Rare - Brass Music Holder, dug Stafford, VA (SOLD,DP)

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Sheet Music Holder. It is made of brass and measures approximately 2 1/2" x 2”. Music was a major part of the Civil War soldier, with just about every regiment having some type of musicians. Some of the larger units would have bands which were a great inspiration and would motivate soldiers while going into battle or in camp. This example was dug in a Union camp in Stafford, Virginia.  

During the Civil War, Stafford was a logistical and transportation center, and a staging ground. From the banks of the Rappahannock River in December 1862, Union forces staged an advance to start the Battle of Fredericksburg. Shortly after, Union General Ambrose Burnside bogged down his army on the famous "Mud March."

The civilians of Stafford were among the first in the new world to suffer the devastating effects of a modern war, having to host most of the Union's Army of the Potomac from 1862-1863. Over 200,000 soldiers camped, ate, and lived off the land, straining the county's resources to the point of collapse. Stafford's population did not recover until the 1940s, well into the twentieth century.

These music holders are rare; but dug examples are found at Civil War locations, as can be seen in the many relic books (see pictures). In my book The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I discuss the importance of music to the Civil War soldiers. This is an excellent opportunity to add it to your Civil War collection. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.