Page 40 - JOA-2-21

by John Sexton

Q: I found this item at an auction. I’ve been able to find some information Ames is a popular maker, and I would imagine it would bring a
on Nathan Ames, but not much concerning this specific item. I have premium with good markings; maybe $300-$400 would be a range it
enclosed some pictures along with the two patents that most closely resemble should sell in.
the item. Thanks for any information you can provide! I appreciate it!

JS: During the Civil
War Era, there were
several patented
knife, spoon, and
fork combinations
sold to soldiers. I
have not seen this
particular example
marked Ames, but I
have seen unmarked
examples priced at
A knife with a spoon and fork combination made by trade shows for
Ames, $300-$400. The combo of eating utensils fitted together.
around $200.

Q: This pinback is 1 1/2 inches tall and 1 1/2
inches wide at the bottom of the bell.

JS: There is a handful of different General
George McClellan ferrotype pinbacks. These
were campaign pins for the
presidential election of 1864.
The condition of the ferrotype
image is most important, and
typically, McClellan sells for
around $1,000 on average. The
damage and chipping hurt this
and it will probably bring about
half is my guess.
In the photo is a pair that
sold for $1,300 at Heritage A McClellan presidential campaign pin with a ferrotype Lincoln and McClellan ferrotype pinbacks that sold for $1,375 in 2015.
Auctions a few years ago. image attached to a bell, about $1,000. photo: HA.com

Q: Attached are six photos The last two show its only flaw: there is a bolt missing. (The photos show
of a Civil War rifle I own. both sides of the gun where the bolt goes through.)
I'd like to know anything What is this worth in its present condition? Where can I get this profes-
about it, including its sionally repaired so as to not harm its value? Thank you.
appraised worth. The first
four photos are of the gun JS: This is a popular Civil War percussion breech-loading carbine nick-
and any identifying infor- named a “grapevine carbine” due to the shape of a loading lever. The
mation on it I could find. gun is marked on the rear of the lock “GWYN & CAMPBELL” in an
arch above “PATENT/1862/HAMILTON O.” The frame is stamped,
“UNION RIFLE” vertically below the breech. Two inspector’s
The rifle’s “Gwyn & Campbell”
mark and “PATENT/1862/ cartouches are found opposite the lock; one is “WHR.” William H.
HAMILTON O.” Rogers inspected between 1862 and 1863.
It appears to be in good/very good condition overall. It
also appears complete in your photos, other than missing
a lock screw which needs to be replaced, but that is minor.
Average good/very good examples are priced by dealers
around $1,500. Excellent examples retaining a bright case
sell for more than double.

A grapevine carbine made by Gwyn & Campbell, $1,500.

38 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles