Vintage Jewelry

Many collectors of Civil War Period items concentrate on those artifacts that remind us of the war and soldiers and the battles they fought. Civilian items: jewelry, household tools and such, are beginning to grow in popularity. Whether you just appreciate a pretty bauble or adornment, or feel the attachment to someone's prized brooch or locket, this page offers selections of the feminine nature. Kitchen items, writing implements, sewing tools can be found on this page. Most are in worn, in obviously used condition, not as shiny as they were when first worn or used in the 19th century. To me, this makes them more desirable, more dear, to see how they survived the century. Some show the age and patina that adds appreciation for surviving at all.

My appreciation of Victorian, 19th century jewelry, by no means makes me an expert. Through research I've learned what kind of designs and styles were worn at the time, but I am still learning!

1860's Jewelry Civilian Displays

Civilian Items

1860's Jewelry	Item #	Price
Hair Jewelry/Photo Reversible Brooch: Gold, likely 10 KT but not certain of karat, one side has strands of braided hair, other a photo of woman. A pivot allows it to swing to either side. T bar pin is original, but someone had a safety clasp added. Actually, that’s a good modification, as it can be worn with less chance of loss. Such “:flip” pieces are becoming very hard to find, but here is your chance. Approximately 1 1/8 x 1 ½”.	CC72DJJJ	$190
12 Kt. Woven Hair Watch Fob and Key: This piece is in excellent condition, as solid and complete as you'll find. It even has the watch key. Fittings are 12Kt gold. Light brown hair, 18" overall.	GVJ52EJJJ	$160
Gold Pinch Back Brooch: Mid 1800s, pinch back was a method of wrapping gold sheets together to make lighter jewelry. Completely original except that the t-bar pin was replaced at some time long ago with a later style pin (still has original loop catch). Perfectly wearable if desired, or put it in as case for an example of Civil War era jewelry. Design is grapes. Approximately 1 3/16 x 1 5/8”	CC73DJJJ	$125
Sash Buckle: mid 1800s, actually a dug piece but could be used if you wish. Has small uncut red stone in center, brass.	CC734DJJJ	$20
Oval with Pearl: This is a great pin - the cross floral design resembles dogwood and has a tiny pearl in the center. T-bar and C clasp. Tests 10kt gold	GVJ5-EDD	$32
Civilian Items	Item #	Price
Mid 1800's porcelain doll: clothing is homespun, likely made by owner. Some wear on hair paint. Porcelain head and hands, soft body. Nice display stand included. 10 1/2 " tall. What better gift to get your daughter or wife into collecting than this classic original doll?	CC71ABJJ	$95
Snap Case Inkwell: These were used in mid 1800s and made by blowing through the neck, then snapping it off of rod when done. Leaves a sharp lip which appears to some as being broken, but that’s how they were made. 1 ½” across flats at base, 1 ¼ tall, green with a small flaw in glass that looks like a chip but isn’t JUST ADDED!	CC75JBJJ	$10
Snap Case Inkwell: These were used in mid 1800s and made by blowing through the neck, then snapping it off of rod when done. Leaves a sharp lip which appears to some as being broken, but that’s how they were made. 1 ½” across flats at base, 1 ¼ tall, green with lots of bubbles in glass. JUST ADDED!	CC76JBJJ	$10
Child's Tin Cup: 2 1/2" tall, 2 1/4" at base, in great condition. Has flat bottom indicative of the mid 1800's, plus soldered seams. From the collection of noted collector Charles Harris	CCC69CHJJ	$35
Child's Tin Pail: 2 1/4" tall, 1 5/8" at base, in good condition. Has flat bottom indicative of the mid 1800's, plus soldered seams. From the collection of noted collector Charles Harris	CCC70CHJJ	$30
Colonial Clay Pipe: Stem is 3 inches long. Dark clay. Needs cleaning but great for reinactor smokers. This is the Colonial style, 1700s-1860s.	MD642JAJJ	SOLD
Clay Pipe: 1850s clay pipe in near perfect dug condition, still has dirt in it. Found at Confederate site near Rocky Mount, SC. Uses reed stem, so if you want to smoke it at reenactments, it’ll work fine!	MD643JDJJ	SOLD
Clay Pipe: Smooth bowl, with enough stem to smoke. Marked Black king Twist and Old Charlie Smoking. One side has black spots on it in two places.	MD440JCJJ	$12
Repaired Hand Iron. Aprox 5 1/2" tall, cast iron. Handle has been replaced, but still a neat display item or would make a great bookend! Found at Sister's Ferry, GA	CC61AJJJ	$25
Bone Toothbrush: Classic Mid 1800's, just like the soldiers used .Missing only the horsehair bristles and one row of holes, Nice solid slick bone, 6 1/4" long	MD266JDJJ	$20
Travel Kit: It's seen better days, and is in need of some restoration (has been temporally put together using non-damaging tape. Strap for lock is gone. Kit contains a small inkwell, a horse hair shoe brush and also a hair brush, and a mirror. Stamp inside says "E. Darrow Booksellers, Rochester, NY" This company was established in 1846.	MN270CJJJ	$70
Early Fork: Has lots of marks designating it's origins, which I have not deciphered. I'm guessing it's early 1800's, certainly before 1850.	MN304JAJJ	$25
Ivory Handled Forks: A classy example of Civil War era forks. The ivory is solid, but like most old ivory, all have a single crack, most on the side. Will not affect the usability or display, though.	MN221JFJJ	$15 each
Johnny Carson's Civil War Era Wallet ? Glass ambrotype (yes, it does resemble Johnny!) was stuck deep inside wallet when we got it. Was this the wallet's owner, or a friend? It's just a shame there is no ID to go with it. Rarely seen style with separate compartments. Very old stitched repair on front, done over a hundred years ago. Ambrotype included, of course!	MN205BGJJ	$75
Fancy Silver Spoon: This design is very pretty, sort of a mix of leaves and feathers. There are no markings on the small teaspoon, it may be coin silver. It is very lightweight.	CC24JBJJ	$10
Red Fan with Case: Very delicate, but in great condition, this fan is quite fancy with it's case and brass tip. May be polished cotton, but is some kind of fabric that has held up well. The case is 6 inches long and the fan when opened measures 9 inches from end to end. Could make a wonderful display or shadow box piece.	GVJ9AEJJ	$40
1800's Forks and Knives: Perfect for collectors and re-enactors both, these 1800's originals are a must for haversacks and eating kits. These are getting harder and harder to find, and all re-enactors have to eat!	MN4JDEJ	$9 each
Bone Buttons: 1800's era, identical to those dug in camps and period house sites. Perfect for re-enactors of all periods. Four hole styles only in stock.	BN8JJJE	$1 each
Brass 1800's Thimbles: These are identical to those dug in 1860's Camps of both armies. Perfect for any collection, and a must for re-enactors. Plus every lady's sewing basket had her favorite thimbles used for decorative needlework and sewing the family's clothing.	MN25JBJJ	$5
Victorian Clasp Purse: Material is reminiscent of carpet bags, worn but solid. Frame is a pewter like material, finely decorated, MWG engraved on back of frame. Some separation of cloth and frame, but not too bad.	MN23DAJJ	$88
Cast Iron Pot or Crucible: Never seen one like this, bottom has a cast iron skirt to hold it off table or fire or...I just don't know! Heavy, in good shape, 4#" tall x 3 1/2" opening in top.	MN267AAJJ	$25
Civil War Era Civilian Displays	Item #	Price
1800’s Clay Marble (Star Design): Found at Nashville, TN. Has Star design. Mounted in 4 x 5 inch glass top Riker style case, felt lined. Case is modified for wall hanging!	DY97JBJJ	$10