Antiques & Collecting: Civil War antiques march to a unique drum

Collectors seek out military antiques to preserve veterans’ stories and honor historic heroes. Civil War drums are some of the rarest of these antiques, and they convey powerful imagery along with their historical importance.

A Civil War-era drum that sold for $2,783 at Donley Auctions was previously displayed in a museum. Still in excellent condition, it features bold blue trim and is decorated with a painted eagle and shield, as well as all 13 stars representing the Union.

These drums were usually painted with patriotic images; eagles were, of course, one of the most popular symbols for both Union and Confederate forces.

There is a visual cue that can help collectors tell them apart: Designs on Union drums usually include 13 stars, while Confederate drums have 11.

However, there were no standards or regulations for how drums were decorated, so, like many hints for identifying antiques, these cues are not always 100% accurate.

Civil War drums, which are usually about 12 to 14 inches deep and 16 inches in diameter, are visibly smaller than drums from earlier American wars.

This is because Civil War drummer boys were younger. There are records of boys joining the army as drummers as young as 9 years old.

While these might have made exciting stories for children, they are also important reminders of the dangers and tragedy of war. Drummers were in dangerous positions and were the youngest casualties of many Civil War battles.

Upon my grandma’s death, I received a brooch given to her by her mother’s mother that has been reported as being a brooch worn by mourning widows of the Civil War. I have not had success finding someone to look at the piece for me. Would you happen to have any suggestions?

Mourning jewelry was extremely popular in the United States at the time of the Civil War, and more broadly from about 1820 to the 1880s.

The death toll of the war, the sentimentality of the Victorian era, especially its mourning traditions, and the Industrial Revolution introducing manufacturing methods that allowed for fairly inexpensive, accessible jewelry were all factors.

Generally, if you want to identify or appraise a piece of antique jewelry, we recommend contacting a jeweler or antique dealer in your area.

Because your brooch is so old and a specialized type of jewelry, you may want to contact an auction house that handles jewelry.

Many major auction houses provide free assessments or appraisals, can conduct them remotely from photographs, and have their contact information online.

Tip: Never wash vintage silk, satin, banners, flags, or embroideries. The dyes may fade, and the lightweight fabrics wear out very quickly.

Current Prices

Thermometer, Quaker State Motor Oil, round dial, green lettering, plastic face, metal bracket, 12 inches, $60.

Toy, bird, standing, sings, yellow chest, green head, multicolor wings, metal, key wind, Germany, mid-20th century, 4 1/2 inches, $155.

World War I, banner, The Victory Liberty Loan, large V, red and blue lettering, wide red border, frame, 34×29 inches, $280.