Sold for $6,875

4 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. hardtack cracker inscribed in period, browned ink, “Camp Bardstown Ky / To / home from John A Irvin / To Wm Irvin Sen, (senior) / January 1862, USA / Cracker." This souvenir hardtack was meticulously preserved by Irvin’s family in a wooden box with inset glass top. The box is decorated with images including Abraham Lincoln and several notable Union Generals and is secured with faded red string ties. The hardtack and one of Irvin’s letters written on patriotic stationary have been enclosed in this box since the 19th century. Affixed to the inner lid is a patriotic cover addressed to Robert Irvine and a handwritten label with John Irvin’s identification, “John A. Irvin Perrysville, Ohio / Co. E, 64th Reg OVI Sherman’s Brigade Capt. S.L. Coulter Comd. Co.”

[With:] A second letter from Irvin to his family dated 16 January 1862.   

[Also with:] Quarter plate ambrotype of 64th OVI Privates John Irvin and John Ewalt housed in full leatherette case (few surface imperfections to ambrotype, image shows exceptional clarity and contrast). Accompanied by a handwritten note, which reads, “On left Laveryne’s grandfather John Irvin. On right – grandfather’s buddy in the war John Ewalt. This picture was taken in camp." Accompanied by photocopied service records and other documentation involving John Irvin and John Ewalt. 

John Irvin enlisted as a private and mustered into Company E, 64th Ohio Infantry on 10/26/1861 and was discharged on 5/29/1863 at Columbus, OH. John Ewalt enlisted as a private and mustered into Company E on 12/31/1861. He mustered out at Nashville, TN, on 12/10/1864.