Page 46 - Layout 1

by John Sexton

Q: Mr. John, I have a medallion that was found by my father with his
metal detector in Paterson Park, Baltimore, Maryland, in the 1980s. On
one side, it reads “University of Virginia” and on the other side, “1861-65,
The gift of Alma Mater to her son.” I did find information about it online
that refers to the students that fought at Bull Run, and these medallions
were given to them after the war. Five of the soldiers did live in Baltimore.
I would like to know the value of this medallion for selling it.
A 1912 Alumni Bulletin of the University of Virginia lists 118 alumni
who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War along with
their addresses in various states. Each of these 118 individuals were given
this medal.

JS: I can find no public sales of this medal. Everitt Bowles, the nation’s A rare University of Virginia The medallion’s reverse
largest vendor in this genre at CivilWarBadges.com, told me he had medallion for alumni who were reading: “The gift of Alma Mater
never seen one either. We know this is a very scarce medallion, but how Civil War veterans, $50-$200. to her son.”
does that translate into the marketplace? There are lots of scarce pieces market and given the story of why these were given and that only 118
of medallic art that have little marketability or value, except in small were produced may be in very good excavated condition and posted in
niche markets. Civil War veteran material is nevertheless a larger an eBay auction, I would estimate a range of $50-$200.

Q: I have inherited a box of photos from my late grandmother. I found
among them this photo of Lt. Delong.
I wanted to check and see if you might know his history or the value of
this photo.

JS: There are at least five or six lieutenants with the name “Delong”
during the Civil War in 1863. One possibility is William H. Delong
who entered service as a sergeant in the 123rd Illinois Regiment and
was promoted to lieutenant in 1863. His image here is quite similar.
Your bust view CDV is a bit washed out, but a collector of this unit,
A photo marked on the reverse with “Lt. Delong in 1863,” maybe $100. if indeed it is William, might pay about $100 for it.

Q: Hello, John, we spoke as you were getting on a hunt game and defend the homestead.
plane. I understand that you may be able to give me This example does appear to date earlier than
some information on my “Kentucky” rifle. It is 51 the inscription, most likely the mid-19th century.
inches in total, and the barrel is 36 inches. The patch Possible that the 1882 inscription was for a boy
box indicates “Daniel McCain 1882.” I assume he getting his first rifle.
was an owner? It is upside down, which I understand The 36-inch barrel is a bit short for most
was normal. I cannot find any other markings or Kentuckys. The gun has survived in average
engravings. I believe from my amateur research that condition with decorative quality, and the best
the rifle is probably older than 1882 and looks like an market for it is in the general antique world as a
original percussion. decorator. You can find similar examples priced at
Any help in providing some information about $600-$900 at antique shows; at gun shows, similar
age, origin, use, value, etc. is much appreciated. I am examples are priced at $300-$500.
really trying to figure out what I’ve got and not quite The best way to sell these used to be to walk
ready to spend any money until I know more. around at an antique venue and get your best offer,
but in the time of Covid, online is an option, but it
JS: Your long rifle is a classic striped maple seems to be a more difficult way to find a buyer.
“Kentucky,” the only purely American
firearm which dates back to the 1700s. A striped maple Kentucky rifle from the
No rural home or cabin was complete mid-1800s, valued between $300 and $900
without one. The rifle could be used to depending on where it is sold.

John Sexton is an independent appraiser and expert of 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.

44 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles