 camp located near Readyville, Tennessee.  The "I" is very clear and bold but is dented a little to one side of the "I".  The reverse has "E. M. L. CO. - Richmond VA" and has the shank intact.  Even though it is a little dented, this is a very attractive Confederate button.--$89.

    Display case containing 19 carved and whittled bullets all recovered from local camps, and the battle area on private property here at Stones River.  It would take quite a number of trips to recover this many artifacts now !!  (And one is a rare .69 cal. C.S. Gardner).--$95. ($5. ea.)

    Really nice excavated 12 lb. Bormann cannon ball fragment recovered here at Stones River, and is about 1/3 cannon ball, and is displayed with 15 projectiles that were also recovered here.  The Bormann section is cleaned and coated, and shows a section of the fuse hole.  Super desk display.--$95.

    Very nice Confederate .69 cal. "Buck and Ball" display recovered here at Stones River.  Nice educational display in a glass riker case (with a couple original percussion caps) !!--$25. (I'm not sure that would cover gas and batteries !!)

    Really pretty cased set of four excavated, nicely gilted, Federal cuff size uniform buttons.  These buttons consist of (1) nicely gilted, cuff size Eagle "I", (2) excavated, cuff size, Federal Staff Officer's button with 90% gold gilt, (3) excavated, nicely gilted, cuff size Eagle "C", and last, (4) a quite rare, excavated, cuff size, gilted Eagle "R".--$95. for the entire collection.

    Very nice cased display of 20 soldier bone shirt buttons recovered out of Confederate trash pits located near Shelbyville, TN. and along Duck River.  (Spring of 1863 Army of Tennessee Confederate Camps)  This case represents a BUNCH of digging !!!--$65. --(Barely over $3. per button !!)

    Quite rare, Model 1816, .69 cal., flintlock smoothbore musket.  This musket remains in "flint" as it was originally produced, but could possibly have at one time been converted to percussion and reconverted back to flint.  The walnut stock has an old repair that is so well done, that it appears to be factory done.  The lockplate is marked, "Springfield 1839", and the musket has a Model 1861 ram rod that appears to have been with it a long time.  This musket is a classic example of what the South had to make do with to fight the Civil War.  It will be a beautiful addition to any Civil War collection.--$1,650.

    1840 - 1850 era, Eagle pommel cap, Militia Artillery Officer's sword and scabbard.  The sword has a clean blade with 1840 - 1850 elliptical cross-section profile and faint remnants of engraving.  The ornate, brass guard has the Eagle motif, and the pommel cap is Eagle head as well.  The sword has a polished bone grip and remains in overall very nice condition.  The scabbard, several years ago, was nickel plated which could be removed, but does keep the scabbard from ever rusting.  The sword overall remains in very nice condition.--$650.

    Excavated, regulation, Federal "Crossed-Cannons", stamped brass artillery insignia.  This hat insignia was recovered many years ago by Don Odom on private property near Shiloh.  It has become quite difficult to recover any of the stamped brass hat pins that are intact and not broken up.  This one displays nicely.--$175.

    Very rare PAIR of Confederate used Private Purchase "RAKING SPURS".  These spurs are very HEAVY made, and are the style that could be purchased from the Military supplier - "Schuyler, Hartley, and Graham".  We actually recover these type spurs from Confederate cavalry camps here quite often, but they are almost always the normal "up and down" rowel type.  This set of spurs were recovered together from a Confederate Cavalry Camp located near Corinth, Miss.  One of the rowels is a replacement. and appears to have been made from a large cent.  This set of rare Confederate "RAKING SPURS" will make a fine addition to someone's Confederate Cavalry display.--$650.

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

    Extremely rare to find excavated gilted Federal Poncho/cape hook.  The eagle button on this cape hook literally has OVER 90 % bright gold gilt.  It was recovered among the limestone rocks on private property on top of Lookout Mountain!  SO - SO NICE.  AND, this one comes with a nice glass dome display case !!--$175.

    Absolutely drop-dead beautiful excavated condition.  This is a regulation, large oval, lead-filled, US buckle with "arrow style" hooks.  It was recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River about 40 years ago by Wade Buchanan.  I do not think you could recover a more beautiful, perfect buckle.--$325.

    Super nice, excavated, circular, lead-filled, Federal Eagle breast plate.  This was recovered on private property among the limestone out-croppings here at Stones River.  It has a chocolate brown patina, full lead, and both iron attachment hooks remain intact.  You could easily put this one back on the cross belt and wear it.--$250.

    A single barrel from a Confederate double-barrel shotgun that was struck by a projectile separating the two barrels and snapping this barrel in half.  This projectile struck barrel was recovered about 40 years ago by Don Odom on private property near Shiloh.  We have inserted a projectile at the point of impact for better display.  The point of impact is pretty much where the soldier's hand would have been.  Maybe not a deadly wound, but definitely a serious and painful one.--$250.

    Very pretty condition, Model 1855, Springfield (or contract), .58 cal., triangular socket bayonet in original leather scabbard.  The leather scabbard is complete and remains pliable with just a little weakness where it has folded back and forth on the waist belt.  The bayonet is clean overall just beginning to gray with age.  It has a nice, deep, clear "US" stamp and would be perfect to complete your Model 1855, Model 1861, or Model 1863, .58 cal. musket.  These are becoming difficult to find in nice condition.--$395.

    As pretty as you are ever going to see, excavated, large size, US oval cartridge box plate.  This plate was recovered many years ago here at Stones River and has a reflective brown patina on the face with full, smooth lead and both wire attachment loops remaining intact on the reverse.  This is as pretty a plate as you are ever going to recover.--$250.

    Very nice clean condition, non-excavated, Model 1855, triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet has a nice, clear "US" mark and just below the "US" mark is a stamped "S".  Over the years, I have heard that the bayonets with this stamping are meant for the Spencer "Rifle", but am uncertain if this is accurate or just firearm collector lore.  It is an excellent bayonet either way.--$250.

    Nice solid COMPLETE excavated .58 cal. Federal Springfield (or contract) triangular socket bayonet.  This bayonet was recovered on what used to be the King Farm.  My relic hunting buddy, Bob Ward, and I had LOTS of fun on this farm.  The King family owned the area, and they lived across the street from the Relic Shop !!  I remember one time we had a U.S. oval located, and it took an hour to "whittle" a slot between the roots to get it out !!  What fun we had !!!!--$150.

    Very nice condition, Feb. 17, 1864 issue date, Confederate $20 note picturing the State Capitol at Nashville, Tennessee.  This note has only been lightly circulated and remains in very pretty condition.--$125.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, excavated matching pair of heavy brass, private purchase, Confederate used Cavalry spurs.  This super nice pair of spurs was recovered many years ago from private property near the Battle of Shiloh.  Neither of the spurs has even been washed, and both retain their original rowels.  They just do not get nicer than this pair.--$750. for the pair.

    Very pretty condition, non-excavated, large size, arrow-hook pattern, lead-filled, US oval waist belt plate.  This plate surfaced in a Florida estate sale.  This usually results from families moving from the cold northern states to the Florida sunshine.  I feel sure with a little research a person could know all about "Russell Dale Taylor".  If you guys learn something really fascinating, please let me know!!--$395.

    Excavated tongue portion of a cast brass, Richmond Arsenal, Enlistedman's two-piece sword belt plate.  This tongue is from a buckle of the pattern of plate "009" in the Mullinax buckle book.  It has a pretty pea-green patina and was no doubt discarded because it has a break in the outside keeper bar.  The break lines up so perfectly that it can hardly even be seen.  This tongue was recovered in a Confederate Cavalry camp near Rippon, West Virginia.  If you happen to have an extra Richmond Arsenal excavated wreath, here is your chance to have a completed two-piece CS sword belt plate.--$950.

    Beautiful condition and super rare, "Kraft, Goldsmith, & Kraft", Columbia, South Carolina, Confederate Cavalry saber with distinctive wooden scabbard, iron mounts and brass hardware.  This saber has an original Civil War Era, brown ink presentation on the wooden scabbard.  It reads, "Presented to Commodore John H. Sta??? by his friend, General George B. Dand???".  It is very rare to find a K G & K Cavalry saber with a nice original scabbard, and this one is a beauty.  The blade has a smooth, gently aging, gray/brown patina.  The original grip and wire remain intact and in nice condition.  This saber came into the shop about 40 years ago and has been in the collection of Dr. Joe Boyd ever since.  I have no doubt this is one of the nicest condition K G & K Confederate manufactured Cavalry sabers remaining in existence today.--$8,950.

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

    Very attractive, .54 cal., Burnside carbine with matching serial number 24311.  This is considered by most to be the "standard model" or 4th model Burnside carbine.  It was purchased out of a north Alabama estate and was very likely Confederate carried.  It has a brass inlay on the left side of the stock with an Eagle & CSA.  The carbine retains an excellent bore and has the soldier's initials, "FRH" cut into the left hand side of the stock.  The carbine has a good, strong main spring and locks into both half-cock and full-cock.  It is missing the small secondary lever that disengages and drops the loading block.  These are fairly readily available and should not be a problem to replace.  It shows clear signs of active service, and the long range site and sling swivel both remain intact.  This is a good, solid carbine that has "seen the elephant" (and likely from a southern standpoint)!!--$1,450.

    Very pretty condition and extremely rare, Leech & Rigdon Confederate Enlistedman's Cavalry spur with elongated leather strap holders (lower spur in picture).  This is the corresponding, unmarked, Leech and Rigdon Enlistedman's spur that matches the Officer's spur pictured with the Star and "CS".  The Enlistedman's spur is virtually identical to the Officer's spur except it lacks the "CS" and Stars.  It is the LOWER SPUR pictured in all the pictures above.  In 50 years, I have seen less than ten examples of this spur.--$450.

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

    Quite rare to find - Excellent condition non-excavated cast iron .44 cal. double cavity bullet mold for two Confederate "Country Rifle" projectiles.  We recover these projectiles from early war Confederate camps as this is what many young Confederates left home for the Civil War carrying.  When being used, this mold would have had two wooden handles driven onto the iron spikes to prevent the handles from getting hot.  An excellent addition to any Confederate display.--$250.

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

    Very nice condition and quite rare, from life CDV of Confederate Major General Mansfield Lovell.  General Lovell was in charge of Confederate forces around New Orleans, Louisiana.  At the time General Lovell was blamed for not adequately defending the city but was later cleared due to the large amount of troops that had been drawn away leaving him with very few men to defend the Federal Naval assault.  This is an image you rarely see and has a "Anthony - New York" backmark.--$275.

    Really, really nice desk display with artifacts recovered from the Battle of Stones River.  This display consists of a quite rare, Model 1839, "baby US" cartridge box plate.  With this box plate is a coat size Federal Infantry Officer button with lots of gold gilt.  Each of these two artifacts are very rare to come by.--$325.

    Absolutely beautiful condition, non-excavated, Officer pattern, Model 1851, cast brass, Eagle sword belt plate with integrally cast wreaths.  The plate has a beautiful, gently aging patina and still retains lots of original gold gilt.  It is about as nice as you are going to see.--$375.

    Very nice condition, complete, regulation, Federal Civil War Cavalry bit with both brass US rosettes remaining intact.  This bit was recovered from Lytle Creek just a couple of miles south of Murfreesboro which was the site of the 1863 Army of the Cumberland winter camp of all Federal Cavalry.  It is very rare to recover one of these that is completely intact.--$225.

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

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

    Excellent condition, non-excavated hand-me-down, Model 1851, Federal Eagle sword belt plate.  This is the style sword belt plate where the "rays" go all the way around the buckle.  The plate still has nice body curve, and the applied silver wreath remains 100% intact.  The bench mark is "D50".  You're not going to find a prettier example.--$395.

    Very pretty condition, excavated, early war, thick letter pattern, large size, US oval cartridge box plate.  This plate was dug among the limestone out-croppings on private property here at Stones River.  It has full lead and both attachment loops remaining intact.--$225.

    Excellent condition, excavated, .577 cal., dropped Enfield projectile with the "57" base marking and the boxwood plug completely intact.  This was recovered among the limestone out-croppings on private property here at the Battle of Stones River.--$20.

    Extremely rare, excavated, circular, lead-filled, "Texas Star" rosette.  This rosette was recovered about 30 years ago from the camp of General Wharton's 8th Texas Rangers (Cavalry).  This camp was located just south of Unionville, Tennessee, and the property was owned by one of my old school teachers.  She said I was a much better relic hunter than school student!!  About 30 years ago, Ms. Burke found a cast brass Army of Tennessee round corner "CS" washed out in her driveway.  There were only two of these Texas Star rosettes found in this camp.  This will be a super nice addition to someone's Texas display.--$475.

    Quite rare, recovered from Stones River, 12 pound, "wood drive-in fuse" type cannonball.  This cannonball was recovered about 40 years ago by Dr. Francis Fesmire.  The ball has a large portion of the original wooden sabot still intact as well as an excellent condition, original wood drive-in fuse plug.  The ball has been cleaned, coated, disarmed, and is ready for display.--$375.

    Very pretty condition, .58 cal., Model 1861, "Wm. Mason" contract, 3-band rifled musket.  This musket is dated 1863 and came out of an estate in Central Alabama.  We believe the musket was captured and Confederate carried due to having a Confederate Battle Flag carved into the stock opposite the lockplate.  The musket has original ram rod, all three bands, and original site all remaining intact.  It shows clear indication of having been carried but does still retain deep, sharp rifling.  Both sling swivels remain intact, and I have no doubt this musket would still be totally deadly at 300 - 500 yards.  Model 1861 percussion Civil War muskets with a nice mid-war date do not turn up very often anymore.  This is an exceptionally nice weapon.--$1,895.

    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.--$5,950.

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

    Quite rare to recover - C.S. used .69 cal. early issue Austrian Musket 4-side socket bayonet.  This was recovered many years ago in Stones River at the "Upper Ford" where a couple Confederate Infantry regiments succesfully crossed Stones River during Breckenridge's charge.  During Breckenridge's charge the Confederates lost 1800 men in one hour here at Stones River, and according to legend - caused Stones River to run red with blood at McFadden's Ford !!--$175.

    Very attractive and quite rare, first Model Confederate Kenansville Armory Cavalry saber.  This is the saber only without scabbard.  It has a clean, unstopped fuller blade and has the typical high copper content Kenansville guard and pommel cap.  The grip was professionally restored a number of years ago.  This is a Confederate saber that does not often come along.--$2,450.

    Very nice condition, Model 1858, regulation, smooth type, Federal canteen.  This canteen has complete butternut cover with original linen sling and also stopper with chain.  Every Civil War collection should have a nice quality original canteen.--$425.

    Excellent condition, five-section, Civil War Era telescope.  I do believe this is the largest telescope that we have ever had come through the shop.  It measures 43 inches overall fully extended, including the sun shade.  The optics still work nicely, as I could see a bird several hundred yards away as if he were sitting on the porch with me.  I can only imagine back in college how much I could have sold this thing for!!--$350.

    Very attractive Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry saber, and scabbard.  This saber is marked "Tiffany - NY - PDL".  The blade is in nice condition, and is gently darkening with age.  The saber has the classic Tiffany three branch "IRON"cavalry guard.  The scabbard remains in excellent condition without a single dent.  This saber is out of an OHIO estate, and was most likely carried by an Ohio Cavalryman.  It is going to make a fine addition to someone's Civil War cavalry display !!--$895.

    Very nice condition, original Civil War from life "CDV" of Confederate General Fitzhugh Lee (nephew of Confederate General Robert E. Lee).  This image remains bright and crisp with an "E. & H. T. Anthony - New York" backmark.--$225.

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

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

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

    Very pretty condition, Model 1850, Foot Officer's sword.  This sword appears to be an import with only light traces of engraving remaining on the blade.  The brass guard is complete and has a rich, aged patina, and the grip remains in nice condition with original wrap and wire.  This sword is out of a central Alabama family and was quite likely Southern carried.  This would be an absolutely super first sword for a young Civil War collector.--$495.

    Beautiful condition, excavated, 4-piece, cast brass, "Rifleman's" buckle.  This buckle was recovered by Mike Morrow at the Battle of Davis Bridge (Hatchie River - Southern Tennessee).  Mike recovered the buckle altogether many years ago.  They just do not come nicer than this one and DUG TOGETHER - not put together.--$395.SOLD

    Beautiful condition and extremely rare, excavated, large size, lead-filled, arrow hook, US oval waist belt plate with "W. H. Wilkinson - Springfield" backmark.  This is a very rare one to get in nice condition like this one.--$450.

    Very attractive, Model 1860, .44 cal., Army Colt revolver.  This revolver just came in out of the local area and is serial number 92718.  This is very desirable "1863" mid-war production.  The serial numbers all match, even including the wedge.  The revolver has a smooth, dark, attic patina, crisp action, and nice sharp rifling remaining.  There is holster wear to the end of the barrel indicating that it did see actual Civil War service.  This Colt revolver would make a very nice addition to any private museum or collection.--$2,450.

    Nice condition, non-regulation, "Tiffany" iron guard Cavalry saber and scabbard.  This saber is out of a north Alabama estate and was very likely Confederate carried.  The scabbard is actually a couple of inches longer than the saber, but they have been together since the Civil War Era.  This is a very nice, yet relatively inexpensive Confederate carried Cavalry saber and scabbard.--$850.

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

    Constructed of cotton linen, this example exhibits a padded cushion affixed to the underside.  The perimeter is chased with a blue and red wool decorative border and the skirts bear hand-embroidered wreaths on both sides.  These saddle pads were used by both Union and Confederate officers.  Very few surviving examples are known.  This example is in very fine condition.--$875.

    Very rare to come by, hand-stitched, brown leather Confederate holster correct for a .44 cal. Colt Army revolver.  The holster shows clear evidence of lots of actual use and saddle wear.  This is out of a local family with 100% Confederate ancestry, and I will pass the family name along to the buyer.--$595.

    Very attractive, Model 1860, light Cavalry saber and scabbard.  The saber has a nice, clean blade gently graying with age, and marked, "US - 1864 - AGM", and on the reverse, "C. Roby - W. Chelmsford Mass".  The grip has original leather and wire and remains in very nice condition.  The scabbard has a smooth, chocolate brown, aging patina and is without a single dent.  This saber and scabbard still has the original leather sword knot with it.--$895.

    Model 1862, .52 cal., rim fire, breach loading Sharps & Hankins carbine.  It is quite rare to find this carbine with a nice condition, complete leather covering.  The leather covering was for protection against rusting.  Records indicate that the Navy purchased 6,686.  This example has a plated breach area which was done later and was also intended to combat salt water rusting.  This example remains in nice condition and has one of the most complete leather coverings that I have seen in a long time.  This is a carbine that many collections are missing.--$1,250.

    Very attractive, Model 1865, Spencer 7-shot repeating carbine.  The Model 1865 Spencer was issued to the military at the very end of the Civil War, and more importantly, during the Indian Wars Era.  This example has crisp action, nice deep rifling, and is marked on the barrel, "Model 1865 - Spencer Repeating Rifle - Manuf'd by Burnside Rifle Co. - etc."  The carbine remains in very nice condition and completely functional but does show honest wear from actual use.  This carbine is serial number 3629 which is quite early production.--$2,250.

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

    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.

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

    Very scarce to find, Model 1850 "ROBY" Foot Officer's sword and scabbard with bright, crisp, sharp engraving from top to bottom.  It has a beautiful gilted guard with original sharkskin and wire 100% intact.  The original leather scabbard remains with the sword, and is in nice condion as well.  This is grade 8 to 9, and totally museum worthy!!--$1,195.

    Super, Super rare, non-excavated, CS26B, coat size Confederate Staff Officer button.  This is a Confederate local with 100% gilt front and back with shank intact.  To give you an idea how rare this button is in a non-dug state, in 50 years, I could count on my fingers how many of these I have had.  Interestingly, here in the Western Theater spring of 1863, Army of Tennessee Confederate winter camps, I have excavated probably 30 or 40.  Finding one NON-EXCAVATED is a whole different story.--$1,250.

    Very nice condition, excavated, "CS and Star" marked Leech and Ligdon Confederate Cavalry Officer's spur.  This rare spur was recovered from an N. B. Forrest camp located in north Mississippi.  It has a beautiful brown/green patina and was discarded because of missing one side of the rowel holder.  This is a beautiful relic.--$2,250.

    Very nice condition PAIR of Smith & Wesson, Model #2 "Old Model Army revolvers".  These revolvers remain in very nice condition with traces of bluing still visible.  Both are the more desirable "6 inch" octagonal "long barrel" model.  This model Smith & Wesson was a very popular side arm with many Civil War Officers and Enlistedmen during the Civil War on both sides.  One of the revolvers is serial number 30151 which places it firmly as Civil War production.  The second Smith and Wesson revolver is serial number 31475.  Civil War production of the Smith and Wesson went to 35731.  Both revolvers came out of Middle Tennessee and could very well have been Southern carried.  The very top of the hammer on 31475 is broken, but could be easily repaired.  The example in the published magazine picture above was being carried by Amos V. Going.  He was a member of the 12th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment.  The standing soldier in the first picture is a North Carolina Infantry Volunteer.  Revolver 30151 functions perfectly, has some case colors remaining, and has excellent original walnut grips.  Revolver 31475 has a smooth, chocolate brown patina and original walnut grips.  The action on 31475 advances the cylinder properly sometimes and sometimes not.  The two revolvers display very nicely together as a set.--$1,650. for the set

    Very attractive, excavated, cast brass, wreath portion of a Richmond Arsenal Enlistedman's CS tongue and wreath.  The wreath had a small casing flaw on the neck area between the loop and wreath itself, and that has been filled.  The wreath needs a tongue with a loop with an outside measurement of "1 7/8" inches, and the disc needs to measure "1 1/8" inches or "close to that".--$850.

    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.--$32,500.

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

    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.

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

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

    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.

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

    Very pretty condition, fresh off Look-Out Mountain, Tennessee, .69 cal., Model 1816 Springfield musket originally produced in flintlock and converted to percussion for Civil War use.  This musket was almost certainly a Confederate used weapon.  The metal has a smooth darkened patina with lockplate markings of, "Springfield - 1823 - US - and the Eagle".  The action is tight, and the mainspring is as strong as during the Civil War.  It has both sling swivels intact as well as the original ram rod.  The oval inspector cartouche opposite the hammer is easily visible.  This musket is nice enough to be in any museum and will be a nice compliment to any private collection.--$1,450.

    Really pretty Artillery display consisting of the leather "carriage" for a Model 1832 Short Artillery sword and scabbard.  With this leather carriage is a set of red Militia Artillery epaulets dating the same era.  This set will display beautifully with your Model 1832 Short Artillery sword and scabbard.--$395.

    Extremely rare, Model 1860, AMES light Cavalry saber and scabbard "DATED 1860".  This saber is out of a Southern estate, and it is very likely that it was Confederate carried.  The saber has original wrap and wire and a nice, clean blade marked, "Ames Mfg. Co." and dated 1860.  The blade has a smooth, gently aging patina, and the scabbard is in very nice condition with a smooth, chocolate brown, aged patina.  The "1860" dated Ames Cavalry sabers are among the most sought after Civil War sabers.  This is one you will not see very often.--$1,250.

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

    Very attractive, arrow hook pattern, large size, US oval on original black leather waist belt and with original percussion cap box still intact on the belt.  This will be an excellent addition to any Civil War display.--$595.

    Very nice condition, Model 1840, "Heavy Cavalry Saber".  Model 1840 sabers were carried by both Union and Confederate Cavalry.  The famous Southern Cavalry leader, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, carried one as did many of his men.  This example remains in very nice condition with a pretty, aged, bronze patina on the cast brass guard, and the saber has original wrap and wire on the grip.  The blade is unmarked and just beginning to darken with age.  This is out of the local area and was most likely Confederate carried during the Civil War.  Both the saber and scabbard remain in first class condition.--$850.

    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.

    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.

    Just brought in - regulation large size arrow hook pattern lead filled "U.S." oval Federal waist belt plate on its original black leather waist belt.  The belt still has the original "leather" waist belt length adjuster loop.  The loop being leather rather than brass suggests "1863 - 1864" issue.  The U.S. buckle has a BEAUTIFUL deep rich - never cleaned - aged patina that we all wish for !!  Literally - EVERY collection MUST HAVE a nice regulation "U.S. Belt Rig" !!!--$550.

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

    Very attractive, .69 cal., 1841 Harpers Ferry musket originally flintlock but converted to percussion using the Butterfield Conversion System.  The musket has a smooth, brown, aged patina tip to tip with lockplate markings of, "Harpers Ferry - 1841 - US - and the Eagle".  These muskets were considered somewhat obsolete, and many were stored in the Harpers Ferry Arsenal.  They were, of course, captured and distributed to Confederate Infantry.  This example shows extensive service with dings, marks, and wear in the wood and a crack running just behind the tang of the barrel.  Southern Infantry fought much of the war with this exact type musket using buck and ball.  We are including a buck and ball round that we recovered here at Stones River with the musket.  You might not be able to afford a $12,000 Richmond musket, but here is a weapon extensively used by the South at a very realistic price of--$1,295.

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

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

    Very interesting Confederate saber and scabbard out of a local estate.  The South is famous for always having a lack of suitable weapons for the entire Civil War.  This saber and scabbard was blacksmith created by using parts from three separate Cavalry sabers.  The saber has a guard and pommel cap from a 2nd Model Kenansville, NC, Cavalry saber.  The blade has the pen knife style trait common to Tennessee produced "College Hill Arsenal" sabers.  The scabbard which was with the sword when it came out of the family here is an iron import style saber scabbard.  The saber is an excellent example of how the South was forced to create weapons from what they had, because throughout the entire Civil War, the Confederacy had a difficult time keeping their forces armed.  On this particular saber, the outside branch of the guard is bent forward, indicating at some point, the horse went down and sandwiched the saber between the horse and the ground.  I am sure this saber could tell many war stories.  I have a fair guess as to who likely carried this saber.--$2,650.

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

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

    Meet "Lila Magnolia Blackwelder" !!!  She is my younger daughter - Savannah Cynthia and her husband - Luke Blackwelder's first child.  She was born December 4, 2013 at 3:25 pm weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.  She was born with a head full of dark brown hair and a fine set of lungs.  She has a wonderful disposition, and loves to smile and giggle.  I plan to do my best to spoil her beyond belief !!!!

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

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