Will & Lynn Gorges
Civil War
Battleground Antiques Inc.
dba CivilWarShop.com

3910 U.S. Hwy 70 East
New Bern, N.C. 28560
Phone (252) 636-3039
Fax (252) 637-1862
tarheelrebel2000@aol.com

We only list absolutely fresh merchandise!
You may, of course, call if you are looking for anything specific—we have a building full of inventory!
Phone: 252-636-3039

Items currently listed for sale

SSSS! CHECK THIS WEBSITE DAILY and LOOK OUT FOR THE TOTALLY RANDOM SSSS! (Summer Special Surprise Sale) WHY reduce these items? BECAUSE WE CAN! Posted special bargain prices are ONLY valid as long as they are visible on the website. You snooze you lose....


Massive Confederate Civil War D-Guard bowie with original and near pristine brown leather sheath! The hand forged clip point blade measures a bit over 13 7/8" and is about 1 7/8" wide at the ricasso. Overall length is almost 18.5". Condition is fantastic overall and the flat slab two piece grips have a small notch neatly cut from the top of the right side. There is an old museum number inked on the back of the sheath which reads "14.337 b/4019". This is a GREAT Rebel knife! Sold	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4	Regulation Confederate gray wool Civil War frock coat, 2nd Lieutenant rank. Superb example of a field grade officer coat for line combat operations, adorned only with the gilt bullion rank bars on the collar and fine droop winged Confederate Staff Officer buttons. This is the EXACT coat described on page 97 in The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics by Sylvia and O’Donnell published in 1978.
The coat was once in the famed collection of the Cotton and Hills Exchange Hotel in Fredericksburg, Virginia and is accompanied by the original museum placard which reads, in essence, "Confederate Officer's Coat—taken from the battlefield of Spotsylvania C.H. , three days after the battle by a Negro, Johnson. The officer had been killed and the coat was lying by his side. Johnson wore it for "Sunday" until Aug. 29, 1887. It is of the finest material and cut in the most fashionable style." The coat has had several conservation and stabilization repairs but is very sound and ready for display! $42,500.00

One of one known to exist—an original Fayetteville North Carolina sword bayonet with lapped iron scabbard! Manufactured at the Confederate armory for use with early Fayetteville Rifles, this regulation blade is fitted in what appears to be a Kenansville (Confederate States Armory) type of lapped iron sheath which was, without question, made for the bayonet blade.	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4
It is NOT a cut down sword scabbard and clearly has a taper made to accommodate the slight yatagan form of the blade—and there was once an end plug of some type soldered in for a drag. The blade itself is also far superior to most examples known and is complete with the original functional locking mechanism. The sheath has a brass throat insert and a soldered on teardrop shaped throg stud. Beyond rare…. Sold

Honest as they come Civil War Union regulation Light Artillery (mounted) sabre with original matching scabbard as manufactured by Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts, in 1863--just in time for Chancellorsville and Gettysburg ! Missing most of the original wire wrap but has complete leather on the grip. Blade is above average with strong markings--totally attic condition for decades, probably was lightly cleaned in the 1960's or so--I see a whisper of left over Brasso on the guard. $795.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6	Exceptional Civil War Infantry Officer sword and original matching scabbard. Borderline pristine condition overall with a truly unique frosted and etched blade with running battle scenes, patriotic motifs and US devices. Most likely a French manufactured blade and very early 1861. Just fantastic. $2,850.00

Wonderful Federal era Naval Officer small sword. Beautiful form, probably either a Solingen, Germany or English made blade from the style of etching. Circa 1790-1805. A no doubt War of 1812 item with a hand engraved anchor on the large bulbous pommel. No scabbard. $1,495.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5

Civil War Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry "Old Wristbreaker" sword with original matching scabbard, exceptional. Unaltered in any respect and manufactured by P.D. Luneschloss of Solingen, Germany, marked PDL on the ricasso. Original leather grip wrap and wire. Early War import. From an old GAR post collection--has traces of gold paint. $725.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4

View 1 View 2	US Model 1816 musket as manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1837. Arsenal percussion conversion circa 1855 and very rare variety, arsenal tinned for Naval use. All complete and full length but the ramrod is a modern replacement. Ex-James Jones Collection. $1,275.00

Civil War Model 1860 Light Cavalry sword with original matching scabbard, very nice. Unaltered in any respect and manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, deeply struck and well marked on the ricasso and dated 1865. Original leather grip wrap and wire. SOLD	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5

View 1 View 2 View 3	Fine US Civil War American made surgeons amputation kit as manufactured by Snowden of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Near mint overall but missing the larger amputation saw and a couple of other minor instruments. Very difficult maker to obtain from the 1860's era. $3,250.00

Civil War Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry "Old Wristbreaker" sword with original matching scabbard, exceptional. Unaltered in any respect and manufactured by Snitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, Germany, marked S&K on the ricasso. Original leather grip wrap and wire. Early War import. $725.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7	US Model 1795 Springfield musket, Type II, manufactured 1808-1809. The lockplate is dated 1808 and the buttplate is dated 1809; likely produced either very late in 1808 or very early in 1809. Extremely crisp and honest example and one of less than 10,000 of this pattern known manufactured. One of the nicest stock inspector script US cartouches I have ever seen. Arsenal bolster converted to percussion circa 1850's. The tang of the breechplug has a small section missing as shown. Ex-James Jones Collection. $1,495.00

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4	Civil War Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry "Old Wristbreaker" sword with original matching scabbard, exceptional. Unaltered in any respect and manufactured in Solingen, Germany and imported by the Horstmann Company of Philadephia, Pennsylvania, clearly and deeply marked on the ricasso. Original leather grip wrap and wire. Early War import with a superior blade. From an old GAR post collection--has traces of gold paint.$725.00

Fine US Model 1840 Medical Staff Officer sword with original matching scabbard. Fine etched blade with a crisp US and other motifs; a portion of the small applied silver "M.S." in the guard is slightly damaged. Wonderful gilt brass scabbard and mounts, unaltered in any fashion. Scarce pattern manufactured in France in the mid-1850's to very early 1860's. $2,850.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4

View 1 View 2 View 3	Scarce US Civil War import LeFaucheaux pinfire revolver, army size frame. Very functional and untouched brown condition. Missing the front sight on the barrel but otherwise 100% original and unmolested in any manner. Clear frame markings as shown. $875.00

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5	Exceptionally rare Confederate States of America Artillery short sword. Albaugh Supplement # 31-Z and # 31-BB, extreme left images. Probably a product of E.J. Johnston, Macon, Georgia, circa 1862. One of only THREE known marked with Georgia Artillery and CS stampings. Blade is semi-relic; either a barn find or battlefield pickup. Untouched patina; ex-Albaugh Collection circa 1965. SOLD

Exceptional 5th Rhode Island staff officer forage kepi hat, near pristine overall. Some tiny scattered moth flecks here and there to blue broadcloth body and a few minor age tears to silk lining in the padded body of the crown, but overall just plain FINE. $3,750.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4	Near mint US staff officer McDowell pattern kepi hat with rare tarred linen rain cover included! This beautiful pattern is not only rare to find but fresh from a private collection and untouched for decades. You would be hard pressed to find one any better and you can be sure you will NOT find another with the original rain cover! $5,500.00

Historical investment grade tactics book printed in London in 1727, Exercise for the Horse, Dragoons and Foot Forces printed by John Baskett, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. This fantastic pre-Revolutionary War leather bound book has the bookplate in the front of Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), one of six aides-de-camp to General George Washington in 1777 and who rode beside Washington in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. Hamilton was the first US Secretary of the Treasury (September 11, 1789) and leader of the Federalist Party--thus a long time political enemy of Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. If you are looking for a genuine rarity in US historical artifacts, here it is. $12,500.00	View 1 View 2 View 3

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7	US Civil War Model 1863 Springfield percussion rifled musket, honest and original as they come. The standard Union army battle weapon from Chancellorsville through Gettysburg and Petersburg to Bentonville. RIght from a family estate but unfortunately, no surviving members left to tell who it belonged to. Clear 1863 date on the lockplate and missing the rear sight FOREVER. Old lateral crack at the wrist has been period repaired as shown--very solid. Attic untouched patina and retains the original ramrod. $1,050.00

Excellent sixth-plate ruby ambrotype image of a Union Veteran Reserve Corps soldier in full uniform with musket in hand. In full cardboard case (cloth spine broken as typically found). Very clear and scarce image. $595.00	View 1 View 2

View 1 View 2	Strong looking serious Yankee image, sixty plate tintype, of a fully field dressed infantryman holding his cocked Tower Enfield rifle musket in his hands. His shell jacket has shoulder tabs which generally indicate New York or Pennsylvania early war troops. Very clear photograph--flecks in online images are dust reflections--the picture is clear. In full cardboard case. $550.00

Early War New York soldier image, ruby ambrotype 9th plate in half case, wearing very early war gear including a white buff over the shoulder strap on his cartridge box and the US M1839 small oval belt plate on white buff leataher as well. He appears to be holding a US Model 1842 musket and has a small caliber pistol tucked in his belt--perhaps a Smith and Wesson. The image has a slight mercuric halo around the perimeter from age. $495.00	View 1 View 2

Very nice Civil War Tower Enfield .577 caliber weapon as manufactured by Potts and Hunt in London. This rifle musket exhibits the fine quality of gunsmith made Birmingham Small Arms Trade craftsmen who sent tens of thousands of this Pattern 1853 weapon to troops in the North and the South. Potts and Hunt made weapons are generally more associated with Confederate forces as a rule. This weapon is missing the lower sling swivel and rear sight (which was only soldered on and is often missing)--and the pleasing overall untouched natural age patina shows it was like this for a very, very long time. SOLD	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7 View 8 View 9

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4	Very rare Confederate pigskin leather mounted infantry box, carbine or pistol carbine sized tubes. Seldom seen accoutrement patterned after the standard pistol "belly" box associated with single shot martials like the M1836 or M1842 handguns. The tubes were designed to hold up to a .54 caliber paper cartridge load. The flat brass finial closure present on the bottom is nearly identical to closures found on wartime South Carolina infantry accessories for the Palmetto musket and Morse carbine. The leathermaker adorned the pouch with a punched rendition of the Confederate battleflag on the front closure flap--without question original to the use of this box. Unique in all respects and in very solid condition. $1,750.00

View 1 View 2 View 3	Original Civil War era brass Tower Enfield minie ball bullet mold. Very rare accessory in fine condition with all functional parts including the conical base insert. This type of mold was used by both the North and the South to cast projectiles in the field and generally one was issued to each company sergeant. Also appropriate for use with the contract Enfield rifle muskets and rifles by E.P. Bond, Barnett, Potts and Hunt , London Armory and others. $1,475.00

Fine Civil War era wicker and white metal accentuated glass whiskey flask. The same time seen in scores of pictures during the era--and in near pristine condition overall. The metal base also serves as the cup for a deeper draught! $375.00	View 1 View 2

View 1 View 2 View 3	Original Massachusetts Volunteer Militia regulation 1861 enlisted infantry haversack, exceptional condition! Complete with the over the shoulder strap and rarely found innner bag liner ("rice bag"). Constructed of heavy grade linen and issued to virtually all Massachusetts troops at the beginning of the Civil War. Rare survivor in museum grade collector condition overall. Some scattered age staining; ready for display. $1,495.00

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7	Exceptional Confederate Civil War 1st National Flag, silk ! Right from an old Maine Grand Army of the Republic post and in the original mounted mahogany colored wooden frame (with new museum grade protective backing cover). The flag is approximately 18” by 32” with a 12” x 13” canton. Each of the hand applied 13 stars is bordered in fine gilt bullion. The old silk is fragile after decades of exposure to sunlight and exhibits fading and fragmentation in the center section as shown—but is stable within the frame.
At the lower right of the canton, there is an old albumen carte de visite type image (about 1.5” x 2”) of an elderly gentleman—perhaps the man who captured or donated the flag originally—unfortunately the related history has been lost. This is a fine original example and about the LEAST expensive original Rebel color you will ever have the opportunity to hang in your collection—the flag was documented by Howard “Howie” Madaus in the 1990’s but the original notes can not be located at this time. Also included is a letter of authenticity from John Sexton, noted Confederate artifacts dealer. $17,500

Confederate Rigdon & Ansley percussion revolver #2151. Very honest and well used cavalry pistol with associated provenance to a private in the 4th Regiment Arkansas Mounted Rifles by the name of L.T. Jordan (associated research included). This weapon is all matching and has a visible CSA marking on the top of the barrel. Fewer than 65 know examples of this pattern of handgun out of a production of about 2,500 or less. $26,500	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7 View 8 View 9

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5	Confederate Leech and Rigdon (Tennessee) two piece interlocking belt buckle on original leather, WITH original sword hangers. Very rare rig in this form and in very solid condition. All original Leech and Rigdon manufacture throughout. Probably intended for artillery use, but could have easily been used by infantry or cavalry as well. $8,500

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6	Scarce US Pattern 1840 Light Artillery sword, possible Confederate use. Early recessed guard model sword retaining full leather grip but missing most of the twisted wire wrap. Totally untouched attic patina overall. Unusual in that the sword is within an earlier Starr or Virginia Manufactory type 1805-1822 era scabbard which has been cleverly adapted to its use. Note the lead solder filled holes on either side, typical of southern adaptation. Most likely an Ames product sword, but no markings are visible. $875.00

SSSS! Confederate Civil War enlisted type cavalry sabre with original brass mounted lapped iron scabbard, excellent untouched example with wonderful patina overall. This variety is commonly called a "Dog River" type and was believed manufactured in Tennessee or Georgia. Original pigskin grip and wire wrap, too. $6,500 Reduced! Summer Special Surprise Sale $4,750.00	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6

View 1 View 2 View 3	Museum grade specimen US Model 1855 Infantry belt, browned buff leather, with original brass keeper and oval lead solder filled arrow head stud US buckle, pristine! Exact example as issued from 1861 to 1865 but in arsenal UNISSUED condition--a true rarity. Summer Sale Price $725.00


SUMMER SPECIAL $5,500 Confederate Civil War enlisted type cavalry sabre with original brass mounted lapped iron scabbard, excellent untouched example with wonderful patina overall. This variety is commonly believed manufactured by Haiman due to the extra wide and sturdy blade and unique brass mounts. 70% original pigskin grip and wire wrap, too.	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5 View 6 View 7

Civil War ebony drumsticks. Matching pair of original Civil War era drumsticks with acorn finials--there is no way to honestly tell if they are civilian or military, but they are for sure of the period. SOLD	View 1 View 2 View 3

View 1 View 2	Standard Civil War cartridge box plate recovered from the field of combat in Virginia. Retains full lead solder filled reverse and thin stamped brass skin embossed with US, mellowed by time and age to a smooth brown patina overall. The iron fastening loops have long rusted away. This plate was recovered from private property with the permission of the owner just a few hundred feet from the heart of the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. 100% guaranteed authentic relic. $275.00

View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4	Excellent Civil War Non Commissioned Officer sword and scabbard. Mirror bright example as manufactured by Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts, dated and inspected 1864. Original leather scabbard. $675.00

View 1	Incredibly RARE outdoor image of a Union Cavalry soldier on horseback! Actually, far beyond rare—horses tended to move around far too much for a clear photograph to be taken. This half cased sixth plate tintype clearly shows a Union enlisted cavalryman wearing his forage cap with his flap holstered .44 pistol at his side. In the background you can see rough cut timbers and a forage wagon and other animals—simply magnificent for the Civil War photography collector! $1,450.00

American pre-Civil War militia pistol cartridge box circa 1790-1820. Standard Federal era accoutrement very seldom encountered, complete with original tin tube liner. This box is approximately 5.5” x 4” x 1.5” overall and is manufactured in very supple and thin leather coated with tar for waterproofing. One belt loop is missing on the reverse. The tins measure about 2.5” deep x 5/8” so they were intended for a .54 caliber paper cartridge common to most American pistols through the Mexican War era. The latch is still functional. The front is adorned with a brass 1” sunburst motif star very similar to a Cherokee rose pattern typically found on Southern accoutrements from Florida. $750	View 1 View 2 View 3

Exceptional Model 1850 Infantry Officer sword presented to the Quartermaster of the 43rd Massachusetts Volunteer Militia by Fred B. Wentworth to Henry A. Turner of the TIGER REGIMENT ! Wentworth was the father of the "best friend" of Turner, Frederick A. Wentworth, who was Quartermaster Sergeant of the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery (also in New Bern, NC, at the same time during the Civil War occupation). Click here for additional history.	View 1 View 2 View 3 View 4 View 5
View 6 View 7 View 8 View 9 View 10	This is a very unusual sword with unique etching of a lion on the blade (probably the artistic rendition of a tiger) as well as full ¾ etching of patriotic motifs such as flags, an eagle and numerous motifs similar. The pommel cap of the sword is engraved with the initials of the soldier, too. This sword has a very fine blade overall and the grip covering and wire wrap is original. The scabbard is free of breaks but has scattered flaking to the surface of the black leather. This is a NICE top end sword by an unknown maker but could be a product of Solingen, Germany—perhaps one of the examples imported by Roby of Chelmsford in 1862, as the etching is very similar. $4,750