A fine grouping consisting of a finely crafted wartime relic made by George E. Showers (1844–1923) of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, together with six (6) early photographs of his family.

The principal relic is a bone-carved knife measuring 6 1/8 in. The handle is decorated with intricate latchwork and ornamental designs. One side is inscribed “From...G.E.S.” and the reverse “To Mother.” A piece of provenance is affixed to the blade. There is evidence of a repair, though the workmanship remains impressive.

Showers enlisted as a private in Company B, 1st Virginia Cavalry, on 1 October 1862. Captured and confined at Fort Delaware on 12 January 1864, he remained there until the end of the war. The knife, carved during his imprisonment, is a poignant token of devotion and survival, fashioned from scarce materials and offered as a keepsake to his mother.

The six (6) cased images relating to the Showers family include:

1.Margaret Ann Showers sixth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case with floral motif. Hand tinted and gilt. 

2. Mary Catherine Alburtis ninth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case with cross motif, detached binding. Hand tinted. 

3.Phillip Showers ninth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case with floral motif. 

4.[Phillip Showers] ninth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case, detached binding. 

Possibly an older view of Phillip Showers. 

5. Mary Mong ninth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case with cross motif. 

6. Mary Varen (Rena) Showers ninth plate half length studio ambrotype view. N.p., n.d. Full leatherette case, detached binding. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards][Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges]