Collection Where has everyone gone

[Papabyrd]

Where is everyone ? I love to check in to the forum every day to see what new pieces of history have come under new caretakers. But the last few weeks very few of you have posted stuff you have added to your collections. AS collectors we like to drool over what someone has picked up. So get the phone out and take some pictures and post your new Sword or rifles & pistols . Looking forward to seeing your stuff. papabyrd

 

[Conquerordie]

Unfortunately the economy has said no more Civil War collecting for me. Might end up selling everything rather than adding to. Sucks but we are only temporary caretakers if this stuff anyways.

 

[gary]

Inflation kills disposable capital. Fractional Reserve Banking ensures that it will only get worse and is designed that way. Then the wheels fall off (meaning we get a new monetary system). Watch the destruction of the American middle class.

If I were an economist, I would do a study of inflation in Civil War. A Rebel War Clerk's Diary does have a lot of prices but it's regional too and a beseiged areas will command higher prices than a rural area that grows or produces food. I know the North wasn't immune from it either and the soldiers paid a lot to sutlers (or just shouted, "Rally, boys, rally!" for a military five finger discount - kinda like what happens in the big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago or New York today).

 

[scooter748driver]

I picked up a couple of guns over the last few months but they're more 1870-71 than Civil War so didn't post them. Of course one is a converted Colt Model 1860 so a case could be made I guess.

 

[JOHN42768]

Still chasing Civil War, but purchased some expensive Revolutionary items and a fantastic 1600's Japanese Tanto

 

[delta rifles]

I'm still actively collecting, but I'm in the process of building display cases so most of it is packed away. I've focused more on soldier letters recently though.

I also echo what everyone else has said about the economy. I've pretty much shifted gears and am not pursuing the bigger ticket items like swords and firearms for the time-being...and it also seems that I've reached the point where I've priced myself out of the button market. I just can't pull the trigger on the more expensive holes in my collection.

I am going to the Brandon show next weekend so I may have something to post before long.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

Where is everyone ? I love to check in to the forum every day to see what new pieces of history have come under new caretakers. But the last few weeks very few of you have posted stuff you have added to your collections. AS collectors we like to drool over what someone has picked up. So get the phone out and take some pictures and post your new Sword or rifles & pistols . Looking forward to seeing your stuff. papabyrd

Hoping to add something in the next week!

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

Inflation kills disposable capital. Fractional Reserve Banking ensures that it will only get worse and is designed that way. Then the wheels fall off (meaning we get a new monetary system). Watch the destruction of the American middle class.

If I were an economist, I would do a study of inflation in Civil War. A Rebel War Clerk's Diary does have a lot of prices but it's regional too and a beseiged areas will command higher prices than a rural area that grows or produces food. I know the North wasn't immune from it either and the soldiers paid a lot to sutlers (or just shouted, "Rally, boys, rally!" for a military five finger discount - kinda like what happens in the big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago or New York today).

I am also not an economist, and I think this would be an interesting topic.

I've done a decent amount of research into the economics of Cincinnati, which was a commercial hub. Prewar the economy was terrible, and only got worse as the secession crisis progressed.

It would be interesting to see how places like Cincinnati, St Louis, Pittsburgh and such along the Ohio were affected. I'm sure others with their own regional preferences would also like to see it.

The unfortunate part is, I don't think one would glean too much information from a large scale analysis, as sectionalism probably would distort those numbers quite a bit.

 

[JackADriscoll]

I like to watch prices. You can get period pieces for less than repros. Another interesting topic would be tracking prices over time like what was a plain jane 1861 Springfield going for in 1989 vs today?

 

[James Brenner]

Generally speaking, when the economy's bad it's not just the prices that drop, it's also the fact that seldom-seen items become available. That's good news for those who have the disposable income, but not so good for the seller.

 

[gary]

A few years ago when an one ounce $20 gold coin was only $1200 (USD/Federal Reserve Notes) , a Civil War era Whitworth was about $12,000. Ten gold coins could buy you a whitwoth-- which is much cheaper than the $1,000 in gold (or fifty $20 gold coins) the Confederates had to pay back then.

 

[Bugattimiller]

I'm just about to show my latest acquisition, something I have been after for a while. It's a 54 bore Kerr revolver in really quite nice condition. I will show in a separate thread.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Still chasing Civil War, but purchased some expensive Revolutionary items and a fantastic 1600's Japanese Tanto

Would love to see the Revolutionary War items.

 

[JOHN42768]

Would love to see the Revolutionary War items.

Thread 'Old Flintlock'

Apr 17, 2026

Anyone who likes old flintlocks, check out the campfire forum. I posted a set of F & I War ca.1730 British Officers Pistols. Craftsmanship from 300 years ago

• JOHN42768
• Replies: 19
• Forum: Small Arms & Ammunition

• 

Later this month I'll post my Charleville 1763-66 musket with upgrades through 1771 and dated 1772. It wears breech surcharges of US & S.N.Y No provenance but,extremely likely part of the French Aid that arrived at Portsmouth, N.H. that ended up at Battle of Saratoga. Survived the Revolution then stored at Springfield Armory and distributed to states in 1808 in anticipation of the War of 1812. Proudly wears the surcharges showing participation in both wars. The link above shows F & I War flintlocks that may have also used in The Revolution. Enjoy

 

[redbob]

If you collect artillery items, the market has gone rather flat with fewer items and nothing particularly interesting coming onto the market. Unfortunately, these days the availability of items is driven by large collections coming on the market due to collectors either selling out or by the death of the collector. Also, fewer items are showing up at shows (which also have become fewer and further between). But, as these things seem to run in cycles; we will just have to see what the future holds and I'm always on the lookout for a nice Enfield Cavalry Carbine.

 

[bayonet]

Just sold off my large Rev War era Polearm collection plus many swords. Also some ACW items like my Spencer & Sharps carbine. Sadly I'm not getting anymore items from overseas Sales or Auctions. Shipping has gone through the roof and Customs here now charges a tax on everything coming from overseas which was never done before 2025 (gee wonder who is responsible for that!). The Personal exemption of $800 is no more. Plus US Customs now rips open the box to inspect and does a lousy job closing it back up. One idiot took the flintlock pistol out placed it on full cock and put it back it the box. Another time the whole inside of the box was wet, ripped open and no doubt left out in the rain. Shipping costs now 3 to 4 times what they were before 2025. Done collecting except for maybe a few more ACW swords.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Shipping is killing us both ways. I can't buy anything from the US and get it shipped here in the UK. Most dealers just won't ship to the UK, can't blame them it has all got so difficult and expensive. Also shipping anything to the US from here is a nightmare, all duties, taxes, handling charges (and anything else you can think of) has to be paid up front before shipping. Sort of killing the hobby. I used to buy alot from the US and the dealers were great, even met up with Dave Taylor one time when visiting the US on business at a gun show and he gave me great advice and a free entry ticket. I did buy a Colt Navy at that show (talking over 30 years ago) but boy did I have problems at the airport but that's another story. Apologies for the rant.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

I've got something coming in the mail this weekend that I've wanted to get a hold of for years. I'll post a new thread then.

 

[johan_steele]

60-70 hour weeks… makes doing anything fun a challenge. I need to post pictures of the original Charleville Rev War I brokered the purchase for the museum. Probably need to show off some of the ACW donations we've received as well. Maybe after graduation season.

 

[Cato3rd]

If you collect artillery items, the market has gone rather flat with fewer items and nothing particularly interesting coming onto the market. Unfortunately, these days the availability of items is driven by large collections coming on the market due to collectors either selling out or by the death of the collector. Also, fewer items are showing up at shows (which also have become fewer and further between). But, as these things seem to run in cycles; we will just have to see what the future holds and I'm always on the lookout for a nice Enfield Cavalry Carbine.

Yeah I've noticed this as well. I'm in my 30s so I'm in the group that is looking to buy and build up my collection. Outside of the common stuff, it is tough to find the rarer pieces that will infrequently hit the market. Not to be macabre but the better items only really come available once another collector dies. Some of the older collectors bought items as investments and are starting to realize no one wants to pay those inflated prices.

The upside from my perspective is that since interest is not as strong as it once was years ago compared to other militaria fields, prices have leveled off and it becomes a waiting game on getting rarer pieces.