A classic Civil War–period trifold wallet constructed of brown leather and richly embossed throughout with decorative geometric borders and a central patriotic-style shield motif. The design features a finely struck cartouche incorporating stylized elements, including an anchor and foliate devices, suggestive of mid-19th century American ornamental taste. 

The interior retains its original configuration, with multiple compartments and flaps for currency and personal papers, all lined in period cloth. The leather closure strap remains intact, along with its keeper, allowing the wallet to secure properly when folded. The embossed panels continue across both exterior and interior sections, giving ta wonderful look.

Condition shows honest use, with expected surface wear, light cracking, and softness to the leather, all consistent with age and carry. The embossing remains clearly visible and well-defined despite this wear. 

Inventory Number: CUR 196

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A scarce and highly desirable English-made Kerr revolver holster, imported through the blockade and carried by Confederate cavalry during the American Civil War. Constructed of heavy black bridle leather in the classic Kerr pattern, the holster retains its distinctive form with the characteristic wide protective flap and altered belt loop on the reverse. These British-made holsters accompanied the famous Kerr revolvers purchased by Confederate agents, most notably through firms such as S. Isaac, Campbell & Co. and distributed to Confederate mounted troops throughout the war. 

This example displays unmistakable field use and period wear. Of particular interest is a crude wartime leather repair secured with reddish copper rivets, a feature often encountered on equipment kept in service under the Confederacy’s chronic supply shortages. The closure tab attached to the flap is now absent; close examination suggests it was intentionally removed long ago, as the original stitching has been pulled from the holes rather than simply broken. It is entirely plausible that the leather from the tab was salvaged and reused for another necessary field repair, a common practice among hard-used Confederate soldiers. 

The body remains solid overall, though the seam has opened toward the lower portion of the holster. Despite these condition issues, the holster retains excellent display appeal and tells a compelling story of wartime service, repair, and continued use. Original Confederate-associated Kerr revolver holsters are considerably scarcer than their revolvers and are eagerly sought by advanced collectors of Confederate cavalry equipment and British-imported Civil War accoutrements. 

A wonderful untouched example showing the realities of Confederate field service and the ingenuity required to keep essential equipment functioning in the face of constant shortages. 

Inventory Number: CON 695

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An exceptional identified Civil War sword belt retaining its original two-piece Federal eagle buckle, sword hangers, and period attribution to Edward D. Danner, a veteran of both the 1st Maryland Infantry and the 7th Maryland Infantry. A period label accompanying the belt identifies it as: 

“Two Piece Eagle Buckle and Sword Belt Worn by Edward D. Danner, Commissary Sergeant, Seventh Maryland Infantry Regiment.” 

Constructed of black bridle leather and retaining both original sword suspension straps with brass hardware, the belt displays the honest wear and rich untouched patina collectors seek in field-used wartime accoutrements. The two-piece eagle buckle remains particularly attractive, with pleasing age and strong eye appeal. 

Danner’s military career adds substantially to the belt’s historical interest. He first served as an officer in the 1st Maryland Infantry, one of Maryland’s earliest Union volunteer regiments, before later serving as Commissary Sergeant of the 7th Maryland Infantry. The 7th Maryland earned a hard-fought reputation in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg Campaign, and Appomattox operations. As Commissary Sergeant, Danner held a vital logistical position, ensuring the regiment’s supply of rations during some of the war’s most demanding 

Inventory Number: LEA 507 

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An original Federal cavalry carbine sling. This example remains full length and unshortened. Constructed of heavy bridle leather, the sling measures approximately 56 inches in length and retains its correct width and form. The sling retains its brass two-prong adjustment buckle terminating in the characteristic brass “batwing” tip.

Condition is excellent. The leather body remains supple and strong with only light surface wear and minor soiling. All metal components exhibit a smooth, even gray patina, having aged naturally from their once bright finish. The Gaylord stamp remains legible, adding both desirability and firm period attribution.

A classic and highly collectible piece of Federal cavalry equipment, complete and well-marked examples such as this are increasingly difficult to source.

Inventory Number: CAV 129

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An original buff leather cavalry carbine sling. The cavalry accoutrement is unshortened and is in complete condition. Issued to and used by Federal cavalry prior to and during the Civil War, this buff leather sling is in the original brown and had not been dyed black as required in the 1851 army regulations.  

Exterior exhibits a strong brown color with a Mexican war / early civil war buff finish to the leather. The leather sling is excellent. The strong buff sling measures approximately 56” long by 2¼” wide and is complete with its steel, one-link swivel, a brass two-prong buckle and the brass ‘batwing’ tip. 

The original maker-snap hook is present Swivel has three components: snaphook, middle link and steel sling loop and measures 8½” in total length. When the snaphook attached to the trooper’s carbine sling bar, it rendered the trooper’s hands free maintain the reins while aboard his horse.  

Leather exterior surface displays only slight soiling.  Interior shows few dark spots and some light surface grime / staining from use. Sling body still very strong. Once shiny bright, all metal areas of the swivel with a pleasing gray patina. 

Original, buff leather, uncut specimens of Civil War era Union cavalry slings are seldom seen and very fast becoming scarce in the collecting field today.  A very nice complete example of an early piece of equipment issued to Federal cavalrymen.  A great addition to any cavalry collection. 

Inventory Number: CAV 128

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Scarce pair of early Civil War medical saddlebags, an iconic and essential piece of field equipment carried by mounted surgeons and medical stewards during the opening years of the conflict. Constructed of heavy black bridle leather over rigid interiors, the bags retain their classic double-compartment form with broad central saddle cover, original buckled closure straps, and carrying attachments intact.

These saddlebags were designed to transport the surgeon’s indispensable instruments, medicines, bandages, and emergency supplies directly onto the battlefield, allowing mounted medical personnel to move rapidly between field hospitals, dressing stations, and active combat zones. Their rugged construction reflects the hard service demanded during the war, while the surviving black finish, aged crazing to the leather, and untouched patina give the set exceptional authenticity and character.

Accompanying the saddlebags is an old collector identification tag noting that they came from the “Sherrick Family Farm,” later associated with the Smyser family of Wooster, Ohio, and acquired in 1991. While the precise wartime history has been lost to time, the bags themselves remain a strong and evocative survivor of Civil War field medicine.

Original Civil War medical saddlebags are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly complete examples retaining strong form, untouched surfaces, and period character. An impressive display piece representing the harsh realities of wartime medical service in the field.

Of historic note Dr. Smyser was a witness to a famous murder in his hometown: Based on historical records, the fatal stabbing of John Tormie occurred on October 2, 1879 (not 1871), at the Wayne County Fairgrounds near Wooster, Ohio. Tormie was murdered during a brawl with 5 individuals after supervising a game of chance, leading to the first judicial hanging in Wayne County history.

Inventory Number: IDE 324

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Scarce Civil War period Mann’s Patent military waist belt, retaining its original leather body with attached patented brass belt hook device. This distinctive configuration, designed as an alternative fastening system, is characteristic of Mann’s wartime patent and far less commonly encountered than standard frame or plate buckles. The belt remains solid and supple, showing expected field wear, with the hook assembly intact and exhibiting a pleasing, untouched patina. 

William Mann, an officer in the 7th Michigan Cavalry, patented a system in late 1863 for both cavalry and infantry that distributed the weight of ammunition and accouterments more evenly and placed the burden mainly on the shoulders rather than the waist and groin. This is a very scarce example of the Mann’s patent waistbelt for infantry that was produced in 1864. Several Union regiments were issued Mann’s accoutrements for field trials but the system was never adopted and examples are rare. 

The waistbelt is the standard enlisted type rather than possessing the D rings and exhibits in good condition. The leather is supple and strong but does show surface wear. The width of the belt is approx. 1.75 inches.  

The belt plate is the same arrow hook and tongue attachment as found on the reverse of the pattern 1839 oval “US” plate but without the brass face and lead fill.  

A seldom-seen variation of Civil War accoutrement, representing an innovative but short-lived approach to military belt hardware—highly desirable for the advanced collector of Union field gear. 

Inventory Number: LEA 505

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Excellent matched Federal accoutrement grouping consisting of a regulation U.S. oval belt plate mounted on its original bridle leather waist belt, accompanied by a maker-marked percussion cap pouch by F. Chillingworth of Greenfield, Massachusetts. The belt retains its original keeper—an often-missing feature—indicative of untouched wartime manufacture and long-term integrity as a set. 

The cap pouch is clearly stamped for F. Chillingworth, Greenfield, Mass., a known Massachusetts contractor supplying infantry accoutrements during the Civil War. Frederick Chillingworth operated in Greenfield and is documented among smaller regional makers who fulfilled state and Federal contracts, particularly early in the war when demand surged and production was decentralized. His products are encountered far less frequently than those of the larger arsenals and contractors, making clearly marked examples desirable. 

Notably, both the belt and cap pouch exhibit consistent tool line patterns in the leather—subtle but telling manufacturing traits that strongly suggest they originated from the same shop or production run. This level of matching between components is seldom encountered, as belts and pouches were often mixed in service or replaced over time. 

The U.S. plate displays a pleasing, untouched patina with strong “U.S.” lettering, firmly affixed to the original belt. The leather throughout shows age, surface crazing, and service wear, yet remains supple and complete. The cap pouch is solid, with its closure tab, finial, and structure intact. 

A scarce opportunity to acquire a cohesive, maker-identified Civil War infantry set, retaining original configuration and showing clear evidence of single-source manufacture—an increasingly difficult combination to find. 

Inventory Number: LEA 502

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Very fine example of the classic Civil War Pattern 1861 infantry cartridge box, retaining an exceptionally clean and untouched appearance throughout. Constructed of black bridle leather with both original rear belt loops and sling attachment buckles present. The reverse displays the characteristic riveted reinforcement associated with the improved 1861 pattern, adopted after the shortcomings encountered with the earlier sewn-loop Pattern 1857 boxes during the opening months of the war.

The leather remains notably supple with an attractive untouched surface showing only honest field and age wear. Stitching remains tight and strong throughout with both roller buckles intact. Interior not examined for maker marks, though the exterior presents as a high-grade wartime example with excellent form and preservation. The implement tab remains present beneath the outer flap.

A strong and increasingly difficult-to-find original Civil War infantry accoutrement in very good condition, ideal for display alongside a musket, belt rig, or enlisted grouping.

Inventory Number: LEA 498

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An original Federal cavalry carbine sling. This example remains full length and unshortened.  Constructed of heavy bridle leather, the sling measures approximately 56 inches in length and retains its correct width and form. The assembly is complete with its iron snap hook, one-link swivel, and brass two-prong adjustment buckle terminating in the characteristic brass “batwing” tip. The snap hook and swivel function as intended, designed to secure the trooper’s carbine to the sling bar while keeping hands free for reins and maneuver.

Condition is goodk. The leather body remains supple and strong with only light surface wear and minor soiling. All metal components exhibit a smooth, even gray patina, having aged naturally from their once bright finish. The Gaylord stamp remains legible, adding both desirability and firm period attribution.

A classic and highly collectible piece of Federal cavalry equipment, complete and well-marked examples such as this are increasingly difficult to source.

Inventory Number: CAV 126

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