Confederate Captured & Collected 

An exceptional Civil War-era Spencer Repeating Carbine, chambered in .56 Rimfire and retaining its highly desirable Confederate capture and collection marking. The serial number 36687, stamped on the top of the frame behind the hammer, indicates this carbine was originally issued to Pennsylvania cavalry forces before later falling into Confederate hands.

The metal surfaces display an attractive dark silver-gray to bright gray appearance with only light, scattered peppering. The top of the receiver is marked:
SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO.
BOSTON, MASS.

The remaining patent markings have become worn and are no longer fully legible. The trigger guard lever bears an “M” inspection mark on the right side.

Most notably, the underside of the stock immediately behind the trigger guard is boldly stamped with the Confederate Richmond Arsenal captured and collected “Z” mark, documenting Confederate capture and reissue. Firearms bearing this marking are among the most sought-after Civil War long arms, representing weapons that saw service on both sides of the conflict.

The rear sight, sling swivel, and saddle ring assembly remain intact. The magazine tube, action, and feeding system function properly, and the carbine remains in excellent mechanical condition. The walnut buttstock and forearm are exceptionally well preserved, displaying an attractive rich auburn-brown color with only minor handling wear. Two rectangular inspector’s cartouches remain visible on the left side of the buttstock behind the saddle bar.

The bore is outstanding, retaining strong, crisp rifling throughout with no significant pitting. Overall, this is a particularly fine example of one of the most important cavalry arms of the Civil War. Its documented Pennsylvania cavalry issue, Confederate capture history, Richmond Arsenal “Z” marking, excellent mechanics, and strong overall condition make it an especially desirable collector’s piece.

Inventory Number: RIF 373

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.56 Rimfire  Seven-Shot Repeater  Confederate Captured & Collected / SOLD appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Matching pair of classic wartime sticks showing field use and signs of being reinforced instead of discarded. The hairline cracks and battered acorns attest to the use and replacement sticks not being readily available.  Nice patina and look for a display with a field played drum or by themselves. 

Inventory Number: MUS 237 

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An exceptionally fine example of a Civil War-era Providence Tool Company contract Model 1861 Rifle-Musket, manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, and dated 1864. This rifle-musket remains in remarkable original condition and exhibits outstanding eye appeal throughout. The metal surfaces retain their original armory-bright appearance, accented by areas of aged preservative oil that have developed a pleasing amber-yellow to light brown tone over time. The barrel tang, breech area, and bolster display darker coloration from the original manufacturing and heat-treating processes, creating attractive variations that resemble case hardening.

The left breech flat is stamped with the federal eagle head proof and the inspector’s marks “V” and “P” for viewed and proofed. The left barrel flat is additionally marked with the letter “M.” The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.” along with a small inspector’s mark. All three barrel bands bear the letter “U” inspection stamp.

The musket retains both original sling swivels and its correct tulip-head ramrod. The lock is marked with the federal eagle, U.S., and PROVIDENCE TOOL CO., PROVIDENCE, R.I. beneath the bolster, with the date 1864 stamped at the rear.

Mechanically, the rifle-musket is in excellent working order. The bore is particularly impressive, retaining strong, crisp rifling with a bright, clean interior. The walnut stock remains exceptionally well preserved with an attractive auburn-brown color and sharp contours. Two inspector’s cartouches are clearly visible on the left side opposite the lock, while the left side of the buttstock is stamped with the letter “G” near the buttplate.

Combining exceptional mechanical condition, strong markings, and outstanding overall preservation, this Providence Tool Company contract rifle-musket represents a superb example of one of the finest secondary contractor arms of the Civil War. 

Inventory Number: RIF 364

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Rhode Island Contract .58 Caliber / SOLD appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Recovered from Bull Run 

Confederate 12-pounder solid shot cannonball recovered from Bull Run, manufactured for use in smoothbore field artillery. The 6-pounder cannonball is most notably associated with the death of Major Sullivan Ballou at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. 

The surface displays a deep, dark patina with areas of oxidation and field wear, including localized surface loss, entirely consistent with age and long-term burial or exposure. The ball remains solid and intact. 

The 12-pounder field gun was one of the most used artillery pieces early in the war and saw extensive service with Confederate batteries throughout the conflict. Solid shot such as this was used against enemy troops, artillery, and fortifications. 

Inventory Number: ART 495 

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A superb Civil War-era presentation-grade Non-Regulation Officer’s Sword identified to Captain G. L. Coe of the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This finely crafted sword was manufactured in Solingen, Germany, a city renowned throughout the nineteenth century for producing some of the finest military blades in the world. The bright steel blade retains an attractive luster with crisp etched decoration throughout. The left side displays the letters “U.S.” surrounded by flowing patriotic scrollwork, while the reverse features a detailed American eagle above the national motto, E Pluribus Unum. Near the guard, the blade is marked “W. Clauberg, Solingen,” with a circular proof mark on the opposite ricasso. The spine is additionally stamped “PROOF,” indicating a blade tested for quality by the manufacturer.  

The ornate guard features the American eagle and shield motif with E Pluribus Unum incorporated above the “U.S.” initials. The hilt and scabbard remain richly plated in German silver, presenting exceptionally well. Particularly desirable is the original sharkskin grip, which retains its wire wrap and exhibits excellent eye appeal. Also present is the original green leather blade washer at the guard, a feature often absent on surviving examples.  

Of special significance is the engraved presentation inscription on the right side of the scabbard throat:  

“Capt. G. L. Coe, 124th Regt. O.V.I.”  

This personalization firmly associates the sword with Captain G. L. Coe of the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, adding considerable historical interest and collectibility.  

The German silver scabbard remains in very good condition, with only a few dents and service-related marks consistent with age and use. The drag remains intact, and the sword presents as a handsome, complete example of a privately purchased officer’s weapon.  

Presentation swords identified to Civil War officers are highly sought after, and this example combines an identified Ohio officer, quality Solingen manufacture, excellent blade etching, original grip components, and a personalized scabbard inscription. It represents a fine and attractive survivor from the American Civil War and an outstanding addition to any advanced collection of Civil War edged weapons. 

Inventory Number: SWO-369

The post Presentation Non-Regulation Officer’s Sword to Captain G. L. Coe, 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry / SOLD appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

This walnut framed Civil War vintage magic lantern slide measures a standard 7 X 4 inches and houses a brilliantly hand colored 3 ¼ inch in diameter sealed glass slide depicting the Battle of Gettysburg. The highly detailed and colorful image remains in excellent condition with sharp contrast and no fading of the old oil coloration. It will display well before a lighted backdrop, projected, or simply placed over white background.

Inventory Number: GET 560

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An attractive and untouched example of a U.S. Model 1840 Springfield Musket that was altered from flintlock to percussion using the desirable cone-in-barrel conversion method. This musket represents the type of arm carried during the early years of the Civil War as older flintlock muskets were modernized for continued military service.

The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle over U.S. forward of the hammer and is dated SPRINGFIELD 1842 at the rear. The lock retains a portion of the original brass flash pan, a characteristic feature of these early percussion conversions. The barrel tang date remains faintly visible, and the side plate is stamped with the letter “C.”

The metal surfaces exhibit an attractive deep plum-brown patina with a pleasing sheen throughout. Light peppering is present at the breech area, consistent with percussion cap use during its period of service. The bore remains clean with only minor scattered pitting.

Both original sling swivels remain intact, as does the trumpet-headed ramrod. The stock is exceptionally well preserved, displaying only light handling marks and a few scattered service dings. An oval inspector’s cartouche is visible on the left side of the stock behind the side plate, and a small stamped “D” appears on the bottom flat of the stock just behind the rear trigger guard finial. The buttplate tang is clearly marked “U.S.”
Mechanically, the musket remains in full working order with a strong mainspring and crisp action. Overall, this is a particularly appealing early-war Springfield conversion that has survived in remarkably original condition and displays beautifully. 

Inventory Number: RIF-359

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.69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket  / SOLD appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

A fine example of the classic Civil War-era Model 1859 Sharps Carbine, chambered in .52 caliber and retaining its desirable pellet primer system and patchbox. One of the most iconic cavalry carbines of the American Civil War, the Sharps earned an outstanding reputation for reliability, accuracy, and rugged service in the field.  

The lock plate is marked:  

R.S. LAWRENCE PAT. APRIL 12, 1859 with C. SHARPS PAT. OCT. 5, 1852 stamped below. The left side of the breech mechanism bears the patent marking:  C.SHARPS PAT. SEPT. 12, 1848

The tang is stamped with serial number 68761, identifying this as a Civil War production carbine. The ring bar plate is marked with inspector’s initials A.H.K.  

The metal surfaces display an attractive gray patina with scattered darker mottling along the barrel, giving the carbine a pleasing, untouched appearance. The sights remain intact, as does the saddle ring and bar. The trigger guard retaining latch functions properly, and both the breech mechanism and steel patchbox remain in working order.  

The walnut buttstock retains a rich, attractive color and shows honest service wear. A small symbol, resembling a reversed letter “N,” is lightly carved into the right side of the buttstock above the patchbox. The forearm exhibits a split on the underside, along with a small wedge-shaped chip missing adjacent to the breech, neither of which detracts significantly from the carbine’s overall display quality.  

Mechanically, the firearm remains functional, and the carbine presents as a solid and appealing example of one of the most sought-after cavalry arms of the Civil War period.  

From the Don Trioni Collection. This carbine is identified as having been carried by a member of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry and was reportedly present during the Gettysburg Campaign, adding further historical interest and collector appeal.  

A desirable Civil War Sharps Carbine with pellet primer system, patchbox, strong markings, and excellent display presence.  

Inventory Number: RIF 351 

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A striking and beautifully carved figural meerschaum pipe, featuring the detailed bust of an African man with finely rendered facial features, textured hair, and expressive profile. Pipes of this type—highly artistic and carved entirely by hand—were popular souvenirs and gentleman’s smoking pieces during the 1800s.

This example survives in its original fitted hard case, lined in deep blue velvet and satin, shaped precisely to the contours of the pipe. The case hinges and clasp function properly, and the interior retains strong color with only minor age toning.

Figural meerschaum pipes were prized personal items and status symbols. Portrait pipes depicting various ethnic and cultural figures were popular with plantation owners, travelers, soldiers, and collectors of the era. Surviving examples with their original cases are especially desirable. a one of a kind example.

Inventory Number: PER 487

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Scarce Confederate short artillery sword featuring the distinctive crudely cast “CS” within the counterguard and a raised star motif on the pommel, characteristics long associated with this Southern-produced pattern. Intended as a close-quarters sidearm for artillerymen, these compact swords offered protection against cavalry attacks and saw active wartime service.

This example displays an attractive, untouched patina throughout the brass hilt, guard, pommel, and grip. As expected of Confederate manufacture, the casting exhibits the crude workmanship commonly encountered on authentic examples, including visible casting imperfections in the guard, grip area, and pommel star. The double-edged blade measures approximately 19 inches in length and retains its distinctive hammered construction with a pronounced central ridge. At some point in its history the blade was sharpened, resulting in slightly uneven edges, though it remains an honest and attractive wartime piece. The blade has developed a pleasing brown and gray patina that complements the hilt beautifully.

A solid, representative example of one of the most recognizable Confederate short sword patterns, displaying all the characteristics collectors look for in a genuine “CS & Star” artillery sword. No scabbard.

Inventory Number: CON 691

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