(Polearm Topper) 

Forged iron halberd head dating to the Revolutionary War era, representing a classic form of 18th-century polearm used by militia, guards, and officers in both ceremonial and practical roles. The form—with its broad axe blade, reinforced neck, and tapering socket—follows established British and American patterns carried into the Revolutionary period from earlier European designs. 

The long conical socket, still intact, was designed to mount securely to a wooden shaft, while the blade profile reflects a utilitarian balance between cutting and symbolic presence. Though polearms had largely declined in battlefield use by the late 18th century, they remained in service with sergeants, militia units, and for guard duty, often serving as badges of rank and authority as much as functional weapons. 

This example shows heavy, honest age with a deep, undisturbed patina throughout. The visible seam split along the socket is typical of forge-welded construction and long-term oxidation rather than damage, illustrating period manufacturing techniques. Surface pitting and wear are consistent with excavated or long-stored iron of the era. 

A scarce surviving example of Revolutionary War-period edged weaponry. 

Inventory Number: REV 071

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This is an original Civil War–period United States national flag constructed of wool bunting, the standard military and naval flag fabric of the mid-19th century.

Constructed of cotton and wool material consisting of a blue canton with 34 white stars in the upper left quadrant and thirteen equally positioned stripes, 7 red and 6 white. General History The United States National 34-Star flag was adopted with the admission of Kansas as the 34th state in January 1861. It was used until 1863 when West Virginia became a state. At no time did the national flag lose stars. Since the United States believed that secession from the Union was illegal, the flag continued to bear the stars of all the states of the Union, even the Southern states. Flag makers had several designs for the 34-star flag.

The canton features thirty-four hand-applied white cotton stars, arranged in a rectilinear grid configuration. This orderly and symmetrical star layout is characteristic of government-contract and depot-made flags of the Civil War era, particularly those intended for official military, naval, or signal use rather than civilian or decorative display. 

The stars are single-appliquéd, hand-sewn, and slightly irregular in shape—hallmarks of period construction. Their placement emphasizes clarity and visibility at distance, consistent with flags meant to be read quickly in field conditions rather than admired at close range. 

This type of star arrangement reflects the Union government’s preference for legibility and standardization during wartime, as opposed to the more whimsical medallion or scattered star patterns seen on pre-war or civilian parade flags. 

Given its large format and wool bunting construction, this flag was not a parade or civilian decorative flag. Flags of this size were produced for practical, official purposes, including: 

• Garrison or post display at forts, headquarters, arsenals, and encampments 
• Naval or riverine service, flown aboard Union vessels or at naval stations 
• Signal or identification use, where visibility at distance was essential 
• Institutional display, such as courthouses, recruiting offices, or military depots. 

Such flags were working objects—raised daily, exposed to weather, and intended to endure use—rather than preserved ceremonial pieces. 

Inventory Number: PLA 059 

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Exceptional Civil War tintype photograph depicting a Union soldier standing proudly beside a studio flag display. The soldier wears a regulation frock coat with brass buttons and waist belt, standing in full-length pose before a plain backdrop. His hand rests near a patriotic display featuring a small American flag, a symbol of loyalty and service during the war.

Housed in its original gilt-embossed mat and portion of a case, the image retains strong contrast and fine detail, the emulsion however, is bubbled and now textured and affects the overall condition and a tad dark but accurate to our photos. A striking patriotic composition that captures both the pride and solemnity of the Union cause

Inventory Number: HAR 238

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From the Gould Post, Stoneham Massachusetts.  Measures approximately 73 1/2 in length.

Inventory Number: VET 140

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Wonderful display of two dried leaves pressed with period paper. At the bottom of the paper is a note in pencil, “leaves from the bouquet given by Mrs. Lincoln to the President upon his First Inauguration as President of the United States.” The plants are archivally matted framed with a Civil War period American Flag envelope with the inscription “Honor and defend this flag. Abraham Lincoln.” The frame measures 19 ½” by 14 ¼”. A rare piece of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia.

Inventory Number:  POL 192

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An original Civil War 13-star parade flag, printed on polished cotton. Parade flags were small scale flags intended for short term use at parades, celebrations, inaugurations, etc. They were mounted to a wooden dowel shaft to be waved. The 13 Star flag was common during Civil War as it was relatively close in time to the revolution, and were very patriotic times, it is important to note Civil War time period when flag use became much more common than had ever previously been the case. Its stars are arranged in a medallion pattern, in which there is a large star in the middle, a ring of stars surrounding the large star, and a star flanking in each corner. A beautiful example of a tool of patriotism. The flag measures 3 ½” x 2 ½”, the staff measures 8”.

Comes housed in 8 x 12 riker display case with black velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number:  FLA 058

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Unpublished view of the state and regimental flag staged together in a photographic studio. Great image! The 7th Virginia was organized in May, 1861, at Manassas Junction, Virginia, with men from Giles, Madison, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Greene, Mercer, Monroe and Albemarle counties. It fought at First Manassas under General Jubal Early, then served with Richard Ewell, Ambrose P. Hill, James L.Kemper, and William R. Terry. In April, 1862, the regiment had 700 effectives and later was active in the various campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from Williamsburg to Gettysburg. It participated in Longstreet’s Suffolk expedition, was prominent in the capture of Plymouth, then fought at Drewry’s Bluff and Cold Harbor. The 7th continued the fight in the Petersburg trenches south of the James River and around Appomattox. The regiment sustained 47 casualties at First Manassas, 77 at Williamsburg, 111 at Frayser’s Farm, 59 at Second Manassas, and 4 at Fredericksburg. About 40% of the 335 engaged at Gettysburg were disabled. It lost 39 men at Drewry’s Bluff, and many were captured at Five Forks and Sayler’s Creek. Only 20 officers and men were present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House. Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number:  CON 543

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Painted by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Paint on cardstock of three Confederate flags fluttering on staffs with diamond shaped finials. From left to right are the Battle Flag, the Second National Flag (Stainless Banner), and the First National Flag (Stars and Bars). Artists initials “NMB” are painted beneath the staffs. The painting is matted and housed in a Civil War era frame with bubble glass, measures 13 ¾” by 15 ¾” frame. An attractive Confederate veterans painting.

Inventory Number:  CON 350

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Painted by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Framed hand-painted array of Confederate battle flags, executed to raise funds for the United Daughters of the Confederacy.  Paint on cardstock of four Confederate flags fluttering on staffs. From left to right are the First National, the Second National Flag (Stainless Banner), the Battle Flag, and the Third National Flag.  The symbol of the UDC is painted in the lower right corner. The painting is matted and housed in is original frame, measuring 13” by 15 ½”. An attractive Confederate veterans painting.

Inventory Number:  CON 348

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Paint on paper of three Confederate flags fluttering on staffs with halberd shaped finials. From left to right are the Second National Flag (Stainless Banner), the Battle Flag, and the First National Flag (Stars and Bars). “CSA” is painted below the flags. The painting is matted and housed in a 13” by 15 ½” frame. An attractive Confederate veterans painting.

Inventory Number: CON 290

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