RARE - Excavated Civil War Drumstick Carrier, dug at Trevillion Station, VA

This is a rare piece that seldom become available in this near complete condition, it is a Civil War Drumstick Carrier, measuring approximately 3 ½” x 3”. It is made of brass and has clipped-corners with two cannon barrel like tubes. It was recovered at the Trevilian Station, Virginia Battlefield. An interesting note is that another nearly identical example was dug about 10’ from this one.

The Battle of Trevilian Station was fought on June 11–12, 1864, in Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign against Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Union cavalry under Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan. They fought against Confederate cavalry under Maj. Gens. Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee which turned out to be the bloodiest cavalry battle of the war.

These clipped-corner rectangular breast plates were intended to hold a drummer’s drumsticks while mounted to the drummer’s sling.  When not in use, the sticks would rest in each tube, freeing the hands of the musician (see pictures). The reverse would have double wire soldered in place to form three hooks that allowed for adjustment – being dug they are no longer present.

Like I said, it is very rare to come across one of these drumstick holders in this condition – actually any condition. Usually only single tubes are found and sometimes one tube is attached, but a solid example like this doesn’t come around often. Non-dug carriers show up from time to time but are also hard to find (and pricey). It comes in the deep display case pictured.