Don, that is 
amazing!    Wow.
This spring, I had the privilage of standing on the field -- the exact spot-- where Patton's Confederate grandfather fought during the Civil War at Cold Harbor.   
I also saw Patton's famous helmet liner at VMI with the four stars on it, and his Colt revolver.    It was something to stand within reach of those items -- but there was glass seperating me from them.
It must be something to hold and own a piece of history like you were presented.
Merry Christmas Don.   A great gift to someone very deserving indeed.

Thor