Week of January 14, 2008
This Weeks Article:
Civil War Memorabilia
Collecting Civil War memorabilia can be a very exciting and educational pastime. From antique uniforms, letters home from soldiers on the fields and weaponry, to commemorative merchandise that will become collectibles for generations to come. There are a variety of opportunities to add to your collection and you can find many items here on our site.
One unique addition to any enthusiast’s Civil War memorabilia is a chess set. Instead of kings, queens, knights and pawns, Civil War chess sets include characters like President Abraham Lincoln, southern belles, generals and war soldiers like Robert E. Lee, and more. Instead of black versus white, it’s the South versus the North once again each time you play a strategic game.
A number of Civil War historical chess sets are available. If you can't find them on our site please try one of these sites listed:
Vanmark at,Vangroup.com. Known for its collections of Civil War figurines, its no wonder that the company’s chess set features an impressive collection of chess pieces. The 32-piece chess set features detailed statues of General Robert E. Lee as king of the Confederates and General Ulysses S. Grant as the king of the Union, with Stuart, Sherman and others playing important roles as well. The wood base stands on four pewter eagles.
The Franklinmint at Franklinmint.com. Sponsored by the Civil War Library Museum, the Franklin Mint commissioned Civil War historical artist John Paul Strain to develop a beautiful set. The pewter-sculpted pieces are hand painted in blue and gray and accented in 24 karat gold and sterling silver. The custom-designed board features four corner eagles, depictions of battles and leaders of both the United States and Confederate armies, and a hidden storage compartment for chess pieces.
Excalibur Electronics at, ExcaliburElectronics.net, is known for its games, both electronic and parlor. The Civil War Commemorative Edition offers hand-painted chess pieces in bold, vibrant colors. Intricate details include pawns of soldiers in blue or gray on bended knee igniting cannons and Union and Confederate capitols flying their flags as rooks. The playing board tops a wooden case, which houses the pieces after play ends.
Other websites featuring unique chess sets include ChessSets.com, with a handmade set made of natural or hand-painted grounded stone pieces, offering a pewter set atop a playing board decorated with a civil war map with historic battle locations and burgundy oak board and hand-painted chess pieces.
Other smaller Civil War collectibles can be found here. Items such as a Civil War swords can add quite the touch to any Civil War decorating. Shopping around - especially online - can help you find items that you never thought existed.
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