This group contains accoutrements and personal effects of Private William H. Rinehart who served in the 3^rd New York Light Artillery and then the 9^th New York Heavy Artillery.  Rinehart first enlisted in the 3^rd and served two years, from May of 1861 to June of 1863. He later re-enlisted in the 9^th and served from September 1864 to July of 1865. Rinehart was wounded on October 19, 1864 at the Battle of Cedar Creek.

The first piece is a Confederate percussion cap pouch brought home by Rinehart as a souvenir. The pouch is of typical construction. Outer flap features a heavy tar-covered appearance with a separate closure tab sewn to the underside. Inner flap is complete with both side “ears” in place. Lamb’s wool and pick remain inside. A single 1 ¾” wide belt loop is stitched to the back. A very pointy brass finial is on the bottom. All stitching is string and tight. “J. G. Davenport / C” is written in pen & ink inside the pouch. This is in good condition.

The next several pieces are some of Rinehart’s own leather gear.  A regulation percussion cap pouch with oval inspector’s stamps on outside and inside flaps. One “ear” is missing as is the lamb’s wool and pick. Both narrow belt loops are stitched and riveted to the back and the brass finial is in place…some crazing to interior.  A regulation flap holster stamped “W. Kinsey & Co / Newark, N.J.” Closing tab and single wide belt loop are both stitched and riveted firmly in place. Nose cap is also firmly in place. Cracking and crazing to outer flap. Nearly complete loss of finish to closing tab. All stitching is strong and firm.   Next is a cartridge box and waist belt. The cartridge box is cut for a plate but does not appear to have ever had one in place. Outer flap has closing tab sewn in place. Inner flap retains both “ears” and is marked “Made By / J. I. Pittman / N-Y”. Inner pouch for appendages is present as are roller buckles, finial, and all belt loops. There are no cartridge tins in this box. Condition is very good.  The waist belt features a brass keeper and a round NCO eagle plate instead of the usual US belt plate. Heavy loss of finish but leather is soft and supple.

Other uniform “brass” includes a pair of shoulder epaulettes complete with turn buckles…some tarnish to the brass surfaces…and an assortment of buttons.

Personal effects include a medium sized (8 ½” x 5”) canvas bag with draw-string. Bag has a few holes and some staining, but is otherwise fine. There is a pair or eyeglasses and a pocket knife. An interesting item of Rinehart’s is a water filter/purifier. This is a rare item and is in excellent condition. A wood box contains the bullet that struck Rinehart at Cedar Creek and several other minie ball cartridges. All cartridges have had the tails pulled off to remove the gun powder…one being unwrapped.  Lastly, there is a newspaper clipping of his obituary.

This is a nice identified group with a wide variety of Civil War soldier’s possessions.  [jet]

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