How to Collect Civil War Era Guns

Collect Civil War Era guns by going to antique auctions. Antique auctions are advertised in newspapers, magazines and often on TV. When you attend an antique auction, even if there are no Civil War Era guns available for sale at that particular time, you can ask the auctioneer and other attendees if they know of anyone who has Civil War Era guns for sale.

Visit gun shows. Many times gun shows have a variety of weapons, including an occasional antique gun. Gun shows usually have at least one gun dealer attending who has knowledge about all kinds of guns from across the country. This is a good way to network with other antique gun collectors and those who have these types of firearms for sale. Be prepared to pay a substantial price.

Look for authentic markings on any gun that is presented as a Civil War Era gun. You should see a model number, manufacturer's name and possibly a year, although sometimes the gun is too worn to see the markings clearly. For example, on a Spencer make of gun you might see "Spencer Repeating Rifle, 1865." A revolver might be marked "Starr Arms Co. New York" and have a Starr's patent date that includes the month, day and year. Guns made in the mid 1800's would fit the era. The Starr Arms Company manufactured .44 revolvers in 1856 that were used during the Civil War.

Search online to collect Civil War Era guns. You can find private individuals who advertise antique guns for sale and often online auctions will have this type of collectible.