49th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show

By Eric Champigny · Originally published August 2022 · pp. 1–5

Eager collectors explore a vast array of rare Civil War memorabilia on the first morning of the show. by Eric Champigny GETTYSBURG, Penn.—The 49th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association and Brendan Synnamon of the Union Drummer Boy kicked off the weekend of June 25-26 at the AllStar Sport Complex. Hundreds of Civil War collectors and dealers gathered from across the nation on a hot, humid summer weekend so familiar to the soldiers of 1863. The well-organized 300-table event showcased a vast array of artifacts and memorabilia for sale and provided ample opportunity to learn from some of the most knowledgeable people in the Civil War collecting field. Artifacts were available for all interests and budgets, from excavated bullets to buttons, firearms, edged weapons, uniforms, headgear, and flags. Many items had direct provenance to the Battle of Gettysburg. The event was an excellent opportunity to view, and even own, a true piece of history.

Jeff Matix displayed the frock coat worn at Gettysburg by the 19th Maine Infantry’s 1st Lieutenant Edward R. Cunningham who was wounded on the battle’s second day. Allen Wandling of Midwest Civil War Relics presented the frock coat of Colonel John P. Taylor, who led the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry during the battle. Next to Taylor’s jacket was the Confederate overcoat of Samuel G. Bonn, a lieutenant in the 1st Maryland Cavalry and a Gettysburg veteran. Existing uniforms with Gettysburg provenance are some of the most desirable Civil War collectibles. Rare Civil War artifacts at this premier show were too numerous to list on these pages. One fired .58 caliber three-ring Minié ball, the most common of all Civil War artifacts, was finely displayed in a glass case with a brigadier general’s shoulder strap and a carte de visite photograph of General Philip Kearny. Kearny had stated that “the Rebel bullet that can kill me has not yet been molded.” Despite his boast, the bullet that killed the general September 1, 1862, in the Battle of Chantilly was extracted by his embalmers and presented to his widow. Now it is a poignant reminder that even the lowliest of Civil War relics have a story to tell. Perhaps a loftier looking piece was housed in a vintage oval frame surrounded by period paper notes; The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association presented award plaques for outstanding exhibits the morning of the show’s last day. The following collectors received Appreciation Awards. Paul Loane for “Rations and Utensils of the Civil War,” an excellent collection of original soldiers’ hardtack and patent eating utensils. Elizabeth

Topping for “Heroines of the Hearth,” an exquisite ensemble of civilian items with a patriotic flair. Tim and Debbie Sheads for “The Carrie Sheads House,” a trove of items and photographs relating to their historic 1862 Gettysburg home. Jim Crane for “The 15th New York Cavalry,” a wonderful collection of artifacts from a hard riding regiment. Jeff Matix for “Through the Valley of Death: Lieutenant Edward Cunningham,” displaying his excellent Gettysburg worn frock coat. The Judges Choice Award was presented to John McAden for “Confederate Navy Swords,” a selection of truly rare Confederate blades. The people’s choice award went to Gerald Roxbury for “Antebellum Navy Swords,” a collection of fine pre-war edged weapons. Last, but certainly not least, the coveted Best of Show Award was presented to Jim McCoy for “Tiffany Presentation Swords,” an exceptional display of high-grade officer swords

York. The author of this article couldn’t resist the opportunity to acquire a few quality Civil War pieces; an early battlefield recovered Model 1855 Springfield rifle-musket and artillery shell fragments from New Market, Va., a Confederate imported Austrian Lorenz rifle with personalized lead inlays in the stock, and a cartridge box and assorted items carried by Raymond Clark of the 114th New York Infantry. The Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show is not merely an event “by collectors, for collectors.” All proceeds from ticket sales help fund the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Founded in 1959, the 501(c) (3) Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association is the oldest Civil War battlefield preservation organization in the nation. The GBPA has purchased and donated several hundred acres of land to Gettysburg National Military Park. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was an early comedian Cliff “Charlie Weaver” Arquette and historian and author Bruce Catton were charter members. The organization has played a critical role in funding conservation and repairs to hundreds of monuments across the Gettysburg battlefield. Since 1999, the GBPA has owned, restored, and operated the historic 146-acre Historic Daniel Lady Farm on the Hanover Road. The farm served as Major General Edward Johnson’s staging area for the Confederate attack on Culp’s Hill and was used as a Confederate field hospital. Bloodstains from wounded and dying soldiers are visible on the floors of the 1820s house. Visitors can see the initials of Confederate soldiers and artillery damage in the original 1842 barn. The Historic Daniel Lady Farm staff offers tours, camping for reenactors and scouts, living history demonstrations, and educational workshops. Please visit the association’s website at gbpa.org to learn more and be sure to visit the Lady Farm. Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ personal tobacco pouch.

Jim McCoy holds his Best of Show Award for his exceptional display of Tiffany presentation swords.

Paul Loane received his Appreciation Award for “Rations and Utensils of the Civil War.” Left: Jeff Matix with his Appreciation Award for his exhibit “Through the Valley of Death.” Elizabeth Topping was awarded the Civil War Exhibit Appreciation Award.