Civil War Collector
American Civil War: The Canadian Connection
This site is for fellow Canadians with an interest in the American Civil War. I also appreciate the friendships I've made with American collectors who have an interest in their northern neighbors. I have been collecting Civil War artifacts for over 40 years, starting with a three ring bullet I purchased for a dollar at a Florida gas station.
On my travels through the states It's been a pleasure meeting and talking to fellow collectors. Many "old timers," some of whom are no longer with us, have added enormously to my enjoyment of this hobby. Only in retrospect can I appreciate the extent of their patience and depth of their knowledge. I could sit and listen forever to stories of the early days when, as kids, these collecting pioneers would "eyeball" relics or legally stroll the battlefields and dig for relics. Artifacts were so plentiful, they told me, that they would often sell bullets, buckles or relic weapons for just enough money for a treat or a toy at the local store. Farmers were happy to have them clear the "junk" from their property. It's now illegal to hunt on battlefields, old sites have been dug out for years and landowners are reluctant, for many reasons, to let diggers on their land. Those golden years are gone forever along with the early collectors. That does not diminish the passion to collect and preserve this time in history.
While collecting I continued to be surprised by how the Civil War impacted every aspect of Canada.
My Personal Connection to the Civil War
I learned recently that I come by my interest honestly. My lineage goes back to the original colonies with a lot of military participation. This connection includes my second great grandfather. His name was Charles Albert Perkins, who marched with the 12th Regiment, Vermont Infantry. I am verifying a Confederate connection also.
On my travels through the states It's been a pleasure meeting and talking to fellow collectors. Many "old timers," some of whom are no longer with us, have added enormously to my enjoyment of this hobby. Only in retrospect can I appreciate the extent of their patience and depth of their knowledge. I could sit and listen forever to stories of the early days when, as kids, these collecting pioneers would "eyeball" relics or legally stroll the battlefields and dig for relics. Artifacts were so plentiful, they told me, that they would often sell bullets, buckles or relic weapons for just enough money for a treat or a toy at the local store. Farmers were happy to have them clear the "junk" from their property. It's now illegal to hunt on battlefields, old sites have been dug out for years and landowners are reluctant, for many reasons, to let diggers on their land. Those golden years are gone forever along with the early collectors. That does not diminish the passion to collect and preserve this time in history.
While collecting I continued to be surprised by how the Civil War impacted every aspect of Canada.
My Personal Connection to the Civil War
I learned recently that I come by my interest honestly. My lineage goes back to the original colonies with a lot of military participation. This connection includes my second great grandfather. His name was Charles Albert Perkins, who marched with the 12th Regiment, Vermont Infantry. I am verifying a Confederate connection also.
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SEE MORE RELICS BY GOING TO MY PERSONAL COLLECTION PAGE
A Warning to Collectors
As in any hobby or business, participants in Civil War collecting include a full range of ethics (or lack thereof). There is no pleasure in taking a chance on a purchase and feeling a sense of doubt and dread every time you hold the item. Warning aside, this is a very fun and rewarding hobby.
As in any hobby or business, participants in Civil War collecting include a full range of ethics (or lack thereof). There is no pleasure in taking a chance on a purchase and feeling a sense of doubt and dread every time you hold the item. Warning aside, this is a very fun and rewarding hobby.