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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
file size. |
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Q: I have attached a scanned picture of a gold pin. Can you tell me anything
about it?
 JS: Your gold pin is wonderful! I have tried to research it and can
find no link to any organization, North or South. Maybe one of our readers can
identify it. Unfortunately, there are many small and obscure Civil War Era
fraternal and militia organizations we may know nothing of since their history
is now lost.
Based just on the aesthetics, your Civil War Era pin will sell
for at least $1,000 and maybe more. If we could tie the initials down to the
unit and individual, it should bring more, maybe several thousand dollars. The
gold pin is marketable as there are collectors of any gold badge. If you could
"pin" down its history, it could bring $2,000 in my opinion.
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 Q: I have a rifle that says, "Rogers Slocomb, New Orleans."
JS: If your Civil
War Era half stock sporting rifle did not have the New Orleans maker or agent
marks on it, a similar gun could be found at a gun show for a few hundred
dollars. The "Slocomb, New Orleans" markings on the lock add value; similar
Southern-marked guns are priced at shows for $1,000-$2,000.
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Q: This cane was given to us by my aunt in New Jersey. It had been passed down
through the years by her step-mother's family. I checked with the New Jersey
National Guard, and John McClarney had actually served with the 4th Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers during the Civil War. The tip has cracked and doesn't want to
stay on, but we have decided to just hold it with a small rubber band rather
than glue it. Can you advise what this might be worth?
JS: Patriotic canes
were most popular with old Union veterans. This particular type is often seen at
Civil War shows; they were carved and decorated in late Victorian times with
different unit markings, battles, etc. Similar canes are priced at shows for
around $600-$1,000.
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 Q: Hi John, I was wondering if you could tell me the value of this sword. Just
below the hilt on the blade, it reads: "HENRY BCKER SCLINGEN" On the bottom of
the scabbard reads: "40".
JS: Your sword actually reads "Henry Boker,
Soligen". Boker was a Prussian sword maker in Soligen, Germany, who imported
swords to America during the Civil War. The sword pictured here is a model 1860
light cavalry sabre. This was the standard pattern of the U.S. Cavalry; most
Confederates preferred the earlier heavier model 1840 cavalry sabers. Boker
could have sold to both North and South during the conflict. These swords are
found in family collections in both regions. Similar swords can be found priced
by Civil War dealers for about $500-$600.
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Q: Hello John, I recently received several Civil War Era documents from my
grandmother, including a muster roll from "Company C of the 96th Regiment of the
Ohio Volunteer Infantry." The document includes the payroll for dozens of
enlisted men and officers (ranking from captain to private), dating from August
19, 1862 to November 18, 1864. Included is each man's name, rank, last date
paid, etc. There is also an extensive "Remarks" section with notes on many of
the men.
The document is in rather poor condition, tattered and in several
pieces. To the best of my knowledge, however, all the pieces are present to form
a complete document. Do you know if this item has any value? Phil, Sacramento,
CA
JS: Your letters are so typical of early war Union soldier's letters we
see. The soldier is writing home with patriotic fervor and has high hopes for a
rapid end to hostilities; later, the sentiment often changes to the harsh
realities of a long war. Your other letter also has a patriotic decoration of
the State of Kentucky seal, which is not often seen. Kentucky, of course, was a
border state producing troops for both North and South. Similar letters are
found in the market for about $30-$50 each.
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