“Heirlooms, Antiques, and Militaria” program at CSS Neuse
KINSTON, N.C. – Have you got an old thing laying around that you always wondered just what was? Did your parents or grandparents leave you something that you can’t identify? This Saturday, August 28, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM we might be able to help you here at the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center.
Due to the variety of interest of our staff members, we stand a good chance of helping you identify that old button, that strange sword, that mysterious photograph, that piece of something else that your aunt gave you, or that thing grandfather had rolling around in that drawer for years. We are well versed in firearms from the 18th century through WWII, as well as about any sort of piece of uniform or military equipment likely to have been worn or brought back as souvenir by American soldiers. From Sake cups to button boards, shoelaces to cap insignia, we know a little about a lot of things, and a whole lot about a few things. Glass bottles, tools, flags, clothing, toys, ceramics, Native American artifacts, unusual rocks or bits of metal you found in a field; whatever it is, bring it in and we’ll take a crack at it.
If we don’t know what it is, we will try to identify it with some of our reference works and online resources. The one thing we can’t tell you is what an item is worth, but we can show you where you can get a good idea of the value other people give it. We can even give you some tips on how to best store or treat some of these artifacts. We also want to see your artifacts “raw” – that is, uncleaned. Improper cleaning can destroy value or remove labels or markings that may help identify the artifact. We don’t mind dirt, cobwebs, rust, or odd smells. Bring one item or a trunk full. We are always open to donations, too, if your artifact would help us tell the story of the Civil War as it relates to Eastern North Carolina.
The last time we held this event we had the valuable assistance of volunteers who helped identify some textile items. The more memorable items we saw were a cased pair of high-quality early 19th century pistols and a charming, yet enigmatic oriental ceramic cat. One visitor brought us Confederate paper money to identify, then graciously donated it to us.
The CSS Neuse is the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad above water. It was part of a new technology that the Confederacy used to combat the superior manpower and firepower of the Union Navy. Learn about this technological advance and warfare in eastern North Carolina at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. The Confederate Navy launched the CSS Neuse hoping to gain control of the lower Neuse River and New Bern, but ultimately destroyed the vessel to keep it out of Union hands.
For additional information, please call the site at (252) 526-9600 x221. The CSS Neuse Center and is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
