Misc. Dug Items

Civil War Misc. Excavated Items

This page last updated May 25, 2013

EMAIL Phone: 804-873-5462

virginiarelics@comcast.net

Plez Bagby
PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906

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Click Image For More Pictures	PC4895 Possible Sewing Needle Case It is believed by the digger that this container is a soldiers personal sewing needle case as it was recovered from a Civil War campsite in the area of Savage's Station in Henrico County, VA. When gently shaken, one can hear what may be needles rattling inside. Due to ground action for over 100 years its top appears sealed and what is actually inside remains a mystery. For the time being, however, we believe it is a needle case. It has a very nice mixed green patina and measures approximately 14 mm in diameter and 49 mm in length. This container will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4767 US Epaulettes or Shoulder Scales These US Epaulettes or shoulder scales are in very good condition. While one epaulette is slightly smaller than the other, both have a matching and very pleasing woodsy brown-green patina. They were worn on the shoulders of non-commissioned officers and were often discarded as unnecessary extra weight. The construction of these devices was complex as they were assembled using multiple parts. Excavating a complete example is unusual as they were easily broken into pieces. This pair still has their shoulder sleeves and locking devices. One of the sleeves has separated where it attached to the back of the large portion of the device. This set of epaulettes have not been repaired and will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection. $195.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4902 Iron Musket Butt Plate This excavated iron musket butt plate was recovered in Caroline County, VA and is very good condition. This butt plate retains its original shape and its lower screw is still in place. The iron appears stable and this relic will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War gun part or general relic collection. $35.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4975 Dug Relic Colt, Model 1849 "Pocket" Revolver This excavated Colt, model 1849 "pocket" revolver is a very cool relic. This pistol was recovered on top of a Confederate earthwork along the Howlett Line at Bermuda Hundred in Chesterfield County, VA. It has a 4 inch barrel and a serial number of 130215 visible in a couple of areas which would indicate a pre-Civil War manufacture date of the late 1850's. Its trigger guard and backstrap are slightly bent left of the pistol's center line which appears to be the result of being struck. The spur of its hammer is missing and the trigger guard is miss-shaped on its lower edge. This revolver has been in a collection for many years and appears to have been properly treated with electrolysis at the time of recovery. This fine relic will be an excellent addition to any Civil War excavated weapon, battlefield, or general relic collection. $675.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4797 McClellan Cape Pin This excavated General George B. McClellan cape pin is in excellent condition and was recovered off Route 5 in the area of Malvern Hill, VA. It is constructed of cast brass which now has a light green patina. The rear still has its attachment stem with hole and there is still a portion of the chain attached on the bottom loop. This cape pin has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs and will be an excellent addition to any Civil War campsite, battlefield, or general relic collection. Approx. 24 x 37 mm. $425.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4254 Bugle Mouth Piece This bugle mouth piece has an old tag that indicates that it was recovered in Corinth, MS. Constructed of brass, it is in excellent condition, and now has a chocolate brown patina. The bugle calls were of utmost importance to the soldiers as they were not only necessary for the telling of time but also guided the actions of troops in battle. This bugle mouth piece has no cracks, breaks, or repairs and will be an excellent addition to any Civil War campsite, battlefield, or general relic collection. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4889 Sword Scabbard Mounts These excavated sword scabbard mounts are constructed of brass and were recovered together off Old Union Road in Charles City County, VA. These mounts were originally parts of a leather scabbard for a model 1850 foot officer's sword. Both are in very good condition, with a very pleasing brown-green patina, and neither have been repaired. A section of leather is still visible inside each mount and they will be an excellent addition to any Civil War campsite or general relic collection. $175.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4858 Sword Hand Guard This excavated heavy solid brass sword hand guard was recovered in the area of City Point, VA which was the site of Ulysses S. Grant's Headquarters in 1864-65. Measuring approximately 3 x 6 inches at its widest width and length, it is crudely made, and there is some unusual bending. This device was designed to protect the hand from blows from other swords in combat. With its dirty brown-green patina, this handsome relic that will be a very nice addition to any Civil War campsite, battlefield, or general relic collection. $95.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4896 Pistol Watch Fob This tiny and well constructed brass pistol is believed to be a watch fob and is one of the coolest relics I have recently come across. Measuring approximately only 25 mm in length, the detail on this pistol is remarkable and there appears to be a raised wing eagle on the butt of the grip. The darn thing is so well made, it wouldn't surprise me if it fired! This relic was recovered in the Old Tavern area of new Kent County which is situated just east of Richmond, VA. Old Tavern appears to be in area of Jeb Stuart's Ride around the Union Army between June 10-16, 1862. This pistol watch fob will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4359 Sunburst and Crown Device This interesting two-piece stamped brass ornament was excavated in the Hampton Rhodes, VA area in the 1970's. My limited research on this piece has not produced any concrete evidence as to what period in history it is from. When it was acquired from the family of the digger, it accompanied numerous other Civil War artifacts all recovered by the digger, and both portions were displayed together in a small Riker display case. The patinas of both pieces match and the attachment bar of the crown certainly corresponds with the two slots in the middle of the sunburst indicating to me that the crown did indeed attach to the sunburst as I have displayed. It is definitely a unique piece that at first glance screams Colonial but the construction of the device may state otherwise. The sunburst portion is approximately 64 mm. in diameter and the crown measures approximately 30 x 36 mm. $150.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4874 US Cavalry Officer's Patent Spur - Marked with Patent Date This excavated US cavalry officer's patent spur is a unique find as it is marked on its interior heel band "PATENTED DEC 24, 1861." This example has a pleasing tan-brown patina and is in fair condition as one heel band is bent and other is missing its strap plate. Recovered in Culpeper County, VA this spur will be an excellent addition to any Civil War cavalry campsite or general relic collection. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4549 US Infantry Poncho Hook or Tent Button This US Infantry poncho hook or tent button is in outstanding condition and is by far the best I have come across. The face of the button has plenty of gilt and has no pushes or cracks. The rear still has the hook present which is remarkably sharp. The back of the button, which appears to be rubber, has a patent date which still clearly reads ""PAT. JULY. 29. 1862." This fine poncho hook or tent button device will be an excellent addition to any Civil War campsite or general relic collection. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4893 Field Made Carved Lead Musket Tompion This is a fantastic relic. This device is what is believed to be a field made or hand-carved lead musket tompion. À tompion was a device that was used as a plug for the muzzle of a gun. It has a very nice tan patina with a smooth waxy surface. This relic was recovered in Quinton, VA., which is situated just east of Richmond in New Kent County. The Quinton area appears to be directly in the path of Jeb Stuart's Ride around the Union Army between June 10-16, 1862. Its length measures approximately 2 1/8 inches. Its lower stem is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter and its mid-rim is 7/8 inch in diameter. This unusual camped carved lead tompion will be an excellent addition to any Civil War gun, campsite, or general relic collection. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4639 Saddle Shield - Number "3" This brass saddle shield was recovered in the Malvern Hill area of Henrico County, VA. Stamped in the middle of the shield is the number "3". It has a very nice chocolate brown patina and has no cracks, breaks, bends or repairs. The front view shows some very minor wear on the left edge. It measures approximately 1.6 x 1.9 inches. This shield will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War cavalry or general relic collection. $35.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4364 US Bridle Rosette This excavated solid brass US bridle rosette was recovered in the area of Petersburg, VA. These rosettes were attached to either side of the horse's bridle bit. The raised letters "US" show up beautifully on its stippled background. What makes this particular rosette special is the fact that the top and bottom attachment tabs are lined while the center portion is stippled and both areas are still covered in gilt. The attachment screws are still present and there is a very slight forward bend of the top attachment tab. This rosette will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War cavalry or general relic collection. Approx. 32 x 55 mm. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4367 Flag Staff Tip This excavated large flag staff tip is in excellent condition and as recovered by a Virginia relic hunter south of Drewry's Bluff in Chesterfield County, VA. It is constructed of brass which has aged into a very pleasing chocolate brown patina. It has no cracks, breaks, repairs or unusual bends. A similar example of this rarely excavated tip can be found on page 188 of Stanley Phillips' book "Excavated Artifacts of Battlefields and Campsites of the Civil War 1861-1864" as well as on page 64 of Howard Crouch's book, "Civil War Artifacts". This relic will make an excellent addition to any excavated campsite or battlefield display. Approximately 3 3/8 x 4 1/2 inches. SOLD Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3868 Miscellaneous Campsite Relics These miscellaneous campsite relics were all recovered from Caroline County, VA. Clockwise, beginning at the top, the group consist of the following: a fancy brass suspender buckle, an equipment brass ring, a Confederate brass Isaacs Campbell knapsack hook, an equipment buckle, a Rifleman belt end tip or "batwing" with belt leather still attached, an equipment buckle, a belt buckle, and a brass belt end adjustment hook. In the center is a bayonet scabbard tip, to either side are two brass percussion caps, and below center is the top portion of a brass gun cleaning brush, and two either side are brass pouch finials. These relics are typical of what is found during a day of relic hunting. $75.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC4299 Heel Plate - Heart Design This excavated brass heel plate is in good condition and was recovered in New Kent County, VA. The brass has aged into a nice woodsy green-brown patina. There are signs of wear to the lower right side of the heart along the edge. There are no cracks, bends, or repairs and this piece will be an excellent addition to any Civil War campsite of general relic collection. Approx. 1 3/4 x 2 inches. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3892 US Cavalry Spur This US cavalry spur, with its even chocolate brown patina, is in very good condition. While its iron rowel is no longer present, a very distinct cast-in foliate design is present on its neck and light stippling on its face and arms. It has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs. This Civil War spur was purchased direct from the digger and was recovered from Culpeper County, VA. It will make be excellent addition to any excavated cavalry or general relic collection. $55.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3951 Heavy Brass US Officer's Stirrup This heavy brass US officer's stirrup is in excellent condition and was excavated in Culpeper County, VA in the area of Brandy Station. It has a very nice green patina and has not been cleaned as there is a light layer of soil still present. Two examples of the same type of spur can be found pictured in the fourth printing of Stanley S. Phillip's book "Excavated Artifacts From Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War" on page 78 as items #4 and 5. The spur has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs and will make an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War cavalry or general relic collection. Approximately 5 x 5 1/2 inches. $175.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3940 Cavalry Watering Bit This excavated iron watering bit is in excellent condition and was recovered in the early 1990's off Lee's Ridge Road in Warrenton, VA. All parts, though rusty, move freely and are complete. According to Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" on page 129, watering bits were used when the horse was at rest and were a specified part of the trooper's gear. This example will be an excellent addition to any cavalry or general excavated relic collection. Measures approximately 11 1/8 inches in length and its ring diameter is approximately 2 3/4 inches. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3853 Heavy Brass Stirrup This excavated heavy brass stirrup, recovered in LaGrange, TN., is in excellent condition and is from the recently released Civil War relic collection of longtime Tennessee relic hunter John A. Marks. It is one of the best documented relics that I have had the opportunity to offer, and it is with great pleasure that I can make it available on this website. Mr. Marks relic hunted over a span 33 years beginning on January 11, 1967 and recovered a copious amount of relics during that time. The meticulous Mr. Marks managed to document each relic he recovered by marking it with its date of recovery and his letter and number code indicating area of recovery. Many of the relics Mr. Marks pulled out of the ground were pristine in condition. Mr. Marks passed away on March 13, 2000 but what he left the Civil War relic collecting community, as well as Civil War historians, will be forever appreciated. DESCRIPTION: This stirrup has a smooth surface with an even lightly glossed brown patina. Looking closely, I was able to detect Mr. Mark's original marking indicating its recovery location and date hand written in fading black ink on the side of the footrest rim. This mark, which reads "LaGrange 7th Ill. Cav +5", can be seen in the additional images by clicking on the thumbnail image to the left. On the bottom of the footrest is the date of "1-1-71" and his more exact recovery location code of "LG+5" with the "LG" indicating LaGrange and the "+5" indicating a more specific area of LaGrange where this fine relic was recovered. Mr. Marks included this find in his first journal which is dated "11 Jan. 1967 to 24 Oct. 1983". In the picture enlargements of this piece, I have included a copy the page from his journal that includes the entry he made for this particular find on 1-1-71. A copy of this page, along with a copy of the North South Trader article titled "The Way It Was" by John A. Marks will be included with this relic. Click the highlighted link in the preceding sentence to read the article now. This very nice stirrup will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War cavalry or general relic collection. Approx. 49 x 66 mm. $275.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3467 Allegheny Arsenal Marked US Cavalry Spur This US cavalry spur is in excellent condition and its brass has aged into a very pleasing brown patina. One of its strap plates is crisply marked "ALLEGHENY ARSENAL" and also with the number "2" indicating size. The original rowels for these spurs were typically made of iron and configured differently from the rowel on this spur. This spur includes a replacement rowel which is made of brass and appears to have been added long ago due to evidence of wear at the area of the rowel hole. This spur has no cracks, breaks, or major bends and will make an excellent relic to add to any Civil War cavalry or general relic collection. Measures approximately 3 3/8 in width x 5 inches in length. $175.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3682 Iron & Brass Chain with Hook This unusual iron and brass link chain with hook device is a handsome relic that was recovered from Wilderness, Va. many years ago by local relic hunter Henry Foster. I am not sure exactly what its purpose was or, whether it was simply ornamental, but its hook must have held onto something. The iron links are plain in design and the brass links are slightly ornate as you will see in the additional pictures. When it's arranged into a near even circle, its diameter measures approximately 3 inches. This interesting relic will make an nice addition to any Civil War campsite or general relic collection. $55.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC3462 US Artillery Horse Bit This US artillery horse bit is in good condition and appears to be an early excavated example. It has plain bit bosses and is brass plated. Both rings and curb chain are present. This relic will make a excellent example to add to any Civil War cavalry or general excavated relic collection. $275.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC2982 Excavated R. Ibbotson Sheffield Saw Emblem This period brass saw emblem measures approximately 1.1 inch in diameter and was once affixed to the side of a saw perhaps used by soldiers for any number of campsite purposes. It was included in a group of recently acquired excavated buttons and it is my belief that the digger mistakenly believed it to be another type of button. The design on its face is that of a centered shield with a diagonal design and perhaps livestock to either above and below it. To one side of the shield is the letter "R" and the other side is the letter "I". Surrounding the letters and shield is a solid circle with a dotted border. In-between the solid circle and dotted border is the manufacturer's name and location "R. IBBOTSON SHEFFIELD". Examples of similar type disks can be found on page 60 of Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" which is also available on this website under "Books". This emblem was recovered in the Richmond, VA area. $35.00 Order Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC2147 Heart Shaped Badge or Emblem This heart shaped badge or emblem was excavated from Harrison's Landing, VA by Brian Cooley. The device is made of brass and has two attachment clasps on the rear. It has a very pleasing chocolate brown patina with beveled edges and measures approximately 1 inch x 1 inch. It may have adorned a uniform, hat, saddle, some other equipment. This beautiful campsite find will make a wonderful addition to any collection. $165.00 Ordering Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC1780 Cape Pin "Unknown Soldier" This excavated cape pin is a rare piece. According to Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" on page 173, item #1, this particular pin is that of the unknown soldier. This small relic of the war was proudly worn by a soldier who most likely had acquired it from a sutler as these were not government issue items. The overall condition of the pin is very good. On the front, angled under a good light, the details of the soldiers jacket are visible. The digger lightly clear coated the front and back, most likely, as a measure to preserve it. I believe the material to be brass as most of these pins I have encountered are. This fantastic little personal item was recovered by the late James Renfrow Sr. at Harrison's Landing in Charles City County, VA. James was a hunting buddy of the renowned relic hunter Gene Cooley. This device measures approximately 1.3 inches from top to bottom. $365.00 Ordering Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC1601 Engineer Dividers These engineer dividers measure approximately 4 1/2 inches in length, are in good excavated condition, and are not functional. The action of the dividers is sealed closed due to rust. An example of these can be found as item 6 on page 60 of Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts". This relic was excavated, with permission, at Harrison's Landing (Berkeley Plantation) in Charles City County, VA., by Gene Cooley. Mr. Cooley is in his mid 80's and still relic hunts today. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. $75.00 Ordering Information or Questions? Top
Click Image For More Pictures	PC1568 US Combination Gun Tools These two US combination gun tools are in very good condition. The bottom style is the open end style and, the top example, which can still move, is the closed end style. Both of these appear non-excavated but the bottom example does not move and is somewhat pitted. Both of these are from a collection out of New Market, Va. and are approximately 3.5 inches in length. $75.00 for both. Ordering Information or Questions? Top

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