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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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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Two-piece container made of Gutta Percha. Issued to sailors aboard U.S. Navy ships during the Civil War. Lid reads, “Don’t Give Up The Ship” and “U.S.N.” over an anchor. The container was for shaving soap and retains its original mirror inside the lid. Marked on the bottom, “Manufactured by the Novelty Rubber Company Co., Brunswick, New Jersey, Under Goodyear’s patent May 6, 1851.” The soap dish is approximately 3.25″ in diameter x 1.5″ high. Gutta Percha was the first “plastic” which could be molded into most any form and was heat/flame resistant.  

Inventory Number: MIS 371

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Striking Civil War-era patriotic medallion featuring a finely executed portrait of famed Confederate General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The portrait displays strong period detail and commanding expression, honoring one of the Confederacy’s most celebrated military leaders.

Jackson earned legendary status through his battlefield leadership during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville before his untimely death in 1863. Patriotic portrait medallions and such wartime commemorative pieces honoring prominent Civil War commanders became highly collectible keepsakes during the war period.

This example retains an attractive untouched patina with pleasing age and strong visual appeal throughout. The portrait remains boldly visible with excellent display quality, making it an outstanding addition to any collection of Confederate memorabilia, Civil War political items, or Southern patriotic artifacts.

A desirable commemorative piece honoring one of the most iconic figures of the American Civil War.

Inventory Number: CON 690

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A beautiful and well-preserved Civil War era writing pen set housed in its original fitted presentation case and bearing the desirable retailer marking “Mabie Todd & Co. New York.” Mabie Todd & Co. would become one of the most recognized names in fine writing instruments during the 19th century, and examples of their early American retailed pieces remain highly sought after today.

The pen features an elegant white mother-of-pearl handle paired with a finely crafted gold nib section, creating a refined appearance typical of quality Victorian-era writing instruments. The original fitted case remains intact and displays attractively with a dark textured exterior and rich purple velvet-lined interior.

The interior case lid is clearly marked in gold lettering:

“MABIE TODD & CO. NEW YORK”

The pen itself is additionally marked “MABIE TODD & CO No 1,” further enhancing its collector appeal. Personal writing accessories such as this would have been commonly carried and used by officers, clerks, merchants, attorneys, and educated civilians during the Civil War era.

An exceptionally attractive display piece with strong eye appeal, combining both historical charm and elegant period craftsmanship. A fine addition to any Civil War, writing instrument, or Victorian personal artifact collection.

Inventory Number: PER 484

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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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Scarce and fascinating Civil War-era adaptive eating utensil set consisting of a specially designed fork and spoon bearing September 17, 1861 patent dates. The ingenious form allowed wounded soldiers and amputees to secure the utensils to a prosthetic device, strap, or modified handle, offering independence to those who had suffered catastrophic battlefield injuries during the war.

The spoon retains its original turned wooden handle, while both utensils display the distinctive keyhole-style mounting apertures associated with early prosthetic and adaptive dining implements. Patent markings remain visible on each piece, dating squarely to the opening months of the Civil War and directly reflecting the tremendous increase in demand for rehabilitative devices brought on by wartime amputations.

Artifacts associated with Civil War medical care and recovery remain among the most emotionally powerful relics of the conflict, and surviving amputee aids are exceptionally difficult to locate. This set stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the war and the early innovations developed to restore dignity and functionality to wounded veterans.

Condition is very good overall with an untouched attic-aged patina, scattered oxidation, handling wear, and age consistent with authentic period use. A rare and highly displayable Civil War medical relic with outstanding historical significance.

Inventory Number: MED 340

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Silver eagle brooch or sash ornament featuring a finely detailed spread-wing eagle with deeply chased feathering and floral embellishments worked into the wings. The head is set with a small faceted red stone eye, likely ruby or garnet, adding a striking accent against the mellow silver surface. The piece displays an attractive untouched patina with light natural wear consistent with age.

The stylized form and repoussé workmanship suggest a late 19th to early 20th century decorative or patriotic accessory, possibly intended as a brooch, scarf pin, or ladies’ sash ornament. An eye-catching display piece combining strong American eagle imagery with refined Victorian era metalwork.

Inventory Number: MIS 369

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Fine Confederate-themed stickpin constructed from a Virginia state seal coat button mounted to a long period pin shaft for wear or display. The face features the classic Virginia state motto, “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” surrounding the well-known allegorical figure standing over the fallen tyrant.

The reverse is marked “Canfield Bro. & Co.” with the original shank removed and professionally mounted to the pin stem. The button retains an attractive untouched patina with pleasing detail visible throughout the device and lettering.

An appealing Southern patriotic accessory likely altered during the Civil War vs an immediate post-war veterans’ period, combining strong visual appeal with desirable Virginia Confederate association. Displays exceptionally well and would make an excellent addition to any Civil War button, jewelry, or Confederate display collection.

Inventory Number: CON 678

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A classic pair of Civil War era field glasses, complete with their original black leather carrying case featuring a rich red interior lining. The binoculars exhibit the traditional compact form associated with mid-19th century optics, retaining a smooth, dark finish with pleasing age and honest wear consistent with period use.

The accompanying case remains structurally sound, with intact lid, closure hardware, and interior lining, offering an attractive and functional display presentation. The bold red lining provides a striking contrast and is typical of quality cases of the period.

Field glasses such as these were essential equipment for officers on both sides, used for reconnaissance and battlefield observation. Surviving examples with their original cases are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly in such well-matched condition.

A desirable and display-ready set, representative of Civil War field equipment and ideal for both collectors and period displays.

Inventory Number: MIS 364

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