Civil War Period Sibley Tent Stove
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Civil War Period Sibley Tent Stove – The creator of the Sibley tent and associated tent stove was Henry Hopkins Sibley (1816 – 1886) an 1838, West Point graduate and a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons, who would also serve during the Seminole War and the Mexican War, as well as serving in the West, attempting to quell Indian disturbances. Sibley patented the Sibley Tent, in 1856; this uniquely, conically shaped, large tent could provide shelter for up to 20 soldiers and their accompanying equipment and accoutrements. The tipi-like tent would see consider use, prior to the Civil War, out in the U.S. west, as well as during the Civil War. Concurrently, Sibley patented the Sibley Stove which was designed for use in the Sibley Tent, to provide heat for the soldier occupants. The Sibley Stove would see service throughout the Civil War and into the 20th century. The Civil War period stoves, constructed of a heavy gauge sheet iron, were riveted together; post-war examples were welded and did not utilize rivets. These stoves had no base; the conical stove sat flat on the ground, in the center of a Sibley Tent, with an attached flu or stovepipe that exited, straight up, through a ringed hole, at the top of the tent. The half circle-shaped opening, at the base of the stove, allowed fresh air to enter the stove, to maintain the fire within. There was, as in this Civil War period example, a hinged door through which fuel was added. Some Civil War examples had a detachable shelf for heating soldiers’ cups. As a native of Louisiana, when the Civil War commenced, Sibley chose to join the Confederate Army, ultimately becoming a Brigadier General. Although the U.S. Army utilized the Sibley Tent and Sibley Stove well after the Civil War, Sibley was never compensated in retribution for his serving in the Confederate Army.
This Sibley Stove remains in very good condition; there are some traces of original black paint on the iron surface. The door is in good condition and freely swings open.