RARE - Gettysburg Souvenir Relic Desk Set, made by John Goode

This is a very rare relic Battlefield Desk set being offered. The set features relics recovered at Meade’s Headquarters, Gettysburg during the late 19^th century through early 20^th century (see pictures). Upon a wooden rectangular base measuring 4 inches by 2 inches, sits a cartridge box roller buckle, one three-ring Minie ball, a Confederate two-ring musket ball, a mushroomed bullet, a flattened bullet, a small quartz rock and a small buckshot ball.

At the center is a very nice square painted milk glass inkwell featuring flowers and leaves. The block base features wood taken from the battlefield. It has been lacquered with a light tan-yellow color. The front of the base is marked “Meade’s Headquarters / Gettysburg Battlefield. Each item is tacked down with either a small nails or tacks.

These early relic sets were made by John Goode, who is known as one of the finest makers of Gettysburg battlefield displays – most all made from wood picked up around the battlefield in the late 19th century into the early 20th century. Goode’s specialty was fancier turned wood, but he also supplied various souvenirs for the tourist trade such as the desk set featured here. They were also very popular with returning veterans. 

This desk set is in very nice condition, with all items firmly in place. There are no chips or cracks to the inkwell, only a couple hardly noticeable pencil marks on the wooden base.

John Goode’s talent was so popular that even the NPS Gettysburg Museum has one on display (see pictures). Those familiar with these desk sets are well aware of their desirability, particularly because of their uniqueness and rarity. When they do become available, I have seen them selling for well over $1000.00.