Hi Greg,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Civil War discharge papers -the official record that a soldier was released from service - were issued by both the Union and Confederate armies and are historically significant documents.

The value of these documents increases proportionately with the historical significance of the subject. I wasn’t able to find credible evidence that a Daniel Fritz, Private in the 7th Regiment of Pennsylvania is someone who has widely recognized historical importance — no major biographies, political or military leadership roles, or well-known stories seem linked to that exact name + unit, based on what I could locate.

Going on this, and based on the average value such discharge papers usually bring at auction, this has a fair-market (auction) value of $125-175, but if you have additional information Fritz, please pass it along so I can see if increases the value of this.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A signed and dated 1861 Union honorable discharge paper
For Private Daniel Fritz, dated July 31, 1861
signed on a discharge template, matted and framed with an engraved print of General Lyon leading a charge at Wilson Creek. Engraving by F.O.C. Dar!ey and H.B. Hall.
Frame: 23-1/2 inches high by 18 inches wide
CONDITION: This discharge paper appears to be in generally good condition with some very minor creases and foxing visible.
PROVENANCE: Purchased from a gallery/dealer
$125-175*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia