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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: John, we inherited a Confederate battle flag from 1862 that has been in the
family since our relative was the commander of the Gallant 57th regiment. It is
105 inches wide by 70 inches high. The star area is 45 x 45 inches. There are
some thinning and ripped areas, but the flag overall is in fairly good shape. Do
you have any idea of how much it would be worth?
JS: Your flag, after
examination, is no doubt original and authentic to the Civil War. However,
whoever put the tag on flag stating that it was carried by someone in the 57th
Georgia regiment in 1862 was mistaken. First, the flag is much too large for a
company or regimental flag; second, this pattern (2nd National) was not adopted
until the spring of 1863! Oh well, it is still authentic, and even with the
insect damage, I would still estimate in auction it should bring $20,000 and
maybe more.
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 Q: I am curious as to what the value of this solid brass shell casing 4 x 29
inches; inscription on the bottom reads: "4INM 16 & 21 Guns 1958." I have a
guy asking me $50 for it. I'm not sure if it is a good deal or not. Could you
please inform me whether this is a wise choice or not? I would be thankful.
JS: Brass shell casings are collectible. From the first ones used around the
late 19th century, soldiers have decorated, etched, engraved and altered them
into lamps, ashtrays and a variety of souvenirs. Altered shell casings are
referred to as "trench art." Plain casings have the least value, but with the
price of copper approaching $4 a pound, the scrap alone adds some intrinsic
value. I can't guess as to a value since I do not know this market, but I would
guess it is pretty thin for $50 casings.
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 Q: My mother-in-law has a few letters from Robert Shaw to his sister during the
Civil War. She also has a few letters from her to him. They fit seamlessly into
a published book of letters we looked at in dates, events and sentiments. Topics
include the mother's failing health, events in New York, leadership of the
Union, etc. They are interesting be-cause the dates correspond to letters
written to his dad at the same time, and he talks very differently to his sister
regarding the war than to him. My mother-in-law has transcribed them all (no
small feat!) Any idea what they are worth? Also, I don't know if they are being
preserved properly. Any suggestions?
JS: Robert Gould Shaw, the gallant
colonel of the movie Glory fame who died at Fort Wagner, is a very desirable
signature. His wartime letters in auction have sold from about $1,000 to more
than $10,000 each. Content is everything; if you can send copies, I can better
evaluate them.
Photo:
Robert Gould Shaw
(l.); it's easy to see
why Matthew Broderick
was chosen to portray
Shaw in the movie Glory.
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Q: I wonder if you can give me an idea as to the value of this letter?
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 sentiment often changes to the harsh realities of a long
war. Your one 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 the North and the South. Similar letters are found in the market
for about $30-50 each.
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Q: John, I have some interesting muster rolls and pension papers. What are they
worth?
JS: The muster roll here is unusual as several discharges are noted
and approved by generals, including Grant and Reynolds. This document to read is
an interesting tidbit of history of a handful of men in a Union regiment. Most
muster rolls have little detailed content like this, and this one should sell
for several times what average ones bring, which is about $20. The pension
papers you have add little value and have little value in the collecting
community.
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