Collection Antique Firearms, Collecting

[MWood1841]

Hope this is the correct forum for posting this question. I am looking for feedback collecting civil war small arms. I have a nice collection of firearms now, however none from the mid 19th century or before. I've got two really nice trapdoors (my oldest) and a handful of other Springfields. I do not consider myself an expert in firearms, however have a good general knowledge and been a sportsman my whole life.
I feel like alot of what I am seeing listed on sites like gunbroker are questionable. And the prices all over the place. Some really outrageous. I'm trying to get myself more schooled up on the whole Confederate markings and cartouches, but even that can seem daunting trying to read and learn about.
Other than civil war shows, are they any reputable online sources that deal in these?
Recommendations on starting out with collecting. I'm only looking to obtain a few and not get the better half too upset .
Just looking to add a view nice CW guns to my current collection and not get hosed or swindled. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Salterr]

Hope this is the correct forum for posting this question. I am looking for feedback collecting civil war small arms. I have a nice collection of firearms now, however none from the mid 19th century or before. I've got two really nice trapdoors (my oldest) and a handful of other Springfields. I do not consider myself an expert in firearms, however have a good general knowledge and been a sportsman my whole life.
I feel like alot of what I am seeing listed on sites like gunbroker are questionable. And the prices all over the place. Some really outrageous. I'm trying to get myself more schooled up on the whole Confederate markings and cartouches, but even that can seem daunting trying to read and learn about.
Other than civil war shows, are they any reputable online sources that deal in these?
Recommendations on starting out with collecting. I'm only looking to obtain a few and not get the better half too upset .
Just looking to add a view nice CW guns to my current collection and not get hosed or swindled. Thanks for any feedback.

There are a whole bunch of dealers that have CS items for sale. CSacquisitions is a very high end confederate dealer to start. Collegehillarsenal and oldsouthantiques also have confederate guns. Old south you will need a second mortgage on your house to buy his stuff but it's rare. Horsesoldier and uniondb are probably the biggest dealers who have the most access to items. Civilwardealers.com is a whole list of dealers to choose from. CS weapons are going to be a lot more than union ones but those sites will help gauge prices. Most any dealer also offer payment plans. I don't know how much you're looking to spend but many union pieces are reasonably affordable.

 

[MWood1841]

@Salterr Thank You! I will check those out

 

[LCYingling3rd]

I have had excellent experiences with both the Horse Soldier and The Union Drummer Boy of Gettysburg. I have also been lucky with local auctions (I live in north-central Pennsylvania). I Picked up my model 1863 Sharps, my Savage Navy, and my Colt Navy revolvers at local auctions. Auctions are a gamble though. I managed reasonable prices, but you just never know.

I am kind of weird though because I like to examine the firearms in person before I shell out hard earned money. Most folks aren't like that and purchasing online works for them. I guess I am old fashioned...

 

[Sundance]

Take a look at the Gunderson Militaria, LLC site. They are good folks to deal with in my experience.

 

[bayonet]

I'm only looking to obtain a few and not get the better half too upset

Sorry with the prices of CSA weapons she will get upset. Plus I noticed that over the years they hold there value and still sell for top dollar. As for Union weapons I noticed they have dropped alittle in value and price, good for us that had Union Ancestors!

 

[rob63]

One thing I will add is that Civil War era firearms were generally very well made. If you are familiar with nice Trapdoors then you know how tight is the fit between wood and metal, etc. Don't fall into the trap of excusing poor fitting parts by thinking it was war-time production. If parts don't fit well, the most likely explanation is that they have been replaced. I don't always buy high-end, and I'm not saying there is anything wrong with purchasing lower-end guns, but the condition should be reflected in the price.

Also, take the time to learn everything you can before you purchase. The dealer recommendations posted above are excellent. However, I can tell you that dealing with reputable dealers is no guarantee of anything. They are not all-knowing, they do make mistakes, and they are in the business of making money which can lead to some questionable practices. Example: I went to the most recent big show held in Gettysburg with all of the big name dealers. I walked around looking at all of the Pattern 1953 Enfields. I would guess I looked at around two dozen of them, and all but about a half dozen had Confederate markings. It doesn't prove anything, maybe they were all legit, but you would have to be very naive indeed to not be struck by how much it defies the odds.

 

[OldSarge79]

I'll add two of my favorite dealers, College Hill Arsenal and Rebel Relics. Both reputable, knowledgeable and honest.

Then there are those that, shall I say, I would take anything they tell you with a grain of salt.

I sold an Enfield to a dealer a couple of years ago that was spuriously stamped "C.S.A." on the buttplate tang, and had the nipple protector chain only, but no nipple protector. A month later it showed up on his site saying the C.S.A. stamp was done by the GAR and a "Confederate-made" lead nipple protector was now attached to the chain.

You should probably invest in a few reference books to learn about Confederate markings. Some of the books aren't cheap, but they would be a lot less expensive than blowing a few thousand on a gun that turns out not to be what you thought it was. You might want to start with The English Connection by Pritchard and Huey and/or Confederate Rifles And Muskets by Madaus.

Lastly, if possible and if there is no rush, you can always post photos and a description of a particular gun you are looking at on the Small Arms and Ammunition forum on this site and get knowledgeable opinions before you buy.

Knowledge is not only power, seeking it is wisdom.

 

[Nebraska Lawdog]

FYI civil war pieces come for sale on The Muzzleloading Forum quite regularly. I have bought items from there.

 

[captaindrew]

I haven't seen Lodgewood and Shiloh Relics mentioned yet, two more reputable dealers. If there's something specific you're looking for I'd for sure let our own @UCVRelics know, he's at alot of the big shows.

 

[JOHN42768]

I would suggest first decide on firearm you wish to chase down. Second would be to get books on what you are seeking. Read any info you can even if you know it is bogus as that will make you aware for the less then honest sellers. Frequently scan through the dealer and auction listings to see price ranges and oddities. Knowledge is your friend.

 

[Story]

Thanks for any feedback.

Beings as you're in Virginia and 'within range' of Timonium MD, I'd suggest you put this on your calendar now.

Future Baltimore Show Dates | Baltimore Antique Arms Show

www.baltimoreshow.com

You have plenty of time to do your homework before the next show comes around // 22 -23 March 2025 - if only to window shop.

Footnote: the show is international in scope so over the next seven months you might find something you want from someone far away. We live in an era of elevated risk and cost for shipping long things like muskets and rifles, so if the seller is going to Timonium as well perhaps you can arrange a deal-deal and pay upon pickup/close inspection.

 

[Package4]

Hope this is the correct forum for posting this question. I am looking for feedback collecting civil war small arms. I have a nice collection of firearms now, however none from the mid 19th century or before. I've got two really nice trapdoors (my oldest) and a handful of other Springfields. I do not consider myself an expert in firearms, however have a good general knowledge and been a sportsman my whole life.
I feel like alot of what I am seeing listed on sites like gunbroker are questionable. And the prices all over the place. Some really outrageous. I'm trying to get myself more schooled up on the whole Confederate markings and cartouches, but even that can seem daunting trying to read and learn about.
Other than civil war shows, are they any reputable online sources that deal in these?
Recommendations on starting out with collecting. I'm only looking to obtain a few and not get the better half too upset .
Just looking to add a view nice CW guns to my current collection and not get hosed or swindled. Thanks for any feedback.

Best advice I could give is to have patience and as others have said, reference material is key. I would also make it a point to go to as many shows as possible, you are in a very good region for shows. Let some of us know what shows you are going to and we could help with some introductions and instruction. @Story had a very good suggestion with the Baltimore Show, many knowledgeable dealers and collectors go to that show. Just don't be in a hurry, there are many "put together" and spuriously marked pieces out there.........

There is no substitute for seeing the piece in person.

My favorites are:

College Hill Arsenal (probably the best knowledge of CS arms alive)
The Horse Soldier (Thier prices have come down and they get some unbelievable collections)
Shiloh Relics (Rafe gets some great pieces)
Middle Tennessee Relics (Larry is very knowledgeable on CS)
Civil War Antiques (Dave sells mostly Union, but I have snaked a few CS pieces over the years)

All of the above will/should offer a life time guarantee, which is needed in this day and age of rip off artists.


Good luck and keep us apprised of your progress!

 

[MWood1841]

I would guess I looked at around two dozen of them, and all but about a half dozen had Confederate markings. It doesn't prove anything, maybe they were all legit, but you would have to be very naive indeed to not be struck by how much it defies the odds.

I was following another thread from several months back about CSA firearms and suspect markings. I've heard the stories of sketchy dealers and anything CSA driving up the sale amount. So def makes me nervous just now jumping into this.

@OldSarge79 thanks for the info and I'll check those guys out.

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Superb and much appreciated. I'll post when I get my first one. Hopefully y'all take it easy on me and dont beat me up too bad

 

[OldSarge79]

I was following another thread from several months back about CSA firearms and suspect markings. I've heard the stories of sketchy dealers and anything CSA driving up the sale amount. So def makes me nervous just now jumping into this.

You are now entering what I call the murky and shark-infested waters of Confederate collecting. So, as @Package4 indicated, it's always good to have an experienced swimming partner in waters like that. The rewards can be great.

 

[huskerblitz]

Just yesterday I was the winning bid on an 1862 M1861 Springfield from Centurion Auction off of HiBid. It was dumb luck we were vacationing in the area and got to look it over first. Some things were under their estimate and some were over (mine unfortunately went over) but you can check out what they have. I asked around first and got good word about the auction company first.

 

[Package4]

I was following another thread from several months back about CSA firearms and suspect markings. I've heard the stories of sketchy dealers and anything CSA driving up the sale amount. So def makes me nervous just now jumping into this.

@OldSarge79 thanks for the info and I'll check those guys out.

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Superb and much appreciated. I'll post when I get my first one. Hopefully y'all take it easy on me and dont beat me up too bad

Where in Virginia are you located, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[Patrick H]

I can't offer any useful help, except to say that I grew up with old guns in the closet. People traded them or gifted to my dad because he did a lot of nice favors for people and this was many years ago when values weren't so high. And where I grew up in central Missouri, nearly every family had some old firearms so they were plentiful. None of them were pristine by any stretch of the imagination, but I thought they were very cool. What I am trying to say is that if your condition standards aren't extremely high, you can probably find more items available. Heavy patina and stock dents probably wouldn't suit many collectors, but I would still find those items very interesting and fun to have.

 

[MWood1841]

if your condition standards aren't extremely high, you can probably find more items available.

def not looking for anything in perfect condition and would actually prefer something that has what I would consider 'character and love' marks. I got a handful of M1 Garands, the last one purchased was a field grade with plenty of character marks and is my favorite. Love an old gun that can almost tell a story.

 

[Patrick H]

I got a handful of M1 Garands, the last one purchased was a field grade with plenty of character marks and is my favorite. Love an old gun that can almost tell a story.

I love Garands, too. They are so much fun to shoot, and a real piece of history in their own right. One of the old closet guns that my dad had was a Harper's Ferry musket. It might easily have seen some duty in the Civil War, but we will never know. It now resides on long term loan in my cousin's display cabinet, and fills a slot in the historic timeline of firearms in his collection. I see it more often now that it's on display somewhere than when I actually had it in my possession. All of which is to say that these "well-used" old guns turn up in lots of closets, and can be fun to have if you enjoy the story they tell.

Good luck. Have fun. And show us some of your acquisitions from time to time, if you don't mind.