Original Artifacts

[jurgitemvaletem]

Greetings,

If you have a passion for original artifacts from the 1861-1865 time period than by all means discuss them with  us!

Post here if you have original artifacts or are intereted in learning about something in particular


thanks,
Jurg

[Bummer]

Ah, this was the section I had mentioned in the 'what's missing' question. Glad to see it now.

I don't know how many folks on here have a collection of original artifacts. I used to have much more than I do now, but still have some things.
Being in the museum profession I have learned the various grades of things--some are to be very carefully preserved, yet others fall more into the line of 'useful antiques'. Because I enjoy actually using these objects I think I have collected more with that in mind and the nicer, rarer, things I have traded off or carefully put away.
Even in my day to day life I am usually seen wearing an original Civil War belt buckle and I have always used a pocket watch (often of later vintage although occasionally wartime period ones).
For some reason I feel a little 'closer' to that time if I get to handle, wear, and use, actual artifacts that 'were there'.

SW~

[jurgitemvaletem]

Wow, a braver man than I. I cannot even bring my self to use an original item for one weekend let alone use something all the time.


thanks,
Jurg

[Steamboat-Bill]

I strongly agree with Bummer, use of an item ties you more closely with the times.  I enjoy collecting CW weapons.  While I wouldn't think of having a battle with any of my swords (enough nicks in the blade edges of some) I greatly enjoy shooting black powder.  When I am considering buying a firearm, I check the bore to see if original accuracy may be possible, as well as the ease of being able to fabricate suitable rounds.  All of my pistols have been reminded of their firey past, and the few rifled muskets and breechloaders I have also enjoyed being fired anew. 

A recent buy made me the pleased owner of a true Berdan Sharps rifle.  Wish the snows would diminish so's I can soon try it out on a target!

[Bummer]

Shooting the actual weapons of the period is a great way to help 'get the feel'. And there are reproductions of most of them too--but I prefer the actual ones. They are quite accurate and when well cared for (along with an original artifact comes responsibility to it) still give very good service, and will continue to for a long time.
I have fired live everything from pistols to an original 12 pound Napoleon cannon. It can be amazing to watch these old pieces in action...and then think on what it must have been like facing such tools of war--it really makes one pause, and respect what those soldiers did.

SW~

[8thvacav]

Here is a site on CW projectiles. Tom will help you ID them too.
Martin

http://www.civilwarprojectiles.com/

[leadhead]

Hello Folks,

I am a new member and a collector of ACW Firearms (mostly Model 61/63 Springfields and contracts), Bullets and Cartridges. Most of my collection of bullets and cartridges can be viewed at www.baymediapro.com/collection (I need to update that site with a bunch of new specimens).

I am a moderator and site co-owner at www.civilwarprojectiles.com, a community of bullet, cartridge, artillery and weapons nerds. If you are interested, come visit, we can be a surly lot but generally are friendly and courteous.

The scans are two recent acquisitions,  an "Arsenal Style" .44cal revolver cartridge made for the Dragoon revolver by Colt and a .44cal Colt Revolving Rifle Cartridge (also manufactured by Colt).

Looking forward to some fun discussions and to meeting some new friends on the forum.

TomH
(Martin, thanks for the endorsement)

[Capt Coxetter]

Any Confederate philatelists on this list?   

Capt. Coxetter

[Bummer]

Any Confederate philatelists on this list?   

Capt. Coxetter

Yes, I have been a member of the CSA (Confederate Stamp Alliance) for some years and know one of its past presidents pretty well.
I have all 14 issues (#10 is the biggie!) and most of them on cover--including some nice 'hard times' covers (wallpaper, turned, etc.). What I do not collect however is postmarks or provisionals--which seem to be among the bigger facets of CSA collecting, but one thing I am facinated by is late war usages on regulation stamps--my record so far being April 12, 1865. I know someone with one later than that, but can't chip it loose from him. My real 'latest useage' cover (which is actually cheating), but a Confedereate stamp (#12) actually carried a letter in 1937. Someone was playing a trick--the stamps are worth too much to try that today. My favorites are the ones with directions written on the cover such as 'if the road is cut to Xville, please send to Mr. A who will pass it on to B'. Notations like that really bespeak the times so well.
I also really like 'mixed frankings' (two different stamps to make up the fee) both northern and southern.
Perhaps my best piece is a nice 'through the lines' cover with both Union and Confederate stamps on it. Feal ones are quite scarce.
What are your interests?

Bummer~

[Timotheus]

In case you missed the sad news....

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/05/cannonball.death.ap/index.html

Collect safe out there. 

Timo