A Civil War Veterans Collector’s Guide
“What the Boys in Blue Left Behind”, is a comprehensive study of memorabilia of the Civil War veterans. At the end of the Civil War, many veterans organized into groups to continue the comradery they had forged during the war. The most powerful of these organizations was the Grand Army of the Republic. Founded in 1866, the membership peaked in the 1890’s with nearly 450,000 veterans. In 1949, the last surviving members disbanded the organization and it faded into history. The Grand Army of the Republic was all but forgotten except by Civil War enthusiast, historians and collectors of Civil War veterans memorabilia.
During their existence, the Grand Army of the Republic and other veterans organizations produced thousands of items. Today, these items still amaze the collecting community. The veterans wore uniforms which included hats, coats, belts and swords. Their encampments produced all sorts of souvenirs, which included ribbons, badges, canteens, horseshoes and canes. Their Posts were decorated with custom furniture, and their banquets were adorned with fine china. They even produced a “Piggy Bank”.
This in-depth study looks at all aspects of collecting. This includes the uniforms they wore and items which decorated their homes, offices and posts. After 60 years of collecting, photographing and researching information and conversing with other avid collectors; this has resulted in the “Boys in Blue”. The book will give the collector a better understanding of what can be found.
The last remaining veterans did not realize how fascinating their memorabilia would become to future generations. “What the Boys in Blue Left Behind”, is truly a remarkable read.
