Group of Civil War Period Musical Items

Group of Civil War Period Musical Items – These musically related, Civil War period items are all in great condition; the fife and conductor’s baton may have seen action in the field; the pewter whistle was often utilized by NCOs in the field, during the din of battle, to gain attention of their men and direct their movements. During the Civil War, soldiers used whistles, along with other instruments like harmonicas and jaw harps, for entertainment and music. Whistles, used by both the North and the South, land and naval troops, were  used to signal orders to soldiers and sailors. Officers and NCOs needed something that would pierce the sound of battle to signal their troops. Pewter whistles are pictured in many reference books on dug battlefield relics. Soldiers would take turns issuing signals using whistles, voices, or simple instruments, and would add words to the calls to make them easier to remember. The baton has a rather ominous admonition, in raised lettering on the top of the larger ferrule – “Run For Your Life”.

• Pewter Whistle – $65
• Tin Whistle or Kazoo – $40
• Carved Wooden Whistle – $35
• Drum Major’s Conducting Baton – $75
• Rosewood Fife with Silver Ferrules _ $125