Getting started collecting

[johan_steele]

I've met people who collect buttons, tools, assorted weapons etc. generally they enjoy themselves. Learning and sharing with new found friends is an added benefit.

 

[zburkett]

I once saw a display of all the items found in one knapsack carried by one soldier. Like you, I thought some of the everyday items were as interesting as anything else. When I'm trying to explain it, I say, "Every General wrote 'How I Won the War By Myself (or would have if they had only listened)' but try to find out what a private had for breakfast." Among the most interesting items are the little sewing kits almost every soldier carried. Look at Confederate photos and you can see why. Unfortunately, they are hard to authenticate.

 

[kevikens]

Thanks! that's a great tip. So here's what got me started.

I went to go see "The General" in Big Shanty and wandered into the gift shop at that museum (awesome museum, by the way). They sold candles that guaranteed a gen-u-wine civil war artifact in them. I bought one mostly for poops and giggles, assuming it would be phony. When it burned down it had a hand-carved domino in it (wrapped in foil in plastic so it didn't get wax on it.) No provenance attached, nothing, so I assume probably not even real, but I got to thinking about this. Little things like that would be perfect. I like the lamson idea, and the small item idea. Thanks

One other suggestion. When I taught in high school I had three complete kits of typical soldiers from the Revolutionary War, the Civil war and World War I. As part of each kit was the haversack containing the typical articles carried by a soldier of that period. You might consider researching what those typical articles were and looking for them and collecting and displaying them on shelves or in cases. By the way in case the teacher from Nebraska might read this, that collection of that stuff was a great teaching tool when I emptied the haversack onto my desk as each artifact allowed me to launch into a teaching moment not likely to be covered by the normal curriculum, like the little metal can of BFI powder carried by the Doughboys demonstrating that by that time the cause of sepsis from wounds was understood and an appropriate remedy issued to the troops. The kids would gather around the desk and look in amazement at what soldiers once carried with them onto a battlefield and much of it (unlike the weapons) was safe for the kids to handle. So, if you do build up such a collection think of using it in an educational setting.

 

[johan_steele]

The problem is that once you start... it's an addiction.

 

[kevikens]

The problem is that once you start... it's an addiction.

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I see nothing odd or unusual about this fine collection historical artifacts. I'll have to show this to the wife.

 

[zburkett]

If you are considering dollars, my collections gain at a faster rate than I've ever made with stocks or other traditional investments.

 

[Package4]

If I wanted to begin collecting civil war ephemera (not weapons or uniforms) where would be a reliable and trustworthy source? I am very leery of ebay for this. Thanks in advance.

Where do you live, just the state and what is your acceptable range of travel? There are many shows around the East. I found that educating oneself is of critical importance, reference material and asking reputable dealers their opinions. I always recommend the "Echoes of Glory" set by Time Life Books as a starter along with the North South Trader's "Civil War Collector's Price Guide", which will give many great pointers on starting, acquiring and maintaining collections. Their pricing info is a little dated and values have been depressed for the last eight to nine years, so they are on the high side, but you'll get the feel.

 

[cwbuff]

Lots of good advise here. I learned by going to collectors shows where you can examine lots and lots of artifacts. Two of my favorite shows are: 1) http://www.baltimoreshow.com/ and 2) http://www.ohiocivilwarshow.com/

In the meantime here is a dealer you will find at the shows: http://www.historicalarms.com/

 

[UCVRelics]

Whaaat? An original CS belt buckle (even dug, in fair condition) costs up to 5 thousand dollars. A repro is ten bucks.

I have several CS plates but the only ones I collect are the ones Ive dug.

 

[Package4]

I have several CS plates but the only ones I collect are the ones Ive dug.

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Smart man!

 

[James N.]

Long ago, when I decided what I really wanted to collect were French Napoleonic items (mainly guns and swords), like you I realized I really didn't know very much about them! I invested in 2 trips to Paris and one to London to see the real thing at the Musee d' l'Armee and National Army Museum respectively. Nothing takes the place of examining in person the things you are interested in! In your case that will be much easier, since it doesn't involve overseas travel. The best museums are probably those at Gettysburg and Richmond but there are others in surprising locations like Kenosha, Wisconsin, and of course, most NPS battlefields also have collections of artifacts. When at Big Shanty you should've crossed the street to Wildman's, even just to look. (Mainly, just to look because I don't trust him, but never pass up an opportunity to examine things, even questionable ones.)

 

[Keiri]

Where do you live, just the state and what is your acceptable range of travel? There are many shows around the East. I found that educating oneself is of critical importance, reference material and asking reputable dealers their opinions. I always recommend the "Echoes of Glory" set by Time Life Books as a starter along with the North South Trader's "Civil War Collector's Price Guide", which will give many great pointers on starting, acquiring and maintaining collections. Their pricing info is a little dated and values have been depressed for the last eight to nine years, so they are on the high side, but you'll get the feel.

I live in Wisconsin, and I don't really have too much money to travel often... These are good suggestions, time to update my library wish list.

 

[zburkett]

Keiri, there should be books in your local library and the internet is a great source. At flea markets and junk shops I have found cutlery for less than a dollar. Knowledge is the key. Back when I was getting started, I found a Confederate holster next to the dumpster at an old house that was being restored. What I didn't know was that the old shoes laying around were also civil war. If I had picked them up I would have had trade material to build a great collection at no cost. You have the great advantage of wanting items other than weapons. Learn about little things, the Lampson logo for example, and go from there. Recently on this forum a lady had a Union frock coat she found in a box of discarded clothing.

 

[1950lemans]

As mentioned often in this thread you need a niche. What particular items just stop you in your tracks.
I know someone from another state who's interested in CW - navy - music. Consequently he occasionally looks for letters and music.
The letters are not from sailors but his interest is in those "captains of industry" writing to other captains, politicians, suppliers, etc. They're from the area he lives in. To most they're boring. It's business correspondence: $$$'s per pound, shipment schedules/delays, etc. He's got some big shots' correspondence dealing with the Monitor. Got them on eBay for $7
- $45. The Monitor is NOT mentioned but he knows the timing, the businesses involved, the individuals involved, the problems they faced.
Any sheet music concerning sea songs printed during the CW.
So see how specialized you can get.

 

[Package4]

I live in Wisconsin, and I don't really have too much money to travel often... These are good suggestions, time to update my library wish list.

There are a couple of good shows in the Indiana and Ohio region, Mansfield, Ohio has a great show and Western Ohio has a great ACW dealer, Dave Taylor. Ted Caldwell is out of Indiana and is great. Michigan has Manual of Arms, Paul Milligan sometimes good.

Good luck and share pic before you buy, this forum will always help!

 

[Legion Para]

This show is worth a visit and is the closest one to Wisconsin.

https://www.chicagocivilwarshow.com

The DuPage County Fairgrounds semi-annual MASSIVE Chicagoland CIVIL WAR Show and Sale. The DuPage, IL Civil War Show, will bring delight to the Civil War Enthusiast.

Civil War dealers from thru-out the United States will be offering 1000's of Civil War Treasures and Memorabilia. The history of America's Great Heritage can be viewed on the 100's of tables of unique artifacts offered for sale.

In addition to CIVIL WAR ANTIQUITIES for sale, there will also be memorabilia from the REVOLUTIONARY WAR and the SPANISH AMERICAN WAR. The show will be vetted for quality and authenticity. Dealers will be bringing their BEST wares for this greatly anticipated event. A special display of CIVIL WAR cannons and artillery will also be there for viewing.

Please be sure to sign up for our email list on show updates, special offers, and notices.

1,000's of Civil War Treasures plus, Revolutionary War, and Spanish American War Memorabilia

APRIL 29 & SEPTEMBER 23, 2017
Hours: 9am to 4pm / $9 (includes admission to the CADA Collector Arms Dealers Association Show – http://www.cadagunshow.com/). DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL. Free Parking.

 

[Legion Para]

If you haven't done so, I highly recommend a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

 

[James N.]

And this should also be pretty convenient for you if it hasn't already been suggested: http://civilwartalk.com/threads/the-civil-war-museum-kenosha-wisconsin.120977/

 

[FiremarshalBill]

One other suggestion. When I taught in high school I had three complete kits of typical soldiers from the Revolutionary War, the Civil war and World War I. As part of each kit was the haversack containing the typical articles carried by a soldier of that period. You might consider researching what those typical articles were and looking for them and collecting and displaying them on shelves or in cases. By the way in case the teacher from Nebraska might read this, that collection of that stuff was a great teaching tool when I emptied the haversack onto my desk as each artifact allowed me to launch into a teaching moment not likely to be covered by the normal curriculum, like the little metal can of BFI powder carried by the Doughboys demonstrating that by that time the cause of sepsis from wounds was understood and an appropriate remedy issued to the troops. The kids would gather around the desk and look in amazement at what soldiers once carried with them onto a battlefield and much of it (unlike the weapons) was safe for the kids to handle. So, if you do build up such a collection think of using it in an educational setting.

Years ago I used to take my original musket, bayonet, dug bullets, etc. to the local elementary schools when the 6th graders were studying about the American Civil War, and had many of those "learning moments" with the students when history became more real for them. Not so any more. Most school districts have become very strict and unbending in their rules about bringing ANY kind of weapon or ammunition onto school property, for any reason. Really kinda sad, but I like the idea of taking a haversack and contents, though.

 

[kevikens]

I know what you are talking about. When I first started teaching in the 1960's I had no problems with the weapons and accouterments of several periods of history. The first time I did this I never bothered to tell the building principal about it and sure enough he stops in my room that day. Later in my mailbox I find a note on school letterhead commending me for bringing living history into the classroom. He was a WW II combat vet and had no trouble with firearms. Neither did anybody else. In 1976 the school celebrated our bicentennial of the American Revolution with an evening program attended by the community and parents. I showed up in my Rev War uniform, full kit including my Brown Bess with the bayonet fixed. My former US Marine department head thought it was great PR for the history department. When I did Rev War and Civil war classes I took the kids outside the building and fired off a few rounds to show the loading process and had the kids time me. Even ramming I could get off about 3 shots a minute. I did notify the local police and the other teachers the days that I would do that. Even as late s the early 1990's I could do the WWI class complete with Remington Model P-1917 (more common than the '03 Springfield) and a couple Mills bombs (early hand grenade). Columbine started to put a crimp in this sort of thing and I had to ditch the WW I Doughboy presentation. My state put into place strict laws about weapons on school property but my principal was a part time policeman, I was a state Hunter Safety Instructor and my department head continued to back me on this and the state did allow firearms to be brought into a school for instructional purposes if the principal gave written permission on school stationery and the police were notified ahead of time. I was able to do this right up to my last year teaching a few years ago. No one else does this in my school today, or any other nearby school that I know of. I know that when I showed my students clips of war movies they had a pretty good idea of what was going on (especially the loading scene in Glory) and a much greater appreciation of what it was like to be a soldier back then. Too bad for our young people where today proclaiming independence or the end of slavery, without the how it was done part, seems to have become the standard presentation today.