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Later Entire Texas Brigade Commander, and then Texas District Brigadier General by Order of Texas Governor

Literally REAMS of Historical Archive Information Accompanying this Most Astonishing Collection

I'd have to say that this rates right up there with about the most historically significant, personally intriguing, and definitely the highest CS ranking officer's equipment of ANY kind I have ever had the pleasure to offer for sale. Indeed, this is another early 1950's acquisition from the Griffith family, as they parted with their grandfather's heirlooms with my now very old Texas attorney friend, who is (as you've been noticing) selling-off the last of his collection through me. I keep saying it, but I REALLY can't stand listening to the stories of how stuff like this was SO PLENTIFUL, and SO CHEAP--often FREELY GIVEN AWAY, or given as payment in lieu of legal work! Just makes me want to pass-out (as bad as listening to old-time relic hunters talking about digging 10 shells and 10 US plates a day as a "bad day"! UHHHG!)

As a brief synopsis to John S. Griffith (there are 47 pages of documentation to accompany this collection, through the National Archives, Civil War Data.com, and in several books such as "All Afire to Fight--History of the 9th Texas Cavalry, Sul Ross' Brigade" and "The Darkest Days of the War" (about Battles of Corinth, Iuka, Holly Springs raid, etc), Griffith was first enlisted as Captain in the 6th Texas in 1861 at the age of 31, but quickly promoted to Lt. Col. and Commander of the 6th Texas Cavalry on September 13th, 1861 by election. He would later be promoted to Commander of the Texas Brigade itself for a short period of time towards the end of 1862, but would become so severely ill by February 1863, that he spent several months in a CS hospital in Jackson, MS, suffering from "disease of the liver and bowels" as he would write, and his physician would call it as being "sorely afflicted with Bronchial irritation of the upper lobes of his lungs and dysentery...". He would tender his "unconditional resignation" on April 29th, 1863, which was accepted, and he would return to Texas. The Governor Texas, friend of Griffith, would actually later promote him to Brig. Gen'l over a District in Texas, though his health really kept him confined in his role. You can view all the excellent information below: copies of original muster rolls, letters, medical affidavits as to his health condition that led him to resign and go back to Texas (only to be promoted to Brig. Gen'l with District Command by the Governor), Southern Telegraph message, pay vouchers, unit equipment requisition request forms (including a really cool one requesting specific handguns, rifles, ammunition, accouterments, etc), and copies of the regimental history, his service records, the excerpts written about Lt. Col. Griffith and his PERSONAL LEADING OF THE CHARGE into Holly Springs (Mississippi) for the most famous raid, that he was credited for helping General Van Dorn design and masterfully execute against Grant's main main supply depot in the early fall of 1862 in Holly Springs, where millions of dollars of Grant's main army stores were captured and/or destroyed, AND as the book/history shows, Lt. Col. Griffith personally captured Grant's wife at Holly Springs! She was down in Holly Springs to be near her husband, as she always tried to be to watch over him and keep him sober--no, I'm not joking, her efforts to keep him sober were continual, especially through the Vicksburg Campaign....but that's another story! Lt. Col. Griffith would at sword-point try to maintain order of the joyously victorious Confederates who--being so thread-bare, poorly-equipped and hungry--literally were enjoying an "orgy" and "buffet" of delight in all the equipment, food, delicacies, new clothing, weapons, saddles.....and of course, LIQUOR! He would also personally have a guard assigned to protecting Mrs. Grant while they were in Holly Springs, and despite her and that of the other Yankee officer's wives within the house curt behavior toward Lt. Col. Griffith and his men, the ever-gentleman Lt. Col. Griffith ordered "not a hem to be touched". When Mrs. Grant asked if the Confederates were now waging war against women, he kindly--but curtly--replied, "No, ma'am....we leave that to our enemies!" (All excerpts from the excellent book "Darkest Days of the War" written by Peter Cozzens--see below.) He would later write about leading this most daring and crippling raid to Grant and his overland attempt to invade Mississippi's heartland and head toward Vicksburg, "I felt as if I could charge hell and capture the devil, if the Almighty had commanded me to do so...".

As you will see with his surviving rig and image, he has a gorgeous pre-war Eagle sword belt rig that has original and unworldly-rare solid-cast Texas "Star" sword leather strap hanger studs--they are believed to be made by T. Miller, as they look identical to his stippled-background Texas "star" button he would make for soldier's and officer usage. This is only the 2nd belt I've personally EVER SEEN bearing these ultra-rare Texas star studs, and only a handful have been excavated in Virginia and in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. The belt is 100% intact and solid, as is his Gaylord-marked holster, though the small, thin finial closure tab required some backing repair to allow it to close properly (professionally restored from behind). His side-arm is that of a pre-war/early-war Whitney Navy revolver with all-matching early serial numbers, and is undamaged, complete, and fully-functional (has only one replacement screw--all ales intact, original, and in good working order). His sword is a classic Dragoon officer's saber with polished beautiful bone grip, fanciful blade etching, and his rank and name "Lt. Col. John S. Griffith" hand-carved into the soft brass of the spine of the sword handle. Solid blade and scabbard with no damage or repairs. His 6th-Plate ambrotype image shows a full waist-up shot of him in his officer's frock coat, with buttons gold-gilted by the photographer, AND with the two stars on each side of his collar gold-gilted as well (the rank of a Lt. Col. in the Confederacy). Behind the image on the back of the full case is written in his clear handwriting, "Affectionately Yours, John Griffith"---obviously to his wife or close loved-one.

He fought bravely at the bloody 2-day Battle of Corinth (nearly destroying Rosescran's army) and followed soon-after by the massively successful raid and capture/inhalation of Grant's supply base in Holly Springs so thoroughly, that Grant had to withdraw and cease all offensive operations against Pemberton's department in Mississippi, as Grant was being ordered to take Vicksburg and Jackson.

Sure....you'd pay WAY MORE somewhere else for this kind of history, rarity, and quality....but why waste your hard-earned money??? I won't even tell you what the attorney paid to get it back in the 1950's, as you'd pass-out as how ridiculously little he paid to get it!

Private D. W. Adams of the 32nd Texas Cavalry (Crump's Battalion, Mounted Volunteers)

Was Assigned to Lt. General Theophilus Holmes' PERSONAL BODY GUARD (See Records Below)

His M1860 Colt Army Revolver (all-matching serial numbers), CS/Local-Made HOLSTER & CS/Local-Made Roller Buckle Belt, His Crudely-Made from a file Fighting Knife with Crude Leather Sheath Intact, His Carbine/Pistol Cartridge Box, Possible CS-Made Cap Box, and his 6th-Plate Ambrotype of Adams in Uniform

His Name is Hand-Carved Into Both the Grip of His Colt, & On His Roller-Buckle Lip, as well as Upon the Back of His Image Case (cursive signature)

Acquired in the late 1950's from my Texas attorney friend, comes this incredible complete ID'ed heirloom grouping of Private D. W. Adams, of Company C, 32nd Texas Cavalry, Crump's Battalion, Mounted Volunteers, who was ASSIGNED to Lt. Gen'l T. Holmes' PERSONAL BODYGUARD as shown in the National Archives Muster Roll Records! This spectacular collection has got it all!!!! From his SUPER-FINE, all-original, fully-functional, all-matching serial numbered Colt Army .44 caliber revolver (a captured piece with cartouche on grip, serial number 52172--an 1862 production), his crudely-made from a file-blade 12" total length (7.75" blade length) fighting knife with equally crude leather sheath, his classic Confederate roller-buckle belt rig (!!!), his CS/LOCAL-MADE holster for his Colt, possible CS-made cap box (more on that in a moment), his cartridge box (technically the style for a carbine), and the coup-de-main....his fully-cased 6th-plate ambrotype image of him in his Confederate Cavalryman's uniform (and VERY unusual pants--striped!) His name "D. W. Adams" is hand-carved in large BLOCK letters upon both the tongue of the leather protector on his roller-buckle belt rig, and into the left-side grip of his Colt Army. Behind his ambrotype image, upon the back of the case, is a cursive signature "D. W. Adams" as well.

EVERYTHING on Private Adam's rig is 100% AUTHENTIC and ORIGINAL, 100% Fully-Functional, with NO REPAIRS or DAMAGE. Only the most minor wear from actual service as bodyguard to Lt. General Holmes in the Western/Trans-Mississippi Theater. The classic Confederate and often simple civilian-style roller-buckle belt rig is simply FANTASTIC, being the archetypical example of what was really among the most mass-issued and used belts used by Confederate soldiers...though SO VERY FEW SPECIMENS EXIST TODAY. This one is entirely intact, with no tears or damage, supple leather, and typical confederate "tooled" lined edging. The crude file-blade converted fighting knife is so impressive, being 12" in total length, and 7.75" blade length, having the file remnants near the base of the blade on both sides where the blacksmith didn't finish the sharpening/finishing process. It has a simple wooden 2-piece handle with two crude square-nail type fasteners tacked to hold the handle together. The equally crude and utilitarian leather sheath is also complete, undamaged, supple, no tears or separations in the seem, and a copper rivet used kind-of like a hooking mechanism to the belt. The mid-1862 production FINE condition, all-original, complete, fully-functional, and unpitted Colt Army .44 caliber revolver with visible US inspector's cartouche has EXCELLENT, CRISP all-matching serial number stampings everywhere (except wedge, which is original replacement wedge--so very common--NOT a modern reproduction wedge!!! Wedges were the easiest and first thing to lose off a Colt!!!). The unpitted metal has a wonderfully eye-appealing faded blued hue, with beautifully intact, uncracked and unchipped grips, with his name "D. W. ADAMS" carved into the left-side handle. The Colt maker's address atop the barrel is still completely visible, of course. This Colt is FINE. The only thing finer (in terms of rarity) is the Confederate-made HOLSTER for this Colt!!! Classic crude, simple cut, simple form, lesser leather quality, and TINY BELT LOOP INTACT on the back that can ONLY FIT A TINY CS ROLLER-BUCKLE BELT!!! You can see where it had originally had an earlier belt loop, but an in-the-field repair of russet leather and crude copper rivets were utilized to keep the holster in service for Private Adams. The oh-so classically Johnny Reb flap attachment device is a simple copper utility rivet! The leather by the rivet hole in the flap has long since torn from all the wear, but that's the only facet of this holster that isn't absolutely wonderful, intact, supple, and "perfect" for a well-used Confederate-made and used holster! His typical (and probably pre-war Federal or captured) carbine cartridge box also has both loops firmly intact, with nice maker's cartouche upon the inner flap, but is missing the attachment leather strip--again, typical from field and combat service wear. The cap box...now this one is VERY interesting....I've had several "experts" in CS leather look at it, and all have given a "hmmm...interesting....maybe..." to this one being a CS-made specimen! It's got a more sloping front flap style going down into the flap to attach to the tiny brass finial--a form in design and cut seen in known CS-made arsenal specimens-- two VERY THIN intact attachment loops on the back, and NO FEDERAL MARKINGS/SUB-INSPECTOR MARKINGS (the small "flower" or "starburst" stampings you find on all exclusively Federal-made leather accouterments). If it isn't a CS-made cap box, it is certainly pre-war.

And saving the best for last...the fully-cased 6th-plate ambrotype image is Private Adams, with him wearing his local-tailored/commutation (CS government reimbursed) cavalryman's tunic, with fine piping on the sleeves, collar, and up both sides of where his many small vest/"dragoon"-sized buttons and button holes are on the sides. What's really cool is that you can see his CLASSIC JOHNNY REB (classic "TEXAS" FLAIR!) striped pants!!!! Certainly not "regulation"....but those Texas boys fighting in the Deep South and Trans-Mississippi Theater wore what they could--and always had their own flair and style! Behind the image is his name "D. W. Adams" penciled in period cursive style and form. He was 24 years old per his records (see the many records of his Muster Rolls and service data from the National Archives, Civil War Data.com, etc), and his face certainly shows it in the image. Private Adams would be within the personal bodyguard for Lt General Theophilus Holmes, who would command men early in the war in Virginia (fighting in such blood-baths as Malvern Hill) but later promoted and assigned as Commander of the entire Trans-Mississippi Department by order of Jefferson Davis himself. His career and performance as Department Commander, however, were NOT "stellar"....in fact, far from. He refused to send relief to the beleaguered Army of Mississippi, stuck besieged within Vicksburg, thus allowing the Mississippi River to be forever cut in twain--which was the primary task Davis ordered Holmes to do. He would later be relieved of his post, relegated to smaller commands, and even transfered into North Carolina--all coinciding with his deteriorating health. (See below for the great biography of General Holmes--the man Private Adams was assigned to personally protect!)

Bought directly from the family descendents back in the late 1950's, this grouping is FRESH TO THE MARKET! If you simply add-up the value/price of the the individual pieces together--REGARDLESS of the provenance of being attributed to Adams of the 32nd Texas/Holmes' Bodyguard--you'll see that this price is cheaper than what you'd pay to buy them individually...and that's without ALL THE KILLER HISTORY!!!

Only the finest from Champion Hill Relics to you...and at prices that won't cost you a new car to own in your collection!

Outstanding Illinois Officer's ID'ed grouping, coming directly from the granddaughter's attic in the 1980's (acquired and originally sold through Mr. Larry Hicklen in 1992), this grouping has been in my great friend (and on of the BEST adult Oncologists in this country) collection for many years now. But it is now available again to the open market. Lt. Melchi Grove enlisted into Company E of the 86th Illinois Infantry Regiment on August 14th, 1862 as 1st Lt of the Company. He would fight at Perryville, Kentucky later that fall, and would succumb to chronic diarrhea (as is listed on an original Department of the Interior Pension Office Document included with this collection, as well as many other papers) from the October 9th battle. This chronic problem was so bad that he had to be discharged from active duty on the 13th of January in 1863. Included amongst the many papers is even the hand-written testimony of his personal physician in 1863 back home in Illinois, describing his clear chronic diarrhea, he being "much reduced in flesh and strength, and appeared to be suffering also from over-medication..." (hand-written affidavit submitted in 1875 to Pension Department). He lived in Peoria County, but was originally from Ohio, marrying Amelia Clemmer on February 8th, 1842, who bore him 8 children (all listed in other documentation included). All of this documentation and affidavit work was for an increase of his service pension for his disability, to which he did receive. Though I do not have his date of death, I know he died before his beloved wife Amelia, as we have the January 29th, 1915 Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions record of her death on November 3, 1914, and thus the pension she had collected from him was terminated. There is a wonderful post-war, late-life sketch-image of Lt. Grove and his wife Amelia that accompany this collection as well.

The items are in splendid condition, ESPECIALLY the FINE condition Colt M1849 Pocket Revolver, and exquisitely etched and gorgeous Klingenthal-imported Foot Officer M1850 Sword and original leather scabbard. Everything is 100% COMPLETE, 100% ORIGINAL, 100% UNTOUCHED, and 100% gorgeous. The Colt is a Flayderman's/NRA "FINE" rated condition specimen, bearing all original parts, all-matching serial numbers 105702 ( a pre-war 1855 production specimen), with KNEE-DEEP markings everywhere--ESPECIALLY the crisp and vivid cylinder scene that will knock your socks off (just look at the MANY fine close-up picture below of the entire cylinder scene!) Fully-functional, of course, and not missing any parts, no replacement pieces, no damage nor repairs. Excellent weapon. The fantastic 100% complete, original wire and sharkskin-wrapped M1850 Klingenthal FINE imported Foot Officer's sword with it's INTACT original leather scabbard with brass mounts is truly beautiful. The fine etching is about as vivid and clear today as the day it was made (look at all the crystal-clear close-up pics I took of the etching on both sides of the blade below). NO DAMAGE---NO REPAIRS--NO WEAR or worn-out spots on the grip--just perfect, just like the nick-free blade. The Klingenthal maker's marking is crystal-clear upon the spine of the blade--even the original throat washer is present! The original holster still has solid stitching on the sides, with supple, beautiful black leather. The original brass finial is present, though is coming slightly loose, and there is a tear where the finial attachment hole was--but no biggie at all.

Simply SPECTACULAR! True, he only fought in one battle--that of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8th, 1862, the 86th Illinois was in the thick of the fight, near the Bottom House and "Bloody Sink Hole". And Lt. Grove was there...with these armaments of war for his service...

Spectacular Civil War (or Pre-War) Cadet Enfield-Style Musket, Bayonet, & Belt Rig

Complete with belt, cap box with ornamental brass oval attachment, original cadet belt buckle and keeper, bayonet scabbard and bayonet for the Enfield-style .44 caliber Cadet Musket. This phenomenal collection of pre-war or wartime Cadet gear came out of North Carolina, and was within the famous Bill Beard collection for years. The fantastic Enfield-style copied .44 caliber fully-functional, all-original, and complete musket is in very good + condition. It is still fully-functional in both positions, having all the original parts and pieces complete, right down to the ramrod, and a nice cloth and leather-ribbed sling. Being a Belgian-made miniature copy of the Enfield Rifle, you can see the clear and vivid Liege proof on the top of the barrel. No repairs or damage. The original bayonet fits well, and has it's own metal scabbard upon the original cadets belt rig. A cap box with ornamental brass oval attachment on the flap are with the rig. No ID, unfortunately, but if it came out of North Carolina, and BILL BEARD HIMSELF liked it enough to put it in his collection, you know it's gotta be good. So many Southern states had a plethora of military school across the South, who would give up her young sons to defend her soil to the bitter end. The boys would trade-in these small cadet muskets for the real death-wielding weapons, and employ them, and all their training, upon a thousand battlefields dotted across the Southland. The honing of their fighting skills would be executed in full fury from Virginia to Texas. No more parade-ground drills and inspections.

Really cool, rare to see grouping. It would make for a great conversation piece. I've got a copy of the letter of authenticity from Will Gorges and it's provenance through Bill Beard.

ULTRA-RARE CS Arsenal-Made Cartridge Box ID'ed To Private Wayne Franch of Tennessee

Pvt. Franch Enlisted May 18, 1861 into McClung's TN Light Artillery, Then Transferred into the 13th TN Cavalry in 1862, Fighting With Forrest, Until Finally Being Personally Exchanged by His Captain into the 8th Tennessee Infantry by the End of the War

Classic CS Arsenal-Made Construction, Lead Finial, Roller Buckles, & Remnants of Cotton Shoulder Strap

Reams of Historical Archives to Accompany this Supremely Rare ID'ed Southern Cartridge Box

Now this is more like it! How many surviving Confederate-made cartridge boxes do you EVER SEE? I mean, seriously...how many? And out of those, how many do you find ID'ed TO THE CONFEDERATE SOLDIER!?!? And this old boy fought the entire war, and had quite a career racked-up by the end, starting in the artillery service, transferring over to cavalry fighting under Nathan Bedford Forrest himself, and then at last, going to foot as an infantryman. Boy, the stories Private Wayne Franch would tell his children and grandchildren for generations to come!!! Don't you wish you could have been there to hear them...we can only imagine the tales of close-calls, long rides and marches, endless cold nights and hot days, thirst and famine, or fire and fury of whistling lead and iron raining in battle...THAT is the POWER of these kinds of unworldly rare ID'ed Confederate items. To KNOW that he reached into this very cartridge box--filled time and time again with hundreds upon hundreds of rounds of ammunition to fire at his hated foe in blue--is what makes history REAL.

This specimen has all the hallmark, archetypical CS-made traits--the cruder form, leather, roller buckle (one remaining--other is missing), cruder stitching, classic lead finial, and the very simple cotton sling remnants for the shoulder straps. There are two thin, small belt loops on the back, as would be regulation, but more classically "Confederate" in form and stitching. Upon the outer flap, the clear hand-carving of "W. FRANCH" with another set of "W F" underneath, with a clear diamond-like symbol that when you look close enough, you recognize as the Masonic emblem. Given that so many men were Masons in that era, this is not uncommon, and he was proud to bear his brotherhood in the society. The leather is still extremely supple all over and very well intact, though obviously the cruder construction and quality of leather is evident on the inside inner flaps for the inner compartments (very thin leather). No cartridge box tins remain. The one belt loop and leather attachment remains underneath, with the leather attachment having a good foot and a half of the original cotton webbing for the shoulder strap. The South had to conserve their leather usage as much as possible--and they had PLENTY of cotton--thus, more and more cotton usage went into construction of once all-leather accouterments...until eventually, large CS depots like the Columbus, GA depot would make entire cartridge boxes, belts, and cap boxes ENTIRELY out of cotton webbing that would be tarred for weather-proofing.

Private Wayne Franch enlisted early in the War to fight to defend his home and sacred Tennessee soil, joining McClung's Tennessee battery on May 18th, 1861 (see muster rolls below). At some point in early 1862 (as shown by the Muster Rolls below), we know he was then transferred into the 13th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, showing up on records through November, riding and fighting with Forrest's most famous saddlemen, as shown by research done by William Floyd (ancestor of Brig. Gen'l John Floyd, CSA), that Wayne Franch enlisted with his horse into the 13th TN Cavalry, and fight with Forrest there. By November 27th, 1862, it is shown that he appears to have been transferred into the 8th Tennessee Infantry. Clearly, Wayne Franch participated in such battles as Neely's Bend, Murfreesboro, the Tullahoma Campaign, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, and the final bitter end in the Carolina's where he was paroled.

And through all those thousands of miles marched....battles fought...blood, sweat, and tears...we have his Confederate-made cartridge box that "lives on" to tell his story...HIS history.

I can only imagine how many hundreds--if not THOUSANDS of rounds of lead Minnie' Ball cartridges Wayne pulled from this cartridge box to shoot-down his hated foe in blue???

Image, Captured Colt w/CS Russet Holster, & Captured "Harper's Weekly" Clippings

Was Promoted for Gallantry to Corporal, Enrolled in the ANV's 6th's NC "Roll Of Honor" For His Actions

Colt Pocket Revolver & "Harper's Weekly" were "Taken from Captured Yankee Officer April 20th, 1864",

THIS IS A STUNNING HISTORICAL GROUPING--and I've had a few in my time, but this one is really astonishing! This is an ID'ed grouping from a very young North Carolinian, John B. Ballard, who enlisted in March of 1862 into the famed 6th North Carolina "State Troops" (indeed, the unit which had their own incredibly rare "6th NCST" belt buckles we all covet!). In 1860, he is in the US census at 15 years old with his father, mother, and family, listed as "Farmers". Being barely old enough to possibly shave in 1862, he joined the famed regiment within Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at age 17. We have his fully-cased 6th-plate tintype image--a "ghostly," all-too-young face of a young "Johnny" heading off to war, wearing the NCST regulation multi-button tunic made of dark grey wool, with cuffs and cuff buttons, and button-down collar tabs. He also is wearing yet another "regulation" piece of headgear, the "high-top"/"bummers" kepi. According to the many surviving muster rolls in the National Archives (see below), he did spend some time (like most soldiers) in the hospital sick, but spent the majority of his service time well and "present" for service in the field, fighting with the 6th. But his "finest hour" would come at the Battle of Plymouth, North Carolina, which occurred April 17th through the 20th, 1864. Hoke's Division was dispatched by Robert E. Lee in order to help stem the Federal landings and expansions into the coastal areas of North Carolina--which were ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL for areas of portage for the desperately-needed blockade runners. In conjunction with the CS Navy (including a couple "ironclads") the Confederates assaulted the Federals at Plymouth, pushing them back into the the protective confines of their Fort Williams, sinking some Yankee naval ships and literally running the rest off that were helping protect the "tightening noose" around the Federal land forces, until all the Federals within Fort Williams finally had to capitulate on the 20th. What act of gallantry and bravery the young Private John Ballard performed during the multi-day fighting is not listed or known (as of yet--we are STILL DIGGING for more history!), but one thing is documented well: he was officially named and listed into the 6th's "Roll of Honor" (the ANV had a policy that all regiments had a "Roll of Honor" to recognize soldier's who performed some great feat, valor, and gallantry of special note), AND the young Private Ballard was promoted to CORPORAL Ballard! The National Archive "Roll of Honor" documentation is shown below. But that's not the end of now Corporal Ballard's actions from the Battle of Plymouth: he would take a beautiful, all-original, complete, and matching serial numbered Colt Pocket Revolver (early 1862 production specimen) AND a Harper's Weekly, upon which he cut-out pieces, marked "Taken from Captured Yankee Officer April 20th, 1864", and on the cartoon from the Harper's (having Abe Lincoln "lording" over a northern minister and peace advocate), John would draw-in horns and a pitchfork on poor Old Abe!!! John then obviously had a local-made, classic Confederate crude and small russet-leather holster made for his "war trophy", upon which he would write his name "J. Ballard" upon the small inner flap.

Corporal Ballard would indeed fight "until the bitter end," as his Prisoner Parole/Oath of Allegiance in 1865 is within the National Archive records (see below), and he would live long after the war to receive a pension for his service (also listed below).

I can't help but be so intrigued and astonished by the young John Ballard...and what few "relics" of his great experiences through that horrific war that we have remaining here. Look into that ghostly image of a so-too-young soldier's face...and knowing his bravery and conspicuous actions within the whirlwinds of lead and iron death...THIS IS REAL HISTORY. May his story and his "relics" outlive us all and tell his tale to all generations to come...who are willing to look and listed to them...

Just as I described with the last Klan uniform I sold a week ago--I make no political or moral judgment in offering these pieces to you. They are truly pieces of our history that are as powerfully present, emotionally-charged, and absolutely relevant today for what they are--pieces of history. Abhorred by most, and admired by some, the long 140+ year history of the Ku Klux Klan is inescapable. Offered for sale here is the uniform of Dr. Robert Painter, a resident of Maryland during the 1920's and 1930's. His complete robe, reinforced hood with detachable masking, cape, cloth waist belt, and the pre-1939 KKK patch are all present and in solid condition. As usual, this "dummy" had to be the dummy to wear the uniform in order for you to see what it really looks like (and I love scaring my wife half to death! It really freaks her out!) According to family legend, Dr. Painter was in an "altercation" with some person/people of "color" in the 1930's--which resulted in a few splatterings of blood seen upon the robe. His grandson Kenny Painter would later become a Grand Dragon/Cyclopse of the Klan here in the Jackson, MS area in the 1960's, and would be arrested for shooting-up a black-operated and ran newspaper here in Jackson [note: I've got his uniform, too! Will list it shortly!] The Painter family had a long and storied history with their loyalty and membership in the Klan, obviously.

"It is what it is...". It's a stark and very blunt reminder of our American experience as our nation has known it.

Excellent ID'ed CS "Gardner" Pattern Wood Drum Canteen

From the Director of The Fort Polk US Army Museum, Director Fred Adolphus

"JSM" Soldier Initials, and "LSM" Carved Into Canteen

Provenance to John M. Sadler, 19th Louisiana Infantry Regiment

KIA at Battle of Chickamauga

Complete with Original Copies of his Service Muster Rolls, Records, & Regimental History

Has Period Strap (Appears to be US Canteen Strap Utilized) & CS Tin-Drum Canteen Spout Added for Spout

Private Sadler Enlisted May 1st, 1862, at Corinth, Mississippi, into Company A

Yet another literal "museum-quality" piece--and another piece of irreplaceable history that speaks VOLUMES merely by looking at it, and letting it tell it's own history from that long-ago, tragic, and watershed period in our young country's history--momentously changing us forever...affecting us yet today. This absolutely gorgeous, 100% "righteous" Confederate cedar wood wood-drum canteen (known as a "Gardner" pattern) is 100% original, solidly intact, and exhibiting all the perfect attributes and qualities representative to this archetypical CS exclusively manufactured and used canteen. Measuring 7.5" in diameter, and 2.25" wide, it is of the most common size seen produced by the Confederacy (made throughout the east and deep south). [As a side note, when I was a "hardcore" authentic reenactor, I had really taken a keep, in-depth interest into CS wood drum "Gardner" canteens, to which they are so fascinating and beautiful in their own right. You also learn how to tell the FAKES and other older/later, or other pieces made in other countries that people try to pass-off as Confederate--it's really sad. But knowledge, as always, is power!) Inside, you can see the lathe dimples where these cedar drum blanks were finished in the lathe smoothing process, and even on the outside, the clear circular lathing marks are evident. All three sling mounts solidly present, of course.

This piece is truly--yet again--another "museum quality" piece...given that it is coming from the personal collection of Fred Adolphus, Museum Director to the US Army Fort Polk Museum!!!! He hates to let it go, but it's time to let this beauty out for someone else to love for some years--he's ready to use the cash to acquire even more "goodies"!

What's so unique to the canteen starts with the spout--and ends with the incredible Louisiana provenance...forever stained with blood upon a hillside far from his home. Director Fred Adolphus originally acquired this specimen back in 1998 from none-other than the highly recognized and internationally respected Confederate relics dealer, Will Gorges, and comes with full "blessing," obviously. The spout is that of a CS tin-drum canteen spout that was clearly utilized to fit as the spout for this piece. Most Gardner pattern canteens had wooden simple insert spouts, and almost always they broke-off and end up missing on surviving specimens. Notoriously so, the thin and poorly constructed tin-drum canteens often came apart and formed poor seals, and thus often got discarded. This appears to be a situation where in camp that the Louisiana soldier lost his spout, needing a replacement, and one of his mates had a tin-drum canteen ready to pitch with leaks or broken seals, and thus this Gardner got a new spout from a tin drum ready to be trashed! Pretty cool! You can remove the spout assembly from under the tin banding (VERY CAREFULLY), and see the decades of real wear, shadowing, tin oxidation bleeding into the wood, etc, that prove this wasn't some "monkey-job" slapped together a few years or decades ago. All appears 100% legit. The strap upon this piece also appears to be a more typical Federal-style canteen strap--typical field replacement job where Johnny utilized whatever he could find when his old chincy strap gave-out. Rust bleeding around the three canteen strap loops are wonderfully present.

But clearly what's best of all with this piece is the provenance: there is a clear "JMS" carved largely into the face of the canteen. Beneath that is a very interesting and somewhat "encrypted" grouping of markings. As you can tell, this poor boy (Cajun or whatever French descent he was) couldn't write well (the "S" being backwards). In the heart/middle of the canteen are the letters--written backwards--"E.F." followed by "LSM" (written clearly and correctly) and then another backwards "E" and some illegible letter or number. But one thing is for sure, we know what "LSM" stands for! Louisiana was always most proud of their pre-war militia units--so many of so much fame, even unto this day--and as war loomed and suddenly broke-out, there were literally over 100 different "militia" or other "Guard" troops formed all over the state. Obviously, as organization with the central Confederate government took hold by the summer and fall of 1861, these small individual militia units, guards, "avengers", etc, became encompassed into regular state Infantry units for Confederate service. But the soldiers still adored their original heritage and distinction. Running through the National archives, only one soldier from Louisiana had the initials "JMS". He was John M. Sadler, of Company A, 19th Louisiana. Officially mustering into service with the regiment at Corinth, MS on May 1st, 1862 (where Bragg had the Army of Mississippi stationed at the time), John first signed for 12-months of duty, but the following year he volunteered for "3 years or the war...".. This documentation can be seen below on the original copies of his muster roll information from the National Archives, as well as unit history. He hailed from Bossier, Louisiana when he left home to fight the Yankees. He would meet his fate on September 20th, 1863, where the only Confederate true total victory on the battlefield in the west was achieved....at Chickamauga. John and his regiment--within Adam's Brigade--would be a part of the massive US left-flank assault to "bag" the Yankee's who desperately clung to Snodgrass Hill. Somewhere between the MacDonald Farm and the base of Snodgrass Hill, he was killed. Though they victoriously charged into Beatty's Union Brigade, made it break and run for protection atop Snodgrass, the human waves of butternut-clad warriors that tried time and time again to take Snodgrass was like an angry ocean beating waves against the rocks--with dead Confederates left in the flotsam. John was among the human wreckage that day, and is buried somewhere unknown upon the field this very day.

Real Confederate history. Priced below what just a plain Gardner canteen with strap and spout alone would cost you, you get all the history of sacrifice and devotion to one's countrymen included.

Now you see why it REALLY IS "Museum Quality"....

SOLD

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

John Sadler met his end--giving all for his beloved South--near the McDonald Farm--

charging Beatty's men, Breaking them, and trying to "bag" the Yankee's on Snodgrass Hill

Original Pieces of Planks from the Infamous Isaac Robert's House on the Champion Hill Battlefield

Here are some true remnants of history--cut pieces of outer planking from the walls of the Isaac Roberts House on the Champion Hill Battlefield. The I. Roberts House was utilized as General Pemberton's (CS) Headquarters during the battle, as well as the main Confederate hospital. Many a fine and brave Southern soldier lamented and died within these walls, and were buried in mass graves behind the house. General Grant and his son (who traveled with him on the Campaign) visited the house--and their dying foe within--the night after the battle. Several shells tore through the house, and minnie' balls pocked the walls. Up until the early 1980's, this house was still standing. As with most historic structures, it was left to rot. Dan Patterson was smart enough to save what remaining good planks were left in the rotting heap of house. Some have the old whitewash on them, and some even have the original square nails in them. I have 12 pieces for sale of varying sizes (most around 8" by 10").

His Pre-War M1849 Colt Pocket Revolver (5" barrel) TAKEN from NY Camp at the Battle of Santa Rosa Island, Florida, October 9, 1861!

Having the distinct pleasure of meeting Captain Humphrey's g-g-grandson Robert Peake (in his 80's now), I personally purchased this grouping from him (actually, his grandson Will, since his grand-daddy is in an "assisted-living" home). These are indeed the articles of Captain Humphrey Peake, who was company commander of the "McFarland Rifles", being Company K of the 10th Mississippi. These family heirlooms are only now coming fresh to the market right out of my "neighborhood"--and it's a pleasure and honor to offer them to you. Mr. Peake was a wealthy land-owner here in central Mississippi, and was among the very first to offer his service and if need-be, his life for the fledgling Confederacy, enlisting in April 1861 right after Fort Sumter. The 10th Mississippi was quickly formed with many other fresh, raw regiments that April, assembled here at the State Capitol of Jackson. Mr. Peake's education, wealth, and status was his credentials that had his company members elect him as their Captain and leader. And they wouldn't have to wait long to see action. Though you've probably never even heard of the place or small battle there, the 10th would face their first fight on October 9th, 1861, on Florida's Santa Rosa Island. Though the South was successful at forcing many pre-war US coastal Forts into submission, Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island was well protected, and the Yankee's weren't about to give it up without a fight! It was guarded by elements of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th US Heavy Artillery, and the entire 3rd U.S. Infantry, as well as the 6th New York Infantry, which was placed at the eastern end of the island as an "early-warning" to a land-side invasion attack. Department Commander General Braxton Bragg wanted Fort Pickens....and so Brig. Gen'l Richard Anderson took his brigade across from the mainland in two steamers in the early dark hours of October 9th. Landing on the eastern shore, they completely surprised the slumbering 6th New York, sending them into total panic and flight--allowing the fresh Johnnies a bewildering opportunity to taste early victory...and RANSACK THE ENTIRE NEW YORK CAMP!!! Flush with a small, quick victory, Anderson dared-not make a frontal attack on Fort Pickens, and thus "dared" the Fort's commander, Colonel Harvey Brown, to sally-forth from the fort to force them off the island--and hopefully defeat the Yankee's on the open sands and scrub of the island. Colonel Brown did exactly what Anderson wanted--but the result wasn't what he wanted! The overwhelming strength of the Federal forces, with artillery superiority, make it untenable for Anderson's men to stay on the island, and thus re-embarked and came back to mainland. Brig. Gen'l Anderson himself was severely wounded in the fighting, and losses were around 80 men on each side.

After every battle, each Company commander had to submit his "after-battle" report, and each regiment then would submit their regiment's "after-battle" report to the Brigadier commander, and so on. We have here in the grouping Captain Peake's after-battle report, 2-pages (one paper-front and back) giving the strength, equipage, and manpower the day prior to the battle, and describes in vivid detail the wounded and the loss of equipment in the fight. (See the many pics of the letter and content below).

Captain Peake's classic "Johnny" imported pre-war Model 1840 "Wristbreaker" sword and scabbard are splendidly intact, original, and solid. All of the original wire and wrap are present, with crisp "R&C" maker's mark on the blade's spine (standing for German sword-maker's firm of Rohrig and Companie). Blade is untouched, with beautiful, unpitted, steely-grey patina. Tight blade to the beautiful brass guard and 3-tine classic basket. Fits like a "glove" with the original and complete scabbard. His pre-war M1850 Eagle Sword Plate belt rig is still very supple and nice, having the typical pre-war made, small-tongued Eagle sword plate, that has the most pleasing, mellowed brass patina. On the inside of the belt is the very feint, but clearly legible signature of "Captain Peake McFarland Rifles"! His pre-war 5" barrel Colt "Pocket" .31 caliber revolver is very nice, being 100% all-original, complete, fully-functional, and all-matching serial numbers 64031 (a VERY early production piece, made in 1853). No damage, repairs, cracks, or detracting facets whatsoever! Knee-deep and crystal-clear Colt's New York maker's address atop the barrel. A very sweet Confederate officer's piece. But there's a neat little "mystery" to this weapon....there's a name "J. MCNEAL" type-set punched into the bottom of the grips! As the family oral history passed-down relates, Captain Peake took this weapon from the 6th New York Camp that they pillaged in their early-morning wild success at the Battle of Santa Rosa Island!!! Research McNeal's name in NY records, and I bet (so long s the records remain and exist) you'll find out exactly who this 6th New York McNeal was!

Doesn't get any more historic--and affordable!--for a 100% "righteous" Confederate Captain's gear and weapons, my friends...