Local Civil War Artifacts Will

Be Auctioned On Sunday

A collection of 650 lots will be auctioned over the course of two days this weekend. While the auction will begin with estate jewelry, fine prints, European furniture and decorative accessories on Saturday, September 10, collectors interested in local memorabilia and especially items of the Civil War era should look forward to Sunday’s sale, which will include Americana, paintings, art glass, silver and the personal collection of Civil War artifacts once owned by William B. Sniffen, a prominent early resident of Sandy Hook.

Mr Sniffen was a member of the 2nd Connecticut Light Battery, which served at Gettysburg and other important battles.  Included in Sunday’s offerings will be his saber,  painted canteen, gunner’s pouch, holster, GAR hat, and a labeled shadow box with signed CDV, buckles and buttons. According to a label on the box, the grouping was at one time displayed in the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Hall in Sandy Hook.

The Grand Army of the Republic was organized after the end of the Civil War. It was created with just 14 members but the organization grew to 400,000 Union veterans dedicated to preserving the memory of their fallen comrades, to give aid to soldiers’ widows and orphans and to handicapped veterans, and, most of all, to fight for pension increases and other benefits.. The GAR is best known for its encampments held across the country. The last member of the GAR died in 1956.

Mr Sniffen was a longtime business owner in Sandy Hook, operating a jewelry and watch repair store.

“It is unusual to find Civil War artifacts where the original owner is identified and rare to find such a large grouping of such material,” said Jack DeStories of Fairfield Auction. “The fact that the owner was a prominent citizen of our town is exciting.”

Mr DeStories indicated Newtown Historical Society has an interest in the Sniffen material. The estimated value is $2,500 to $3,500.

Previews will run on Friday and Saturday, September 9-10, from 1 to 6 pm, for all items.

Saturday’s auction will begin at 6 pm, and Sunday’s event will resume at 11 am.

Fairfield Auction is at 53 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Illustrated catalogs are available online or at the gallery.

For further information call 364-1555 or check online at www.FairfieldAuction.com.