CIVIL WAR MEMORABILIA
Civil War memorabilia can be found in a variety of collections in Special Collections and University Archives. Click on the images below to view a larger version of the image.
The remains of a rusted bayonet were dug up by James G. Stahlman at his former
home on Graybar Lane. This site is just east of Hood's Hill on the Hillsboro
Pike where Walthall's division was in combat on the first day of the Battle
of Nashville on December 5, 1864.
[From the James G. Stahlman Papers.]
Lancet (or "bleeder"), a sharp pointed, double-edged surgical instrument
used in opeing veins for bloodletting.
[From the Mary Margaret and John L. Farringer, Jr. Collection.]
Lead bullet mold used to create bullets for cap and ball revolvers. It can
make more than one type of bullet depending on where the molten lead is poured.
[From the James G. Stahlman Papers.]
Calvary Picket Peg used to tether a horse. Found on campus, and most likely from a Union encampment near present
day West End Avenue.
[From the Vanderbilt University Memorabilia Collection.]
An example of a cap and ball revolver in use before, during and after the Civil
War. This revolver was made in England and brought to the United States by
Major Thomas Geddes in 1848. Guns of this type were commonly found in the hands
of Confederate officers.
[From the James G. Stahlman Papers.]
Wooden case containing equipment to care for the revolver above
and keep it in good working order.
[From the James G. Stahlman Papers.]
Case of medical instruments taken by R. S. Sommers from a Confederate surgeon below
Vicksburg, Mississippi, June 30, 1862.
[From the Mary Margaret and John L. Farringer, Jr. Collection.]
Saber with original scabbard owned by a Union Army cavalry soldier.
[From the Vanderbilt University Memorabilia Collection.]
Closeup of the Union Army cavalry saber listed above.
[From the Vanderbilt University Memorabilia Collection.]
A rusted hammerlock from a rifle which was dug up by James G. Stahlman at
his former home on Graybar Lane. This site is just east of Hood's Hill on
the Hillsboro Pike where Walthall's division was in combat on the first day
of the Battle of Nashville on December 5, 1864.
[From the James G. Stahlman Collection.]
Union Army kepi insignia. The crossed sabers designate the soldier as a cavalry
soldier.
[From the James G. Stahlman Historical Autograph Collection.]
Union Army kepi insignia. The bugle designates the soldier as an infantry soldier.
[From the James G. Stahlman Historical Autograph Collection.]