Civil War Soldier's musical "Jew's Harp", dug at Stone's River (SOLD)

This is another nice little item being offered, it is a Civil War soldier’s “Jew’s Harp”, which is only about an inch long. These unique little musical instruments gained their popularity during the Civil War. There are examples in The Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia, by Francis Lord. In his description he states, “Because they are small and inexpensive, the Jew’s Harp was a favorite with many soldiers to pass away the time in camp”, a favorite product sold by Civil War camp sutlers. There is an identical example in “Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of the Civil War” by Stanley Phillips (see pictures). The example offered here was recovered from the Stone’s River Battlefield.

The Battle of Stone’s River (Murfreesboro) was fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, in Middle Tennessee, as the culmination of the Stones River Campaign in the Western Theater. Of the major battles of the Civil War, Stones River had the highest percentage of casualties on both sides. Although the battle itself was inconclusive, the Union Army's repulse of two Confederate attacks and the subsequent Confederate withdrawal were a much-needed boost to Union morale after the defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and it dashed Confederate aspirations for control of Middle Tennessee.

In my recent book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I have examples and I further discuss the importance of music to the soldiers during the Civil War. This little relic came off a relic display board years ago. It is in nice condition and comes with the glass top display case pictured.