Civil War Carbine Sling Swivel - W. Gavin Collection

Civil War U.S. Cavalry Sling Swivel from Gavin Collection. Click photo and "Detailed Description".

Civil War U.S. Cavalry Sling Swivel. It measures approximately 8 ½” x 3”. It would be connected to the leather cross/shoulder baldric with its large brass buckle. The snap swivel would be attached to a ring on the carbine and secured it during a mounted engagement. This item is from the collection of the late William G. "Bill" Gavin. Mr. Gavin was one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements. Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established the Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry. He excavated this piece at Charles Town, West Virginia. He wrapped a piece of tape around it and marked it with “Charles Town”. The Battle of Charles Town was a small engagement between Confederate cavalry forces under Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden and the Union forces under Col. Benjamin L. Simpson on October 18, 1863. It was part of the Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns, resulting in a Confederate victory. This is a great Cavalry item and very desirable with its provenance to the famous Gavin collection.