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PRE CIVIL WAR VIRGINIA MILITIA GROUP LIKELY WORN

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,500.00 USD
PRE CIVIL WAR VIRGINIA MILITIA GROUP LIKELY WORN

INTO THE CIVIL WAR. The original group consists of a forage cap, canteen and letters that were found together in Appomattox County, Virginia. Complimentary pieces have been added to the group that include pre War Virginia Militia shoulder boards, a small period trunk and an ambrotype photograph. The forage cap is a medium blue wool with yellow piping around the crown and about 1 3/4" up from the lower edge. The rear seam on this early forage cap is slightly over 6" long with the front seam being about 4 1/4". The leather chinstrap has painted canvas sizing bands and is terminated with 2 small Virginia staff officer buttons. The lining appears to be a dark polished cotton and the sweatband is brown leather. There is a 10" x 6" piece of period newspaper included that was found in the sweatband of the hat. The tin drum canteen is convex on the front and flat on the rear. It is approx. 4 3/4" in diameter and 2 1/2" thick. There are 3 tin strap guides with a short leather strap that buckles over the corked spout. The 2 letters included were written by a soldier named "Taz" (Tazwell) to his sweetheart named Amelia. A quick check shows 2 Virginia Confederate soldiers named Tazwell Abshire and Tazwell Jarratt, both in the 24th Virginia, from the Lynchburg, Virginia area which is part of Appomattox County. The remaining items include a fine pair of pre Civil War militia epaulettes that have a white body and fringe with a red crescent at the top. The edges are bound in brass and the buttons are small Virginia staffs. The ninth plate image is an ambrotype of a pre-war militia soldier with a similar forage cap and similar epaulettes who is quite possibly from the state of Virginia. The trunk measures 12" x 18" x 6" and is covered in thin finished leather with domed tack decoration throughout. It is lined with a patterned cloth with a paper tag that reads "A. P. MEGRATH, SADDLE, HARNESS, TRUNK AND COLLAR MANUFACTURE. Greenfield, Mass.". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a description of items originally included from the owner. Copies of images showing the Sussex Light Dragoons of the Virginia State Cavalry in their pre war uniforms wearing a very similar hat. CONDITION: hat does show some minor moth damage but is virtually completely intact. The yellow piping is still vibrant and the chinstrap is complete. The visor shows wear but no damage and is still firmly attached. The lining is present with some separations and the sweatband is approx. 50% complete. Canteen shows light wear overall. Letters are a bit faded but still quite legible. Shoulder boards show light overall wear and are a touch dirty. Image shows minor oxidation and some damage to the black coating on the back of the image. Trunk shows moderate wear overall with a loose rear hinge. Covering shows some crazing and flaking. Interior remains reasonably fresh. (02-17877/BF). $7,000-9,500.