Field Drum of the 100th New York Volunteers, Battery Wagner

[This article copied from the article archive of the website of Historical Auctions without permission, pursuant to the fair use doctrine. No claim of original generation or added content is made. The material is exactly as it appears on that organization's website. It is reprinted here for the interesting and important facts stated.

Note also that the drum evidently has been disassembled and put back together with the shell upside down. Hard to figure how that happened given the shell might have had a snare bed which, if it existed, was ignored.]

A Field Drum of the 100th New York Volunteers, Battery Wagner This field drum was used by the 100th New York Volunteer Infantry, a unit that fought at the famous assault on Battery Wagner on Morris Island, South Carolina. Having already seen action at Williamsburg and Malvern Hill, the unit was witness to the slaughter at Battery Wagner in July 1863. They were present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House as well.


This 11 1/2" tall 16 1/2" diameter field drum is made of maple and still has its snares intact. Both the upper and lower drum heads are present with only a slight buckle of the lower rim. The ropes and leather rope tighteners are present as well, the tighteners having two stars on each of the pulls. Painted in red on the side of the drum is '100 N. Y. S.' Included with this drum are two discharge papers from a soldier in the 100th New York, private Charles D. Ford. They both measure 8" x 10" and have been repaired at the folds with tape, but are a good connection to the drum and otherwise in good condition. The overall condition of the drum is very good making it a nice piece from a historic Civil War unit. Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000.

Sold for: $3,346.00 (includes BP) Bid Source: Live: Floor
Ended: Jun 23, 2007
Lot: 72128 Auction: 663
Heritage Auction Galleries, www.Heritage.HA.com