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by John Sexton

Q: I have what I believe is a Civil War Era System
LeFaucheux and was curious what its worth might be.
JS: You are correct that this is a Civil War Era
LeFaucheux pinfire revolver. The small “12” on the The “12” stamped on the frame
side of the frame denotes a 12mm cartridge. The for the 12mm bullet it fired.
revolver is fairly common to the market, especially in
fair, incomplete, well-used condition. You can find a
similar gun priced or sold in auction for $200-$300. A LeFaucheux revolver, $200-$300.

Q: I’m really into history, and I came across this flag today at an antique JS: 35-star U.S. flags became official
store. I researched the internet to learn more about who collects them/who’s on July 4, 1863. There is a large range
bought and sold, and I found your name. Would you happen to have an of prices depending on the market;
approximate value on this, even if it’s just an estimate? $500-$3,000 would be a presale
There are a few slight tears you will see in the picture that have been auction estimate as a Civil War,
resewn with wool, but it is a huge flag and a stunning piece. I ended up hand-sewn U.S. flag.
purchasing it, so either way, I guess I'm stuck with it, lol. Hopefully, A 35-star flag; these were
a good investment. flown from 1863 to 1865, $500-$3,000.

Q: Hello there, I was wondering if you happen to know any information JS: That’s an interesting little relic you have. It would be interesting to
about a watch fob that I obtained from the Battle of Shiloh. I would know where the little polished stone came from. Did Charles visit the
appreciate your pointing me in any direction to help me discover more battlefield during a reunion, maybe after the war, and find it there?
about it. The fob says Charles L. Reynolds was a private in Company B, 36th Indiana, and
“Shilo 1862” on one they were at the Battle of Shiloh. I don’t have access to a database to
side and I believe research his history, but it should be easily found as he is on the roster.
“C.L. REYNOLDS I haven’t seen an identical item, but there are many little personalized
’36 Ind” on the other bits and pieces like this.
side. We are thinking The watch chain and attachment are in the style of the Victorian
the fob is a polished Era. A good site possibly to look for comparable items would be
stone or agate, but www.civilwarbadges.com You could even send Everitt Bowles at that site
we are completely a photograph, and he’ll be happy to tell you exactly his opinion of its
A watch chain and fob The reverse with the guessing. I appreciate value. Depending on Mr. Reynolds’ history, I would estimate the
marked “Shilo 1862,” owner’s name your time. pre-sale for auction at $300-$400.
$300-$400. “C.L. Reynolds.”

Q: Mr. Sexton, I have a Civil War rifle that I know that my great-grand- JS: I don’t think your father hurt the value too much, if any. You have
father had. It was handed down to my grandfather, my father, then to me. a US model 1841 Mississippi rifle made by Robbins & Lawrence,
I remember as a kid my grandfather Windsor, VT, ca. 1850, as you can see from the lock and barrel
used to let me hold it and dry fire it. markings. Your rifle appears original apart from a replaced ramrod.
I would like to know what it is Originally, you would’ve had a brass-tipped, tapered rod. The trigger
worth but have no intention of guard was reversed when dad put it back together with the rear sling
selling it. It will be handed down to swivel on the back instead of in front of the trigger bow.
my son. I am afraid my father may Similar good examples of this arm can be found priced at about
have lowered the value. He took it $1,500 in the marketplace.
apart and buffed the barrel.

Close-up of 1841 rifle

A US model 1841 Mississippi rifle, about $1,500.

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.

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