Vintage cast iron confederate soldier with "Fort Hell" imprint on the base, bookend or doorstop. The souvenirs with such imprint were sold at the Fort Sedgwick, Virginia souvenir shop, 1920s-1950s.

The figure is c.7.1/4" [18.4cm] high, the base is 3.1/4" x 2.1/2" [8.3cm x 6.4cm]; heavy solid cast iron, some signs of patina, a little paint wear, very good condition.

Fort Sedgwick was built by the Union forces as one of the forts during the siege of Petersburg, Virginia. It was one of the larger forts of the Union Army during the Civil War with a garrison of 800 men and 17 cannons. Due to its deadly cannon power, Confederates called it "Fort Hell." After the war the fort remained in good condition and became a tourist destination. The private owners of the areal opened a museum and souvenir shop. One visitor recalls, "I visited it back in 1964. For a small admission you could see a museum and souvenir shop of relics in the entrance building, built to resemble a picket-construction barrack or storehouse building of the time of the siege. A trail led through the mounds that remained of the original works."

In 1965, the fort was sold to a commercial developer, and in mid-June 1966 the fort was leveled and a gas station built -- the most deplorable loss to the Petersburg battle-field.

Note:
Country restrictions may apply - the lesser expansive Priority shipping may not be available to all countries.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ------------- $16.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) ----- $32.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) ------ $44.50