My Husband's Treasure

The following is a blog my husband wrote. He is a history nut, and loves to search for and find relics and other historical items. I thought I'd share this snapshot look into some of his interests.

Treasure can mean different things for different people. To me, treasure can not only be of the monetary value kind, but also the kind of treasure that has historical value. It is thrilling to discover old coins or jewelry that can be turned into cash. However, being a 'history nut', I also consider the discovery of artifacts to be just as thrilling an experience.

When I was in graduate school in Tucson, Arizona (way back in the early '70's) I took my love of history to a level that, for me, was quite a stretch. I joined and became active in several historical military reenactment groups. Accuracy of the uniforms, weapons, and accoutrements was of the utmost importance to the participants. I belonged to a Civil War Infantry unit, an American Revolution Mounted Dragoon unit, and my favorite, an "Indian Wars" Cavalry unit. While the unit, A Troop, 5th U.S. Cavalry, Memorial, performed in parades and other public living history exhibitions, I most enjoyed the Encampments that we had for just our unit and others from the surrounding states. These Encampments basically gave us a chance to live like the troopers would have in the 1880's, at least for an extended weekend. OK, it was a bunch of guys playing "Cavalry and Indians" with very expensive toys! Up to 150 participants enjoyed our trips back in time.

On to my "treasure". One event was graciously sponsored by the U.S. Army Base at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, in southeast Arizona. The Army also had a reenactment Cavalry Troop, and they participated with all of the rest of us. Being able to ride on the land around this incredibly historic site was thrilling! The bonus for me was my discovery of real artifacts from the 1860's - 1880's. Keeping my eyes open and constantly scanning the ground revealed the artifacts shown in the photograph below. 

The iron piece at the top is a stave bracket from a horse drawn supply wagon or ambulance, with the rivets that held this to the side of the wagon still in place. On the far right is an iron buckle, probably from a halter or other tack item. The cartridge cases are, from left to right, .45-55 enclosed primer with date 7/80 (July, 1880); .45 Colt pistol cartridge; .45-70, date obscured; .45-55, separate piece primer, date 1/84 (January, 1884); .50-70, date obscured, probably a Spencer round. [The .45-55 cartridges are from the Cavalry carbine, which used 55 grains of black powder, as opposed to the .45-70 cartridge for the Infantry rifle.] The potsherd in the upper center is marked "Q.M.D." meaning Quartermasters Department, a true military artifact.

Handling these items still provokes a degree of pondering: What were the circumstances that prompted the firing of the weapon that ejected the cartridges? Who fired them? Was the shooting in a combat situation, practice, or what? Why was a Q.M.D. bowl of some kind out in the field? Usually breakable pieces remained on post. Who broke the piece? What happened to the rest of it? Who, why, when? It's an enjoyable mental exercise for me, as I remember the time I found them, and still enjoy my treasures from Arizona.