Page 50 - JOA-Apr-22

by John Sexton

Q: John, I acquired this knife along with an Allen and Wheelock JS: Very interesting knife. Gemrig was in business for 40 years, 1840-
pepperbox from a workmate in Delaware. I have researched it, but anything 1880. He is best known as a maker of surgical tools.
of particular interest you can say about it and its approximate value would The shape of the ivory grip is reminiscent of those made in San
be appreciated. Francisco by Will & Finck. We can date this knife to the early Civil War
The knife is 11 1/2” overall with a 7” blade. The blade is marked “Gemrig due to the wonderful inscription. Without the inscription, I would
Phila.” The sheath appears period, fits it well, and probably original to have valued this knife at about
the knife. The knife handle appears to be bone and is Gemrig-made knife inscribed with owner’s name $800-$1,200. Double it for the
engraved: “Chas. F. Lennig F.T.P.C.C.” The knife is dating it to the Civil War, $1,600-$2,400. Civil War inscription.
in excellent condition; the sheath is in good condition. I would love to see better pics
Charles F. Lennig, 1836-1916, was a wealthy of the grip. The “stained” area
Philadelphia druggist then industrialist. He was almost looks like secondary
elected to the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry dentine, which is unique to walrus
(F.T.P.C.C.) in 1861 and resigned in 1862 with the but could be the bark area from
rank of 5th sergeant. – Thanks. elephant ivory.

Q: I would like to learn more information on this and possibly put
A carved powder it in a museum.
horn, probably from
a prisoner-of-war JS: This powder horn was probably carved at a Confederate prison near
camp, worth a few Tyler, Texas. This one has little carving and little added detail. The best
hundred dollars.
have sold for a few thousand, but this one will probably sell for a few
hundred or more, depending on who the soldier is that carved it.

Q: I have recently acquired a Civil War Era Confederate jacket in good opinion than me in this genre; send him photos if you wish:
condition for its age. All buttons are intact except for one. The buttons refrench6270@gmail.com. Photos of the interior of the coat will also
depict the state seal of Maryland. The front of the jacket has some damage, help in identifying it.
but the back and sleeves are in excellent condition.
I cannot find anything comparable online. I have, however, found a
single Maryland button that sold for $275 several years ago. I’m confident
I have something valuable on my hands but would appreciate any
assistance you can provide regarding the value and history. Thank you so
much for your help.

JS: The coat appears to be post-Civil War to me. Do you have a photo
of the back of the button? The back mark will date the maker. An
expert in militia coats would be Bob French who can give you a better Probably a post-Civil War coat needing a closer look by an expert in militia coats.

Q: Hello, John, I have had the item shown in the attached photos for more It seems to be possibly constructed with soldered English tin, and
than 50 years, and until recently, I had no idea what it was. I am looking for unfortunately, I could not find any makers’ mark. The overall measure-
an idea of its value. Would you be so kind as to help me out in determining ments are 10 1/2 inches tall by 4 1/2 inches wide.
the value and/or more specific information as to its appropriate use? It has five separate components which include the chimney (complete
with side vents), double boiler with insert, kerosene or alcohol burner, and
all topped with a cover complete with a decorative rosette design knob.
I’m not completely sure that the burner is original. (It’s stamp dated
“1866” on the bottom with “E F Rogers”) as it seems to be constructed
out of brass.

JS: This is a portable camp stove, a general-line antique item. Tinware
used to be a really popular collectible in the 1980s and 1990s. There are
books written about it.
This is scarce, and appears in good condition. It may be possible for
you to find a similar stove for $125.
A camp stove, not a Civil War item, but still worth about $125.

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.

48 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles