2018 Ends on a High Note

Originally published January 2019 · pp. 1–7

(Jack Melton) RICHMOND, Va. and FRANKLIN, Tenn.—With a one-two punch, Mike Kent of MK Shows kicked off the fall Civil War show circuit with two back to back events for Civil War buffs. The 38th Annual Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show was held Nov. 17 and 18 at the Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, Va., and was a huge success according to Show Chairman Kent who manages the event for the Central Virginia Civil War Collectors Association. For the past few years the show has competed with a modern gun and knife show in an adjacent building at the Raceway Complex, the Richmond Marathon which is known for multiple street closures and traffic jams, and the nationally known Tulsa Gun Show. This year the show returned to its traditional weekend before Thanksgiving to avoid all the competing events. Although attendance was unchanged from last year, the move enabled several well-known dealers such as Vin Caponi, Al Duquette, Ken Hamilton, and Brian Akins to participate for the first time in several years. After a cold, rainy start to the week, Friday arrived with cool temperatures but plenty of sun for moving in as vendors loaded tables with their latest finds and acquisitions then went to work buying, selling, trading, and renewing old friendships. At the close of business on Friday, several vendors remarked that they already had a successful show, even though the event had not yet opened to the public. The Capital of the Confederacy Show is viewed as a bell weather for other Civil War Shows according to Kent, who also promotes the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show in Franklin and the Chickamauga Civil War Show in Dalton, Ga. If the Richmond show is a success based on attendance, dealer participation and feedback, sales activity and enthusiasm, it bodes well for upcoming shows according to Kent. All these metrics were met, with dealers coming from as far away as Texas, New York, and Florida, and the public parking lot sporting tags from all over the eastern United States. One attendee with a “down under” accent introduced himself and stated he had come from Sidney, Australia, to hit the Richmond and Franklin shows and then ship his purchases back for his growing Civil War collection! With the current political climate being what it is, it was refreshing to see hundreds of likeminded collectors and enthusiasts gathering to discuss and celebrate their passion without regard to political affiliation said Kent. Whether examining buttons, buckles, bullets, muskets, swords, or documents, the conversations were lively, polite, and stimulating, as they should be among friends and fellow collectors. As the show drew to a close on Sunday afternoon and the packing up began, dealers were already shouting out “good byes” and “see you in two weeks” as they looked forward to the granddaddy of them all, the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show in Franklin on Dec. 1 and 2. As always, the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show, known by most as simply “the Nashville Show,” was a sell out again this year, retaining its title as the country’s largest Civil War show. Although table sales came in a little slower than usual, all tables were eventually filled and Kent even sold a few extras as hopefuls showed up Friday morning on the outside chance that a spot could be found for them. Saturday broke warm but wet as thunderstorms pounded the area overnight. Fortunately for attendees, the lobby of the Williamson County Ag Expo is huge, as it was filled to capacity a half hour before the show started. The doors were actually opened 10 minutes early to make room for the crowd that had assembled; when the first hour’s gate was tallied, over 700 attendees had passed through the turnstiles for a record breaking start to the Franklin show. The show was missing a few familiar faces due to age, illness, and other plans, according to Kent, however he continued, it was refreshing to see new exhibitors with multiple tables and quality merchandise taking their place, a trend that hopefully will continue as new folks discover our hobby. Porter’s Battery is always an attention getter at the Franklin Show and they did not fail this time, even under threat of inclement weather. As soon as the rain stopped Saturday morning, they wheeled their cannon into place and went on to perform flawlessly throughout the afternoon and into Sunday, blasting off rounds every hour as smoke enveloped the bluff just outside the venue. Awards are an important part of any Civil War show and recognition should be given to those who travel to shows, rent tables, and set up their displays for no monetary gain; only the appreciation of the public and their peers. Oftentimes the displays represent a lifetime of collecting, documenting, researching, and building to get ready for a public appearance; they are always a

Richmond and Franklin Civil War Show News

(All photos by Jack Melton) labor of love. While some displays are as simple as a single rifle or sword, others are worthy of their own wing in a history museum. The display of “Civil War Grapeshot and Canister” by David Gotter falls into the latter category and was an obvious winner of the Best of Show Award. Many attendees and dealers commented that it was the most complete and important collection at the show and one that could never be duplicated. Other Franklin show award winners and their displays were: Paul DeHaan Chairman’s Award Admiral Farragut Collection Al Lyons People’s Choice Award Civil War Buckles and Plates Dean Sprowl Best Dug Relic Texana Relics Brian Riel Best Non Dug Relic Sniper Rifles – Civil War through WW2 Ernie Arnold Historical Significance Award Everything Burnside Display

Jerry Roxbury Historical Significance Award Cutlasses of Columbus, Ga.

Elizabeth Topping Historical Significance Award Sanitary Fairs

In

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The blue double breasted brigadier general’s frock coat, buff sash, triple bullion Moroccan leather belt, and hip high riding boots of Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland Dodge, one of America’s youngest generals when promoted in 1862. He was wounded during the land battle of Monitor and Virginia while he was a commander of Union cavalry in Virginia at the time. Walter Husted Stevens as a brig. gen. wearing a gray C.S. maj. gen. rank frock but with a brig. gen. button configuration. One of Lee’s generals, Gen. Stevens was chief engineer of the Confederacy, the last man documented to cross the bridge when Richmond fell; he was paroled at Appomattox Courthouse. Accompanying the coat is his gold colored sash, French made sword wrapped in gilt lace, and his hob nail boots.

(Andrew Pells collection)

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Allen Wandling of Mid West Civil War Relics brought a group of museum quality artifacts for sale. Award winners, left to right: Brian Riel, Elizabeth Topping, David Gotter, Al Lyons, Paul DeHaan, Jerry Roxbury, David Noe, Ernie Arnold, and Dean Sprowl.

Ron Coddington, publisher of Military Images magazine visiting with a customer. George and Sue Whitely with their vintage photographic equipment and ephemera.

Shannon Pritchard of Old South Military Antiques seems to be enjoying himself at the show!

The Best of Show Award winning display of Civil War grapeshot and canister by David Gotter.

Al Lyons hadn’t displayed in a while but took home the People’s Choice Award for his belt plate

Josh Phillips of the American Bowie Knife Association poses in front of his display of Confederate Bowie knives.

Award winner Paul DeHaan with his Admiral David Farragut display.

Author and coffee connoisseur Gregory Newsome dressed for the part. He stands next to show promoter Mike Kent.

Looks like Jeff Shrader has cornered the market on trench art with his outstanding collection!