Historic Civil War Battlefield Cane – Cut at Seven Pines, Made by Capt. James E. Lyne, C.S.A. Cavalry

Historic Civil War Battlefield Cane – Cut at Seven Pines, Made by Capt. James E. Lyne, C.S.A. Cavalry - Inventory Number: CON 587

This remarkable cane is steeped in Civil War history, crafted from wood cut at the center of the bloody Battle of Seven Pines, fought May 31–June 1, 1862. Hand-carved around 1870 by Confederate cavalryman Capt. James E. Lyne, the cane bears an inscription noting its origin from the battlefield where over 15,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. This fierce clash between Lee and McClellan was a pivotal moment in the Peninsula Campaign.

A rare survivor with direct ties to both the battlefield and a named Confederate officer, this twig cane is a moving personal relic of remembrance and reconciliation.

Inscription reads:

“Cut in the center of 7 Pines Battlefield where 15000 Soldiers were Killed May 31st + June 1st 1862. Battle fought by Lee + McClellan / J.E. Lyne, Guide. “

This inscription echoes the information on the tag and supports its attribution to Capt. James E. Lyne. These canes were often inscribed by Lyne himself or sold through his postwar relic shop near the Seven Pines battlefield, where he helped preserve the site’s memory by crafting such objects.

Captain James E. Lyne was a Confederate cavalry officer during the American Civil War, known postwar for his craftsmanship and dedication to preserving battlefield history.

Lyne served in the Confederate cavalry and participated in significant battles, including Antietam. After the war, he became a prominent figure in battlefield preservation, particularly at the Seven Pines battlefield in Virginia. He operated a relic shop at the site, offering artifacts and serving as a battlefield guide. Lyne also handcrafted commemorative canes from wood collected at battlefields like Seven Pines and Antietam, inscribing them with details of their origins .

Lyne’s dedication to memorializing the Civil War through his relic shop and handcrafted items has left a lasting impression. His canes are considered valuable artifacts, reflecting both his personal history and the broader narrative of the war. Descendants and collectors continue to recognize his contributions to preserving Civil War history .

For those interested in Civil War memorabilia or the history of battlefield preservation, Captain James E. Lyne’s work offers a unique glimpse into postwar remembrance efforts.

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Inventory Number: CON 587