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This limber chest is one of two discovered in December, 2007, in an 18th century barn, on the land of an 18th century home site, in Amelia County, Va.  Both chests are of Confederate manufacture and use, and are identified.  This particular chest, as was the other, was used by the 12th Va. Inf. to carry military paper (pay vouchers and associated company documents) and was in the possession of Sgt. Robert C. Osborne, at the war's end.  Osborne, a native of Petersburg and original member of the famed Petersburg Grays, served throughout the war with the 12th Va. (formed in 1861 from the Grays) , attached to Mahone's brigade, seeing heavy action throughout the Petersburg campaign, including being in the forefront at the re-taking of the Crater, as depicted in John Elder's famous painting.  Although Osborne's family lived in Petersburg, they owned a farm, Laurel Grove, in Amelia; here the family raised tobacco, and it was here that Sgt. Osborne left three limber chests during the Confederate Army's retreat through Amelia, on the fateful trip culminating at Appomattox Courthouse.  The chests have apparently been in the very barn where Osborne left them so long ago, until their recent removal. The current owner of Laurel Grove is a direct descendant of Robert C. Osborne.

This chest, which is exceedingly rare, maintains its original paint, as well as a rare rolled, iron / tin covering on the lid; directly beneath this sheet iron lid is about 70% of the original black painted oil cloth, placed between the sheet iron and wooden lid for weatherproofing and as an anti-spark mechanism.  Apparently, this oil cloth originally extended over the sheet iron top, as a small swatch of oil cloth remains attached to the iron top. The tacks and tack holes used to affix the oil cloth are still quite visible along the lip of the underside of the chest lid. (See period photograph of two limber chests used by the famed Washington Artillery).  The chest is in decent "barn condition" - it is missing one cast iron handle and does have a small section of rodent damage to one back corner of the lid. Also, the right rear corner of the floor of the chest is damaged (as seen in the pictures).  Inside the chest, which was probably made to transport 12 pndr. case shot, all bolt heads are covered with zinc squares, attached to the wooden walls via brass tacks.  The shell divider holders are present and are tacked to front and rear of walls of the box via brass tacks.  An extremely rare artifact in and of itself, this limber chest is identified with the attributed unit being one of the more famous members of the Army of Northern Virginia.  Full documentation and guarantee will accompany the limber chest.  The two 12 pounder cannonballs and artillery sword pictured with the chest are not included and are there for a size reference only.  The two balls are approximately 4.5 inches in diameter.  The availability of a limber chest, in this condition, with a solid provenance, is one of those "once in a lifetime opportunities".  

Length including handle..........................48"
Length, not including handle...................44 and 1/4"
Width ..................................................22 and 1/2"
Height, including handle.........................21 and 1/2"
Height, not including handle...................17 and 1/4"

Delivery of this item will require special arrangements with the purchaser and will need to be discussed prior to completion of the sale.  $4,695.00   Ordering Information  or  Questions

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