Civil War Discharge Papers Value Guide

These original 1860s discharge papers represent a direct, tangible link to the Union volunteers who served during the American Civil War. Each document is a unique historical record detailing a soldier's rank, regiment, and specific reason for release from service between 1861 and 1865.

What affects the value of Civil War Discharge Papers?

• The specific regiment's involvement in major battles or pivotal campaigns can significantly increase collector interest.
• The physical condition of the paper, including the absence of heavy foxing, tears, or significant fading of the ink.
• The inclusion of the original 19th-century wood and glass frame which preserves the document's provenance.
• The rarity of the discharge reason, with papers for honorable discharge due to combat wounds often commanding higher prices.

How to Identify Civil War Discharge Papers?

• Verify the presence of official military details including the soldier's specific company, regiment, and enlistment dates.
• Examine the paper for authentic 19th-century aging characteristics and period-correct ink signatures from commanding officers.
• Look for the specific reason for discharge, such as disability, expiration of service, or the end of hostilities in 1865.
• Check for official military stamps or embossed seals that were standard for Union Army administrative documentation.

History of Civil War Discharge Papers

These discharge papers are official military documents issued to soldiers upon their release from service during the Civil War. They would typically include details such as the soldier's name, rank, company, regiment, dates of service, and reason for discharge. These documents are significant historical artifacts, offering a direct link to the individuals who served in one of the most pivotal conflicts in American history. The Civil War era, from 1861 to 1865, saw the issuance of countless such papers as soldiers completed their enlistment or were honorably discharged due to wounds, disability, or the cessation of hostilities. Each document tells a unique story of service and sacrifice.