Lot #56: Vicksburg Campaign Battlefield Finds | Compartmented Display Collection | Circa 1861–1865

Historical Context & Origin Region: United States, Mississippi Valley (attributed) Material: Mixed metals (iron, brass, lead), glass/ceramic, wood display tray with wire mounts Period: American Civil War, ca. 1861–1865 Description Large, visually striking shadow-box assemblage of dug Civil War relics, mounted in a compartmented wooden tray. An old hand-written label reads “Battle of Vicksburg,” suggesting the items were recovered in or around that campaign; the group appears to have been arranged by a mid-20th-century collector and left largely undisturbed since. Contents include multiple Minie balls and carved bullets, round-shot/canister and shell fragments, horse equipment (spur, stirrup, buckles), accoutrement hardware (US plate and eagle breastplate fragments, belt/suspender buckles, knapsack/strap fittings, scabbard piece), canteen spout, pipe bowl fragment, glass bottle, iron tools and camp items, and miscellaneous brass/lead field finds—all with honest excavated patina. Features - Compartmented wooden display with dozens of identified relics - Highlights: US oval plate fragment, eagle motif disk, spur & stirrup, canteen spout, buttons/buckles, Minie balls and carved examples, artillery/shell fragments, camp hardware - Historic hand-written label “Battle of Vicksburg” retained (provenance note) - Ready to hang or stand; an impressive decorator’s piece and study collection Cultural Significance Vicksburg (May–July 1863) was pivotal in securing Union control of the Mississippi River. Battlefield-recovered groupings like this preserve material culture of soldier life—ammunition, equipment, and camp detritus—providing a tangible record of the conflict. Condition Relic/excavated condition throughout: oxidation, encrustation, and losses consistent with ground recovery; several pieces wired or wedged into compartments; some movement possible—handle gently. The tray shows age wear, chips, and minor separations but is stable for display. Age (Approximate) 160–165 years old Provenance From a private collection in York, Pennsylvania, USA. Formerly housed at a historical society. Purchased by the current owner in 2025. Dimensions: Width: 21.5 in x Height: 18.5 in Pickup category timeslot {A} Price Estimate: CAD 225 - 400 Ships from Toronto, ON. No local pickup. Buyer arranges shipping and insurance directly with seller after auction closes.