A Practical Guide to Collecting Civil War

This informative Civil War collector’s guide will give you an idea of where to look, how much to pay, and how to keep mistakes to a minimum when collecting Civil War memorabilia. The author educates the reader on recognizing the value of items, emphasizes primary sources, and advises on collecting period representations. Additionally, strong focus is on the less obvious collectible with emphasis on detail and usage.

Tales of the hunt are also included! This book features specific experiences in the never-ending pursuit of Civil War artifacts and entertains you with anecdotes of rewards and retributions throughout the chapters.

The guide is annotated at every step with sources of information that the reader will learn how to access. And, since it is also illustrated with photographs of the described items, the book gives the reader a strong base of knowledge in the specialized collecting field.

James P. Mesker received his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. As a historical researcher and archivist, he has been the subject of articles in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Metro section while a volunteer with the Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland Landmarks Commission. Mesker has pursued an avocation in collecting Civil War memorabilia for 42 years, and in 1993, 1995, and 1996 was recognized with Best in Show trophies at Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry Civil War shows.

From a pioneering Cleveland, Ohio, family and a direct descendant of a Civil War veteran, he is currently senior vice commander of the Sons of Union Veterans, Garfield Camp, Cleveland, and actively participates in reenactments and living histories.