American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show

Originally published March 2018 · pp. 28–29

Show awards were given as follows: (Left to right) Best Dug Artifact: Riley Bryant, (Union identification disc, his first find ever); Best Non Dug Artifact: Rick Burton, Colt Dragoon revolver; Award of Excellence/Best of Show: Jerry Kirkland, South Carolina Brass; People’s Choice: Mick Aderholt, Southern Soldiers – A Tribute; Most Educational: Charlie Harris, Lookout Mtn. Cave Rifles.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.— Jan. 6-7. It was against all odds: A snow and ice storm coupled with sub-freezing temperatures turned the city of Charleston and nearby Mount Pleasant into a winter wonderland. Roads froze and heaters failed. Even so, the 2018 annual American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show carried on as usual with vendors traveling from as far away as New York and Missouri for the first major relic show of the 2018 season. Despite the almost apocalyptic weather, the public braved the elements to view almost 200 display and sales tables. While much of the focus was on Civil War artifacts and history, eras from

Jerry Kirkland’s display of South Carolina Brass won him Best of Show. (Photos by Butch and Anita Holcombe)

Jerry Kirkland’s display of South Carolina Brass won him Best (Photos by Butch and Anita Holcombe)

The view from the show hall. Despite the palm trees, this was NOT sand, but rather several inches of snow and ice.

American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show — photograph 3 from the original article

WWII all the way back to the stone age were represented. Included were old bottles and clay ware, paper memorabilia, stone artifacts, dug and non-dug relics, books, metal detectors, and more. Several notable door prizes were given away during the show, including three metal detectors (a Teknetics Patriot, A Fisher F22, and a Garrett AT Pro). As always, this event was heavily promoted to increase attendance, with advertisements in national and local print and broadcasting media, TV news coverage, interviews, and billboard. As a direct result, almost 1,000 visitors came through the gates despite the frigid weather and icy conditions. Vendor cancellations were few, and those who made it through the snow were pleasantly surprised with the turnout. Many dealers reported brisk sales, as well as numerous opportunities to purchase choice pieces brought to the show hall by the public. A complimentary Lowcountry Shrimp Boil and Oyster Roast, catered by Jamie Westendorff of Charleston, S.C., was also provided to vendors on Friday evening after dealer setup, spearheaded by Civil War News and sponsored by Wallace Markert/ CS Acquisitions (www.csacquisitions. com), American Digger magazine (www.americandigger.com), Nick Periut/ Army of Tennessee Relics (www.armyoftennesseerelics.com), Richard Ferry Military Antiques (www.floridaconfederate.com), Civil War Shop/ Lynn & Will Gorges (www.civilwarshop.com), Le Juneau Gallery LLC ([email protected]).

Reece Potts is all smiles after winning one of three metal detectors offered as door prizes by Garrett and First Texas. Flanking him are show committee members (L) Mark Schuessler and (R) Butch Holcombe.

Next year’s show has already been announced for Jan. 5-6, 2019, with many dealers already signing up. While climatic conditions are never a certainty, it’s a pretty good bet next year’s Mount Pleasant weather will not include a major snow storm. Visit http://americandigger. com/american-digger-events for more information about future events sponsors by American Digger.

Wallace Markert, Proprietor of CS Acquisitions Museum, had an assortment of CS accoutrements and weapons for sale.

Glassware has always been a popular item at this long running show.

Civil War uniforms are a rarity in todays collector market. However, several were displayed.