South Carolina Two Piece Militia Officer's Waist Belt Circa 1845 - 1860

British made / imported, heavy cast brass pre war ornate Officer's Sword Belt Buckle. Matches well to plate shown in O'Donnell's American Mil. Belt Plates book (Plate 285). Non-dug. 45 x 93 mm, wreath height 48 mm. Buckle has nice age patina.

Buckle is seen being used from a image of Major General M.L. Bonham - veteran of the Mexican War and Commander of SC Army in 1861 till he retired to politics in 1862, becoming SC Governor.

Buckle is is well made with bench marks and has high relief and detail on the round tongue and hasps.

Comes in Riker case from NC collection. $4200  Now $3500

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South Carolina Officers Gen. Bonham and Major J.J. Lucas 15th Battalion wearing British made SC buckle

Rare Excavated Georgia Militia Irish Jasper Greens Officer's Two Piece Buckle

ON-HOLD

Formed in 1842 and named for Revolutionary War hero William Jasper who was killed in the 1779 siege of Savannah, Captain John Foley's Irish Jasper Greens was one of Savannah primary volunteer militia companies, and the only militia from Savannah to serve in the Mexican War.  The 1st Volunteer Regiment of Georgia was created by act of the Georgia legislature in 1852. The regiment was mustered into Confederate service in May / June 1861. A portion of the unit was captured on the fall of Fort Pulaski. After an exchange of prisoners, the regiment was reorganized in October 1862 under the conscription act into 10 companies.

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Company A :

1st Company A: DeKalb Riflemen or DeKalb Rifles, Chatham County, (Augustus P. Wetter, A. L. Hartridge, Benjamin H. Hardee). This company subsequently became Company B, 1st Battalion Georgia Sharp Shooters.

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2nd Company A: Jasper Irish Greens of Chatham County - Officers John Foley, Martin J. Ford, John Flannery the original Jasper Irish Greens militia from the Savannah area.  When the transfer of Company A-1 DeKalb Rifleman was made, this became the sole company A.  It was such a large company from it's militia days that it transferred excess men to the Company B

In 1864 the 1st Georgia Volunteers was transferred to the Army of Tennessee fought in the Atlanta campaign.  Martin J. Ford of the Irish Jaspers became Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. The Irish Jasper Greens wore dark blue shakos with white feather plumes and wreathed "IJG" insignia. They later adopted gray Confederate uniforms, as did the rest of the 1st Georgia. Initial weapons were probably M1842 muskets, as this was the most numerous weapon in Georgia arsenals. The Irish Jaspers received a silk flag in August 1861 - green on one side with an Irish harp and inscription "Irish Jasper Greens, 1842".

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This dug buckle was found near the Savannah River at the base of a road bridge into the city about 30 + years ago. It was purchased from the digger by well known Virginia digger Dennis Cox. It is a rarity 10 from Mullinax's Book (see photo) on Confederate Belt Buckles and there are only 2 known dug examples including this one. It shows years of ground action particularly on the disc, but it is clearly an IRISH JASPER GREENS buckle with an unusual lead filled tongue disc. 

Reportedly the excavation site was once part of the former homesite of the officer who wore. He is buried in Savannah Evergreen Cemetery (renamed Bonaventure Cemetery in 1907). Its possible owner could be Lt. Col. Martin J. Ford or Captain John Flannery. Flannery was born Nov. 1835 in Ireland/County Tipperary - died May 1910. More research would be required to identify the owner. Post war Flannery was a very prominent business and civic leader, banker and cotton merchant for many years in Savannah..

During the war Flannery was stationed at Lee Battery - garrison consisting nominally of nine officers and two hundred privates. On May 30 1861 Flannery enlisted as junior lieutenant in the Irish Jasper Greens, 1st Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, Confederate army, in which company he had served his state at Fort Pulaski earlier during the same year as a non-commissioned officer. Promoted January, 1862, to first lieutenant on October 20, 1862, he became captain of that historic company. He was in command of Lee Battery, Savannah River, for a year and until his regiment joined the army of Gen. Johnston.     Price $4800  ON-HOLD for Purchase

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1834 Pattern Large  Infantry Shako Cap Insignia Circa 1835 - 1850  

A large crossed tassel infantry horn with three attachment loops on the back. Used by officers and volunteer militia, occasionally seen in Civil War dug relics. Matches to Figure 304 in O'Donnell Am. Military Headgear Insignia. Very nice stamped brass item. Note: These prewar infantry insignia were still used to some extent by southern troops as seen on an image of Pvt. Henry Speck, Co. B, 6th NC State Troops "Flat River Guard"

 Price $350

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Civil War Osnaburg Woven Haversack w Original Internal Rice Bag and a Soldier Repair 

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A very nice soldier Mass. Militia issued canvas haversack with a hand sewn repair patch ~3" x 4" on the reverse - the hole was probably worn into the sack while carried over the shoulder and rubbing on the soldier's waist. With the closed flap, the sack measures 10 1/8" tall x 11" across bottom. There are usage stains on the bag, both front and back. The two flap buttons are bone and there are two inner smaller bone buttons used to attach a second bag or pouch, sometimes call a "rice bag". That rice bag is present A few small sections have frayed material on the bag edges and strap, but overall the sack is sound. There are no gussets. A great example of a soldier haversack. Price $950  Now $850

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Rice Bag shown above.

Note: The haversack shown on the right is identical to the one being offered and is stencil marked to a MASS regiment - sold for over $2000. 

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Federal Haversack shown on the left is from Sylvia/O'Donnells' Book "Illust. History of Am. Civil War Relics"  

Soldier repair shown above

 US Brigadier General Epaulettes  Note: Hardees Hat Pin Not Included                                                         Price $1150.00  Now $950

SOLD

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An extremely fine condition pair of Brigadier General Epaulettes and near mint Hardees Hat Insignia. The epaulettes are probably Pre Civil War manufacture, circa 1850's.

The epaulettes measure 8 inches front to back and 6 inches across. They are in original condition, each epaulette stamped with a French hallmark, having an gold gilded US Eagle button and silver thread and sequin embroidered Star. Each epaulette has numerous twisted hanging gold gilded brass fringe.

The back of each epaulette is fully covered with red leather and red felt cloth including the comfort pillow. One epaulette is marked LEFT and the other is marked RIGHT. There are two minor tears to the leather of the RIGHT epaulette. The top surface cover and border of each epaulette are in strong condition.

Both epaulettes have a nice aged and rich patina on the brass.

The group will make a nice addition to any Civil War collection.

Brandy Station Excavated Two Piece Virginia CS Buckle

Typical Plate used by Confederate Cavalry and Artillery Units

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A very nice example of a Virginia style two piece buckle excavated at Brandy Station as a marked on the back of tongue by the digger. Buckle has nice green patina and is in strong condition. Dimensions 50 mm x 85 mm. Matches with Mullunax Plate 009 in his expanded book "Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates".

The Civil War Battle Map of Brandy Station below shows possible sites of the buckle's place of excavation. The battle was the largest cavalry engagement of the Civil War but did involve light artillery cannon from both sides. A documented pickup from Brandy Station - Comes in a Riker case  Price $.3200 ON-HOLD

                       High Grade Non-Dug "War of 1861" Gen. McClellan Gold Gilt Brass Officer ID Tag

                                           For 2nd Lt. Wm F. Smith Co. B - 115th PA Infantry              Price $1600  Now $1300

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Tag features a bust view of General McClellan on the front and is maker marked "F. B. SMITH" along the lower portion of the shoulder with a general's shoulder strap. Disc tags marked by F.B. Smith are very scare.

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The reverse is stamped "LIEUT. WM. F. SMITH CO. B 115th REG. P.V. PHILA. PA".

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Lt. Smith would be commissioned into Company B as a 2nd lieutenant in January, 1862 but served ~ 11 months before being discharged in December 1862. His short term of service may account for the beautiful condition of this tag.

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Apparently Lt. Smith lived in Philadelphia and was a member of the Anti-Slave Holders Society per a 1899 article form the Phil. Inquirer.

His full name is William Fishbourne Smith and was married to Emily G. Smith. He was born 1839 & died 1919. He may have been a man of significant means and was involved politics as well. War may not have been for him. See grave marker for him at Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.

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A excellent example of a high grade Civil War Id tag. Most ID tags are dug. Comes in a Riker case with various documentation.

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115th PA Battle Record:

Second Battle Bull Run -  Battle of Fredericksburg - Battle of Chancellorsville - Battle of Gettysburg
Bristoe Campaign - Mine Run Campaign - Battle of the Wilderness - Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
Battle of Totopotomoy Creek - Battle of Cold Harbor - Siege of Petersburg

Beautiful 9th NHV - Co. I Shield Type ID Badge w Pin for Sergt. William Henry Rand 

Silver Shield with Engraved Border - Marked "W.H.R./Co. I./9th Regt./N.H.V." with its Pin Back   SOLD

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William H. Rand was born in Keene New Hampshire and was 22 years old when he enlisted on August 5, 1862 as a private in Company I of the 9th N.H.V. Soon after, his regiment left for Washington, DC. but they were not to be there long. Confederate General Robert E. Lee had marched north.

Rand participated in the Battle of South Mountain Maryland on September 14, as well as Antietam September 16-17. He also participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg Virginia that December.

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The 9th ended up at Vicksburg, Mississippi for the campaigns in 1863, and Rand was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1864. He was back in Virginia and participated in the horrific battles at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. After the Confederate army broke out of Petersburg, he followed the army west and was detached to guard Confederate General Richard S. Ewell’s army after their surrender on April 6, 1865 at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek.

Soon after General Lee surrendered Wm Rand’s unit participated in the Grand Review of the Armies on May 23 and he was mustered out of service on June 10, 1865. He lived in Washington DC for remainder of his life and is buried in historic Glenwood Cemetery in DC.

1925 Yale University Obituary Record William Henry Rand, M.D. 1877

Born May 7, 1840 in Keene N. H. Died June 21, 1925, in Washington, D. C.

Father, Ehsha Rand; owner of saw and grist mill in Alstead NH., later employed by a Faulkner & Colony Lumber Mill in Keene; a founder of Second Congregational Church, Keene; son of Jonathan and Anna (Fiske) Rand.

Descendant of Robert Rand, who came from England to Charlestown, Mass., about 1635 Mother, Betsey (Hall) Rand, whose parents lived in Whiting, VT of English ancestry.

Keene High School; attended Middlebury College in 1861 as member of Class of 1865.

Served as Private (later promoted Sergeant) in 9th New Hampshire Volunteers during the Civil War (1862-65); was with Army of the Potomac at Battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg; contracted chronic malaria during campaign in Mississippi, from which he suffered throughout his life

Graduated at Bangor Theological Seminary in 1869; preached at Bingham, Maine, 1869-1871, pastor Congregational Church, Oldtown, Maine, 1871-72 (ordained there January 17, 1872); pastor at Manchester, N. H., 1873-75

Attended Medical School of Bowdoin College before entering Yale School of Medicine; practiced at Manchester, N. H., for about four years after receiving his degree 1877, then at New Hampton, N. H., until 1885, and at Lowell, Mass., 1885-1890; member medical staff of U. S. Department of Labor at Washington from 1890 to 1922, when he retired; was considered an authority (on narcotics and lead poisoning

Founder of American Medicine; member Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, Public Health Service, and First Congre. Church, Wash. DC.

Married October 25, 1870, Clara Asenath, daughter of Zacharia and Asenath (Wood) Spaulding. Children: William Spaulding (died February 3, 1922) and Clara Cornelia (born 1883). Mrs. Rand died February 10, 1922

Non-Dug US Federal Cartridge Box Plate w Original Loops  -  Nice plate for a box that needs a US Plate  Price $280  Comes in Riker Case

          Rare Two Piece Leech & Rigdon Cast Brass CS Rectangular Sword Belt Buckle

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         Primarily Used by Officers and some Cavalry personnel based on current literature.

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Only a very limited number of these buckles exist. This buckle comes as a consignment from a NC collector who has previously done historical research for Cowan's Auction for a number of years. It came from the collection / estate of Dr. John M. Murphy  - collector and author.

Based on the buckle dimensions on known - reported examples, it appears the hasp elements of the buckle wreath and tongue were custom made to fit the belt width of the customer.

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This buckle’s hasp height and overall length are: 50 / 51 mm x 86 mm

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Mullinax Confederate Buckles Book: 59 mm x 85 mm

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Kerksis Am. Military Buckles / Plates Book: 36mm x 86 mm

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Midwest Civil War Relics Website: 35mm x 85 mm

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2007 Heritage Auction: 50mm x 90mm 

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This CS buckle is somewhat crudely cast as stated in the book Collecting Confederacy by S. Pritchard.  There is a solid age patina on the front and back except where a small portion on the back of the hasps and the front C letter were gently cleaned to reveal yellow brass. No numbers are showing in the castings. There is a crude round dimple near the top edge of the tongue between the C and S. This same dimple is shown in the photos from the Kerksis and Mullinax books.

This a fine very fine example of a rare Confederate war time belt plate.  See photos including comparative one. Comes in a Riker Case 

Price $15,000

Left photo from 2007 Heritage Auction

Dug US Federal Cartridge Box Plate w Original Loops - Found in Raeford NC area where Gen. Sherman marched through to Fayetteville NC in Mar. 1865 and burned the arsenal.  Comes in Riker Case       Price $280  Now $230

Crudely Cast Georgia Confederate State Seal 2 Piece Waist Belt Plate  - Locally Cast 

This buckle comes as a consignment from a NC collector who has previously done historical research for Cowans Auction for a number of years. This buckle came from the collection of Russell Morgan and was found in the Gettysburg area. 

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Per both Mullinax and Kerksis books on buckles & plates, this variety of a Georgia belt plate was made in some sizeable numbers on a local - in state basis from higher quality/better detail real buckle examples to prepare a sand molds.

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The dimensions of this buckle are:   hasp height: 46/47 mm x 83 mm overall length

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Mullinax two examples: 46 mm x 86 mm and 47 mm x 79 mm  

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Kerksis example: 51 mm x 84 mm

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This very scarce buckle is on the heavy side with nice age patina showing high copper content.  Comes in a Riker case.        Price: $5900

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Excavated Georgia State Seal Oval Cartridge Box Plate

Found in late 1980’s along the Ogeechee River Near the Large Confederate Earthen Fort McAllister

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On July 7 1861 Company A - 1st Georgia Infantry ("DeKalb Rifles") was detached and ordered to build a fort with available materials south east of Savannah to protect the city from naval / land assault. In addition to the DeKalb Rifles, a cavalry unit, known as the Hardwicke Mounted Rifles, protected the fort. The Hardwicke Mounted Rifles were under the command of Capt. Joseph McAllister after whom the fort is named in his honor because he owned the land.

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Union attacks on the fort occurred on July 1 & 29 1862 along the Ogeechee River on which the fort was built.

After the encounter of July 29, the fort was reinforced by members of the elite Savannah Republican Blues and Martin's Light Battery. In September, the DeKalb Rifles were ordered to withdraw, a movement they completed in October.

They were replaced by the Emmett Rifles, 2nd Co B 1st Georgia Regulars.

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A number of battles with Union gunboats took place on November 19 1862 and January 27, February 1 & 28, and March 3 1863. The fort was finally captured on December  13 1864 and with its capture ended Sherman’s march to the sea. A total of 9 battles took place with Union forces at Fort McAllister over 3 plus years.

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The GA cartridge box plate was probably lost by a soldier of the Republican Blues or the Emmett Rifles. These Georgia State Seal box and belt plates were generally made prewar by Gaylord.

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The number of existing GA State Seal cartridge box plates is probably lower than the equivalent belt buckles based a statement from Bill Gavin’s 1963 Book  “Accoutrements Plates / North and South 1861-1865 based on his statements: At least three specimens of the oval state seal box plate which were converted into belt plates have been noted, all in a uniform manner leading to the conclusion that this was a systematic alteration.

From the book “Confederate Odyssey” Geo. Wray Civil War Collection it is stated in 1861 state authorities ordered cartridge box plates to be altered into belt plates using a three copper wire soldered belt hooks. 

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A very nice box plate example with its loops from Georgia. Price $4800 Now $4200 

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Excavated Civil War US Union Eagle Breast Plate - From Fort Blakely AL

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Recovered in the 1990's by Larry McCoy of Mobile AL

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The Battle of Fort Blakeley took place from April 2 to April 9, 1865 in Baldwin County, Alabama, about 6 miles north of Spanish Fort, AL as part of the Mobile Campaign of the American Civil War. The Battle of Blakeley was the final major battle of the Civil War, with surrender just hours after Grant had defeated Lee at Appomattox on the morning of April 9, 1865. The Union forces had about 16,000 men including 5000 USCT (United States Colored Troops). Confederate forces numbered 3500.

The casualty figures are approximate, but an estimated 75 Confederate soldiers were killed, with over 2,800 captured - 150 Union troops were killed with 650 wounded during the siege and assault.

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The eagle plate has fine even patina and original loops on the lead back. A relic with some provenance from the Civil War's last battle. Comes in a Riker case.  Price $295

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