Page 44 - joa oct 22

by John Sexton
Q: I have what “I think” is an 1860 Civil War staff & officer presentation Would you please give me an appraisal of
sword and scabbard. The maker’s mark is “Horstman, Phila.” this sword? My step-father passed away and
The blade is etched on both sides and has the name “C.B. Trentman” had this sword, and no one in the family
on one side. It is in very knows anything about it.
good condition.
JS: This is a militia sword, circa 1880.
The name on the blade is the recipient. It’s
really in fine condition but not a valuable
sword. In the antique market, the value is
The militia sword and scabbard. about $300.

A circa 1880 militia sword in fine-but-not-
valuable condition, about $300.

Q: Sending you these pictures. I field. These were also sold by sutlers. Several relic
would like to know the value of books show variations. I believe this one has a
this item that I dug out of the portrait of General Joe Hooker.
ground after finding it with a In this poor, excavated condition, it still might
metal detector. Just curious as to bring $200-$300 as they are quite desirable and scarce.
its value. I’ve included a photo of a complete badge here sold by
Heritage Auctions with a portrait of Gen. Kearny.
JS: The shield-shaped object is a Typically, escutcheons sell at Civil War shows for
suspension pin for a Civil War between $100 and $300, though some have brought
ID badge. There are several dif- much more in special circumstances.
ferent kinds of these badges, and
The bottom part of an excavated they can be found advertised
ID badge with General Joe Hooker’s during the war in publications A complete badge with Gen. Kearny’s image on top and
portrait, valued at $200-$300. the soldier’s name and unit on the bottom.
Photo courtesy of Heritage Auctions
The top section is missing. that catered to soldiers in the

Q: I have attached photos of two items that were recently gifted to me by pouch, but I really don’t know. In the photos, I have tried to show the
relatives that were represented as Civil War-related. First, the headgear. I interior where one of the compartments is lined with some type of metal. It
realize the average adult was somewhat smaller 160 years ago, and I have measures 8 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches and is quite sturdy. The main flap is
seen uniforms from the Civil War that appear to be much smaller than marked “U.S.” The shoulder strap is about 21 inches long.
adults today, but this headgear seems way too small to have been used by an I would appreciate any assistance in identifying what both of these items
adult. The opening for the head measures only 4 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches. are and any estimate as to value; although, I will retain them as keepsakes
Could this have been used by a child, maybe a drummer boy or from a within the family.
military academy?
I was unfamiliar with this style of headgear, but it looks quite similar JS: Your helmet is usually marketed as a
to photos of shakos worn before the war and early in the war. I saw them chasseur helmet for certain militia units
in the July 2021 issue of America’s Civil War magazine worn by the 1st around 1861. I’m not sure of the actual date,
Massachusetts Militia. The underside of the visor but there are plenty of them out there, and
is green and marked “D.” they commonly turn up at auction. One sold
The other item looks like it may have been at Heritage in 2012 for $700; more recently,
some type of ammunition or cartridge most have sold for less.
The cartridge box is late war, probably
Heritage Auction’s description of the hat it surplus with an embossed “US,” but it does
sold: “Civil War chasseur pattern leather have the original over-the-shoulder strap,
shako ordered by the War Department from
Paris as part of 10,000 complete chasseur which is scarce. You can find similar at Civil
uniforms in 1861. Issued to five Northern War shows priced at about $500.
regiments, including the 83rd Pennsylvania Image of a similar late Civil War period cartridge box
and 72nd New York as well as some militia with the original strap, the one submitted for this
units.” Photo: Heritage Auctions appraisal is valued at about $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 him at: jsextonatlcom.ne@mindspring.com.

42 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles