Antebellum Covers

Civil War Paper * Autographs * Artifacts * Firearms * Edged Weapons

18th through early 20th Century

Historical American Paper Collectibles

P. O. Box 3494, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20885-3494

1-888-268-3235 (toll free)   Cell 240-498-3535   FAX 301-869-2623

FREE Consulting and Research

Consignments Wanted!    We BUY TOO!!

June 20, 2009

Email:  Click Here to Send Email

Ron Meininger and Charlie Meininger

Visit us on eBay for many items under ID antebellumcovers (click underlined ID) including

general orders, Confederate and Union documents, Civil War patriotic envelopes,

Paper Americana, US Postal History, US and Foreign Stamps, artifacts, and much more. 

Once you reach our listings, you may want to bookmark for easy future access.

URGENTLY WANTED

Consignment or Purchase:  Rifles, Pistols, Swords, Artifacts, Civil War or Pre Civil War

 Outright Purchase:  Civil War Letters and Documents,

Mounted US Stamp Collections, prefer 19th and early 20th Century.

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Upcoming Show Schedule

Gettysburg Civil War Show June 27-8, 2009 AllStar Events Complex Gettysburg, PA

Fairfax StampFest July 18-19, 2009 Elks Lodge, Fairfax Va

Richmond Civil War Show(NST) August 15-6, 2009

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Many items are on display and for sale at Journey’s End Antiques

located in Town and Country Antiques Mall, (11:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tues-Sat)

206 N Sandhills Blvd, Aberdeen, NC 28315

Contact Paul Brill  910 944-3359 (Shop) 910-638-4542 (Cell)

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NET PRICE – Subject to Prior Sale

 

MOORE’S PATENT REVOLVER, Owned & Carried by Lt. Col Koert S. Van Voorhees   $7450

Pic1  Pic2  Pic3  Pic4  Pic5  Pic6  Pic7  Pic8  Pic9  Pic10  Pic11  Pic12  Pic13  Pic14  Pic15  Pic16    SOLD

 

137th New York Volunteer Infantry, Served 1862 – 1865, Wounded at Battle of Gettysburg PA July 2, 1863; Battle of Wauhatchie TN Oct. 28, 1863.  This is the personal firearm carried by Lt. Col. Van Voorhees during his time served with the 137th New York Volunteer Regiment from Binghamton NY area. The revolver is housed in an old post war, ebony finish wooden display case along with other personal articles.  The pistol comes with a live 32 cal round, old key wind watch (needs service), a post war GAR photographic badge and fraternal badge of Colonel Van Voorhees. The bottom of the revolver handle has the Colonel's initials etched into the rosewood, "KSVV" and "137". Colonel Van Voorhees was wounded at famous Battle of Culp's Hill at Gettysburg. A portion of Colonel Van Voorhees and the 137th NY Volunteers war record comes with the revolver.

New Model 1863 Army Remington Revolver, Surcharged with NJ Mark   $2450

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Serial# 71215, (made and delivered in 1864) .44 caliber. 8" octagonal barrel, very good bore and hammer/trigger action. The State of New Jersey "N.J" militia mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel, all lettering on the metal is in excellent condition. The frame and loading lever work well. The gun has a very nice overall even mellow brown/plum color on all the metal including the cylinder with minimal minor pitting and corrosion. The barrel retains a nice plum patina finish. The brass trigger guard is a spotted mustard brown and the walnut grips show light scratches and a few small marks on light original finish.

Abraham Lincoln –War Date Autograph Note Signed) August 20, 1864 that states “I shall be glad if any Department of Bureau can give Mr. Waugh the desired clerkship, A. Lincoln Aug 20, 1864”  Pic1   Pic2   Pic3   Pic4   $13,450  Lincoln is responding to a letter received by Sec. of War Stanton on August 20, 1864 from Mr. Waugh in Georgetown DC stating that “…he is from Bainbridge Decatur County Georgia…is a refugee without means or employment…desires clerkship…”    Overall frame is 17x29 inches, matted area about an inch smaller all around with 4 insets of engraving, legend, Lincoln’s ANS on back of letter, and laser copy of letter to which Lincoln is replying back to Stanton.  This item is investment grade and of the highest quality.  A similar ANS on the web right now is priced at $16,000.  It is interesting to note that Lincoln replied on the same day the letter was written so it must have been hand carried to Stanton from Georgetown.  This item is fantastic and ready to hang.

 

Ulysses S. Grant – War Date Autograph Letter Signed  One page, 7.75x9.75 inches, February 9, 1865.  Pic1  Pic2  Pic3  Pic4  Pic5  $6950   Grant writes from City Point, Virginia to Maj. Gen(s) Ord and Meade.  In full “City Point Va, Feb 9, 1865, I will leave here at 12 m. for Washington to remain absent four of five days unless sooner recalled.  Please inform Col. Bowers of all movements or changes so that he may keep me advised., U S Grant, Lt. Gen.”  He adds the word in upper left “Cipher” indicating letter was to be encoded before transmittal, also a pencil note upper right “11 am” in a different hand.  At bottom is a copy print of Grant and his two generals.  Details surrounding the date Grant wrote this letter are described in both the COA and Certificate of Authenticity.  Fabulous frame overall 16x21 inches and ready to hang.

 

Robert E. Lee Clip Signature   Pic1  Pic2  $2450    The clip is bold clear ink nicely framed with large copy print of Lee is civilian clothes. 

The nice antique looking frame has an overall dimension of 18x20 inches and is ready to hang.

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Two (2) unique ambrotype 1/6th glass plate size photographs of the same Union soldier      Pic1   Pic2    $1175

Probably from the early years (1861-1862) of the Civil War.  Both photographs are solidly combined back to back into a book style frame with gold gilt trim and a leather binding on one end.  This soldier appears to have served in both a Zouave regiment as well as a regular State regiment based on different uniforms shown.   The soldier appears in a very distinctive Zouave uniform showing a double breasted shirt along with a fez with insignia and tassel. The soldier is carrying a socket bayonet, side knife and pocket revolver, possibly Allen 32 caliber rim fire side hammer revolver issued in 1860, in his US oval belt.  The same oval US belt plate and knife appear to be used in the second photograph taken of the young man in his overcoat and standard Union uniform, hand trimmed with face blush and gold gilt on the brass fixtures.  Based on the Zouave uniform, the soldier is probably from a NY, PA or NJ regiment.  A very unique and scarce double image of a Union fighter who appears to have served in two different regiments.

 

Patrick R. Cleburne War-Dated Signature with Rank and Location    Pic1   Pic2   Biowithimage  $7995

Mike Reese in his Autographs of the Confederacy says this is “one of the RAREST of all the Confederate autographs.”  It is almost impossible to find his signature with war date, not to mention rank and date.  He was KIA at the battle of Franklin in Tennessee on November 20, 1864.  This one was given to Col. Fremantle on his visit to the Confederate Army as observer from the British Army and was taken from the autograph book presented to Fremantle.  The full clip is about 4x2.5 and is shown as such both without and with a ruler reference.  It says in full:  “Patrick R. Cleburne, Maj. Genl Wfartrace TN 1 of June 1863”.   This autograph comes with impeccable provenance and certificate of authenticity along with an image of the front of the autograph book and the page in the book from which Cleburne’s autograph was removed.

 

Civil War Model 1840 Medical Officer's Sword     Pic1   Pic2   Pic3   Pic4   Pic5   Pic6   Pic7    $1550   A nice brass patriotic eagle handle medical officer's sword from the Civil War. The sword is probably a European import, no maker's mark. The handle displays a shield with the letters MS (Medical Staff) and 13 stars with a fancy brass cross bow.  The handle back has another shield for a person's name/initials (none shown).  The blade has a nice consistent light gray color and is faintly etched on both sides with a floral motif.  The front of blade has etched words "United States Medical Staff" in Old English style.  The scabbard is gray polished steel with a couple of dents and a crack on the lower back side. The blade fits well to the scabbard which has two brass mounts and hanger rings.  There is no doubt the sword was in the field during the war but has survived well.   A scarce artifact, generally carried by surgeons and assistant surgeons.  The sword overall length is 37.5 inches and the blade is 31 inches.

 

Civil War Drum, ID’d – Excelsior, Regt. Co. N.G.S.N.Y.    Pic1   Pic2   Pic3   Pic4   Pic5   Pic6   Pic7    $7450   A wonderful restored drum that belonged to Pvt. William Linde who had transferred into “G’ Co, NY 10th Infantry on June 5, 1865 and mustered out on June 30, 1865.  He had previously served in “M” Co. NY 8th Light Artillery.  The 10th was originally formed in Albany New York.  This rare drum, restored by William Reamer in July 1995, a very famous restorer of drums lived in Fetterville, PA.  The drum has Bill’s hand written label and also the original manufacturer label of William Kilbourn of Albany, New York.  The drum was meticulously restored by Reamer and is all original except for replacement rope of the period and reproduction leather ears.  An extraordinary opportunity for the Civil War drum specialist. 

For comparison:  The below described drum, similar to the one above and also restored by Bill Reamer sold on November 21, 2008 for $10,157.50 including the buyer premium.  Although it does have a Gettysburg connection, it does not have original heads as does our and is not specifically ID’d to a soldier.

Great Civil War Paint Decorated New York State Infantry Snare Drum with Gettysburg Association. The drum was fully restored with new heads, ropes, tighteners snares and snare tighteners in 1989 by noted drum authority W. H. Reamer. 14" high, 15" diameter. The 12" diameter paint decorated panel depicts a variation of the new York state seal. Large "Excelsior" riband at the top, underneath which in bright yellow paint is "Gettysburg 1863". An eagle on globe is perched atop an American shield, diagonally bisected by a red, white and blue band. The shield is flanked on both sides by American flags. The drum also exhibits "Gettysburg July 2d 1863" in the same yellow paint on the bottom hoop (now protected by a Lucite plaque. Additionally, carved on the upper hoop is "T. E. 129 NY". Ironically the 129th new York was not at Gettysburg and was redesignated the 8th new York Hvy. Arty. Oct 3, 1862, at which time they doubtless turned in their infantry drums resulting in their issue to another regiment, thus finding its way to Gettysburg. The 129th was also heavily fought losing 361 men killed and mortally wounded. A gorgeous drum and especially desirable with this Gettysburg association.

CIVIL WAR SURGEON’S MEDICAL KIT, OWNED/MARKED –“Dr. J. F. Pratt” (John Frank Pratt)   Pic1   Pic2   Pic3  Pic4   Pic5   Pic6   Pic7   Pic8   Pic9   Pic10     $4950     The surgeon kit was made by prestigious Wade & Ford -in business in Fulton New York from 1861 to 1866.  Their logo is marked on two places within the kit. A short history of the company is included.   The 3 x 1 inch brass plate recessed on lid is marked Dr. J.F. Pratt.  The kit is nearly complete lacking only a pair of scissors or forceps, 1 or 2 probing tools and possibly 3 other small tools.  The unit contains all the primary instruments used by a surgeon of the times including the amputation saw and various large/small cutting knives, trephine, various artery forceps, bone dust brush, Petit type tourniquet, curved retractor, bone elevator, large & small sewing/stitching needles with thread.  Eight (8) of the kit’s instruments display a manufacturer’s mark, six with Wade & Ford and two of other manufacturers, apparently replacements.  It is almost impossible to find kits that contain every instrument by the same manufacturer.  The nicely colored mahogany box with lavender interior is in very fine condition considering its usage during war time. There is no key. A great medical artifact from the Civil War with known doctor provenance.   Dr. Pratt served from July 1862 to April 1865 in US Army Hospital at Harrison’s Landing & Hampton Virginia as Assisting Surgeon.  Born 1830 - Died 1897, received medical degree from Medical College of Maine.  Started practice in1860 in New Sharon-Franklin County Maine.  After the Civil War, Dr. Pratt practiced from 1870 till death in New Sharon Maine & Chelsea Massachusetts.  Dr. Terry Hambrecht examined the kit and also found a reference to Dr. Pratt operating on 32nd Colored Pvt. T. Lloyd on Dec. 1, 1864.  Some of Dr. Pratt’s Civil War records obtained from the National Archives are included.

Robert E. Lee War-Dated Signed CDV, Backmark Tanner and Vanness, Photographers,  Lynchburg, VA     Pic1  Pic2     $2450   An outstanding image of Robert E. Lee in uniform, light tape stain at top…not nearly as dark as shows in the scan (image has been preserved by professional), signature a bit light but complete.  A wonderful opportunity to own a very RARE signed war-dated image. 

A Fabulous Naval Correspondence from the USS Hartford  Synopsis   Pic1   Pic 2   Pic3   Pic4   Pic5      $495

28 letters, mostly written in 1902 when ship was used for training by the US Navy. Includes some spectacular illustrated lettersheets and wonderful content, most in pencil, one with soldier’s ARTWORK,  (114 pp. of hand written text), some on illustrated letterheads from Howard Fox, a ship's engineer, who was serving in the US Navy steam/sail training ship USS HARTFORD, 1900-04, to his mother, Mrs. Annie L. Fox, Rochester, New Hampshire. The Hartford was commissioned in 1858 and active throughout the Civil War. 

 

Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword with Soldier ID    Pic1   Pic2   Pic3   Pic4   Pic5   Pic6   Pic7   Pic8   Pic9   Pic10  $950
An Ames Springfield marked and 1841 dated contract short artillery sword with scabbard. All proper markings are present and mostly legible on the blade and the handle. The WS civilian inspector mark is for William Smith. The scabbard end has an old leather repair replacing the brass drag that was lost at one time.  The cross bar at the handle shows bold carved initials M O M on one side, and on the other side of the cross bar a script carved name of MAUD MASON (last name could be Maron or something similar).   The blade is in very good condition showing no evidence of cleaning or sharpening, but a few nicks from usage. An honest pre Civil War sword that was frequently taken into the war.   1500 units were made and delivered in 1841 to the U.S. Ordinance Department. Approximately 20,000 of these artillery sword were bought by the Federal government from 1832 to 1862.  So far, have been unable to find Maud Mason or Maron in any online data base.

 

Model 1840 Cavalry Saber    Pic1   Pic2   Pic3   Pic4   Pic5   Pic6   Pic7   Pic8   Pic9   $775

European make cavalry sword with the mark of a bird on the riccaso. The sword blade is 35 1/4" long, lightly cleaned many years ago but has a mottled age color that masks any possible other marks.   The most unusual manufacturer's mark in the form of a bird on the blade base (Pic5) probably represents sword maker Gebruder Weyersburg of Solingen Prussia.    The blade saw action with a few notches along the edge from use and 2 very minor dents in the scabbard. The handle and brass guard have a nice brass patina with the original tight wire, 96% leather, and most of the throat washer. Overall this is a honest Civil War sword and will display well in any collection.

 

Maryland State Seal Staff Button   Pic1   Pic2  $425

22 mm, Albert 11A, circa 1850-1865, Back mark SCOVILL MFG CO./WATERBURY. Nice original button with gold gilt, Scarce

Civil War US Cartridge Box Plate with fastener wire loops, all original  Pic1   Pic2   $295

 

Late Civil War/Post War New Jersey State Militia Cartridge Box Plate with wire stud fasteners, all original   Pic1   Pic2   $175

 

Civil War Cap Box   Pic1  Pic2  Pic3  Pic4  Pic5  Pic6    $225

Fine cap box, untouched condition, full complete except no wool but pick is included. Ordiance and Maker marked (S.H.Young & Co. Newark NJ) just like the cartridge box.  Leather straps, fastener and finial are strong.

The Catalog of Union Civil War Patriotic Covers: by William R. Weiss, HB, 839 pp. 8.5x11, superb reference book, 1995, only comprehensive work of its kind. Limited Edition!  Comes with a value guide.  Shipped book rate as it is quite heavy. Drop shipped from publisher .… $115 includes shipping from the publisher.  One of our best sellers!

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American Philatelic Society (Life Member)   Manuscript Society      Confederate Stamp Alliance (CSA)

New:  The Complete Civil War on DVD-ROM for Windows

Combines a number of CDs on two searchable data bases that individually would cost $350. 

The DVD is only $169.95 plus $4 shipping. 

Click Here for Details

Includes * Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies  *Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies  * Map Atlas of the Official Records (high resolution)   * National Archives Guide-Index (5 volumes) * Dyer's Compendium *Fox's Regimental Losses * Southern Historical Society Papers *Confederate Military History * Campaigns of the Civil War * Biographies of 7 Confederate Generals  (J.A. Early, J.E.B. Stuart, J.B. Gordon, R.E. Lee, J. Longstreet, G.M. Sorrel, "Stonewall" Jackson

Antebellum Covers

Box 3494, Gaithersburg, MD 20885

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Last Updated June 20, 2009
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