Page 45 - joa-nov-21

by John Sexton

Q: So, I have a model cannon that was passed down to me. It says 1861 on
it, but I don’t know if that’s when it was made. It has definitely seen some
years, but it’s still in good shape. The full quote on the plaque says:
“Dahlgren 1w pdr field howitzer 1861.” I know that Dahlgren is in South
Carolina, but I don’t know if it has anything to do with it.
The cannon is pretty large. It includes a cannon on wheels, a carriage,
and a stack of cannonballs. Please let me know what you think.

JS: Your cannon model was made in the last 40 years or so. I’ve seen a
few sell at auction. Not positive they were made by the same company,
but typically 1/6- to 1/4-scale models have auction prices of around
A Dahlgren cannon, not Civil War but perhaps 40 years old, about $1,000. $1,000 for similar, good quality cannon.

Q: Hello sir, this was a recent purchase, and I am not sure of the
authenticity. Thank you for any assistance.

JS: Your photographs do not show me a
lot of detail. However, it is most likely an
original Colt model 1849 pocket model,
4-inch or 5-inch barrel. I need good crisp
photographs of the barrel address and the
serial numbers, then I can tell you more.
Based on the blurry serial number,
your gun would have been made in
1855-1856. Colt made over 300,000 of
A Colt model 1849 pocket pistol, this model, and in your apparent fair
between $400 and $500. condition, you can find similarly priced
examples of about $400-$500 at market.

Q: Hello! While metal detecting today, I found this knife handle which
resembles a D Guard Bowie. It even has wood remaining on the handle.
The guard is iron. I know that it can’t definitely be called a Civil War
A Confederate
relic, but I would love to confirm that it is a Bowie-style knife. Found in D-guard Bowie
western NC mountains at a mid-1800s cabin.
knife missing
its blade.
JS: I wonder where the blade is? No doubt you found a handle from a Complete, it
Confederate D-guard Bowie knife. Most Bowie knife grips are wood; would be worth
looking at this example, the grip may be horn. The iron guard appears a few hundred
well made with a large ferrule and stylized quillon. Not sure this dollars.
relic has a lot of value, but I’m sure there are a lot of blades that
could be married with it, and then maybe you would have a few-
hundred-dollar relic.

Q: Dear sir: Please see the photograph of Hardee’s Tactics, Watson’s
Edition I have attached. Thank you!

JS: There are many editions of Hardee’s Tactics from the Civil War.
Almost every officer had a copy; the most common Union editions in
good condition are $125-$150.
This version, with colored, decorated wraps, has always been
popular, and it’s hard to find in nice condition. This average good copy Hardee’s Tactics with covers in color
with staining will sell in the Civil War trade for about $200. The are hard to find, about $200.
addition of a name and unit always helps these manual’s marketability.
The Civil War Collector continued on page 44

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