Indian War (USS) United States Scouts Felt Hat, Insignia, and Hat Cord – $1075
Native Americans played a vital role in our expansion West, and aided the Military in various ways for a very long period of time. If you do a Google search for United States Indian Scouts, you will find a wealth of information on the topic. Native American Scouts were officially recruited starting in July of 1866, as authorized by an Act of Congress. The USS Crossed Arrow Insignia became the official designator of these Scouts in 1890, and the red and white Hat Cord became official at that time as well. The red and white color combination was supposed to represent the symbolic coming together of White and Red Races, but that never quite worked out that way it was intended to. As for the hat itself there is no real way that I know of to date it, as it is surely non regulation, but it is obvious from examination that the Insignia, Cord, and Hat have been together for a very, very long time. There are photos of Scouts wearing this style and color hat well prior to 1890. There is evidence of the hat having had a sweat band which has been long removed. The Crossed Arrow Insignia has a pleasing dark burnished look to it and the Hat Cord shows its age but it is complete and intact. The hat shows its age as well. The name Little Crow is written inside the hat. I have done no research to try and find out who he may be, and I leave that task to the next owner. This hat was purchased from a long time collector and dealer who has acknowledged expertise in the Military Headgear Field, and he deemed that the hat is indeed, original and correct. I will provide his name to the purchaser if so desired. The original contract for the Insignia and Hat Cord was less than 1000 units. There were never large numbers of Scouts employed by the Military, and fewer and fewer as time went on. In 1891 with the cessation of the Indian Wars, the number of Scouts was reduced to 150. During Pershing’s campaign of 1916 into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa, USS were part of the force. The Codetalkers of WWII were part of the Scouts and the unit was officially deactivated in 1947. Price is $1075 with shipping included.
Civil War Cavalry Bullseye Canteen & Original Short Leather Strap – $495
Here is another item very rarely seen. While there is a plethora of Infantry canteens in varying states of condition and completeness available at any given time, original Cavalry canteens like this very seldom come to market. This example is completely intact, and in excellent overall condition. Chain, stopper, short saddle leather strap with snaps, as well as the cover are all present and accounted for. The short strap enabled the trooper to attach to the saddle as the longer sling (Infantry) versions of the canteen were impractical for mounted use. No visible markings that I can see. I will let the photos speak for themselves. Price is $495.00 with shipping included.
.58 Caliber Rimfire Musket Cartridge Conversion Block – $55.00
This is the standard .58 Caliber Civil War cartridge box tin, which has been fitted with the wooden conversion block for use with the First Allin Conversion, M1865 Springifield .58 caliber rimfire rifle/cartridge. Hard to find and priced to sell. A photograph of this style conversion tin appears in the Johnson book, Civil War Cartridge boxes of the Union Infantryman. Price includes shipping.
Cavalry Spurs – $225.00
Pair of private purchase enlisted man’s cavalry spurs. Brass has nice mellow color. The rowels move freely. This is the style that has the “barb” that was inserted directly into the heel of the boot providing a very secure method of attachment. These are unmarked. This is an excellent pair.
Tintype of Civil War Sergeant – $110.00
The soldier in this view is believed to be from a New Hampshire Regiment. Wreath and Number 10 are clearly visible, as are the Chevrons. It is a 6th plate and 1/2 pose. It comes with half of the display case.
Custer Photo – $800.00
This famous pose was taken in May, 1865 showing the General sitting on a fringed stool with knee high boots, gauntlets, wide brim hat, scarf with pin, and of course the typical Custer but not quite regulation uniform. This photo has been professionally matted and framed, and comes with museum glass as well. The back is marked “From Styles VERMONT GALLERY OF ART, 150 Church St. Burlington, Vt. The image is crystal clear. Approximate size is 2 1/2 w x 4″h. Will have it dismounted for inspection purposes. This photo has been reproduced numerous times in many different forms of printed media.
Custer, Family and Staff Photo – $900.00
This one is also matted, framed, with museum glass as well. It was taken Christmas, 1864, Mason House in Winchester, Va. This exact image was published in Civil War Times Illustrated, June 1996 Issue, page 60/61. It is slightly faded, but everyone is identifiable. Tom and Libby Custer appear in this photo as well. There is no back mark visible, as it was already mounted on card stock when I acquired it. Approximate image size is 3 1/2″ h x 6″w. This image has also been reproduced numerous times in many different forms of printed media.
Original Custer Painting – OFFER
Here is an undated and unsigned original painting of the General in full dress regalia less hat. Great detail including sword and knot, gauntlets, shoulder straps, red scarf, uniform, buttons, etc. This was painted on what appears to be a piece of barn wood or plank flooring. Image is framed less glass. Wood has been repaired; there is a vertical crack that runs top to bottom on the image. Repair only visible if you are standing very close to it. Colors are all excellent. This image is very similar in detail and style to the Marvin Pakula painting of Custer that appeared on the cover of Civil War Times Illustrated, December 1974. Approximate size is 15″w x 22″h.
Infantry Shoulder Straps – $140.00
First Lt. of Infantry shoulder straps. 1 1/2″ wide x 4″ long. Some mothing. Heavy gold braid borders, with gold braid bands bordering on inside and outside.
