CSA fiddle!

Momma went into the house, then came back out with a fiddle and case that belonged to my gr gr Grandpa Second Lt. Thomas B. Smith CSA. He made the fiddle and the case himself, and did the carving of tiger's head on the headstock. We know from family Bible that he was playing it at barn dances in TN at least 5 years prior to the outbreak of the war. We also know that he carried it with him along with a lap desk he also made throughout the war.

It is in pretty rough condition and was last played by his son, (my Momma's grandpa) on the occasion of her 11th Birthday party, that would have been July 9th 1941. I do have a close friend of some 40 years who is a luthier, and I hope in the near future to have the funds to have him do what restoration work is needed. I will then pass it on to Mayme, who if she were a bit more dedicated with her own fiddle, could most likely bring it to life once again lol.

Anyway hope you enjoy the pics. I am simply ecstatic at having it in my possession at this time. A true piece of personal Confederate history. For a poor man I am so blessed.

T