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by John Sexton

Q: I’ve had this picture for 30 years. I do not Q: Could you give me a rough estimate of the
know who it is. Maybe you recognize this offi- value of this chest? It has the soldier’s name on it.
cer. Also, I would like to know the value.
JS: Similar trunks that can be identified to Civil
JS: This is a well-known circa 1885 litho- War soldiers will bring a premium, and average
graphic copy of a photo of Robert E. Lee in ones sell for a few hundred dollars. Comparable
uniform. In fine condition, they sell for trunks with no significant history typically sell
$200-$300. In poor condition like this, not for between $50 and $150 at auction.
much value.
A Civil War soldier’s trunk, valued at a few
A very poor condition lithograph of Robert E. Lee hundred dollars

Q: I came across a strange antique. Have you ever seen anything like this
or have a way of finding out who this captain is? It’s supposedly a tag of A modern, fantasy piece
some sort. It’s made out of copper. with imaginary markings
reading, “Capt. W.J.
JS: Wow, what a badge or whatever it is! Unfortunately, I am sure it is Windsriver, Cherokee
modern made. Someone had a vivid imagination with “Cherokee Mounted Rifles, Yankee
Mounted Rifles” and “Yankee Slayers.” This type of item is often Slayers, 1862” with
encountered at flea markets and other venues that are not vetted. It is a “CS” and a cross in the
upper right corner.
fantasy item of no collector value :-(

Q: Hello! I came across you online while trying to do research on my JS: It is doubtful that the private that is the subject on the escutcheon
sword. I have a Civil War sword I am looking to learn more about. The used the sword during the war – infantry enlisted men did not carry
sword has the ribbons attached to it still and button-type things that swords. The sword is a Napoleonic, French-made, eagle-head,
were once attached. The owner of the sword’s paperwork from the war is American, mounted militia officer’s sword.
with it and framed. Is this something you can help me with? It appears in very good for condition, though
the blade is not shown. If the blade is in
high condition and decorated, the value
could double from that of just a plain or
average condition etched sword. In the
antique market, similar swords are priced
at $1,000-$1,500. The escutcheon is valued
at $100-$300; most fall in the lower part
A mounted officer’s sword valued at $1,000 or more. of that range.
The buttons are all post Civil War, circa
This escutcheon for an enlisted man is valued at $100+. WWI, and have little value.

Q: I found this buckle at an estate sale. I started production about the centen-
first thought it to be a fake until I picked it nial, so some are 60 years old now.
up and felt the weight from the lead. Now, You can find these reproductions
I am not sure. There are no markings on it, priced at Civil War shows for $10-
and I cannot find an identical one online $20.
anywhere. Can you help me with some These are actually just copies of
information on this thing? Thank you for US buckles with the U changed to a
your time. C. There was never a Confederate
buckle exactly like this during the
A reproduction Confederate The back of the reproduction buckle.
buckle copied from a JS: Your first impression was correct. Civil War.
Union buckle. This is a reproduction buckle. These

John Sexton is an independent appraiser and expert in Civil War memorabilia. He is an accredited member of various appraiser
organizations. He can be contacted at 770-329-4984. If you have a Civil War item for him to appraise, email a photo and a
description to mclwriter@gmail.com.

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