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by John Sexton

Q: I found this photo while cleaning out a house my friend purchased. I put
it in a frame to save it from getting damaged. What can you tell me about
it? It is not a newspaper clipping, and it doesn't appear to be a reprint.

JS: I am not sure when this image was reproduced, but it appears with
some age, maybe Centennial Era or earlier (Contact the Hahira
Historical Society). The original 1908 photo would sell for about $300;
this facsimile, about $25.

Q: I just purchased an 1847 Batty powder flask online. I believe it is brass, as it is worn, and you can see the brass
at an auction. I am trying to figure out if it is color underneath.
real or a reproduction. After researching it Can you tell me if this is real, and if the silver plating is original? The
myself, I believe it is authentic. One thing that is top is imprinted with “1847” and “Batty” and a “CB.” Any idea what it
different from everything else I found online is is worth? Any info would be great! Thank you!
that mine seems to be
An original powder flask, silver-plated. I am not JS: The flask is original; the plating is after manufacture, probably for
ca. 1847, valued at finding one like that display. It is worth about $300-$350.
$300-$350.

Q: Hello, John – I found your email online and wondered if you are still
doing identification and appraisal for items.
I found a seemingly very old framed portrait of the Association of
Confederate Soldiers Tennessee Division from the late 1880s, I think.
Seems to be an original print from Thuss in Nashville (where I am from
and found the item).
I have included a few photos and would love any thoughts you might
have. Thanks so much.

JS: Nice image. The content is okay, but it would be better for the
marketplace if this had reunion ribbons or other items shown in the
photo. Similar images in the past have sold for several hundred dollars
each. If this was marketed in a good Tennessee auction, it could A framed portrait of the 1880s
Association of Confederate
generate more interest locally, and the price realized could be higher. Soldiers Tennessee Division,
The best Tennessee auction specializing in this material would be valued at several hundred dollars.
John Case in Knoxville; he has a rep in Nashville, too.

Q: I have what I believe to be a Civil I had one guy tell me it was a watch fob, but I don't know why the
War ID tag. I have minimally soldier would have put this kind of info on a watch fob.
looked into the soldier – he was real,
and survived the war – although he JS: Your tag dates after the Civil War, ca. 1870-1880. The information
was discharged after he lost his right is correct for a man who was a soldier in the 40th Virginia who died in
thumb at Gettysburg. My grand- 1889. Typically, Civil War tags have the unit on them and not the
mother gave it to me about 20 years date of birth. They are made from coins, and Union sutlers (civilian
ago. I am curious about your merchants who sold provisions to an army in the field) had
thoughts on it. special planchettes. The die fonts are similar to those found on early
reunion badges.
A post-war tag that could be a watch
fob. It is inscribed with: “Carl S. I see similar ID tags from time to time that can be dated to the
Brock, Born Sept. 8th, 1839, late Victorian Era with no military purpose. A watch fob is a
Northumber Land Co.” good explanation.

John Sexton is an independent appraiser and expert on 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.

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