Containing Relics from the Gettysburg Battlefield

This type of Gettysburg desk set / relic display originated with Edward Woodward, a British born gunsmith living in Baltimore when the war broke out, who reportedly refused Confederate offers to supervise a gun factory in favor of aiding wounded US soldiers as a member of a Union Relief Society and later moved to Gettysburg after the battle to aid the wounded as a member of the US Christian Commission. He remained in town and is known to have been selling similar desk sets as early as September 1866 and by 1870 was advertising his gunsmithing and his relic business from a shop on Carlisle Street near the train depot.

After Woodward’s death in 1894 these popular desk sets continued to be made by John Good and Joel Danner, though in simpler form than Woodward’s. This set is a good example of an early battlefield souvenir that might be brought home even by a visiting veteran of the battle. See O’Donnell, Hazard and Boardman, Gettysburg Battlefield Relics and Souvenirs for the story of these and similar creations that often sought to create something combining the artistic, the historic, and the useful.

Inventory Number: GET 556

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Original Civil War era wooden cartridge box retaining its period paper label advertising “Skin Seamless Skin Cartridges with Improved Caps” for “Colt’s Army Pistol .44 Caliber.” The label further notes manufacture by “E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, N.Y.,” one of the most recognized American arms makers of the 19th century.

The box exhibits a rich untouched surface with honest age and handling wear throughout, while the fragile original label remains largely intact and legible. A scarce and highly displayable revolver cartridge box associated with one of the most iconic sidearms of the Civil War period.

An excellent addition to any Civil War ammunition display, Colt revolver collection, or Remington-related grouping.

Inventory Number: BUL 541

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This type of Gettysburg desk set / relic display originated with Edward Woodward, a British born gunsmith living in Baltimore when the war broke out, who reportedly refused Confederate offers to supervise a gun factory in favor of aiding wounded US soldiers as a member of a Union Relief Society and later moved to Gettysburg after the battle to aid the wounded as a member of the US Christian Commission. He remained in town and is known to have been selling similar desk sets as early as September 1866 and by 1870 was advertising his gunsmithing and his relic business from a shop on Carlisle Street near the train depot. After Woodward’s death in 1894 these popular desk sets continued to be made by John Good and Joel Danner, though in simpler form than Woodward’s. This set is a good example of an early battlefield souvenir that might be brought home even by a visiting veteran of the battle. See O’Donnell, Hazard and Boardman, Gettysburg Battlefield Relics and Souvenirs for the story of these and similar creations that often sought to create something combining the artistic, the historic, and the useful. 

Inventory Number: GET 552

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This type of Gettysburg desk set / relic display originated with Edward Woodward, a British born gunsmith living in Baltimore when the war broke out, who reportedly refused Confederate offers to supervise a gun factory in favor of aiding wounded US soldiers as a member of a Union Relief Society and later moved to Gettysburg after the battle to aid the wounded as a member of the US Christian Commission. He remained in town and is known to have been selling similar desk sets as early as September 1866 and by 1870 was advertising his gunsmithing and his relic business from a shop on Carlisle Street near the train depot. After Woodward’s death in 1894 these popular desk sets continued to be made by John Good and Joel Danner, though in simpler form than Woodward’s. This set is a good example of an early battlefield souvenir that might be brought home even by a visiting veteran of the battle. See O’Donnell, Hazard and Boardman, Gettysburg Battlefield Relics and Souvenirs for the story of these and similar creations that often sought to create something combining the artistic, the historic, and the useful. 

Inventory Number: GET 551

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Original Civil War-era paper-wrapped cartridge pack for the Colt Army revolver, manufactured by Johnson & Dow, one of the primary contractors supplying combustible revolver cartridges to the U.S. government during the war. The wrapper identifies the contents as waterproof combustible cartridges, intended for use in .44 caliber Colt Army revolvers. 

Johnson & Dow of New York were among the best-known makers of revolver ammunition, producing millions of cartridges for Federal use. Their products were widely issued to cavalry and mounted troops, particularly those armed with Colt Army revolvers, and are well documented in period ordnance records. 

The pack remains tied and unopened, an increasingly scarce survival as the vast majority were issued, opened, and expended in service. The original paper wrapper is intact with clear printed labeling, showing expected age, creasing, and minor wear consistent with storage and handling over time. 

A highly desirable example of Civil War revolver ammunition, directly associated with one of the most iconic sidearms of the conflict and produced by a major wartime contractor. 

Inventory Number: BUL 538 

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.36 Caliber

For Colt’s Patent New Model Revolving Police Pistol

Civil War era packet of combustible envelope cartridges made of Hazard’s Powder and expressly for Colt’s Patent New Model Revolving Police Pistol, .36 caliber. Addressed to Colt’s Cartridge Works, Hartford, Conn., the packet remains complete with its six original cartridges intact. The top edge is exposed, revealing the cartridge noses within the wrapper, a striking and desirable display feature.

A highly desirable complete Colt cartridge pack — exceptional alongside a .36 caliber Colt Police or Navy revolver.

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: BUL 536

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.44 Caliber for Colt’s Army Revolver

This original paper cartridge box is labeled: “Combustible Envelope Cartridges / Made of Hazard’s Powder / Expressly for COL. COLT’S PATENT / NEW MODEL / REVOLVING HOLSTER PISTOL / .44 inch Calibre / Colts Cartridge Works / Hartford, Conn.” Produced during the Civil War, this box would have held six combustible paper cartridges made for use in Colt’s .44 caliber Army revolver (the “New Model” often refers to the 1860 Army model). These cartridges used nitrated paper that burned entirely upon firing, eliminating the need for manual powder loading. This box retains strong visible text and exhibits typical age toning. An outstanding relic of Civil War firearms history, particularly desirable for display alongside an original Colt Model 1860 Army revolver.

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: BUL 534

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.36 Cal Navy Pistol

D.C. Sage, Middletown, Conn. – Dated October 18, 1862

Original Civil War era packet of “Six Chambers Skin Cartridges” for .36 caliber Navy pistols, manufactured by D.C. Sage of Middletown, Connecticut and dated October 18, 1862.

The packet retains its six combustible “skin’ Cartridges intended for .36 caliber percussion Navy revolvers. These combustible “skin” cartridges allowed for faster loading in the field and were widely used during the Civil War.

Scarce ammunition-related display piece, ideal alongside a Civil War Navy revolver or cartridge box.

Comes housed in a riker display case with maroon velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: BUL 533

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Recovered at the Battle of Todd’s Tavern – May 7–8, 1864

A beautiful excavated Federal eagle breast plate, recovered from the grounds of the Battle of Todd’s Tavern, one of the fiercest cavalry engagements of the 1864 Overland Campaign. This example retains both original iron loops, an increasingly scarce feature among battlefield-dug plates. The face shows a handsome untouched chocolate-brown patina with crisp detail to the eagle, shield, arrows, and olive branch.

Included with the plate are three excavated .44 caliber revolver bullets, classic Colt Army–style projectiles, also recovered at Todd’s Tavern. These rounds are typical of dismounted cavalry action and close-range fighting that characterized the clash between Sheridan’s Federal troopers and Stuart’s Confederate cavalry.

The Battle of Todd’s Tavern (May 7–8, 1864) marked a crucial transitional fight during Grant’s Overland push toward Spotsylvania Court House. Todd’s Tavern saw hours of intense mounted and dismounted skirmishing, rapid movement, pistol fire, and hand-to-hand fighting. The presence of both a breast plate and revolver rounds reflects the types of equipment dropped during cavalry melees in this sector.

Todd’s Tavern artifacts are seldom encountered on the market, and paired finds—particularly with a breast plate retaining both loops—are especially desirable. This grouping displays beautifully and represents a strong addition to any collection

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number:  REL 136

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Recovered at the Battle of Todd’s Tavern – May 7–8, 1864

A solid and attractive excavated Federal “puppy paw” oval U.S. belt plate, recovered from the site of the Battle of Todd’s Tavern, fought during the opening days of Grant’s 1864 Overland Campaign.

This example retains both original puppy paw studs on the reverse, though the arrowhead tongue is missing—typical of field loss and combat breakup. The face is strong, smooth, and well-preserved, showing an excellent brown/olive patina from decades in the Virginia soil.

Included with the plate are three excavated .44 caliber revolver bullets, also recovered at Todd’s Tavern. These Colt-style rounds represent classic cavalry or mounted service use along the Todd’s Tavern–Corbin’s Bridge corridor, where dismounted fighting, skirmishing, and running engagements occurred throughout May 7–8.

Todd’s Tavern (Spotsylvania County, VA) was the site of intense cavalry fighting between Union forces under Sheridan and Confederate cavalry under Stuart as both sides maneuvered toward Spotsylvania Court House. The area saw repeated charges, pistol fire, and close-range engagements—exactly the environment where belt hardware and spent revolver rounds were easily dropped.

Recovered from one of the most active cavalry battlefields of the Overland Campaign, this grouping represents a perfect blend of classic excavated Federal gear and battlefield-used sidearm ammunition.

Comes housed in 6 x 8  riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: REL 135

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