Even local seeded club events draw dozens of participants hoping for a big find. These events were unheard of 20 years ago but now offer an entirely new opportunity for detectorists.
The third area which could potentially be positively affecting our industry is the prevalence of individuals joining Internet research sites such as Ancestry. com and Fold3.com. It is now so easy to research your family tree that anyone with a computer can do it in the comfort of their own home. Kent said “Whether your ancestor fought for the North or South, many are only a mouse click away from running across
We carry a very large inventory of Colt and Civil War firearms including muskets, carbines, rifles and accoutrements. Our inventory of historic antiques and firearms begin at the early collectors level and range all the way up to the advanced collector and investors level.
one or more relatives involved in the Civil War, either as a direct combatant or soldier’s relative. Once that name pops up as a participant in America’s greatest conflict, whether as a private or a general, who can resist the urge to do a little more research and learn about their long lost relative? This in turn could definitely spur someone to becoming more interested in the hobby through books, metal detecting, collecting or attending shows.”
As mentioned previously, authors and speakers are popular folks at Civil War shows and this year’s Dalton show hit a home run with Civil War New’s First Annual Symposium on the Civil War, bringing in renowned scholars to speak on various subjects. Organized by Jack Melton, Publisher, Civil War News and Stephen Davis, Book Review Editor, Civil War News, this free symposium was a huge hit with vendors and attendees alike, filling the auditorium for each speaker in turn. The event was scheduled from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and featured four authorities who are regular columnists for Civil War News. The lineup was as follows:
Gould B. Hagler Jr.–Atlanta, Ga. “My Favorite Confederate Monuments in Georgia and Alabama”
Salvatore Cilella–Atlanta, Ga. “The Graphic War: Collecting Civil War Prints for Fun and Profit”
Michael K. Shaffer – Kennesaw, Ga. “Washington County, Virginia, in the Civil War”
Stephen Davis–Cumming, Ga. “Gen. John B. Hood’s Efforts to Defend Atlanta, July 18–Sept. 1, 1864”
Displays are a big deal at all Civil War shows and Dalton was no different. Most dealers rent tables to sell their merchandise, hoping to pay for their tables, lodging, meals and gas, with something left over for profit. Collectors who man the display tables are doing it strictly for their love of the hobby.
Their enjoyment comes from putting together a collection with a certain theme, improving and adding to it, often over many years, and then sharing it with the public and other collectors. Their only reward is the respect and admiration from fellow collectors, kind words from the public, and, if they are lucky, a plaque or trophy at the end of the show for their efforts. The display award winners at this year’s Dalton Show were as follows:
Bill Blackman – “Confederate Buckles and Plates,” Ernie Arnold – “All Burnside,” Mark Anniballi – “Civil War Contract and Purchase Revolvers,” Brian Riel – “Sharpshooter Rifles,” and Jerry Hayes – “Excavated Confederate Buckles and Buttons.”
With the 23rd Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show successfully behind us, we can take a few months off to relax, but start planning for the Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show in Richmond on November 17–18, 2018, and the ever popular Franklin Civil War Show in Franklin on December 1–2, 2018. For more info visit www.mkshows.com
