Civil War Relic Dealer Killed

Virginia Relic Dealer Sam White was killed on February 18th, while deactivating a Civil War shell. The blast occurred in Chesterfield, Virginia, outside his backyard shed. According to news reports, the neighbors advised that they felt the ground shake after the explosion. Area residents were evacuated by the police and a bomb team removed shells laying in the back yard near the shell that exploded. A large chunk of shrapnel (14 - 15 lbs.) fell through the roof of a residence approximately a quarter mile away. Our condolences go out to the family of Sam White who was devoted to preserving history through relics. His website is www.samwhiterelics.com. The Fredericksburg Relic Hunters Association will be arranging a tribute to him at their March 8th Civil War Show.

Civil War ordnance should never be deactivated without a remote device. This is the second incident that has occurred in recent years. Lawrence Christopher of Dalton, Georgia was severely injured while drilling into the fuse of a large projectile last year. Always verify if a shell has been deactivated before buying. Civil War shells that have not been deactivated in current collections are fairly safe as long as they are not drilled into or heated. It takes approximately 500 degrees farenheit to ignite black powder, according to Civil War Artillery Expert Peter Jorge. There is no margin of error when drilling a shell, it takes only one small mistake that can cause a fatal consequence.

Florida Fort Zachery Taylor 

I just returned from a vacation trip to the Florida Keys. One day, I went to vist Fort Zachery Taylor at Key West. When it was first completed, the fort stood three stories high, fifty feet above the surrounding water, and was located about a quarter mile from Key West. A narrow earthern causeway with a drawbridge located on the outside of the wall connected the fort with the mainland. Today, the fort is surrounded by land.  I heard stories about the vast amount of relics recovered in the 1960's from filled in casements and looked forward to the visit. It turned out to be heart rendering to see the neglect of the artifacts and the condition of the fort.  I mentioned it to the Park Ranger on duty but she got defensive and acted like I should mind my own business. They were also setting up a haunted house in the fort which I felt was disrespectful. See photos on the 'CW Florida' page on website.

  I’m constantly amazed at the knowledge and information that my customers have. For example, I sold a Tom Thumb CDV to Mr. Harold Eaker last week who provided me with some great information:

Hello Barry. I'll write you a check tonight for 31.50 for the Tom Thumb cdv. It is one of P.T.

Barnum's hoax. Tom Thumb and his wife never had children. His real name was Charles Stratton and he and his wife made front page news when they did get married in 1863.He retired and in 1864 CSA spies burned Barnum’s Museum in New York city during the draft riots, and Barnum went broke. After the way he went back on the road as a traveling circus and Charles and wife came out of retirement and helped his old friend and business partner to regain his fortune. As the midget side show, Lavinia's wedding dress was displayed, next season the fake child, next season the dead baby in its coffin, the cdv's were the first side show freak cards and are still used today at carnivals for extra money for the side show performer. I collect these cards and if you find any please let me know. Harold Eaker

General Tom Thumb with family.

I appeciate all feedback and information that is sent to me. Again, thanks for your support.