This attractive Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket is an early Confederate-imported example bearing the highly desirable JS/Anchor inspection mark, one of the most recognized Confederate acceptance markings found on British arms purchased for Southern service during the Civil War. Chambered in .577 caliber, the musket displays a well-preserved appearance with strong eye appeal and unmistakable evidence of wartime use.  

The steel components have developed a deep, even dark brown patina, while the brass buttplate, trigger guard, and nose cap have aged to a pleasing brownish-gold patina with traces of mustard-yellow highlights visible in protected areas. The lock plate is marked 1863 TOWER beneath the bolster, with the British crown inspection mark stamped behind the hammer.  

The left side of the barrel at the breech is stamped twice with the number 25, alternating with three British proof marks, with the numerals appearing inverted. The lock remains in full working order, holding securely at both half-cock and full-cock positions.  

The musket retains its original slotted ramrod and rear sling swivel. The front sling swivel is absent. The rear sight base remains intact, although the ladder portion of the sight is missing. The rifling is still visible within the bore but shows substantial wear from extensive military service.  

Condition issues include several vice marks on the left side of the barrel beneath the rear sight, a small crack extending from the rear lock plate screw, and a small rectangular area of wood loss on the left side of the stock wrist. An inscription is present on the left side of the stock between the lock plate screws that appears to read “Drew?” The right side of the buttstock bears a circular Birmingham Small Arms Trade stamp surrounding a crown over the letters BSAT.  

Confederate JS/Anchor-marked Enfields remain among the most sought-after long arms of the Civil War era, and this example combines desirable Confederate inspection markings, honest battlefield wear, and strong overall presentation. It represents a fine surviving example of the arms imported by the Confederacy during the height of the conflict. 

Inventory Number: RIF 367
 

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Smith is shown from the waist up in a double-breasted frockcoat of a Confederate general. His collar insignia is just visible under his beard.
Contrast and clarity is excellent. Paper and mount are very good.

Accompanied by a very nice bold blue ink autograph: “E. Kirby Smith / Genl.”.

Inventory Number: AUT 143

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Large and impressive Civil War era silver-plated serving tray measuring approximately 28” x 18” and weighing a hefty 6¼ pounds. The tray features beautifully engraved floral decoration around the border with a central oval reserve incorporating a Greek key pattern and patriotic shield motif with stars, stripes, and eagle decoration.

The heavy cast handles have an attractive intertwined rope design and give the piece excellent presence in hand or on display. The tray retains a pleasing mellow silver tone throughout with honest age and light surface wear consistent with use. The engraving remains sharp and highly decorative, especially the floral scrollwork surrounding the center panel.

A substantial and visually striking mid-19th century American tray that would display beautifully alongside Civil War material, particularly officer or presentation-related items. Large trays of this quality were expensive luxury goods in the period and are becoming increasingly difficult to find with this kind of size and eye appeal.

An outstanding oversized Civil War period tray with strong patriotic character and exceptional display appeal.

Inventory Number: MIS 373

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A particularly attractive and high-grade French-import Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword, representing one of the finest styles of officer’s sidearms carried during the Civil War era. This example exhibits excellent preservation throughout and displays the refined craftsmanship associated with quality French military sword production.

The blade remains bright with a pleasing luster and only a light sprinkling of dark gray patina speckling near the tip. The blade features the characteristic double fullers extending nearly to the point, a hallmark of many period French-manufactured officer’s swords. The acid-etched decoration remains crisp, well-defined, and easily visible.

Located near the guard are two French maker’s proof marks: a shield containing the letter “S” and an oval featuring a crown above the letter “P.” These marks further confirm its quality French manufacture.

The brass hilt retains an even, mellow golden appearance developed through age and careful preservation. The guard displays elegant floral and scrollwork decoration, while the grip retains its original ray (shark) skin covering and tightly wrapped twisted wire. A red cloth washer remains present at the base of the blade where it meets the guard, an important original feature intended to help prevent moisture from entering the scabbard.

The scabbard is particularly ornate, featuring richly decorated brass mounts. The upper mount displays a standing officer wearing epaulettes, believed to represent General Winfield Scott, while the reverse retains a decorative oval presentation panel that was never engraved. The middle mount is adorned with scrollwork motifs, and the lower mount features a starburst pattern and foliate decoration. The leather body of the scabbard remains solid, retaining its original black finish with no significant flaking, and the stitched seam remains intact along the reverse.
An exceptionally well-preserved and highly decorative example of the iconic Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword, offering outstanding eye appeal and historical significance.

Condition: Excellent overall. Bright etched blade with minor age speckling near the tip. Brass hilt and mounts retain an attractive mellow patina. Original sharkskin grip and twisted wire wrap intact. Leather scabbard remains solid with strong black finish and intact stitching. 

Inventory Number: SWO 380
 

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An attractive and historically significant Civil War-era religious volume titled The Prayers of the Bible: With Their Answers, published by A. S. Barnes & Co., New York, 1855, and bearing an important wartime presentation inscription. Written in a bold period hand on the front endpaper is: “Maj. J. P. Edgar from the Army Committee of the N.Y. Y.M.C.A., Nov. Jan. ’64.”  Cover detached.

The inscription firmly connects the book to the wartime activities of the New York Young Men’s Christian Association, one of the most active civilian organizations supporting Union soldiers during the Civil War. Through its Army Committee, the YMCA distributed Bibles, prayer books, religious literature, writing materials, and other comforts to soldiers in camp, hospitals, and the field. Such books were intended to strengthen morale and provide spiritual guidance amid the hardships of military service. 

Presentation volumes directly attributable to YMCA wartime relief efforts are considerably scarcer than ordinary period religious books, and the identification to a Union officer adds further appeal. The recipient, Major J. P. Edgar, was clearly deemed a suitable recipient of this volume during the height of the conflict, providing a tangible link to the religious and humanitarian support network that accompanied the Union armies. 

A desirable and evocative Civil War association piece combining faith, military history, and the important wartime work of the New York YMCA, one of the foremost civilian aid organizations of the conflict. 

Presentation Inscription Transcription 

Maj. Geo. P. Edgar 

From the Army Committee 

of the N.Y. Y.M.C.A. 

Nov. Jan. ’64 

This is a particularly appealing wartime presentation inscription. The book itself was published in 1855, but the inscription indicates it was presented in 1864 by the Army Committee of the New York Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). 

The New York YMCA was heavily involved in soldier relief during the Civil War, distributing Bibles, religious books, tracts, stationery, and other comforts to Union soldiers in camps and hospitals. Presentation inscriptions from YMCA Army Committees are encountered far less frequently than standard ownership inscriptions and establish a direct connection to the wartime religious and morale-support efforts undertaken for Union servicemen. 

The recipient appears to be Major J. P. Edgar, though additional images of the following pages may help identify him positively and determine whether he was a Union officer serving in 1864. A positive identification could significantly enhance the historical interest of the volume. 

Inventory Number: HIS 327 

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A scarce and highly desirable pair of Civil War period wool socks, exhibiting classic hand-knit construction consistent with mid-19th century military issue or home-front production. Crafted from natural wool yarn, these socks display the characteristic ribbed cuff and shaped heel, with a soft, well-worn patina that speaks to age and authenticity.

The neutral, undyed tone is typical of period examples, and the overall form remains strong, with only expected signs of use and age. Such items were essential to the soldier’s daily life, often supplied by family members or aid societies, making surviving examples increasingly difficult to locate.

A wonderful and evocative textile artifact, ideal for display alongside uniforms or personal effects. 

Inventory Number: UNI 220

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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.

An intriguing and uncommon patented combination eating utensil featuring a cleverly integrated knife, fork, and spoon design. Constructed entirely of steel, this compact field utensil separates into two pieces, allowing the user to utilize the knife independently while the spoon and fork remain combined for practical dining in the field.  

The center section is stamped “PATENT APPLIED FOR”, reflecting its experimental or early production status. The ingenious design incorporates a spoon and fork in one section with a detachable knife that nests securely into the handle, creating a compact and portable dining set for camping, military use, travel, or outdoor pursuits.  

The utensil retains an attractive untouched surface with a dark age patina throughout. Wear and oxidation are consistent with age and use, adding to its authentic character. Combination eating utensils such as this were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among soldiers, sportsmen, campers, and travelers who valued lightweight, multifunctional equipment.  

A scarce and visually appealing example of early American ingenuity, combining practicality and innovative design in a single compact tool. 

Condition: Good antique condition with age-related patina, oxidation, and wear. Components separate and display well. Untouched surface with desirable antique character.  

Inventory Number: CAM 661 

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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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Rare and visually compelling 1/6 plate daguerreotype housed in its original period case with ornate gilt brass mat and preserver. The image depicts an elderly gentleman seated beside a younger woman, likely his daughter or possibly a nurse or caregiver, posed in an unusually intimate and atmospheric setting.

Particularly noteworthy is the apparent outdoor nature of the composition – an uncommon feature in daguerreotype photography, which was overwhelmingly conducted inside formal studios due to the long exposure times required by the process. The softer natural lighting and less rigid arrangement give the portrait an exceptionally candid and human quality rarely encountered in mid-19th century photography.

The elderly sitter appears wrapped in a boldly patterned plaid covering, his advanced age and frailty plainly visible, while the younger woman leans attentively nearby wearing an elaborate lace bonnet and finely detailed dress. Her protective posture creates a deeply emotional image suggestive of family devotion and care.

Portraits capturing elderly sitters in such personal circumstances were often commissioned as treasured family keepsakes late in life, making surviving examples especially poignant today.

The plate retains strong visual presence with the characteristic mirror-like surface associated with the daguerreotype process. Expected scattered surface wear, light abrasions, and minor tarnish are present from age and handling. The unusual subject matter, apparent outdoor setting, and striking emotional composition combine to make this a particularly desirable and memorable example of early American photography.
An exceptional and highly displayable daguerreotype with tremendous folk-art character and uncommon visual narrative.

Inventory Number: HAR 258

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