Misc. Dug Items
Misc. Non-Dug Items
Civil War Misc. Excavated Items
This page last updated August 31, 2010
EMAIL Phone: 804-873-5462
virginiarelics@comcast.net
Plez Bagby
PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906
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PC3279 US Smooth-Side Canteen This excavated US smooth-side canteen is in good condition and was recovered near Wilderness, VA. The canteen is complete with the exception of its stopper, chain and strap. It's tin body has been lightly clear coated so as to preserve it. The pewter spout is in very good condition and has some unusual notching at the lip. The tin body has some small holes but it is in remarkably sturdy shape and will display beautifully in its wooden stand which is included. This canteen will make an excellent addition to any excavated campsite or general relic collection. $165.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC3178 Carved Dice This pair of dice are from the bullet collection of Paul Irvin and were made in the field from bullet lead. This was yet another way soldiers occupied their idle time. First carving the gaming pices, then sitting round the campfire "rolling the dice". Though not a completely matching pair, one die has less distinguishable indenting dots indicating number but the other is clearly a die. Both are of similar size. These will make an excellent relic for any campsite display. During the late nineteen sixties into the early nineteen eighties Paul Irvin hunted many Civil War sites, both union and confederate, in central Virginia. The story of several of Mr. Irvin's major relic finds is recalled in a chapter from Howard Crouch's book, "Relic Hunter: The Field Account of Civil War Sites, Artifacts, and Hunting". Click here to read the story of Mr. Irvin and these finds. $95.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC3210 McClellan War of 1861 Identification Disc - "Francis E. Allen" This McClellan War of 1861 identification disc is good condition, was purchased direct from the digger, and was recovered from a known campsite in Mineral County, WV. where troops were on their way from Keyser, WV. to Romney, WV. and then on to Winchester, VA. The front of the disc is covered in gilt and depicts a profile of General McClellan with "WAR OF 1861" across the disc and "MAJOR GENERAL GEO. B. McCLELLAN" above his profile. On the rear is "FRANCIS E. ALLEN. CO. D. 15th N.Y. CAV. DERUYTER. N.Y.". There is an excellent research opportunity for the next owner of this disc. There is still just enough gilt on the rear and in the recesses of the lettering to nicely highlight the soldiers information. The disc also has ample gilt along the outer edge of its rim. Although the disc has a slight wave, there are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. This very personal relic will make an excellent display piece in any excavated campsite or general relic collection. Approx. 1.17 inches in diameter. SOLD |
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PC3090 Ornamental Relic - Possible Flagstaff Tip This relic was excavated, with permission, at Harrison's Landing in Charles City County, VA., by Gene Cooley. Constructed of brass, measuring approximately 3 x 4 inches, and in the shape of a spear and axe with a threaded stem, Mr. Cooley firmly believed this relic to be a flagstaff tip. Although this is quite possible, my research on this piece has not uncovered any other similar Civil War period examples. Mr. Cooley is in his late 80's and still relic hunts today. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. SOLD |
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PC3093 Hand Cuffs These iron hand cuffs were recovered decades ago by Gene Cooley in the Varina area of Virginia just east of Richmond. This locked pair is complete and were clear coated by Mr. Cooley so as to prevent further deterioration. Hand cuffs of this same style have been recovered from other Civil War sites in Virginia. An example of this same style hand cuff can be found in Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" on page 144, item # 4. Another like example 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 169 as item #1. This pair is in remarkably good shape and will display beautifully in any excavated campsite or general relic collection. $295.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC891 Allegheny Arsenal Marked US Spur This US "Allegheny Arsenal" marked cavalry spur is in very good condition and was excavated in Fredericksburg, VA. It has a very pleasing brown-green patina and the outer strap plate is strongly marked "ALLEGHENY ARSENAL" and also with the number "2" which indicates size. This excavated marked spur has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs but the thin iron rowel has long since disintegrated. These marked spurs are somewhat hard to come by and this one will make for a great addition to your collection. Approx. 3.25 x 4.50 inches. $240.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC3086 Keys on Ring These keys on ring were recovered several decades ago by Gene Cooley in the area of Harrison's Landing in Charles City County, VA. They have aged into a very nice light green patina. Mr. Cooley isn't certain of their period or, what they would have unlocked, but what he is certain of is that they were recovered with plenty of other Civil War relics in one of the farm fields. These keys would display nicely with the pair of iron handcuffs also just listed. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. $35.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC3100 Shoulder Scales - Complete Excavated Set A complete pair of excavated shoulder scales or epaulettes recovered 1990 in Williamsburg, VA. Typically, when excavated shoulder scales are recovered they are either in pieces or missing parts, in this case, this is a complete solid set. This set includes their brass back strap, brass holders, and brass locking devices. This very handsome and complete pair will enhance any excavated uniform accoutrement or general relic collection. Their deep glass top display case is included. SOLD |
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PC3082 US Model 1861 Musket Lock This US model 1861 gun lock was excavated, with permission, from General George B. McClellan's camp at Harrison's Landing in Charles City County, VA., by Gene Cooley. It is in fair condition and was clear coated long ago by the digger so as to preserve the rusting iron. The lock measures approximately 5.4 inches in length. Mr. Cooley is in his late 80's and still relic hunts today. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC3083 Lieutenant Bars for Shoulder Straps These four excavated lieutenant bars were all recovered several decades ago by Gene Cooley in the area of Harrison's Landing in Charles City County, VA. The bars are in very good condition and each are approximately .65 inches in length and .31 inches in width. Two of these bars would have worn within each shoulder strap, with one bar at either end, as pictured in Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" on page 175, item #2. A picture of this example may be viewed in the additional enlargements by clicking on the thumbnail picture to the left. Three of these bars have a similar dark brown patina with one being slightly lighter in color. None of them have any cracks, breaks, bends or repairs and all will make an excellent addition to any shoulder straps that are without them. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. $195.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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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? |
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PC896 A Relic From Brandy Station This excavated relic from Brandy Station, VA may be a portion of tin pitcher or coffee pot that has been marked "11 Brandy Station, VA". There are small holes grouped together in one area of the tin that I believe to be a strainer where a spout would have been attached. This is a great piece of Civil War campsite history from a significant battle of the war . It was very lightly clear coated many years ago and will make an excellent display piece for any Civil War campsite collection.. Approx. 6 1/2 x 7 inches. $25.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC2856 ID'd Third Corps Badge L. J. C. Co. C 3rd REG This Third Corps badge was excavated from the from the New York Excelsior Brigade's 1863 camp in Brandy Station, VA. by Paul Irvin of Orange County, VA. This badge is one of several that Mr. Irvin found in that camp will be the only one offered for sale. The configuration of the attachment pin device on the rear of this badge, along with the diagonal positioning of the inscription on the front, indicates that it was to be worn with a corner pointed both up and down. This design would closely mimic the lozenge or diamond shaped badge of the Third Corps. The ground action on this non-ferrous type metal makes the inscription difficult to see without the aid of a good magnifier with a light (see additional pictures). Mr. Irvin indicated that in 1978 he was able, however, to see it using only his youthful eyes and the sunshine in his front yard. After carefully examining the front of the badge, tilted this way and that, he was able to observe the following inscription: "L.J.C. Co. C 3rd REG". On February 1, 1978 Mr. Irvin, paid a fee of three dollars and formally requested the military service records for a soldier with the initials "L.J.C" of Co. C, in the 3rd Regiment that would have been at Brandy Station in the winter of 1863. A few weeks later Mr. Irvin received 15 pages of documentation detailing information about a private Leonard J. Clark, Jr. The following is a portion of that information:
Leonard J. Clark was 5 feet 6 3/4 inches in height with a fair complexion.
He had light blue eyes and brown hair. He was born in Hebron, PA and
his occupation was farming. At age 25 Leonard J. Clark enlisted on
April 28, 1861 at Hebron Potter Co., PA for a period of three years.
He mustered into service on July 21, 1864 at Staten Island, NY as a private,
Co. C, 3rd Reg't, Excelsior Brig., N. Y. Inf. According to the company
muster roll, under remarks, it notes that Private Clark was "Wounded at
Fair Oaks June 12, 1862 with a Pickaxe through the arm". At
age 28 on September 24, 1863 Clark reenlisted and mustered into Company C,
72nd Regiment of New
York Volunteers at Brandy Station, VA for an additional period of
three years. On March 1, 1864 Clark was promoted from Private to
Corporal. On May 10, 1864 Corp. Clark was wounded. On May 13,
1864, at
Spotsylvania Court House, VA. Corp. Clark died as a result of those
wounds. |
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PC2801 Brass Heel Plate - Star Design This excavated heel plate, with star design, is in good condition. It is made of brass which now has a dusty green patina. While there is wear shown on edge, there are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. This relic was excavated in Cold Harbor, Va. on August 19, 2003. Approx. 1.8 x 2 inches. $45.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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PC2617 Confederate Richmond Spur This excavated Confederate "Richmond" spur is a very handsome looking relic. Recovered in Caroline County, VA the only part that is lacking is its rowel. It has an overall green patina and is excellent shape with no cracks, breaks, repairs or major bends. An example of this spur can be found in the reference book "Civil War Artifacts-A Guide for the Historian", by Howard R. Crouch as spur #1 on page 122, (a signed copy of this book is also available from Virginia Relics). The excavated spur is a super Confederate Civil War relic that will enhance any cavalry or general relic collection. Approximately 3 x 5.5 inches. SOLD |
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PC2551 Folding Knife This excavated folding knife is from the collection of Paul Irvin. The iron is rusty and there is some flaking but the brass spoon is solidly in place. Amazingly enough, there is even a bit of wood handle still stretching from one end underneath the spoon. During the late nineteen sixties into the early nineteen eighties Paul Irvin hunted many Civil War sites, both union and confederate, in central Virginia. The story of several of Mr. Irvin's major relic finds is recalled in a chapter from Howard Crouch's book, "Relic Hunter: The Field Account of Civil War Sites, Artifacts, and Hunting". Click here to read the story of Mr. Irvin and these finds. Approx. 4 1/2 inches in length. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC2156 Sword Hanger This brass sword hanger is in excellent condition and has a very nice brown patina. A similar example of this sword hanger can be found on page 183 as illustration #8 in the book "Excavated Artifacts From Battlefields and Campsites of the civil War 1861-1865" by Stanley S. Phillips and also on page 191 in illustration #6 in the book "Civil War Artifacts: A guide for the Historian" by Howard R. Crouch. This hanger has no cracks, breaks, repairs or major bends and will make an excellent addition to any collection. $30.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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PC2533 Brass Shoe Buckle This brass shoe buckle was recovered from a Civil War camp in western Hanover County, VA in the area of the battle of North Anna. This ornate buckle has no cracks, breaks, bends or repairs and will make an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War relic collection. Approximately 45 x 51 mm. $25.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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PC2492 Mainspring Vice Gun Tool This excavated iron mainspring vice gun tool was used by the soldier to remove the tension from the gun lock so as to allow its internals to be cleaned or repaired. This unusual and possibly rare example is smaller than the vice used for Civil War rifle-muskets. It could have been used for a model 1855 pistol carbine or other military firearm with smaller locks such as a cadet musket. This relic was recovered by Paul Irvin of Virginia. Paul Irvin and his brother, Dennis, hunted campsites in several areas in central Virginia with several important finds coming from the area of Brandy Station, VA. These particular finds, which were recovered on October 29, 1977, are documented in a chapter from Howard Crouches book "Relic Hunter" and the story of these finds can be read by clicking here. This odd size main spring vice is an excellent piece to add to any excavated campsite relic collection. $55.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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PC2489 Iron Round Ball Mold This iron mold for round ball is rusty and pitted but still complete. Locked into its current position from rusting, it is still open enough to view the size ball it would have produced. It appears to have made a ball about the size of a buckshot. The best measurement of the interior of the mold, I could obtain, was about .30 inches in diameter. This relic was recovered by Paul Irvin of Virginia. Paul Irvin and his brother, Dennis, hunted campsites in several areas in central Virginia with several important finds coming from the area of Brandy Station, VA. These particular finds, which were recovered on October 29, 1977, are documented in a chapter from Howard Crouches book "Relic Hunter" and the story of these finds can be read by clicking here. This bullet mold is an excellent piece to add to any excavated campsite relic collection. $55.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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PC2488 Pewter Canteen Spout This pewter canteen spout is in very good condition. This relic was recovered by Paul Irvin of Virginia. Paul Irvin and his brother, Dennis, hunted campsites in several areas in central Virginia with several important finds coming from the area of Brandy Station, VA. These particular finds, which were recovered on October 29, 1977, are documented in a chapter from Howard Crouches book "Relic Hunter" and the story of these finds can be read clicking here by This canteen spout, that once aided in quenching the thirst of a tired soldier, is an excellent piece to add to any excavated campsite relic collection. $20.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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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? |
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PC1851 US Bridle Rosette This excavated US bridle rosette is an absolute beauty. The majority of the face has a very pleasing yellowish brown patina which beautifully highlights the letters "US". The rear is lead filled and the attachment hook is missing. A similar example of this rosette is pictured as #9 on page 80 in the book "Excavated Artifacts From Battlefields and Campsites of the Civil War 1861-1865" by Stanley S. Phillips. This rosette has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs and will make a excellent display piece. Approx. 49 mm. $225.00 Ordering Information or Questions |
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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? |
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PC1603 Colt .44 Caliber Bullet Mold This excavated iron Colt .44 caliber bullet mold is complete and in very good condition. The iron has been clear coated so as to prevent further deterioration. Due to the fact that the coating was added 20+ years ago, there are a couple of areas that need touching up. The action of this mold has been sealed closed due to rust. This piece is solid and would make for a very nice display piece in an excavated Colt relic collection. 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. Approximately 4 3/4 inches in length. $120.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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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? |
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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? |
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PC1443 Small Camp Axe Head This camp axe head is in very good condition and is from the collection of Richard E. Clem of Maryland. It has been nicely preserved with a very light clear coating and it displays beautifully. A relic hunter since the early sixties Mr. Clem dug these items in various battlefields and campsites in the area of Berryville, VA as well as Charles Town, WV. For more information about relic hunter Richard Clem click the link on his name above. $35.00 Ordering Information or Questions? |
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PC640 Mainspring Vise Gun Tool This mainspring vise is in excellent excavated condition and has been cleaned and very lightly clear coated for preservation. This excavated relic was used by the soldier to remove the tension from the gun lock so as to allow its internals to be cleaned or repaired. Excavated in Cold Harbor, VA. in the early seventies. $45.00 Order Information or Questions? |
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