Page 42 - joa-nov-22

by John Sexton

Q: I am interested in having an appraisal done on this drum. However,
I am uncertain if it’s even Civil War-related or not. Could you take look
and ID it, and let me know what an appraised value is?
A drum insignia from the
JS: It is an insignia of a drum, not an actual drum. Your insignia is Indian Wars Era or later.
often sold as Civil War and priced at $300-$400, however, it is not
Civil War. It dates from the Indian War Era or later.

Q: I found this photo at an antique store in New York and
A photo from
circa 1900 of thought it told a story. Any idea on the regiment or value?
a New York
National JS: This image dates to circa 1900; it is the 37th
Guard Separate Company, New York National Guard. It has
Company, great clarity and detail, and it is scarce, but it has little
$50-$75. value – about $50-$75.

Q: I wonder if you can give me an idea of what this is worth? It is original,
not a copy, from my father-in-law’s grandfather. It’s framed under
glass, and there are no markings on the back of the frame. Many thanks
in advance. A Mercury Sentinel
broadside that could
JS: I cannot authenticate your Mercury Sentinel broadside from 1860 be worth $20,000
from the photo here, but it is valuable – if it is original. The condition if authentic.
of the paper is very important for value; the yellowing is not a positive
indicator as these were printed on newsprint and should be white.
Recent sales have averaged about $20,000.

Q: I purchased a piece from a local auction and was wondering if you had JS: This printed document was an acknowledgment and commemora-
an idea of what it might be, to whom it was presented, and if it has any tion of service by Charles H. Peabody of Co. D, 12th Connecticut
value on the market. The document has a date of July 4, 1867. Pictured Infantry. He served from December 7, 1861, until August 12, 1865.
on top are Rear Admiral Andrew Hall Foote, Union Major Gen John The 12th Connecticut was known as the Charter Oak Regiment,
Sedgewick, and Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. I believe the document named after the famous Hartford Oak Tree. This unit saw service
text reads (not 100% of the bolded and xxx portion): mostly on the Gulf Coast and participated in the Port Hudson
“The state of Connecticut desiring to recognize in a permanent and Campaign, losing 170 men to disease and just less than 100 in battle.
appropriate form the truthful and heroic services of her citizen soldiers Charles was among the lucky ones to survive and live until 1926,
this by a unanimous vote of the general assembly of 1867, directed the being active in the Grand Army of the Republic, the Union
undersigned to present to XXXX X Peabody sergeant of Co D, 12 veterans’ organization.
regiment, this testimonial of honor, in graceful remembrance of the The sword is a model 1860 militia staff sword that dates circa 1880
courage and patriotism by him displayed in the late war for the suppres- and was possibly used by Charles during reunions, as a member of the
sion of rebellion and the preservation of constitutional liberty.” GAR. This was a typical part of the regalia.
It appears to be signed by then-governor James E. English and Lt. Gov Similar memorials can be
Ephraim H. Hyde which would be the priced in a wide range, but the
43rd governorship between May 1, most common auction price is
1867, and May 5, 1869. $75-$125. With the sword, you
The sword appears to be a staff and can add $75-$100.
field officer sword and measures 33
inches overall with a 27-inch blade. An acknowledgement of service
Any help is appreciated. document from Connecticut with a
A model 1860 militia staff sword, rear admiral’s and three generals’
pictures at the top, $75-$125.
$75-$100, and an acknowledgment
Photos courtesy of Jason Archer.
of service document, $75-$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 him at: jsextonatlcom.ne@mindspring.com.

40 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles