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This is a lot named to Tillman Valentine - Valentine was of mixed race and served as Sergeant of Company B during the Civil War with the 3rd U.S.C.T. \"Colored Troops\" and later went on to become a Grandmaster Mason in Florida. All of these items were purchased together at an estate sale.
Valentine spent most of the Civil War in confederate territory and eventually settled in Florida, where he served as the Grandmaster Mason for The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Florida from 1880 to 1888. In fact, if you search online through their Past Grand Masters - you will find the same image of him as the GAR cabinet card included in this lot. Valentine Lodge #147 in Tallahassee, Florida is named for him.
Included in this lot:
Cabinet card of Valentine in GAR dress - image is very strong, top left corner has a light crease
Cabinet card of Valentine in Masonic dress - back of card reads, \"Tillman Valentine - taken April 15th 1882 in his 46 year Jacksonville, Florida - light wear, some age spots
Canteen - I have spoken with several friends and other militaria collecters regarding this canteen - it is most likely an early militia canteen - this fits with Valentine\'s history as he served with the Florida State Militia after the Civil War. I have seen similar canteens being sold as \"Civil War\" but it is difficult to tell as it has a hand-sewn canvas cover.
The canteen does have some faint writing on it - the only part I can make out for certain is a stamped section on the lower face where the letter \"C\" is visible in a military font. There is also a small spot that looks like \"mom\". The canteen has part of the original cork stopper. Canteen measures 9 1/2 inches across the face (6 1/2 inch face sloping down to a total of a 9 1/2 inch face) and has a hand-sewn canvas cover. Four metal strap loops around the side of the canteen. It appears that part of the spout was broken off at some point.
Canvas has overall light wear but is in excellent condition with no tears and still well sewn to the canteen. Canteen is very sturdy, a very heavy gauge tin or steel.
There is much more information available on Tillman Valentine and his history, I will include the pieces I have printed out with the group. Please see my other items for militaria and much more.
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