Civil War Carbine Sling Swivel, dug Maryland Heights by Dean Thomas

Being offered is a 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 buckle (see pictures). The snap swivel would be attached to a ring on the carbine which secured it during a mounted engagement. This piece was recovered by the late Dean Thomas, historian, author, and famous relic hunter. It was found at Maryland Heights, WV – part of Harpers Ferry.

Maryland Heights is at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lies to the east of Harpers Ferry. It is composed of a series of shelves and steep slopes that have been a factor in the heights’ place in history – the mountain is almost unassailable, except from the north.

These heights (along with Bolivar Heights), behind Harpers Ferry to the west, and Loudoun Heights, on the Virginia side of the Shenandoah River to the south—command Harpers Ferry, which is the key to the Shenandoah Valley. Both Bolivar and Loudoun Heights are militarily untenable without Maryland Heights. The capture of Harpers Ferry by Confederate forces in 1862 and 1863 drove this point home to Union commanders.

These Sling Swivels are usually found in pieces, so a complete dug example is kind of rare. Maryland Heights was one of Dean’s favorite spots to dig, I had several pieces from that area he dug at over the years. It is in solid condition and still flexible.