To be honest, any collectible item is only worth what another person or entity will pay. Price guides are very useful, especially for the beginning collector, but current market value, current "hot" item craze, buyer or sellers market and the economy (let's not forget sometimes local, State or Federal laws concerning the sale of antiquities) will define what a certain relic will bring.
A good starting point for American Civil War relics would be the North/South Traders Civil War price guide. These are updated about every 2-3 years and offer the collector a very broad range of Civil War collectibles including non dug items such as photo's, paper money, flags and more. Another good reference would be Warman's Civil War Collectibles guide. Both are good starting places to discover an estimate on your collectibles.
1850's Christian Sharp's brass 'Pepper box' pistol frame - Civil War campsite
That said, value is based on several factors as I previously mentioned. However, the most important factor is condition. Don't expect to get top dollar for a relic that is in poor condition. Damaged or restored relics are worth much less than an original piece in excellent dug condition. Also, patina (age enamel) can and will play a role in value.
Patina is the natural surface layer of any relic, brought about by chemical changes due to several factors such as soil matrix, acidity, fertilizer, breakdown of decaying vegetation and other factors that will bring about an aging effect on the metal composition of the relic. Lead in water tends to turn an ash gray. Lead dug from the ground will range from bone white to dark brown depending upon the locality of recovery. Silver oxidizes and turns black; brass will turn chocolate brown to shades of green (due to the copper leaching to the surface); pewter tends to stay shades of gray but can turn lighter grays to white. Iron will do what iron does best; rust. So when it comes to value, condition and sometimes the color of the relics patina will play a role in value.
Coldstream Guard's belt plate - British relic from the American Revolution
For more knowledge on up to date prices, visit some of the Internet relic dealers. Their price lists will vary widely sometimes, but it's another good source of information. Avoid putting much faith in Internet auction sites such as Ebay. There are more fake relics on that one site than fish in lake Erie.
If you get a chance, visit any one of the Civil War relic shows around the country. The largest is held in Franklin, Tennessee the first weekend of each December. It's a thrill to see some of the finest relics in the nation on exhibit and for sale.
In closing, respect the law and stay off Federal land. It is illegal to dig in any Federal park or battlefield. Private land with permission will keep you out of trouble.
Good hunting,
David Keith
Dixie Metal Detectors
www.dixie-metal-detectors.com
Madison, TN
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