PAINTED EAGLE ROPE‑TENSION DRUM, INSCRIBED “12TH REG. U.S. INFANTRY”

American, c. 1861-65. Wood shell (likely single‑ply maple) with red‑painted hoops; leather ears; skin heads; later cordage.

A classic Civil War field drum displaying on one panel a boldly painted Federal eagle before a starry night sky with radiating rays, the red scrolls lettered “12th REG.” and “U.S. INFANTRY.” The opposite panel shows the figured grain of the shell. The heads are natural skin; tensioned by leather ears (tugs) and rope in the period manner; the rims retain their original red paint. 16 1/2 in. (diameter) x 13 3/4 in. 

Painted “eagle” drums were standard issue to Union infantry regiments and have become emblematic of the war’s visual culture. The present example’s inscription to the 12th U.S. Infantry, a Regular Army regiment raised in 1861 and heavily engaged with the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula through Gettysburg and the Overland Campaign, adds to its historic importance considerably. Drums with clear regimental designations and strong original paint are scarce; this is a particularly attractive survivor that balances graphic appeal with field use. Further research into early photographs and bandmaster rosters of the 12th U.S. may yield additional context.

Condition: Honest service and age wear overall. Paint with scattered abrasions and craquelure; rims with nicks and touch‑ups. One head with a loss at the edge; the other intact with expected discoloration. Several leather ears dry and worn. Rope appears to be a later replacement (re‑roped), as commonly seen on surviving field drums. Structurally sound and very displayable.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria]