If you are looking for a holiday gift that is unique and different then you might want to stop by Two Flags Sutlery at 1756 Main St., Escalon.
Owner and Civil War buff Barry Kelley opened the doors to the Main Street shop in March and quickly grabs the attention of passersby with the elaborate display of a civil war scene in the front window.
“People think that this store is a museum,” said Kelley.
While the store is filled with many original artifacts and antiques from the Civil War era, they aren’t all kept under glass. Unlike a museum, the items at Two Flags Sutlery are available for purchase, so you can own a little piece of American history.
Shoppers with budgets, big and small, can find something for that hard-to-shop for person on their holiday gift list. It is a treasure trove for Civil War enthusiasts but also offers items unique enough for anyone to appreciate.
If you are looking for a stocking stuffer, you may want to consider the mini cannon pencil sharpeners, corps badges, or maybe an eating utensil set. Some of the more popular items in the shop are the hats, flags, swords, small copper cup, large stainless steel cup, or a surgeon’s field medical kit. They also have several different types of knives that may be perfect for a survival pack.
The small store is packed with items and may have that special gift that you have been looking for but can’t seem to find. For example, you may be looking for a quill pen for the graphic artist or a single drum for a musician. Or maybe you are just looking for something practical with a little bit of history like hand knitted wool socks, suspenders, canteens, boots, or a bayonet. Two Flags also has items for the children in your life, like cap guns, toys, wallets, or harmonicas.
The Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point in the Civil War, resulted in an estimated 50,000 casualties – those killed and injured – in a three-day battle that saw the North turn back the South and set the stage for the end of the ‘Brother vs. Brother’ conflict that divided the nation.
Two Flags has items representing both sides and also features a variety of other historic Americana memorabilia such as clothing, books, toys and more.
Kelley said he participated in a Civil War Reenactment at Roaring Camp in Felton, CA in 1992 and that sparked his interest in everything of that era, leading to his eventual opening of the store. The hours vary, depending on his schedule, so contact Kelley at 838-1861 for more information.
