How much is this worth? Civil War Stuff?

Question

We have a box of things from the civil war. How much would it be worth?

Original newspaper dated April 21, 1865 telling about Lincoln's assassination
Wanted ad for John Wilkes Booth
Confederate knives
Confederate Stamps
Letters from soldiers from the war
Notes from the war
Actual photographs from the war (battlefield, bodies, etc) (not copies)
File on the Emancipation Proclomation.

there is also more than just that.

i am NOT interested in selling it. I was just wondering how much it is worth. just a curiousity type thing.

Answer 1

email pics of the knives...I collect them
[e-mail]

Answer 2

I have been an antique and collectible dealer.
FIRST, The value of something depends on where you sell it. Selling it at Sotheby's or Christies will get you a better profit than most other markets. You can get a list of buyers / market's from Mallory's Reference found in most book stores. (If you do not want to buy it....copy the addresses in the store)
SECOND There are several things you need to do. I would recommend selling this as a collection not piece by piece. The good pieces ill sell and you will be left with the chaff. The first thing you need is "provenance". Make a certified statement on as much as you know about the history of the items. Where the items came from, who owned them....names dates and places......include an inventory.
THIRD Take close up photos of each item....front & back..... make a verbal description including any flaws or damage. Do not attempt to clean or repair any item. Leave that to the experts.
FINALLY Send a copy of the file with photo's to ONE auction house.....recommend Christies..... if they turn you down go to the next auction house......If they are interested they will tell you how to pack and ship this collection

GOOD LUCK

Not interested in selling......then you need an appraisal from a qualified expert. One who is in the business of appraising.

Once you get the certified appraisal......use it to insure your collection.....then after 5 years have it done again (collectibles appreciate better than most other investments)

Answer 3

Civil War or World War items are quite sort after because off the historical significance in time the wars had on society. Dependant on what you had it would be a good idea to do research into prior auctions relating to the items and then just auction them off online maybe say on ebay, or you could donate or loan(returning items when not needed) to a museum or the likes and make them have a plaque with it saying donated by you then your names imprinted in time as well.

Answer 4

relies upon on the situation and you looking a shopper, yet civil conflict collectibles are often worth lots of money. Take your issues to a museum or examine sites on the information superhighway. The extra documentation the extra powerful.

Answer 5

I would have it appraised by an expert. I think it could be worth quite a bit. I have seen stuff like that on Antiques Roadshow go for thousands of dollars.

Answer 6

The stamps, paper, letters, notes, and photos are probably worth a lot so you should get them appraised or just sell them at auction.

Answer 7

I know of a few people that would pay a lot for them items. A lot of that would go great in a musem and I'm sure the musem would be willing to pay you a pretty penny for it.

Answer 8

I second the opinion that this material should be evaluated by a reputable expert. One that does not intend to buy the stuff.

Answer 9

very interesting stuff..who knows try looking on ebay or similar sites for similar items an appraiser might be good to....thers also that show called antiqe(?) road show....

Answer 10

I would get it appraised, by an expert.Condition is everything.