Page 39 - JOA-July-22

by John Sexton

Q: John, I have a set of four photos. The one with men standing in front of The image depicting a group of gentlemen with top hats, I have seen
the cannon may contain Wade Hampton and Gov. Francis Pickens, marketed as Gov. Pickens before, though I am not sure of the ID.
according to the Library of Congress. These are not lithographs but In today’s market, your group of four images should have a presale
actual photos. I can send you the Library of Congress info if you like. Just estimate for auction at $1,200-$1,500, but I would not be surprised to
wondering what they may consign for. see them bring more, especially if sold at a South Carolina venue.

JS: Your images are indeed original albumen photographs taken after Editor’s note: The owner later added that he found these photographs
the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April 1861. The views you show after buying a set of framed lithographs at a yard sale for $20. He
here are most often seen in stereo cards which have sold in the past for dropped them off to be reframed, and these photos were found hidden
$400 to $600 each. I’m guessing your images are about 6 x 8 inches, behind the lithographs. He sold them for a tidy profit. Some images
though other format sizes exist. have been adjusted for viewing purposes.

A photo of Fort Sumter. The “men standing in front of can- Photo of the destruction at Fort Photo of fortifications at Fort Sumner.
non” photo, possibly of Gov. Pickens. Sumter after the bombardment.

Q: I am so glad I found your website, and your offer to authenticate my recent top-of-the-line. Would you please look at the attached pictures and give me
auction purchase. I attended an auction that had a large amount of WWII your opinion of the authenticity of this buckle and possibly its value? The size
items. I am somewhat experienced in WWII items, and I estimate 95% of the of the buckle is 3 3/8 inches wide by 2 1/8 inches tall.
WWII items were JS: Your buckle is
authentic and actually most likely a repro-
very high quality. duction made as early
Included with those as the 1960s.
items I found a US Attached are
Civil War belt buckle photos of a standard,
that I think is the real light war US buckle;
deal. I have no other note the long, tapered
info other than this Probably an early The long hook on the left is flat on this This authentic US buckle’s hook is not flat like
man’s collection was reproduction US buckle. reproduction buckle; it should not be. long hook is not flat. your example.

Q: Found this sword in my father’s belongings. He had a note
identifying it as a Civil War light cavalry saber. I would appre-
ciate it if you could give me more information, verify that he
was correct, and an appraisal value. Thank you for your time
and expertise.

JS: Your sword is a model 1860 US enlisted cavalry saber
made during the Civil War. It appears to be in very good
The government inspector’s Excellent and well- overall condition with a good grip wrap and excellent
marking, “U.S. L.W. defined maker’s marking markings on the blade. Blade markings denote manufacture
The saber’s grip wrap. 1864.” of “Mansfield & Lamb.” by “Mansfield & Lamb, Forestdale Rhode Island” in 1864.
The other initials denote the government inspector.
It is typically priced by dealers at about $800 in
today’s market.

An 1860 enlisted cavalry saber, about $800.
Photos courtesy of elverts@sbcglobal.net

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