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If you have
a Civil War item that you can't identify or something you want to know the value of,
contact John (mail: Box 510, Acworth, GA 30101; e-mail
John or call 770-329-4984 or
770-974-6495). John needs a good description of the item, condition, manufacturer's marks
and any other markings, and photos. Please
Note: All questions MUST be accompanied with a Photo, it should not be more than 200k in
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Hi John, this flag measures 26 inches wide by 17 inches tall. First off, the
family has an interested party that has given a very tempting CASH offer. I'm
not going to tell you that offer to keep out a possible mental bias you might
have. But the private collector says the flag is the only one that he has ever
seen, as far as he knows. It was found in the attic of a house about 35 years
ago.
JS: You have a rare and interesting political banner. Although this is
not my specialty, James Garfield and Chester Arthur are both well known Civil
War Generals. Garfield had a good military record during the war where Arthur
was more of a "paper pusher" and saw no real action. In 1880, Garfield won
election as president with Arthur in tow as vice president. Arthur would soon
become president after Garfield's assassination.
I can not find another flag
of this exact size being sold at auction or listed anywhere, but I can find one
that sold several years ago in much better condition, but smaller for $9,000.
Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas sold a banner not long ago that was 26 x 39
inches in similar condition $4,481.25.
This was a very popular campaign for
political collectors, and I would hate to guess what a unique-sized flag would
sell for in an auction, but I would probably give a presale estimate if I were
cataloging it at about $4,000 to $5,000.
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 Hi John, I have a kepi from the Civil War or a little later. I think it is from
the Knights Templar, but I am not sure. The mark on the inside says "W. P. Troy,
NY". It is made of silk and has no rips or tears. The buttons on the side are
silver, and they have a cross (St. Gilbert's?) with a crown around the cross.
Looks like a Knights Templar symbol to me. Also some letters that I can't read.
I would love it if you could give me an idea of what it is worth.
JS: You are
correct in that your kepi is fraternal and Knights Templar. These hats in
similar condition are usually priced in antique shops for about $100. These hats
date to about 1890.
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Can you tell me the value of this Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field Sword? Also,
is it advisable to have the sword "cleaned"?
JS: Your sword, I am afraid to
tell you, appears to be a modern copy of a Civil War Era 1850 Staff and Field
officer's sword. It is unfortunately quite common that these fairly good
reproductions are being "aged" and sold as originals. An original in average
good condition is available for about $1,500 or so in the market. Reproductions
can be purchased for under $100.
This sword is a modern reproduction made
quite recently in India. The "Ames" markings are added to give this fake
marketability. There are no 1864-dated Ames model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's
swords. As far I am aware there was no government contract that year.
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Hi. I am hoping you can help me. I have this sword and have looked at quite a
few on the internet and can't find one like it. I have seen several with some of
the same characteristics, but none with all of them, and I think I would have
the prettiest scabbard I have seen if the leather was not all messed up. I
cannot find any name or number on it anywhere, just something that looks like a
flower with an anchor in it and a mark above that. There is a mark on the blade,
but I think it is a scratch. The sword is about 31 inches long total; the blade
is about 26 inches long. I don't know much about it, other than my husband
bought it from a woman several years ago.
Any help you can give me would
really be appreciated. Denise
JS: You are right in that your sword is
beautiful. The Japanese made beautiful things, and yours dates from about 1900.
These swords were made for junior grade officers of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
This is not a field I deal in, but I would guess your sword might sell for
$500-$1,000.
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 Attached is a photo of a belt buckle I found behind my parent's house in
Massachusetts. My father believes it is from the Civil War. I found something
online that is very similar from the Indian Wars. Can you tell me anything about
this? Doug
JS: Your buckle is a pattern 1850 sword belt plate. This buckle
was worn by American officers and enlisted cavalrymen from before the Civil War
until now. This plate was made probably about 1880 to 1900, but it can be a bit
later. Similar buckles can be bought at trade shows for about $50 to $100
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