Here is a wonderful group of artifacts from a Union soldier that gave his all at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. This group consists of two Colt pistols, a small recruiting broadside, an ambrotype image of Smith in uniform, a letter written to his widow by a member of his company just after his death stating"…that he died in a glorious cause, that he was a brave and gallant soldier….". Also included in the archive are various pension papers for his widow Lydia. First there is a ninth plate Ruby ambrotype of the 26 year old George W. Smith wearing his cavalry shell jacket with shoulder scales, holding his Hardee hat with crossed saber insignia and "2" over "D". The image has very nice detail with the insignia still being very crisp so you can see the buttons, Jeff Davis hat pin, crossed saber insignia, uniform piping, and shoulder scales are gilded in gold. The image is held by 1/2 leatherette style case. Then there is a wonderful original recruiting broadside that measures 10-1/2 inches by 7-1/2 inches in overall size. The broadside proudly states "CAVALRY REGIMENT!!!" across the top. Below it has "Abel bodied recruits are wanted for service in Col. Kellogg's Cavalry Regiment, Grand Rapids. Several Companies have already been formed and will immediately appear at Headquarters.". Col. Francis Kellogg (1810-1879) raised both the 2nd and 3rd regiments of Michigan cavalry. He saw little field service as he represented Michigan in Congress. Then there is an original Colt model 1860 army revolver, it has the matching serial numbers of 68,025 and along the top of the full-length barrel is the one line Sam Colt New York address. We are not sure how an army issued revolver was retained by his widow, but that is the story. The revolver is personalized by cutting bottom of grips for a lanyard. The gun is in fair to good overall, markings good, serial numbers all matching, wedge was not removed but is broken or replaced, metal overall uncleaned with gray/brown patina, mechanics are good with good rifled bore. Next is an American retailed Colt London model 1849 pocket model. It has matching serial numbers of 10,629 (31cal), with the full-length 6 inch barrel. This revolver was made in 1856 In standard configuration with two line London address. It doesn't have English proof marks so we know it was likely assembled and sold in American using the London barrel. The gun is in very good overall, traces of blue, case colors & silver retains most of its original varnish on grips. The loading arm pivot is broken. It is mechanically fine with good crisp bore. There is also a letter written June 12th 1863 from Triune TN to George's widow a week after he was killed by Chester E. Shrader, Co. D, 2nd Michigan Cavalry, George's mess mate. CONDITION: complete, easily discerned, cracked at folds. There are also 4 pension documents for Lydia A. Smith, George's widow. One is wartime dated in 1864 giving her $8 per month from day George was killed, June 4, 1863. Lydia was widow with 2 small children. She would soon marry another cavalryman John Peter Sexton Wedeman May 8, 1864 (1832-1895). She would collect his pension when he died too. Documents good overall George W. Smith (1835-1863) entered service Sept. 6, 1861 in Co. D, 2nd Michigan Cavalry, killed June 4, 1864 at first battle of Franklin, TN and buried on the field. He would be reinterred and buried in grave # 3139, Stones River National Cemetery, Murfreesboro, TN. His widow, Lydia A. Smith Wedeman (nee Davidson) 1838-1826 lived to 88 collecting widow's pension for herself & 6 children for 63 years. You get all of these treasures for the single price. What an impressive archive of a Michigan fighter!

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All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the office or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael & Catherine Eledge, Owners of ShilohRelics.com.

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