43rd Annual Gettysburg Artifacts And Collectibles Show Largest Yet

By Jay Purdy · Originally published August 2016 · pp. 1–5

A full house of dealers and exhibitors awaited attendees at the 43rd Annual Civil War Artifacts and Collectibles Show sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. This year’s display was the largest yet, with nearly 400 tables.

GETTYSBURG, Pa.— The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association depends on its Artifacts and Collectibles Show as its major fundraiser each year, and June’s 43rd annual show came through for the organization. It was the largest show yet, with exhibitors from all over the nation and the number of display tables approaching 400. Items for sale ranged from one dollar to more than $100,000. “The last few shows, we were helped by either torrential rain or blistering heat,” said Mowery. “This year, the weather was beautiful for outdoor activities.” Still, according to GBPA Board of Directors member Brendan Synnamon, the show again raised more than $20,000, as it has every year for the last decade. “This year’s show included over a dozen educational displays from personal collections,” said Synnamon. The topics ranged from Admiral Farragut and displays of items from specific regiments to those centered on individual battles.” The show’s organizer, Brendan’s father, Bill Synnamon, has performed that volunteer duty during those ten years, bringing in more than a quarter-million dollars for the GBPA. The elder Synnamon is also a GBPA board member. The vast majority of the funds raised go to maintenance and improvements at the restored Historic Daniel Lady Farm. The 145-acre farm on Hanover Road anchored the left flank of the Army of Northern Virginia and the initiation of the Confederate attack on Culp’s Hill. The house and barn served as a field hospital for wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. Bloodstains still mark the floors of the house. In addition to supporting the GBPA’s efforts, this year’s show provided a boost to the organization’s campaign to avert a proposed roadway extension designed to place big box stores and other commercial development on open land that was directly involved in the battle and its aftermath. Several hundred exhibitors and attendees at the collectibles show signed the GBPA petition that calls on the Straban Township Board of Supervisor to reject the plan. (All photos Jack Melton) A portion of the proposed project property is adjacent to the Daniel Lady Farm. The plan includes the extension of Camp Letterman Drive that would bring the road just 25 feet from a stretch of the Lady Farm’s northern property line. “People at the show were adamant in their opposition to placing commercial development, parking lots and roadways on land that is considered hallowed ground,” said Mowery. “On that land, Confederate artillery was emplaced to engage Union batteries and took fire, and Louisiana regiments marched through to join in the assault on Culp’s Hill.” “We didn’t even have to push the petition that much. People sought it out. They’re incensed at such disregard for the Gettysburg battlefield.” This year’s collectibles show marked the first time the GBPA directed advertising to attract more of the general public. “We noted that our show, one of the premier Civil War shows in the nation, is like having a giant museum come to town,” said Mowery.

“A museum where one can actually handle many of the exhibit pieces and even purchase them if they want. On top of being a foremost event for artifact collectors, we want the show also to be perceived as a family event that is interesting, unusual and certainly educational about the Civil War and its impact on the people of America, soldiers and civilians.” The 44th annual Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association Artifact and Collectibles Show will take place on June 24 & 25, 2017. Show organizer Bill Synnamon can be contacted at [email protected]. The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association website is www. gbpa.org. Save The Date The 44th Annual Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association Artifact and Collectibles Show will take place on June 24 & 25, 2017. Larry Munther of Morristown, New Jersey, right, shows off a Not to be outdone by the military tables, Betty Loba of James River Emporium of McKnightstown, presentation pistol to fellow dealer Jeffrey Cook of Connecticut, left. Pennsylvania, closely evaluates a lady’s fan as Dave Bommieno of New Jersey awaits her opinion. The Union Drummer Boy’s table of swords, revolvers and various accoutrements were one of many sales tables at the show.

Several members of the GBPA Board of Directors spent their Saturday assisting working at the Artifact and Collectibles Show. Left to right: Bill Synnamon, Craig Caba, Mark Zagursky, President Barb Mowery, Jay Purdy and Vice-President Stephen Reed. Caba is the last remaining charter member of the GBPA, which was formed in 1959.

Wallace Markert, owner of CS Acquisitions, shares his knowledge of Confederate edged weapons with Sarah Carson of Carson, Va.

Nick Periut’s assortment of artillery projectiles and uniform gear. He owns Army of Tennessee Relics in Knoxville, Tenn.

Matt and Bobby Ayers of Port Jervis, New York, take a close look at the details of a bayonet. Chris Harwick of Civil War Shot and Shell of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, keeps a safe distance from the business end as father explains to son how the bayonet would be fixed to the musket.

It appears to be a photo of Nathan Bedford Forrest on the back of a book that Darwin Seiler of Pennsylvania pulled from the extensive selection offered by Owens and Ramsey Books of Richmond, Virginia.

This original Union cartridge belt with bayonet attracted Devon McKenzie of Baltimore, left. Jean Mountain pf James Mountain Antiques in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, right, points out features of the buckle and leather.

Vin Caponi of Malverne, New York, left, came to the Artifacts and Collectibles show with enough firepower to arm a regiment, including a revolver that caught the eye of Bob Simms, right.

Vin Caponi’s large selection of antique weapons wrapped around the table block.

Not to be outdone by the military tables, Betty Loba of James River Emporium of McKnightstown, Pennsylvania, closely evaluates a lady’s fan as Dave Bommieno of New Jersey awaits her opinion.

Larry Munther of Morristown, New Jersey, right, shows off a presentation pistol to fellow dealer Jeffrey Cook of Connecticut, left.

Part of Paul DeHaan’s Admiral Farragut Collection. One of the many displays of original Civil War period items for viewing by the public.

Jim Schmick of Civil War and More books in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, assists customers at his table.