Leather Goods
Billboard Image(s) Not For Sale
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US Rifleman’s Cartridge Box - High Grade Price $950
Regiments of Riflemen were units of the U.S. Army in the early nineteenth century. Unlike the regular US line infantry units with muskets, these regiments was focused on specialist light infantry tactics and were accordingly issued rifles.
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The caliber .54 Model 1841 Rifle was the first rifle made in the percussion ignition system at a national armory. Until the Mexican War it was only provided to militia rifle companies in various states. The Model 1841 was made by Harpers Ferry Armory from 1846 to 1855 with a total produced of about 25,296 arms. Sometimes called the "Mississippi Rifle," it owes this name to the successful use of the weapon by a Mississippi rifle regiment under the command of Jefferson Davis during the Mexican War.
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This box was made by James Boyd of Boston based on a contract in 1845 for 5000 boxes. It is in a very strong grade. The maker mark on the inner flap is bold and well defined. Tins are present, strong latch tab, finial and side ears. This box has no roller buckles for a shoulder sling - it is only worn on a waist belt. This rifleman box is totally complete and in excellent condition for its age.
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Complete Civil War Cavalry Leather Sword Belt with Bench Marked (11) M-1851 Buckle, Hanger Straps and Shoulder Support Strap - Marked E. GAYLORD/CHICOPEE/MASS & US Ord. Inspectors Mark - ~ 38" L - Strong Condition - Minimal Usage Note: recent review suggests this rig is possibly a modern reproduction. Price $675 Now $275
Strong Condition Confederate Flap Type Holster with Roller Buckle Tab / Latch
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Hard to find, this is a non-regulation brown leather holster made to accommodate a 36 caliber Colt Model 1851 style revolver. The holster fits perfectly to a Confederate made Leech & Rigdon or Rigdon Ansley revolver.
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The holster measures about 14” length from the top of the flap to the bottom. Holster is made from two pieces. The flap sewn to the main body - there is a 3/4" leather break on the right side where the flap is sewn to the body. The holster is well stitched, sturdy and made from thick brown leather. The closure tab is sewn to the flap with a with a roller buckle sewn into the holster body to receive the tab.
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Holster has a 2” wide belt loop sewn on the reverse and is still strongly stitched in place. The loop is strong and flexible. Holster has a closed muzzle end - normally the end is open on purpose or from use. Leather has a mottled appearance but is in overall fine condition for its age. All stitching remains strong. This holster came out of a NC collection. A great original quality piece made for a 36 caliber revolver. Price $2900 Now $2600 SOLD
Pre War Virginia Militia Officer Leather Two Piece Sword Belt w Brass Chain Straps and Replaced CS Tongue - From well known Civil War collector Bill Beard PRICE $6200 Now $5700
The wreath of this buckle is clearly a Virginia piece that matches well to Mullinax Plate 409 (ca 1855 – 1865) in his book Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates, Expanded Edition. During the course of its usage, the VA state seal tongue was replaced with a locally made high relief CS cast tongue that fits perfectly to the wreath. The CS tongue was probably jeweler created. The original tongue was either broken, lost or exchanged out by the officer who had a new CS piece fitted to the wreath during the war. The CS tongue is truly unique – there is no matching CS pieces exactly like this one in Mullinax’s book. The tongue can slide on and off the belt.
The leather belt is of higher quality showing usage but still strong and supple and can be adjusted from its present total length of about 36” to about 7” lesser in length with the small tapered adjustable tongue/buckle that is present on the inner back side of the belt.
This quality sword belt rig is unique with the use of two different elements of the quality buckle. Comes in glass lid wooden display box.
The VA militia buckle wreaths shown below / right are identical.
High relief cast brass CS tongue shown below and left
Confederate Army of Tenn. CS Buckle on Original Leather Belt
A great example - supple leather - From well known Civil War collector Bill Beard
This belt rig is 29" total length including buckle. The cast brass buckle shows file marks on the edges and has spun style hooks. It is heavy and matches well with Plate 126 from Mullinax Expanded Edition of "Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates". The buckle has a very nice chocolate patina evenly covering the face of the plate. The weight of the buckle over time has made an impression into the inner side of the russet colored leather, and there is an old inventory sticker #7 attached to the front of the leather from an early collector or a possible museum. Comes in walnut display box. One of the best rigs of this type. Price $7200 Now $6600 ON-HOLD
CONFEDERATE ENFIELD CARTRIDGE BOX w ORIGINAL ONE PIECE - FIVE COMPARTMENT TIN
This is a 1860 pattern Enfield rifled musket cartridge box (no pouch) which measures about 4" tall and 7-3/4″ across, and held 50 - 0.577 musket rounds. This box is maker marked on the underside corner of the cover flap for a known Confederate supplier:
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“S. ISSAC CAMBELL & CO. / JERMIN ST / LONDON” in 3 lines.
This maker stamp is misspelled: Campbell and Jermyn Street. The S. Isaac Campbell & Co secured their accouterments from a variety of sources and contractors, with Alexander Ross of London being one of the primary suppliers along with London makers Hebbert & Company and William Middlemore. Birmingham accoutrement makers were Frederick Barnes & Company, Robert Fletcher and J Scholefield Son & Goodman.
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Most of the Confederate purchases are unmarked, although when they are the mark, S. Isaac, Campbell & Co and A. Ross & Co are the ones most often encountered. This box's maker mark appears to be an anomaly from a supplier source to S. Issac Campbell.
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This box clearly shows real use with some wear but the box is complete with most of its original untouched black finish though scuffed from use as well as its original one piece - five compartment tin. There is some wear on the cover and on the shoulder strap loops which are distorted from having attached straps carrying up to 50 rounds.
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The closure tab on these boxes are generally white buff leather with the Confederacy sometimes making a cut on the left edge of the tab toward the tab hole to make the box easier to open for the soldier. Images of Confederate soldiers having Enfield cartridge boxes show both white buff leather and black bridle leather being used as slings. as shown in photo below.
Enfield cartridge boxes are scarce Civil War accoutrements - this is an a nice and unique example retaining an aged leather black finish. Price $2700
Five compartment tin for 50 Enfield Musket Rounds
Virginia Style CSA Plate on its Original Leather Price $6800 Now $6500
A "Virginia Style" CSA buckle made in the 1862 to 1863 period for the Army of Tennessee with all three hooks and a sewn on belt loop on end of the belt. The belt is about 38" long with one attachment hole and the buckle measures 70 mm x 48 mm. The plate has a more yellow/gold color to the cast metal with the normal edge file marks on all four sides. The buckle has a more pointed letter "A" and thinner casting as defined in the Kerksis Book along with other characteristics such as well centered letters with large periods that clearly make this a Virginia type buckle - many of which were found in by relic hunters in General Longstreet camps in Virginia. The buckle has a very slight warp from casting. A really great non-dug CSA plate example - the appearance and availability of Virginia type buckles is a lot less for some reason than the Atlanta style in my opinion. Comes on a nice wood oak display box with red interior and cover locking glass lid. The rig comes in an oak wood display box with a locking wood frame glass lid.
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CS Tongue & Wreath Officer Sword Belt Plate On the Original Patent Leather Belt w Straps
ID’D To Capt. John R. Nunn of Clarke County VA - 122nd VA Militia & 2nd VA Inf. – Stonewall Brigade
Price $12,500 Now $11,000
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A very scarce example of a cast brass CS tongue and wreath plate, still affixed to its original sword belt. The plate is a Richmond Arsenal style plate which exhibits some original file and finishing marks on its reverse side, as well as some remnants of original gilding. This plate matches exactly to PLATE 012 from Mullinax’s Book – Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates - 2nd Edition. Per Mullinax the buckle is “is well made on fine leather sword belt showing traces of gold gilt which indicates an officer - large Roman numerical VI is scratched on the back of the tongue bar - Others have been noted”. This buckle has Roman Numerical V on the tongue disc back.
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This belt comes with a 1982 letter of provenance from long time and highly respected Civil War collector, Don R. Tharpe of Winchester VA, indicating that the belt was the war time possession of Captain John R. Nunn of the VA Militia and Co. I (Clarke Rifles) - 2nd Virginia Infantry of Stonewall Jackson’s Brigade. The rig came from Winchester VA area.
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The belt is a high quality, pleated and folded leather style, retaining both of its original sword hanger straps, with all studs and snaps in place - there is a period repair near the end of the longer sword hanger as listed in the provenance letter defined above by joining the original two lengths which had become separated. From an advanced active collector of Ames products (see below), this sword belt may have been produced by the famous Ames Manufacturing Co of Chicopee MA during the first half of the of 1861 before supply routes from the north were cut off to the south.
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Nunn first enlisted as a captain in Co. A of the 122nd Virginia Militia in June 1861. This unit was consolidated into the 2nd VA Infantry in March 1862 and he was made 1st Sergt. Following the 2nd Manassas Battle Nunn was promoted to 3rd Lt. after the loss of many officers.
During the Civil War, Nunn was Wounded in Action at the Battles of Malvern Hill and Chancellorsville.
His second wounding forced him to forego active field duty and he was made Provost Marshall of Harrisonburg VA.
This is a very fine example of a Confederate officer’s belt, identified to a Virginia infantry officer. The belt and plate are in very fine – extremely condition. Per Ron Maness of SC, an expert in and advanced collector Ames Sword Co products (See article in MI Magazine - Issue Autumn 2020), the belt and buckle were probably produced by Ames in the early months of the war.
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Accompanying the belt is a lengthy, three page wartime letter dated October 4th, 1861, written and signed by Captain Nunn, to Lt. George W. Diffenderfer. Captain John R. Nunn of the 122nd Virginia Militia addresses the lack of pay to the regiment's men: "I am truly sorry to hear of the dissatisfaction among the men in consequence of not being paid. I appreciate the feeling of those whose families are in a needy condition and regret most deeply that they cannot be paid at once, but I must say in all candor, that I am astonished and pained at the conduct of those who are not in urgent need of the money. I think it betrays a want of loyalty and patriotism, which they should not exhibit. It shows a want of faith in the stability and honesty of our new government. I honestly believe that you all will be paid very shortly provided you remain in service".
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This is a great identified Confederate sword belt rig with excellent history and provenance! Comes in a display box and a notebook of information with the Nunn letter, a book "History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley with references to Nunn and the Stonewall Brigade and other photocopies of pertenent history.
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Captain John R. Nunn Background 1829 - 1904
Born July 22 1827 in King & Queen County VA – eldest child of George C. Nunn and Lucinda Townley of Essex County.
John was sent to the best schools of the neighborhood and in 1845 entered Columbian College, graduated in 1847. He taught school for two years in Henrico County and in 1850 married Elizabeth Ury Castleman, widow of his cousin Dr. John Mercer Nunn – practicing physician in Berryville but died young.
Captain Nunn remained in his county for two years, then moved to Clarke County and located near Berryville. He successfully engaged in farming until the Civil War began.
The 122nd Virginia Militia, Co. A began active service in mid-June 1861 in Clarke County as a captain. The company was discharged in March 1862 and joined the 2nd Virginia Infantry Co. I - Stonewall Brigade.* The regiment took part in Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley campaign as well as around Richmond to General Lee in defeating Gen. McClellan attempts to capture the city.
Through most of the Seven Days Battles of June 25 – July 1 Captain Nunn passed safely until he was severely wound at the end of Battle of Malvern Hill near the James River.
Upon recovery from his wounds, Captain Nunn was again wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville April/May 1863. From this wound, he did not recover sufficiently for active field service. Captain Nunn was appointed provost marshal of the town of Harrisonburg VA – a position he held till the end of the war.
After the war he returned to his farm which was greatly ravaged by Gen. Sheridan’s cavalry. But Captain Nunn resolutely rebuilt his farm (buildings, fences, livestock, crops) with limited funds over several years. But eventually the farm became productive and successful.
In 1880 Captain Nunn sold the farm, moved to Berryville VA and desiring employment, he helped local citizens organized a bank (Bank of Clarke County) which was needed. He was appointed cashier and worked at the bank until illness forced his retirement.
Captain Nunn died in Richmond and is buried in Green Hill Cemetery at Berryville near Winchester VA.
* The Stonewall Brigade Regiments (2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, 33rd) were formed by General Jackson at Harpers Ferry April 27 1861
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US Embossd Flap 1864 Cartridge Box by H.W. Oliver of Pittsburgh w Orginal Tins and a US Cartridge Box Lead Plate Added Over/On Top of the Embossed US on the box by the Soldier Price $695 SOLD
A very nice 1864 pattern Oliver made 58 cal. musket cartridge box with tins and complete latch tab. Leather is in very fine condition with a decorative border engraved around the outer flap and the maker name stamped on the inner tool flap. Very good roller buckles - finial present. There is a US cartridge box plate over the original oval US embossed mark. Oliver only had 2 contracts for 45M boxes. A fine example of a Civil War cartridge box.
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Antebellum Militia Soldier Eagle Two Piece Waist Belt Rig w CDV of Soldier Wearing This Type Belt
A very fine example of a US Eagle buckle on tarred leather belt (circa 1850-1860). The is an ornate style and shows considerable gold gilt. The belt has waist size adjuster buckle on the inner side. Comes with a Soldier CDV housed in a protective plastic holder wearing the same type waist belt. Overall a nice waist belt made in pre-civil war period but often found by searchers of camps and other grounds. Price $1200
Pattern 1851 Eagle Two Piece NCO Waist Plate on Original Leather w Bench Mark 5
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A nice example of a cast brass Eagle belt plate (dimple variety - see photo) and leather rig showing bench mark No. 5 on buckle. It has an applied nickel silver wreath - overall the buckle and leather belt are in strong used condition. Small 1/2" leather edge cut on upper side of belt. Length ~ 42 inches. The leather rig is mostly pliable and can be adjusted to waist size - the leather has a used surface and two sets of length adujustment holes. From the late 1863 through 1865 period - buckle matches well to plate #664 shown in O'Donnell book of Am. Military and Plates. Price $575 Now $450
Mint Condition E. Gaylord Stamped Cap Box with US Ord. Dept. Inspection Mark
A mint condition / unissued Civil War cap box stamped "US ORD. DEPT. SUB. INSPECTOR A.D. LAIDLEY" on the outer cover flap and "E. GAYLORD CHICOPEE MASS."
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This box may Bannerman Surplus with full original wool and original pick. A very excellent example of a cap box. Price: $395 Now $325
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Civil War US Issue Cavalry Carbine Cartridge Box
Very nice and sound untouched example. Nicely maker mark stamped on the inside flap "W. H. Wilkinson Springfield Mass."
Box has scattered finish crackling and some minor leather flaking along the bottom of the rear belt loops and a couple of very small spots on bottom of box. Very supple with original enameled buckles, belt loops, latch tab, tool pouch with tab, good ears, wooden block bored for 20 cartridges and brass finial. All intact and very strong. Belt loops are large and stitched and riveted. Nice honest example of a CW carbine cartridge box that was really used. Price $375
Pistol Cartridge Box by J. Davy & Co. Newark NJ - Inspector Marked
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Federal pistol cartridge box with approx. 7 x 4 3/4 in. Outer flap stamped with readable marks, "J. Davy & Co / Newark N.J." along with marked "US" and inspector cartouche in a block "T.J Shepard". It has a fully and complete sewn / riveted latch tab (some minor light cracking and surface wear to front right side of leather flap, very good brass finial and leather latch strap, solid belt loops. Interior box has leather pouch leather flaps fitted to hold cartridge packs in place. A very nice example. Overall a very nice piece. Price $285
