Very tastefully done sterling silver Bezique card set, probably from second quarter of 20th century. Case is done with very detailed repousse work featuring a multitude of cherubs with a floral swag pattern. Top of box is monogrammed "SSA". Hallmark on base of box is unknown (to us.) Top and side compartments are purple lined and include four sets of cards; Two have the same SSA initials and there are two that have U.S. IRS import stamps for playing cards (one is detached from the pack)...

Lovely Union Navy Civil War officer's sword by Pollard & Co, Boston MA. The true personality with this sword is that the fellow's name is engraved twice with the name John A Floyd. First on the scabbard and then on the top of the guard beside the USN casting. Both are done in different styles and both are undoubtedly original to the sword being the correct style, Sunken in and heavily patinated. I was only able to find him listed as a coxswain which is sort of a cool job...

Very rare, hard to find tunic. Text book four button wool construction with upward sloping pockets. In great condition throughout. The only negative I find is that the stamp below the color is not very clear. This type of sleeve insignia was introduced in 1943. With no border on the Org Todt armband this was for EM or NCO; I would assume NCO with the red tress around the color. Great example of a very rare item.

Lovely steel Jaeger Zu Pferde pickelhaube. These mounted light infantry were similar to dragoner units and the helmet is patterned after cuirassier spiked helmets. The blued steel is in line with 1915 regulations and this example is made by C.E. Juncker and dated 1916. All metal parts are period and appear to be original to the helmet. Light age wear as shown in attached photographs. I do believe the chinstrap is a reproduction...

Named Civil War M1850 navy officer's sword by Ames. The fellow's name is A. Nelson (Engraved on scabbard throat fitting) and there are two possibilities. Aaron H Nelson was an Acting Assistant Paymaster July 7, 1863 to March 28, 1865, Assistant Paymaster February 21 1867 and resigned December 14,1871. Andrew Nelson was an Acting Ensign July 2, 1863 until his honorable discharge on October 28,1865. The sword itself is a nice, solid example of Ames production. Blade is engraved "Ames Mfg. Co...

Beautiful Imperial German Hussar sword. Inset into the grip is the skull and crossed bones representing the elite Hussars. It is often forgotten that before WWI this symbol was the proud symbol of Germany's elite fighting force, namely the heavy cavalry know as Hussars. Detail on this is superb. Handsome, silver lion head handle is really a nice one. Lion's flowing mane trails to the backstrap. Red ruby eyes go very well with the toned silver of the handle...

This is the Civil War discharge certificate for James M Bell, Captain Company D Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. James Bell. The unit saw heavy action including Culpepper Court House, Mine Run Campaign, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Ream's Station. In the Battle of the Wilderness he was breveted a Captain for gallant services, and a Major for similar conduct at Ream's Station. Things really got interesting for Captain Bell, who stayed in the Cavalry, during the Indian Wars...

This is a very special piece with a rich history. I have had this in my personal collection for many years now. It started out as an American Revolution horseman saber. A nearly identical sword is pictured on page 164 of George C Neumann's important book "Swords & Blad3es of the American Revolution" (third edition, October 1991). During the Civil War a Confederate soldier had it either cut down or remounted to a bowie knife. Its current blade length is just under 17 inches. It is in uncleaned co...

This buckle is somewhere between extremely scarce and wicked scarce. This is the only one I have ever personally seen for sale so they are few and far between. The early nickel Overhoff and Cie buckles were the first SS EM belt buckles produced and were alternately marked O&C or with the full maker name (Overhoff & Cie). I do not know why but only a very few were also DRGM marked and this is just below the wreath on the reverse. Lovely buckle should go to a good collection.

Civil war foot officer sword by Collins and Co. Hartford Co. Dated 1862, so a nice early date. Blade is engraved with floral pattern, a large "US", an eagle with a ribbon in its beak and arrows in its claw, and various flags, drums, shields and polearms. Handle is a beauty with nicely patinated brass with a fair amount of gilt left and no wobble when twisted. Perfect wire wrap over undamaged fish skin grip. Fish skin has about a 1mm gap on the seam due to shrinkage over the years (just as you wo...

Lovely French naval artillery shorts sword which saw service from about 1771 to 1790, a span which perfectly brackets the American Revolutionary War. This exact sword is featured in George C Neumann'a important Swords & Blades of the American Revolution. I have the Third Edition from 1991 and find it on page 189. As the French both supplied troops and also equipped many of the American units it is very likely that this saw service in that war and, as it recently came out of a house in Pennsylvan...

Yes, it is a darn shame about the decal hit on the eagle. All I can say is that I didn't do it and that it saddens me also. If everything was perfect, though, we wouldn't have the thrill of the hunt, right? Anyway, the eagle looks gold to me but could be toned army. Have added three closeups of the bird with different lighting with and without flash. Under a loop it does have metallic sparkle. Consistent wear throughout. Chin strap is broken. SE maker mark was Sächsische Emaillier u. Stanzwerke...