Civil war Show News

Originally published November-December 2024 · pp. 28–29

46th Annual Southeastern Civil War and Antique Gun Show

The North Georgia Relic Hunters Association held its 46th Annual Southeastern Civil War and Antique Gun Show on August 10-11, 2024. The show was held at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia—near the Marietta Square. Proceeds from the show help support the club’s yearly operation and our yearly charity donations (made to organizations such as the Marietta Confederate Cemetery, Marietta Parks and Recreation, Cavalry Children’s Home, and Wreaths Across America). Military personnel, veterans, and first responders were given free admission to the show as a special

tribute to those who have served our country and community. There was a line of folks waiting to get into the show on Saturday when we opened the doors at 9 a.m. As people arrived at the show on Saturday, they were greeted by a band playing Civil War Period music—for the enjoyment of those at the event. Dealers from around the country had a variety of items for sale. While the list of all items at the show is immense, they included dug relics, guns and swords, Civil War-related books, frameable prints, metal detectors, artillery items, old currency, military accessories, images, and a host of other items. While the show is held near the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, items from dozens of Civil War sites around the country were available for purchase. Noted Appraiser John Sexton was at the show to provide free appraisals. Attendees were allowed to bring in their items for identification and to learn more about the item. The show featured several speakers on Saturday on a variety of topics. Although the show covered items up to and including World War II, the show’s main theme related to the American Civil War. In talking with dealers at the show, they reported that it was a great show and that they did very well selling and, in many cases, buying items. Many said they had outstanding sales.

Many awards were given at the show:

Most Educational Award went to David Goff for his display of “U.S. Handguns 1861–1865.”

David Goff.

Best of Show Award went to Scott Riddle for his outstanding display of Confederate buckles and buttons. Many of the displayed items were related to the Georgia Military Academy (GMI), which was located in Marietta less than one mile from the show location.

Judges Award went to Brian and Bridgette Davis for their display of ancient Roman and English Artifacts.

Bobby Westbrook Award went to Roy Baker and Stan Wills for their extensive display of Civil War artifacts (including Union and Confederate buckles, buttons, and artillery shells) that they have metal detected—mainly in Georgia. Hourly door prizes were also given out to attendees, and these consisted of Civil War books and relics found in the

vicinity of Kennesaw Mountain (found off the park on private property with the approval of the property owner). There was also a “treasure box” from which children under 12 could pick out a free prize, including shark teeth, arrowheads, bullets, shell fragments, books, and similar prizes. A show raffle was also held. The raffle prize was a wooden display case containing Eagle buttons, a US box plate, dropped .58 caliber bullets, unfired Spencer bullets, a Confederate Note, an infantry bugle hat pin, and a spur. The winner was Charles from Florida. So overall, everyone (dealers and participants) reported that they felt that the show was a great success. Overall attendance was good (and an increase of 15% compared to last year), were plentiful, and all had a good time just spending time with fellow enthusiasts, especially with the dealers with whom we generally only see at this and other related Relic Shows. For more information about the North Georgia Relic Hunters Association and its 2025 annual show, visit the club’s website at www.ngrha.com or its open-to-the-public Facebook page, “North Georgia Relic Hunters Association.” The show dates for next year are August 9-10, 2025.

Scott Riddle.

Greg Ton

Buying the Finest in Confederate, Obsolete and Southern States Currency

Brian and Bridgette Davis.

Since 1978

GregTonCurrency.com

Greg Ton • Franklin, Tennessee Phone: 901-487-5944 • Email: GTon1@aol.com Stan Wills and Roy Baker.