[CIVIL WAR]. "Five of Hearts" ditty bag.

Approx. 5 3/4 x 7 1/2 in. handsewn ditty bag, framed to 12 x 15 in., appearing to be made of silk with a prominent "Five of Hearts" playing card applique and large red ribbon drawstring (fraying at edges especially to top of playing card, some separation along seams, light soil, unexamined outside frame).

While "ditty bags" are frequently associated with soldiers, women too carried these small bags to house personal valuables. While the meaning of the "Five of Hearts" cannot be definitively determined, heart playing cards have a long association with matters of love, relationships, and marriage. Civil War references to the playing card are scarce, but one source identifies a "Five of Hearts" playing card which was presented to Captain Elmer Ellsworth by a "member of the Albany [NY] Burgess Corps" ca 1861. Though the intentions of maker and wearer cannot be know, the bag itself remains a unique and intriguing Civil War-era remnant.

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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[CIVIL WAR]. "Five of Hearts" ditty bag.

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

[CIVIL WAR]. "Five of Hearts" ditty bag.

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[CIVIL WAR]. "Five of Hearts" ditty bag.