1910 GAR National Encampment Badge
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The yearly GAR conventions were large, gala events with not only national assemblies but state meetings of delegates as well. The GAr coordinated not simply their own veterans affairs but were instrumental in donating to important charities and local municipal projects. When the GAR descended upon a resort city for their yearly conventions, hotels were booked, restaurants filled and local cultural events saturated by the visitors. Official representatives were given various pins, badges and ribbons. The large one shown was supplied to State Delegates. This bears the image of General Kearny. It is dated for the convention: Sept.1910/ 44th Nat'l Encampment. These medals were made during the "golden age" of artistry for such items. Note the actual colored enamelling of the letters "GAR". As years went on, less and less Civil War Vets were around to attend conventions, making the Encampment badges for the 1940's decade very scarce ones.
LITTLE ROUND TOP DIORAMA
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A very nice diorama of Joshua Chamberlain, and three
soldiers from the 20th Maine, atop the rocky crest of Little Round Top. Soldiers are upon real granite stones! Actual
wooden Breastworks! 75 mm/ Pewter. By Matt Catania.
A splendid, custom job!!
Campaign Flier for Joshua Chamberlain
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Very interesting small handbill, distributed during Joshua
Chamberlain's campaign for Governor of Maine. General Chamberlain was the hero of Little Round Top at Gettysburg, later receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallant role in saving the day for the Union side at Gettysburg. He later become President of Boudoin College in Maine for many many years, and also, served as Governor of the State of Maine. An astonishing American of guts, conviction & diversity. This handbill also lists
the rest of his political party's ticket. 4 1/4" by 3".
GAR Postcard: To My Comrade
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After the Civil War, there was a period of 5 decades in which veterans items were geared toward that huge population of Civil War survivors. On Remembrance Day and eventually Memorial Day, people would have picnics, parades through town, concerts, balls, theatric shows, readings and evening gatherings. (Now we have DVD...) People used mail much more to communicate because phones were scarce and expensive to use, and there was no Internet to chat. Colorful lithographic postcards were sent amongst friends, relatives and old comrads in arms during the Veterans' Holidays. This is one such card from the 1910 era. Backdropped in red, white, & blue, it shows a stylized Civil War Vet with the GAR's star badge. Marked on the back: "Decoration Day Series No.2"
GAR Decoration Day Postcard, 1913
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After the Civil War, various quality printing companies supplied holiday and greeting cards, calling cards, announcements, tickets, and yes, even post cards to Civil War veterans for their needs. This persisted well into the Nineteen Twenties, but was at its zenith in the 1890-1915 period. In this case, we see a very colorful postcard celebrating Decoration Day. The Vets from both sides were very proud of their service, as were their children and succeeding generations. Card from the "Decoration Day Series No.1" Mailed in 1913. Minor rounding to edges from handling.
Veterans' Burial (Instruction) Book (1890)!!!
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Published in Boston, 1890, this manual of Burial of the Woman's Relief Corps, instructs in the etiquette of funeral
services for members of the GAR and other CW Vets! Imagine actually having book that tell you how to respecftully plan-out of good ceremony for one of your members who have died? But they were very thorough and meticulous back in the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries!
1912 GAR Enamelled 4-piece Ladder Badge
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Each year, the huge Union Civil War Veterans organization, the GAR, had a National Convention in a different major American city. Many tens of thousands would attend along with their families to honor old comrads, reminisce and cavort. A new official badge for representatives was issed each year. Often it incorporated several decorative badges attesting to the event, all joined by a long colorful ribbon. This 4-piece ladder badge comes from the GAR's 46th National Encampment in Los Angeles, California on Sept 9 through 14 of 1912. It is held in its original labelled cardboard box with an inner cloth pad.
1906 GAR Ritual Book
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Nice hardcover book (6 1/2" x 4 1/2") from "Headquarters of GAR, Washington, DC, Jan.1st,1906" Contains all the
approved protocols, seating, ciphers and ceremonies of the Union Veterans of Civil War who joined this huge organization. Last veteran members died in Nineteen Forties.
Patriotic CDV
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This is an interesting photographic miniature copy of a formal certificate presented to "W.F. Dale"…as a "tribute to patriotic zeal…" It is only 2 1/2" by 2" on a cardboard CDV mount card. Created by a photograher in "Sing,Sing, N.Y" which is the site of a Federal prison near Tarrytown along the Hudson River. It is inscribed "Julia Jones from W.F.D. Aug. 1867"
Bronze Life Sized Wall Plaque Bust of U.S. Grant from GAR Hall.
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This is a life-sized bronze plaque of Ulyssess S. Grant in a detailed, heroic profile, mounted on a thick oval oak plaque board. Cast into shoulder curve is : "US GRANT Lieut Gen 1865"
and "Wm Miller & Co Medallists, Providence RI, F.Simmons,Sculp." Measures full 20" x 18". From a GAR Hall. Though ruthless in his determination to win the war, casting tens of thousands of men against the enemy in a bloddy war of attrition, Grant was most-beloved by his men for being both crafty in strategy and confident enough to use the full power at his disposal to end what otherwise would've been a much longer bloody stalemate. Grant was honored greatly after the war, being invited to speak at many Veteran functions. He was elected president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, and eventually, became President of the United States of America. He wrote his military memoires. But sadly, a heavy smoker of cigars, he developed throat cancer and suffered a slow, painful demise. He temple-like tomb stands along the river drive in Manhattan.
1876 ARMY OF THE JAMES: REUNION TICKET & INVITATION
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The Veterans of the Army of the James celebrated a Fourth Triennial Reunion on June 7th, 1876, at the Chestnut Street Theatre. 5" x 4" closed.
Identified Indiana Veteran's Ladder Badge
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This is what is known as a "ladder badge" with two stacked tiers joined by metal rings. They were popular after the War with veterans who wore them to public functions. Usually there were three or four metal bars joined vertically like the rungs of a ladder. Upon them were listed the soldier's name, the his Company, Regiment, and finally home state of service. Designs such as crossed swords or cannon were often added for visual pizzaz. And occasionally, the design of the regiment's Corps was added. These items are highly collectible because they are very attractive and also for the fact that they identify a specific soldier. This insignia has a large shield rather than many stacked rungs. Made of German silver with a soldered brass pinback. William A. Patrick was from Morocco, Indiana, enlisting as a private on 8/11/62. He fought in the 99th Indiana Infantry Regiment which saw the following action: Tallahatchia Expedition, Vicksburg, Siege of Jackson, Battle of Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Atlanta Campaign, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station, Cannouchee and Ogeechee, Assault on Fort McAllister, Bentonville. Loss by death to that Regiment amounted to 178. Obviously, Williamk made it home to enjoy his old age wearing this badge...
Metal GAR Hat
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A heavy cast metal slouch hat is hung from a eagle-designed pinback. This could very well have been from Confederate Veteran events since the color of the hat is obviously grey. About 2 inches in size. At gatherings, Veterans of both sides usually had a multitude of colorful ribbons, pins, tie tacks, cuff links, designed buckles, buttons, hats and even canes with them. They were proud of their service and wanted anyone who saw them to know exactly what, where and when they did what they did.
A Brass Piece of Hardtack!!!
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This is a very cool GAR Souvenir badge from a post Civil War veteran reunion in Kentucky! It is a thick cast piece of bronze in the exact image of a piece of "hardtack," that hard biscuit that was supplied to ravenous troops during the war... it was both savoreed when starving, and then, reviled with disgust... when still starving! It was hard, brittle, had no taste and never improved from one meal to the next... No wonder troops on both sides would raid fields, barnsyards and kitchens for anything else to eat before facing their last deadly battle! Some citizens made a good living selling vegatables, eggs, meats & preserves to passing armies from both sides. Better to sell your foodstuffs than to have them "confiscated." And many a young gal met her future husband while serving up such vittles... And they were not always on the same side! Yet they "joined forces" as the Nation reconstructed after the War... Hopefully, dinner was more than water and hardtack. 1 1/4" square with a ring for hanging on coat.
Decoration Day postcard to Grandpa c. 1910
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This is a colorful Raphael Tuck "Decoration Day" postcard sent with a chatty family note done in pencil "To Grandpa and Grandma from Norma." It came along with two similar postcards by famed cardmaker Tuck, dated 1908 and 1910, being delivered to an Ohio Veteran named Alexander J. Keppler. By then, the old fellow resided in the Soldier's Home, Hospital Ward No. 2, Dayton, Ohio. Compared to the other two cards from a Faire Elliot, this one likely was sent from a younger direct relative and saved along with other cards by old Alexander. No stamp or postmark is on the back of this, as the note explains it was "sent along with Momma" on her visit out. It has slight edge dings. Overall in very nice shape. Interestingly, there are custom-applied gold sparkles on flag edges and cannon. Still colorful!
First Maine Cavalry Reunion Ticket
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This is an entry ticket for the 23rd Annual Reunion of the First Maine Cavalry on August 9th, 1894 at the Hotel Hesselton in Showhegan, Maine. For many decades after the war, lavish evenings rife with speeches, food, entertainment and inspired conversation took place throughout both the North and South.
GAR Membership Star Medal
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This is the common General Membership Medal of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) which was awarded to each Union Veteran upon joining that huge fraternal organization. It is a very well-designed medal that incorporates many military and patriotic motifs. The earliest of these GAR-Stars bear a patent date on the rear of the top eagle section. And often, a serial number is deeply impressed along one edge of the brass star, corresponding to the exact troop to whom it was originally awarded. Almost every Veteran at meetings and parades of the G.A.R. would wear one of these medals. The design was extensively employed upon postcards, pamphlets and flags wherever Unions Veterans organized events. Even their brass gravemarkers bore this shape and can still be seen in many earlier cemetaries to this very day. This one is numbered B32118. The ribbon which connects the two brass sections is a bit worn and stained from use.
Post War 19th Corps Badge
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Civil War Veterans were VERY proud of their service. They soon formed and joined fraternal Veteran organizations in droves, the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) for Northerns, and the UCV (United Confederate Veterans) for Southrons. When attending meeting and reunions, they frequently wore ribbons, pins, badges, belt buckles, buttons,tie tacks and cuff links emblazoned with their regiment numbers and sometimes corps designations. This is a silver 19th Corps badge with fancy stippled edge engraving that is typical of post-Civil War veterans' pieces. It bears the owner's initials and the year of "1881." It comes on a chain and swivel.
Small GAR Parade Flag
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This small flag shows the GAR Star Medal with the mottos: "In Memorium" and "Honor the Noble Dead". It measures 14 1/2" by 22 1/2," comes on its original wooden stick and is printed in colors on a white cotton fabric. It was likely used in township parades by spectators during the circa 1910 period as it was found along with a 46-Star US Flag. Many Vets were in their 80's by then and memorial parades for their passing comrads quite common.
104th New York Ladder Badge Shield.
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This is the shield from a post-WAr GAR ladder badge worn to GAR functions, events and parades. Has makers' names on back. By reviewing C.W. Data Bank files, it could only have belonged to two men who served as First Lieutenants in Co. H and also survived the war: Either Joseph Cary or Ephraim B. Wheeler. The 104th was a hard fighting unit with battle losses at Antietem and Gettysburg. Here is a synopsis: This regiment, known as the Wadsworth Guards, or the Livingston county regiment, was recruited in the counties of Albany,
Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Rensselaer and Steuben. The regiment left the state on March 22, 1862,
and served for some weeks in Gen. Wadsworth's command in the District of Washington. As a part of the 3d corps, it was in action for the first time at Cedar mountain, but about a week later it was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd division, 1st corps, and moved on Pope's Virginia campaign being engaged at Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare gap, Bull Run, and Little River turnpike, with a
loss during the campaign of 89 killed, wounded and missing. Lieut. John P. Rudd who fell at Bull Run, was the first man of the regiment to be killed. In September the 104th moved on the Maryland campaign under Gen. McClellan; fought at South
Mountain, and lost 82 in killed, wounded and missing at Antietam, where the 1st corps, under Gen. Hooker, opened the battle. At Fredericksburg it lost 52 killed, wounded and missing; was in reserve at Chancellorsville; was heavily engaged at Gettysburg, where it lost 194 in killed, wounded and missing;
engaged without loss in the Mine Run campaign, the last campaign of the old 1st corps. In March, 1864, it was assigned to the 5th corps, with which it continued during the remainder of the war. It took part in all the bloody battles of the Wilderness campaign, losing heavily at Spottsylvania the first assaults on Petersburg, and at the Weldon railroad. After Aug., 1864, it
performed provost guard duty with its corps, and served with slight loss through the final battles of the war, ending with Lee's surrender at Appomattox. It was mustered out under Col. Strang, at Washington D. C.,
July 17, 1865, having lost during its term of service 5 officers and 85 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded; 2 officers and 145 enlisted men by disease and other causes, a
total of 237.
1910 GAR Medal from Manhein, Pa.
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This item is very typical of the local medals, ribbons, and pinbacks created for the GAR Veterans meetings, picnics, and conventions. Having a celluloid insertion in the upper wreath medallion, which shows the GAR star medal that was the Union Veterans' logo. This device appeared at EVERY public event from 1870 through about 1940 in the North. (The South had the U.C.V. instead, the United Confederate Veterans.) The ribbon is printed in the typical red, white & blue, and announces the "14th Reunion (of the) Central G.A.R. Association of Penna./ September 8, 1910 Manheim, Penna." Very nice condition to the celluloid and bright colors preserved upon the ribbon too.
Stereoview Confederate Monument on Seminary Ridge
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After the Civil War, thousands of ornate monuments were erected at battlesites by the men who survived. This was particularly true at Gettysburg which held a highly-honored mystique in the minds of Americans as a pivotal battle indicative of the bravery of men yet the sheer horrors of war. Photography studios made a fantastic living selling their images to Veteran tourists and their children. But besides photographs, a tourist industry of relics, clothing, paperweights, ashtrays, goblets, flags and other knick-knacks sprang up in the shops which soon surrounded larger battle sites. This image shows a Mississippi Regimental monument on Seminary Ridge. It was from there that the fateful advance by the Confederates on Day Three of Gettysburg, called "Pickett's Charge" began. Most men who walked clear of those trees in proud ranks that day never walked back. Published by Webster & Albee, Rochester, NY, probably from the 1905-1915 era.
TWO ID's Michigan Trooper LADDER BADGES
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These are two ladder badges worn to post-war Veteran's events by Albert Asbury Bouton. Born Berne, Albany Co. New York in 1837 and died 1919 in Bellwood, Butler County, Nebraska. Married to Alice Delilah Strong of Allegheny Co. New York on 9/16/65 and moved to Nebraska post-CW where they had 5 children. He served in the hard-fighting Michigan 12th Infantry. Were assaulted at Pittsburg Landing in April 1862 with great loss. Also, engaged in Tennessee, Mechanicsville, Vicksburg, Little Rock, and other Arkansas locations. The Shield-shaped badge features Boulton's name at top and his Company/Regiment in shield. The bade made in St. Louis has maker's markings on back. Approx. 2 1/2" high. The 4-pieced "ladder badge" was also Albert's: It lists his company and state regiment.
A Fancy Veteran's Badge
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After the war, proud survivors returned home to create fraternal organizations of veteran soldiers, the G.A.R. in the North and U.C.V. in the South. The delegates and visitors to their meeting & conventions often wore badges and ribbons that specifically listed their branch of service and Regiment. This is a very fancy, custom-made badge for a Kansas cavalryman named Ross. Note how it incorporates the devices of his Corps and the horsesoldier's spur.
Reunion Ticket for Maine Cavalry
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This is an Admission Ticket for the 1873 Reunion Banquet of the Second Maine Cavalry. Former soldiers and their wives attended lavish cultural and social events for many decades after the war. These get-togethers were a chance to reunite with old comrades; share stories; bask in their daring-do past; and impress one's spouses and children... As the former soldiers aged, their Sons and Daughters started their own Fraternal Groups in order to honor their parents' sacrifices and carry on the verbal traditions. The last true Civil War Veterans died in the early 1950's, but many of their descendants have carried on their meetings in a modified fashion to this very day. In fact, many of the modern Civil War reenactors are in direct lineage from men and women who served on either side during the Civil War.
Rhode Island 1st Cavalry 1902 Reunion ribbon
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A lovely reunion ribbon of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry in 1902... these men were still meeting with their old war-side comrades after 37 years!!
1876 ReUnion Ticket at the Rink
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A Reunion Ticket for Co. B of the 71st Infantry on February 22nd, 1876.
It cost one dollar to attend such a function with old comrads, just 11 years after the war ended. Much of the proceeds went to food, decorations, musical entertainments and facility rental, but some went to support Veteran's Groups like local GAR posts. These were likely fun yet formal affairs, sometimes approaching on "gala" in nature. Not only warm fraternal reunions of friends but a chance to introduce children, wives and brag about one's successes in the work world. Times were changing quickly with electricity and the tewlephone spanking new. Railroads crossed America and the Nation prospered. Art, music and Society evolved to a new expansive vision. And the huge 100 Year Nationaol Centennial in Philadelphia was gearing-up into full swing! What a world!!! But first, a night out at the skating rink for old chums...
Confederate Flag Memorial Day Postcard
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This is a colorful postcard by Raphael Tuck celebrating the veterans of the Confederate States with the motto" "The Hands that grasped them, And the Hearts that fondly clasped them, Cold and dead are lying low." These words said in reference to troops who once carried the Confederate battle flags that are shown in the image. For many generations, Southern families have continued to tend the monuments and graves of ancestors fallen in what some called "The War War of Northern Aggression." Proud of their heritage, many lauded the human sacrifice of the Southern Forces. Formal fraternal organizations, parades, costumed fetes were frequently held. The last actual Civil War veteran died in the 1950's, but by the 1920's most were gone, traditions carried-on by children & grandchildren... Sadly, a lot of real history is being "rewritten" in a forgetful modern world that insists on a PC storyline over raw reality. Neither side is fully right or wrong in war, but truth be told, soldiers on both sides are mostly good men who believe that they are defending their families and dearest way of life. Think about it... Now, erase the PC and think again.
1938 Blue-Gray Gettysburg 75th Token
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The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg was a big event. It featured the Blue-Gray Reunion of ultimate reconciliation between very aged foes. Franklin Roosevelt attended and gave speeches. Union and Confederate soldiers ate together in mess tents, chatted, shook hands over fence barriers and even camped together at times. This token was privately issued at that time as a souvenir. It shows the faces of Union and Confederate troopers on obverse and a monument on the reverse. It seems to be brass or brass coated metal. It is in Extra Fine condition. 1 1/4" across.
1888 Speech to Confederate Survivors' Assoc.
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This is the printed text of an "Adress Delivered before the Confederate Survivors' Association" by Col. Vharles C. Jones, Jr. in Augusta, Georgia on Memorial Day, April 26th, 1888. It typifies the both scholarly and fraternal recollections by veterans concerning specific battles and regiments which occurred for five decades after the close of the Civil War. This chronicles "The Evacuation of Battery Wagner and The Battle of Ocean Pond" from the Confederate perspective.
GAR Hat Shaped Ashtray
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This is very attractive and interesting item. A cast-iron GAR slouch-hat ash tray from after the Civil War. The logo of the manufacturer and "Pat. Pending" can be found on the inside of the crown. The casting is superb with a great design and attention to detail. Most people smoked cigarettes or cigars in the hundred years which followed the Civil War. So an ashtray in this shape would have been a great home accessory or gift for a military dad or granddad. Measures 4" long and about 1 5/8" high at dome.
Ladies of the Gar Gold Plated lapel pin
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This is a custom-made gold-plated lapel pin for the "Ladies of the GAR" whicvh was most probably worn to social events and official meetings. It has clearly been custom or hand-engraved by a jeweler with five starts across the top and fine decorative trim at bottom of its shield-shaped face.. Has nice workmanship and a pin upon the back. no maker's mark. Not marked as gold but sure looks like it, so probably plated.
Fancy GAR Calling-Card of Ohio Vet
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This is a business or calling-card of a Union Veteran from the 73rd Ohio and other regiments. In the corner of the card, there is affixed a small B&W albumin photo of a rather intense man with a large waxed moustache who dons his veteran's medals. The ornate patriotic graphic shows a Union flag, wreath, knapsack labeled "Scott Rifles" and weapons. It is a very cool card from a time when people were still gracious and formally polite in their social dealings. Face is only slightly age yellowed. Rear has three small glue dabs from having been in a scrap book in past. No bleed-through stains from glue. The soldier is named Henry J. Taylor.
A custom carved tree limb bearing a bullet
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In the course of the Civil War, many trees were riddled with lead minie balls that went astray. In fact, during long & heated battles whole sections of forests were repeatedly cut-down from chipping away by thousands of bullets flying. Leading onew to wonder: How did men survive in such places? After the war, many of the trunks and limbs were collected as "War Logs" and souvenir "Bullets in Wood" for display by museums, lodges and individual troops. This item is a cross section of a tree brach which bears the exposed three-ringed back of a Union minie ball. Interestingly, the top has been polished and carved with a unique design resembling the legs of a cricket. Thus, it was used as a paperweight on the desk of either some venteran or traveler to an old battlefield as a fond momento.
GAR Re-Union Button & Medal Frame
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Old soldiers were very proud of their military service during the American Civil War. Of course, with each ensuing year, they were older and older, with fewer and fewer dear comrades in attendance at those yearly meetings which were so aptly called "Encampments"... Many men came together in old uniforms, or arrived in a colorful hodge-podge of newer GAR medals mixed with their original CW items... A vast array of brass, silver, celluloid and fabric items were manufactured to be purchased & worn by CW veterans at each of these group events. Upon coming home loaded with fond memories, their trunks and sachels were loaded with a notable brick-a-brack from their journies. Often, these items were lovingly incorporated into wall sets, shadow boxes, and desk items as sweetly tended momentoes. Here, we see a framed assortment of medals and buttons acquired at the 1905 Denver, Colorado Encampment by an old soldier. There are post-Civil War items from the Indian Wars period right up through the first decade of the Twentieth Century. An address label on the back of this Nouveau Period gold frame mentions a "Mrs. Edd B. Wilson" of Denver, Colorado. Was she the husband of a CW veteran named Edward B. Wilson or the married sister of a solider with another last name? There were five Edward B. Wilsons from various states who served for the Union during the Civil War. Sadly, without more information, we will never know exactly who the owner of this display was... In any case, these momentoes, set upon red and blue silk in an old frame, are a grand testament to the hundreds-of-thousands of soldiers who lived well-on into the Twentieth Century recalling their exploits and travails during the War of 1861.
1905 Denver, Colorado
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This is a 2 1/2" diameter heavy bronze commemorative medal depicting "Pike's Peak" summit on the observe and attesting to the 39-th GAR National Encampment of September 1905 in Denver, Colorado on the reverse. It salutes those "brave men who victoriously defended the Union onn land and seas during the great rebellion 1861 - 1865." A beautiful medal, now age toned with a few minor incidental nicks and dings...
A Bold Eagle "Welcome" flag from 1890's
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This is a 33 inch wide "Welcome" flag which bears the image of an American eagle over a 42-star US Flag. It was likely positioned in a Veterans' Hall during their regular meetings but then taken out during parades and patriotic events nearby. The 42-stars design was used from 1888-1890 but this great image could still have been used to adorn parade banners for decades afterwards. The older Civil War veterans of G.A.R. organization often marched alongside troops from the Indian Wars, the Spanish American War and World War I, so such a generic banner was a potential "town-welcome" to parading troops from all of those conflicts.
1890's Lantern Slide of Chickamauga
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In the late Nineteenth Century, lectures were given in great halls and ampitheaters using the "lantern slide." This colorful picture or photograph was held within two panes of glass and then projected from light onto a screen for all to see. The light source was kerosene lamps and later an electric bulb. The slides were slid in-and-out by hand by the projection assistant while the speaker gave a lecture on the chosen subject. This is a colorful lithographic drawing of the Battle of Chickamauga. It shows a Union commander charging past a cannon toward a force of Confederates. Slide size is 4" by 3 1/4".
Vintage GAR WELCOME BANNER
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A small cotton GAR Banner or Flag showing the famed GAR-Star logo. It most likely dates from the 1900-1930 period of many Old Veterans' events in American towns during which soldiers from the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American Wars and World War I all marched in the same ceremonies. Condition is: excellent near mint with bold ink colors retained. Measures a managable 11" by 17". Likely hung on a pole or porch railing during a parade. Comes from an older GAR items collection.
Reconstruction Period Paper: Suffragette & Steamers
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This is the February 8th, 1867 issue of the Charleston Daily Courier. From the "reconstruction" period just after the Civil War, it is most interesting to witness the attitudes and way of life during that rebuilding and healing period in the American South. Besides the news of a Polar Expedition, there are ads for many medicinal home remedies as well as clothing at a 'reduced price': like the French Beaver overcoats for just $40 each... Steamship departures are festooned across the front page. And an upcoming speech in Charleston, South Carolina upon the topic of women's right's by the renowned Elizabeth Cady Stanton an early champion of the suffragette cause. She is now quite famous and still admired for her daring work on behalf of women, a full 50 years before the vote was finally granted to women in this country.
Hard Cold Truth or Sinister Gimmick???
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Sometimes one has to wonder: Is this the Truth or a savvy gimmick to milk charity-money from sympathetic citizens... This CDV card has text on back which claims that it "was designed by a disabled Union veteran of the Civil War". And it asks for a monetary donation to help the poor injured man... The picture states "God Liberty and Constitutional Rights" but depicts a bevy of topless goddesses... So was it just an excuse to show attractive younf ladies with their chests revealed? It is hard to say: Sometimes these images were seen as looking-back to heroic Greek sculptures... and other times... they were indeed just excuses to excite the male libido in a time when books, movies, publications and photos could not show any real nudity to men... Thus, this card is a very intriguing mix of possibilities! The caption states The Re-Union of the Home of the Brave and Free. It measures approximately 4 x 2 ˝ inches. The back reads the following: New-York, August 25th, 1866. "The bearer is a disabled veteran who is suffering with the Heart Disease, contracted while in the performance of his duty; he has done good service for his country, having served upwards of twelve years (previous to the rebellion) in the United States navy. The cards which he offers for sale are his own designing. We recommend him to the friendship of all who love their country. Miss Marriana Hale, Treasurer of Ladies Union Relief Committee. Joseph Wooster, M.D. No. 120 Ninth Street, New York. William Oland Bourne, Editor of the Soldier’s Friend, New York. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Samuel Canty, in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.
1906 Veterans United "In Defense of the Flag" Postcard
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It is most interesting how the old animosities and wounds of the Civil War ultimately healed as the men aged and the United States faced outside enemies. This colorful lithographic postcard from 1906 shows a Confederate and Union soldiers shaking hands with inserts of Gen'ls Lee & Grant to either side. It was "For Sale by Veteran Art Co. Minneapolis, Minn" An ink inscription from sender reads "Hurrah for the stars and stripes and the red white and blue. Mother." Sent from Minneapolis by Alma Ray Fischer to Miss Jesse M. Gibbs, 6 Temple Court, Los Angeles, Cal.
Cut Cranberry Glass Cup
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This type of fancy etched cranberry glass was used as souvenirs durting the 1890 to 1915 period for most big tourist spots, such as Niagra Falls, Altanic City, etc. This small cup is in quite excellent condition. Likely brought home from a family vacation to the old battlefield town near the turn of the century. It reads "Gettysburg 1863" in cranberry color. There is ornate molded design patterns at base. Nice! 2 1/2" high and 2 3/8" wide at mouth.
Two Civil War Veteran's Lapel Pins on Cloth
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This is a black or dark blue swatch of a uniform lapel that bears two post-Civil War Veteran's lapel pins. First of the two is the more common ornate GAR-logo brass lapel button. And second is a very desirable "UVU 1861-1865" enamelled lapel button. It measures about 11/16" across and has bright red, yellow and blue enamel in the recesses of the star design. The UVU was formed as a more "selective" alternate to the GAR. Here is some information about it: The Union Veterans Union (UVU) was established in 1886 in Washington, D.C. Founded by
M.A. Dillon, the organization was open only to Union Veterans who had been in combat.
Dillon felt that the Grand Army of the Republic was too lax in its membership
qualifications. Members included Presidents Hayes and McKinley. While the UVU never
reached the numbers of the GAR, it served as an alternative organization for those who
felt the GAR need not meet their needs. Unlike the GAR, the UVU had no succeeding
organization and past from the scene around 1917.
The Grand Army was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans in 1954 and this
orgainzation has done great work in preserving the memory of the Union Soldiers.
1906 Daughters of Confederacy Benefit
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This is a 6" X 9" NINE-PAGED SOUVENIR PROGRAM OF THE MUSICAL "CASTLES IN SPAIN". THIS WAS PUT ON BY THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY, STATE OF MARYLAND, AND WAS TO BENEFIT CHARITIES OF THE SOCIETY AND THE PURCHASE OF A MEMORIAL WINDOW. IT BEARS CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAGS ON COVER AND HAS OLD PATRIOTIC SOUTHERN SONGS INSIDE AS WELL.
Identified Corps Badge to man at Gettysburg!
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This is a beautifully engraved silver I.D. badge for a Corporal John Soord from Company K. 90-th Pennsylvania Regiment. This man fought at Gettysburg and his name is on the PA. Monument which still stands where he once fought.
Fantastic Early Gettysburg Relic Desk Set
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Relics from battlefields have been collected and sold to veterans and history buffs since just after the Civil War ended. Many GAR and UCV Veteran Reunions of the late Nineteeth and Early Twentieth Century saw thousands of old soldiers and their families returning to sites of youthful battles. Many wanted souvenirs. And local businessmen supplied them. As the vets died off, their children and finally modern history buffs still sought such items. Desk sets have always been popular. In the "early days" it was not difficult to still get plates and Confederate buttons for such sets. In fact, they simply nailed the items down to a wooden base! We would be more careful now... This great desk set of relics from the Gettysburg Battlefield was likely assembled and sold to the tourist trade in the early part of the Twentieth Century. Not only does it have shell fragments and a Union soldier's "US" beltplate, but a rare Confederate "droop wing" eagle button.
154 Tennessee Vet writes other Reb in 1904
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This is an interesting letter sent from W.S. Ray of Co. I 154-th Tennessee Confederate Regt. to a Mr. W.S. Stanley in Marion, VA. in February 1904. He tells what he knows of the remaining old Vets. Has envelope with both men's names and 1904 postmark- two cent stamp. Written legibly in pencil. The text follows: "DeQueen, Ark. 2-20-04. Mr. W.S. Staley, Marion, VA. Dear Sir you will doubtless think strange upon receipt of this letter so I will explain: I saw your request in February Veteran asking for more experiences of members of 154 regt. Ten. Vols. I cannot place you but it seems like a dream to me that I remember your name. I was a member of Co. I 154 then. Cross was our first Capt. then Tony Bartlett. Charley Wharton our third and last. I am always glad to meet or hear from any of the old regt. but they have most all crossed over the river. Dick Wharton of Co. I is in Mass. Capt. Geo. Melush of the Hickorys is in dallas texas. John Lynn is at Honey Grove Texas. Nat Reaves is in the soldiers' home in Texas. Were you with the army in Georgia and on Hood's Tenn. raid? I was left on the wayside sick on Hood's raid. Got able to get back to west Tenn (Purdy), joined Forrest and was paroled at Corinth, Miss May 15th. Come to western Ark. soon after and have lived here ever since. I am always glad to meet an old Confederate Veteran and especially glad to hear of any of our old Command. We have a Confederate Camp here of about 60 members. we have lost 19 by death in 4 years which will forcibly remind us that we will soon pass over the river to meet the Majority of our Comrades gone before. I will mail you a Copy of one of our town papers which will give you some idea of our town & c. I will be glad to hear from you anytime. W.S.Ray Co. I. 154 Tenn.
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