Folk Art Carved Civil War Pipe /
William Young, 10th NY Cavalry
Circa: 1865
Size: 2 1/2" x 1 7/8"
Folk art carved pipe having octagonal basin inscribed with the names of Civil War battles and generals. Central facet reads Wm Young / Co F / 10 NY C / Richmond VA / April 9th / 1865. The carved block letters are so well rendered, that one almost loses sight that they were indeed carved.
Additional battles include Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Mine Run, Wilderness, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Five Forks, Clover Hill, Hatchers Run, Dinwiddie Court House, Deep Bottom, and Hawes Shop as well as Davie, Sherman, Grant, Sheridan, and Gregg.
A twenty two year old William Young entered the Union Army in September of 1861 as a private in the newly formed Company "F", 10th Regiment, New York Calvary. Young reenlisted after his first tour, serving through June of 1865 and earning a promotion to corporal. This pipe, possibly carved after his return from the war, charts the span of his lengthy involvement. He places the surrender at Appomattox on the central facet, a pivotal event with personal significance, as Young and his regiment were present with Grant's forces for the close of the hostilities.