2009 December Signature Arms & Militaria Including Civil War Auction
| Sale Number: | 6021 |
| Location: | Heritage Auctions - Dallas 3500 Maple Ave 17th Floor Dallas, TX 75219 |
| Auction Date: | December 12th at 9 AM CT |
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Session 1
Military & Patriotic
Group of two Confederate Script "I" Infantry Buttons. CS175A1 (Albert), Halfmann & Taylor/ Montgomery/ Alabama, 23mm, and CS175A2 (Albert), Halfmann & Taylor/ Montgomery. Both about perfect with nice untouched patina and traces of gilt. Two very scarce Confederate buttons in superb condition.
Group of Two Confederate Buttons. Confederate General and Staff CS5A3 (Albert) Extra Rich/ Treble Gilt, 24mm retaining 70% original gilt, and Confederate Army General Service CS81A1 (Albert), Superior Quality, 23mm with 90% original gilt. Both very fine.
Scarce Confederate Local North Carolina Button. NC8A (Albert), S. A. Myers/ Richmond, Va., 23mm, about perfect with nice untouched patina. A rare and desirable North Carolina.
Civil War Buttons of Allen Willis Cameron, Co. K 3rd Louisiana Inf., C.S.A. Group includes four LA7 (Albert) with Horstmann's/ N. Y. & Phil. backmark and three US general and staff buttons with Extra Quality backmark. Cameron served with the 3rd Louisiana (Pelican Rifles) from May 17, 1861 to October 1, 1861, when he was discharged for disability. He also had subsequent service in the 22d Louisiana. All buttons in about perfect condition and accompanied by a detailed letter of lineage/provenance. Nicely ID'd group.
Great Pair of Early War Soft Emulsion Ambrotypes of Two Tennessee Brothers Off to War. Both very young, doubtless no more than 16-18 years old. They wear nearly identical handmade checkered shirts and rumpled wide brim slouch hats. Each holds a M1816/22 musket with arsenal cone conversion, hammer cocked. Very fine quality and condition, just some minor bluing at the edges. Purchased from a Tennessee estate. Striking testimony to the lure of the romance and bravado of the battlefield to Southern youth, only for them to lose their innocence amidst the blood and horror of four years of combat. A pair of touching and tragic images.
Civil War Sixth Plate, Soft Emulsion, Early War Ruby Ambrotype of Pvt. Thomas H. Chandlier, 48th Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A. Wears battle shirt with black cuffs and collar, .58 caliber rifled musket with bayonet fixed at his side. D-guard knife tucked in the side of his belt and percussion revolver tucked in the front. Pencil script presentation in the back of the case to his mother, from him, dated December 18th 1861. Chandlier enlisted on December 12, 1861, this image obviously having been done immediately thereafter. Chandlier fought with the regiment through New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta and several other engagements. The regiment was, mercifully, on furlough during the Battle of Franklin, but Chandlier was captured at Nashville December 15th. Fine quality, some bluing typical of these early war images, and a few hairlines at the left, not affecting the subject. In a geometric case. Nice ID'd Confederate image.
Photography
Bishop Charles Quintard Autograph and Carte de Visite. The inscription reads, "Yours in the best of bonds./ C. T. Quintard/ Bish of Tenn./ 1867." The CDV (2.5" x 4") is affixed to the inscription page (4.25" x 6") and shows the bearded bishop in full regalia standing with his hands clasped before him. Printed along the lower edge, "J. Gurney & Son. Photo. N.Y." Some stains are apparent. Both are in very good condition.
Bishop Charles T. Quintard (1824-1898) was an Episcopal bishop in Tennessee. Educated in medicine, he served both as a surgeon and chaplain in the Confederate Army. Following the war, he helped rebuild the University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee) where he served as vice-chancellor.
Bishop Charles T. Quintard (1824-1898) was an Episcopal bishop in Tennessee. Educated in medicine, he served both as a surgeon and chaplain in the Confederate Army. Following the war, he helped rebuild the University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee) where he served as vice-chancellor.
Military & Patriotic
Civil War: Four Identified Carte de Visite Images of Union Officers. all CDVs are 2.5" x 4", with period ink notations on the verso identifying the officers pictured, including: "Steven Child / Lieut. 6th Mo. Vol. / A.D.C. to Gen. Palmer / Residence Hardin, Illinois"; "D. Thomas / Lt. 24th Ohio V. I.", taken by Hoag & Quick Cincinnati, Ohio; "John W. Steel / Capt. 41st Ohio / Cleveland, Ohio", taken by J.W. Campbell, Army Photographer, 29th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland; and, "P. B. Steele / 1861 Private in 7th N.G.S.M. / 62 Lieut. in 56th N.G.S. Vols. / 1863&4 Capt. in 158th N.G.S. Vols.", taken by J. Gurney & Son, New York. All fine or better.
Civil War: Carte de Visite Image of Colonel Daniel S. Troy, Confederate States of America. 2.5" x 4", color highlighted, with pencil notations on the verso. Lieutenant Colonel Troy was an officer in the First Battalion of Hilliard's Legion (60th Alabama Regiment). Troy was leading the 59th Alabama Infantry into battle near Hatcher's Run, Virginia, on March 25, 1865, when he was shot by Private George W. Tompkins, Company "F", 124th New York Infantry. The flag of the 59th was being carried by Troy who was urging the men under this command forward when he was shot down by Private Tompkins. Tompkins was recommended for and received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Troy survived his near fatal wound. Very fine.
Civil War: Six Images of Union Officers and Soldiers. Including: a carte de visite of a Union officer identified in pencil on the verso as "Alfred Maron"; a CDV of a man in a non-commissioned officer's frock coat identified in pencil on the verso as "J. V. Upton / 1st Sergeant" taken by Hallett in New York; a carte de visite of a Union officer identified in pencil on the verso as "Schultz 1862" and a companion CDV of a young woman dated "1862", both images taken by Tresize of Zanesville, Ohio; a small tintype in a card mount with an oval opening, in ink below the image it reads "W. C. Browning / Allen / Mich.", the back has a label for Wing's Gallery and a stamp, clipped corners; a tintype of a seated unidentified soldier, with two tax stamps on the verso; and, a printed two-sided card, 2.75" x 4.5", with an engraved image of John F. Chase "Received 48 wounds at the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863...", the verso advertises "Chase's Patent Self Clearing Revolving Harrow Tooth". All are near fine or better.
Civil War: Five Identified Carte de Visite Images of Union Officers. All CDVs are 2.5" x 4", with period ink notations on the verso identifying the officers pictured, including: "Harry Howland / Capt. and A.Q.M. / Chicago, Ill." taken by C. C. Gier Nashville, Tennessee; "H. M. Scarritt / Lt. 10th Ill. V.I. /A.D.C. to Maj. Gen. Palmer / Alton, Ill."; "Joel P. Watson / Capt. 110th Ill V.I. / A.D.C. to Maj. Gen. Palmer / Mt. Vernon, Ill."; "Capt. [?] Mason 10th Ill. V.I. / Alton, Ill." taken by the Metropolitan Photograph Gallery Nashville, Tennessee; and, "J. [?] Langley / Lt. Col. And P.M. 14th A. C." taken by Bonsall Cincinnati, Ohio. All fine or better.
Group of Three Cartes de Visite of Federal Civil War Officers, all with Period Ink ID. Thomas D. Sedgewick, 2d Kentucky Inf, Louisville, Ky. Wears kepi with embroidered infantry insignia/2, battle shirt with velvet collar and straps. Jno. A. Wright (signed), Adjt, 1st Kentucky Vol., A.D.C. to Brig. Gen. Cruft, Louisville, Ky. with Cincinnati, Oh. backmark, and S. S. Swallow, Capt. 7th Ind. Battery, wearing frock coat with shoulder straps. All fine condition.
Exceptional Civil War Carte de Visite of Confederate Brig. Gen. Roger Weightman Hanson. Entire image beautifully hand tinted, Bendann Brothers, Baltimore backmark. About perfect condition. Hanson entered service on April 19, 1861, and was mortally wounded at Murfreesboro January 2, 1863, while leading the famed "Orphan's Brigade," succumbing to his wounds on January 4. The finest portrait of Hanson we've seen.
Superb Quality, Ninth Plate Ambrotype Portrait of a New York Infantryman Wearing the Insignia of the Tenth Legion. The Tenth Legion, formed in October 1861, was composed of the 56th New York Infantry, along with two batteries of light artillery and two troops of cavalry. The 56th was composed of eleven companies, two of which were sharpshooters. Soldier wears New York state shell jacket and kepi with Tenth Legion badge on breast. Perfect condition in a nice floral case. Very scarce subject.
Early War Sixth Plate Soft Emulsion Tintype of a Young Federal Fifer. Wears infantry frock coat with high stand up collar, kepi. Holds fife up to play, with fingers on the key holes. Sadly the subject is markedly cross eyed. Very fine quality, fine condition, with just some minor edge bluing. In a nice scroll/geometric case.
Exceptional Quarter Plate Tintype of a Federal Cavalryman. Wears shell jacket, bummer's cap, and shoulder scales. Sword belt with scabbard suspended, Colt army tucked in the front of the belt, holding cavalry saber, all highlighted with gilt. American flag, with circular star pattern, lightly tinted red and blue, displayed on the wall behind him. Fine quality, perfect condition in a half case.
Exceptional Early War Sixth Plate Ambrotype Portrait of a Young Federal Infantry Drummer. Wears infantry frock coat with high stand up collar, kepi. Narrow tarred leather drum sling, rather large drum with very heavy sticks, the drum head clearly showing heavy use. Finest quality, very fine condition with just some edge bluing typical of these early war images. In a floral case. Really visually striking.
Wonderful Quarter Plate Tintype Portrait of George Chapman, Co. C, 122d New York Vol. Inf., Enjoying a Meal. M1861 .58 caliber rifled musket with bayonet fixed on the ground at his side. Wears shell jacket, kepi, full set of equipment, including haversack. Holds tin cup and hardtack, coffee pot , tin plate, utensils and hardtack, arrayed on the ground in front of him. Chapman served with the 122d New York from August 1862 until his discharge for disability on March 6, 1865, as the result of wounds suffered at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. Fine quality and condition, housed in a floral/geometric case and accompanied by a set of records. Also included is a 17" x 20" hand tinted projection copy of this same image, circa 1870, housed in the original elaborate 23" x 27" gilt gesso frame. Perfect condition. Scarce set with nice ID.
Carte de Visite Portrait of George Emerson Albee, Co. G, Berdan's United States Sharpshooters, June 1862. Period ink notation ID on verso. The period notation also includes "Blood thirsty/ Wounded 2nd Bull Run Aug 30, 62". Albee wears four button blouse and bummer's cap, holding percussion revolver in front of him and half stock, heavy barrel, percussion target rifle at his side. Albee had a remarkable history, enlisting in Berdan's on June 25, 1862, doubtless when this image was taken, and was discharged for wounds (2d Bull Run) October 10, 1862. He subsequently enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Light Arty on December 23, 1863, mustering out February 11, 1864, when he was commissioned 2d Lt. in the 36th Wisconsin Inf., serving with that regiment until July 12, 1865, having been captured August 25, 1864 at Ream's Station. Included is a carte de visite of Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. with a Joseph Ward/ Boston backmark, and a period ink notation by Albee on the verso "Temporary Residence of G. E. A. 1864". Both images of fine quality, portrait with even fading, Libby prison image fine. A remarkable pair of CDVs.
Carte de Visite Portrait of Confederate Colonel St. Clair Dearing. Dearing was commissioned into field and staff of the 25th North Carolina Inf. on August 15, 1861, as a Lt. Col and resigned March 28, 1862, as the result of "Drinking too freely." Obviously a rather "colorful" character, Dearing appears to be absolutely huge and wears shell jacket with rolled collar with gilt tinted rank insignia. Belt with two piece buckle and holster, gauntlets, holding dark kepi with quatrefoil, knee high boots. The most remarkable detail is the Scottish basket hilted broadsword he holds in front of him. Dearing graduated from West Point in 1855 and served in the Regular U.S. Army until his resignation February 7, 1861. Finest quality and condition and a great Confederate image.
Most Rare, Signed Carte de Visite Portrait of Boatswain's Mate John Stocking, "The Unsung Hero of the Monitor." Stocking served with the Monitor during her historic engagement with the CSS Virginia, and was on board the ill-fated iron clad when she was being towed south by the USS Rhode Island. When the Monitor foundered during a storm, on the night of December 31, 1862, Stocking volunteered to go forward and attempt to cut through the heavy hawser connecting her to the Rhode Island. He was swept overboard and drowned, becoming one of the sixteen officers and men lost with the historic iron clad. Pencil signature on the verso, "Respectfully, J. Stocking" with backmark of Hinton's Gallery. Fine quality and condition.
Quarter Plate Tintype of Two Federal Infantrymen, with a Pencil Script Letter on Patriotic Stationery dated June 23, 1862, Identifying the Subjects. The one soldier is identified as Beneful P. Ruth (probably the soldier at left with musket and equipment) stating this was the last photograph he sent before being killed. Ruth wears bummer's cap with 6th Corps badge. Records state that Ruth enlisted in Co. B, 93d Penna. Vols on October 12, 1861 and was killed on May 31, 1862, at Fair Oaks. The other soldier is identified as "E. W. S. Stambach of Hamburg (Pa.)", who was wounded at Fair Oaks and killed at The Wilderness .Fine quality, just a shade dark, in perfect condition in a half case. Great image with impeccable period provenance.
Two Scarce Civil War-period Carte de Visite Views of the Ames Manufacturing Co. Backmark of J. C. Spooner, Springfield, Mass. One view, with some even fading, shows an overview of the complex. The other, in perfect condition, shows a closer view of two of the buildings. Important adjunct to an Ames sword collection.
Carte de Visite Portrait of Robert Hendershott, "Drummer Boy of the Rappahanock." By Kerton & Barker, New York. Hendershott wears shell jacket with standup collar and piping, kepi with star on the front, holding drum sticks in his hands. Hendershott had a remarkable history, enlisting in the 8th Michigan Inf. on three separate occasions, the third under an assumed name, and received his nickname as the result of his gallantry at Fredericksburg. Very fine quality and condition.
Wonderful Civil War Carte de Visite Portrait of Louis Benz, Chief Bugler at West Point from 1830 to 1870, with His Dog. Benz wears Hardee hat, four button blouse, holding keyed bugle. His dog, seated in a plank bottom chair at left, holds a basket in his mouth. By Warren, Cambridgeport, Mass. Fine quality and condition, just some very minor even fading. An incredibly charming and very rare image.
Carte de Visite View of the Interior of Fort Brady, near Petersburg, with Period ID on Verso. Row of large Parrot rifles inside earthwork fortifications, the position occupied by the 1st Connecticut Heavy Arty. Very fine quality and condition, no backmark.
Rare Carte de Visite of General George Meade and Staff, Signed by Joseph W. Martin, 6th New York Heavy Arty. Each officer is ID'd in period ink script on the verso, keyed to numbers on the front. Backmark of Gibson's Gallery/ Army of the Potomac. Fine quality and condition.
Carte de Visite View of the Confederate Dead Outside Battery Robinette, Corinth, Mississippi. Col. William Rogers, 2d Texas Inf. in the foreground. This appears to be a period CDV copy of a larger albumen. Fine quality and condition and a very rare image. One of the most graphic images, depicting the toll of combat, to emerge from the Civil War.
Quarter Plate Tintype View of a Large Group of Federal Soldiers Standing in Line Outside a Photographers Studio. Identified as the 12th New Hampshire Inf. at Point Lookout, Md. Soldiers wear a variety of uniforms, all facing the camera. Large sign on top of the clapboard building at left "Ambrotypes." Another slightly larger, building in center with large front windows, also probably a photographer's studio. Perfect condition, fine quality, just a shade dark, but a very rare and desirable subject.
Civil War: Signed Photograph of Seven Officers Serving on a General Court Martial Harrisburg Pennsylvania, January 1, 1865. The large oval card, 10" x 12", has seven smaller oval albumen images of the officers of the court each signed by the pictured officer. The officers include: "C. T. Watson / Capt. & A.G.M."; "A. G. Happer / Capt. 11th Regt P.V.V."; "V. B. Gray / 1st Lt. 16th V.R.C. [Veteran Reserve Corps]"; "A. Cottrell / Capt. 16th V.R.C., Pres."; "Fred[erick] C. von Schirach / 1st. Lieut. 16th V.R.C."; "Geo[rge] R. Buffam / 2nd Lieut. 16th V.R.C."; and, "William H. Dunbar / Capt. 48th Regt. N.Y.V. / Judge Advocate". The photographs were taken and grouped by "Lerue Lemer, Wyeth's Hall, Harrisburg, Pa.". The piece is in an attractive period frame, 14.5" x 16.5" (overall). Each photograph has the buttons and the wire braid on the shoulder straps over-painted in gold. A rare format and very fine.
Nicely ID'd Sixth Plate Tintype Portrait of Corporal Lewis P. Bradford, Co. D, 23rd Maine Inf. Bradford mustered in as a Corporal on September 29, 1862, and mustered out with the regiment on July 15, 1863. Crisp image of Bradford wearing nine button frock coat with blue tinted corporal's stripes, holding bummer's cap with D/23 clearly visible on the top. Nice period ID on the reverse of the plate with a 0.75" x 1.5" printed yellow paper label, "LP Bradford/ 3 copies (this obviously being the original)/ 23d Regiment/ Washington/ D. C." The 23rd spent their entire period of service in the Washington/ Northern Virginia area. Pristine condition in a full leather case. Impeccable ID.
Very Nice Civil War Quarter Plate Tintype of a Federal Infantryman. Wears nine button frock coat with collar rolled down, bummer's cap with insignia on the top, buttons tinted gilt. Holds M1841 Mississippi rifle with saber bayonet affixed. Military painted backdrop with tents, cannons, etc. Excellent quality, pristine condition. In leather case. Nice image.
Scarce Civil War Print Titled "Andersonville Stockade and Hospital." 22.125" x 28", probably circa 1870. States that it is a "true and correct picture... copied from the original pencil sketch, made by Felix de La Baume" Co. E 39th N. Y. Vols. Remarkable detail with forty-nine specifically identified people and scenes, with a key at the bottom, as well as vignettes at the sides. Now mounted on board, toning, some small loss at the folds and two small tape repairs, but still very good. A remarkable graphic depiction of the horrors of Andersonville.
Rare Early Civil War Print of a Surface Projection of Charleston Harbor Titled "View of Ft. Sumpter". Probably issued prior to the bombardment, as the fort is shown flying the U.S. flag. 22" x 7", hand water colored. Shows all the forts, as well as the city of Charleston with individual buildings, Sullivan's Island and the Moultrie Hotel. "L. Prang & Co. Lith./ 34 merchants Row Boston" at lower left, "By W. A. Williams, Civil Engineer/ 25 Merchants Row Boston" at lower right. "For Sale by Redding & Co. Boston" at bottom. Scattered foxing but very sound and the first example we've seen.
Lithograph: "Surrender of Cornwallis." New York: J. Baillis, 1845. 13" x 9.75". Hand-colored lithographed subtitled, "At Yorktown, Virginia, Oct. 19, 1781; By Which Over 7000 British & Hessians Became Prisoners" and showing General Cornwallis handing his sword to General Washington. Important American and British officers are labeled, as well as the "French Fleet" in the distance and "Redoubts at Yorktown." The colors are faded, yet still very good. Toned.
Civil War Print Titled "Death of Ellsworth". 10.25" x 13.5", some light toning else about perfect with no cracks or edge chips. Vivid hand applied coloring. Published by Currier & Ives 152 Nassau St. N. Y. with 1861 copyright date. Choice example of this desirable Civil War print.
John Badger Bachelder "The Army of the Potomac" Lithographic Proof. 31.5" x 24.25". Published by John Badger Bachelder, circa 1863. Bachelder's studies of Civil War battle scenes are considered to be among the most accurate depictions of events. This study captures wagon trains of the Army of the Potomac fording Bear Creek, en route from Chickahominy to James River, Virginia during the Seven Days fight. This spectacular litho is slightly tinted and has some modest foxing in the margins not affecting the work. Though an accomplished artist, photographer, and lithographer, John Badger Bachelder is probably best known for his work in preserving and documenting the Gettysburg battlefield. To this end he served from 1883 to 1887 as the Superintendent of Tablets and Legends for the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, and is probably responsible more than any man for the placement of monuments and battlefield markers, both Union and Confederate.
Great Civil War Print of Ellsworth's Zouave Cadets. The cover sheet to a set of sheet music titled the "Ellsworth Cadets Polka/ Wilmington, Del./ Published by William F. Duffy, Market St." 13" x 9.875" on heavy stock. A stunning image depicting officers, NCOs, and enlisted men, with superb detail on both the weapons and uniforms. One light water stain at right, minor, some roughness along the top edge but not affecting text or image, else really excellent with brilliant colors. A rare print and the first example we've seen.
Scarce Mexican War Print Titled "Landing of the Troops at Vera Cruz," Circa 1848. 19.25" x 13.25" on newspaper weight stock. Bright colors with excellent and accurate detail. Some minor weakness at folds, missing small piece at lower right corner, else really excellent, sound condition. In its original unmounted state.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Pilot Wing. 3¼", screw post back, the sterling nuts are marked "The Victory Patented", the shield has applied ribbed, rose gold "US" letters. The stars on the shield are incised. This jeweler-made wing is very attractive and in extremely fine condition.
World War I: 24th Aero Squadron Sterling and Bronze Pin. 1¾", pin-back (the catch is missing), silver with an applied bronze dog, French made. The badge shows an American eagle swooping down on a German dachshund which is running away with his tail between his legs. The 24th was an observation squadron assigned to the First Army Observation Group on August 14, 1918. It reached the front on August 22 to take part in operations at St. Mihiel and in both of the Argonne-Meuse offensives. It carried out more than 80 reconnaissance, fought 54 combats, and received official confirmation for 12 victories. Fabulous detail. Excellent condition.
World War I and Post War: Four United States Navy Pilot Wings. Including: a gilt wing, 2.75", pin-back, marked with "Sterling + 1/20 10K GF"; a bronze-finish wing, 2.75", pin-back, unmarked, with a broken catch; a bronze-finish miniature wing, 1.5", pin-back, marked with the Meyer shield and "Meyer Metal", slightly bowed in the center; and, a wire bullion gilt wing, unmarked, 3.125" (including black cloth background), stitched back, modest tarnish of wire, else all fine or better.
World War II and Post War: Ten United States Naval Wings. Including: two unmarked gilt USN pilot wings with pin-backs (one with a broken catch); one gilt pilot badge, pin-back with "1/20 10K GF / Balfour"; one gilt pilot badge, pin-back with a star pattern back and "Rolled Gold"; one gilt pilot badge, pin-back with "Vanguard, N.Y.", slightly domed; one gilt pilot badge, pin-back with "AMICO / 1/20 10K G on S"; a wire bullion gilt wing, unmarked, 4" (including black cloth background), fabric back; a United States Navy navigator gilt wing, pin-back, marked with "1/20 10K + Sterling", three-piece construction; a United States Coast and Geodetic Survey gilt pilot wing, clutch-back, marked with "Krew"; and, a United States Navy flight surgeon gilt wing, clutch-back, marked "1/20 10KT". All full-size and fine or better.
World War II: American Volunteer Group Flying Tiger Enameled Pin and Chinese Air Force Wing. The Flying Tiger pin is 1", pin-back, with enamels and a red stone mounted in the flying tiger's mouth, the back is stamped with the Whitehead & Hoag company mark and "1/20-10KT / Gold Filled". The gilt and enamel Chinese Army wing measures 3", with screw-back fasteners, and stamped with Chinese characters and the number "62949". Both the wing and the pin are very fine.
Post World War I: Two United States Army Pilot Wings, Circa 1920s. One wing is marked "B.B.&B." and "Bronze". The other wing is marked "Sterling". Both are pin-back, 2.75", and fine.
World War II and Post War: Large Lot of Twenty-eight United States and Foreign Wings. including: a nice selection of full-size and small United States Army Air Corps and USAF wings, a USN observer's wing, a small USN gilt pilot badge; and wings from Norway, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and other countries. Various sizes, backings, and makers. Twelve wings are marked "Sterling". Most are fine or better.
World War I and World War II: Ten Small United States Aviation Wings. Including: four USN pilot wings, all 1.5", one wing is marked with the Hilborn-Hamburger eagle and "10K"; a USN observer gilt wing, marked "Vanguard, N.Y."; a USN flight surgeon gilt wing, marked "Vanguard, N.Y."; a gilt WWI Army pilot wing, 1.75", gold filled; an unofficial USMC wing with a marine globe and anchor applied over the shield of an early army pilot wing, silvered; a fully enameled sterling USN pilot wing sweetheart pin; and, a WWI army pilot wing on a scarf pin, 2", marked "10K". All are pin-back. Fine or better.
Transportation
Civil Aviation: Four Pennsylvania Central Airline Gilt Wings, Circa 1930s. Includes: a wing with the company logo with "PCA" running diagonally across the Keystone, 3.5", with screw-post back, one lug missing; a "Station Manager" wing, 3.5", with pin-back; two "Asst. Station Manager" wings, 3.5", with pin-backs. The Pennsylvania Central Airline, formed from the Pennsylvania and Central Airlines in 1936, was known as "The Capital Airline" because it served Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. It became Capital Airlines in 1947. All wings are curved, unmarked and very fine.
Military & Patriotic
World War I: United States First Army Balloonist Patch. 3" x 4¼", beautifully embroidered on quality green fabric. The patch has the black First Army "A" with a balloon below and a United States tri-color roundel above. Very fine.
World War I German Navy Observer's Badge. 13/16" x 3", pin back with rays, excellent condition. There is a small star stamp on the pin.
World War I: Imperial German Naval Airship Badge. Silvered-brass, 2½", pin-back, unmarked. The badge, with an airship encircled in a laurel and oak wreath, is topped with the Imperial German Crown of Charlemagne. Slight wear to the silver finish, else fine.
World War I Bavarian Observer's Badge. Hallmarked Silber/ Karl Pollath/ Schrobenhausen. 1.75" x 2 7/8", pin back with rays in excellent condition. Much scarcer than the Prussian badge and by a very desirable maker.
World War I Austrian Badge for Aircraft Observers and Balloon Pilots. 2.25" x 2.25", pin back, excellent condition. Awarded for ten sorties as an observer or fifty captive or free balloon flights. A total of 671 of these scarce badges were awarded between 1914 and 1918.
World War I: Imperial German Army Airship Badge. Silvered-brass, 2½", pin-back, unmarked. The badge has an airship encircled in a laurel and oak wreath. Slight wear to the silver finish, else very fine.
World War I Prussian Observer's Badge. 1.75" x 2 7/8", hollow back with thin pin. The red enamel shows some minor stress/age cracks but very sound. retains traces of the original silver finish.
World War I: Imperial German Army Observer Badge. Silver and enamels, 1¾" x 3", pin-back, very lightly marked "C. E. Juncker" and "800" with a crescent moon, rayed back. The Flieger Beobachterabzeichen badge has an enameled army corps flag encircled in a laurel and oak wreath and topped by the Imperial German Crown of Charlemagne. The badge is constructed of two pieces soldered together. Partially obliterated maker's mark, else very fine.
World War I Prussian Pilot's Badge. 1 7/8" x 2 7/8", hollow back, thin pin, excellent condition. very nice example.
World War I 1914-1915 Austrian Gutland Badge. 1 9/16" x 1.25", solid construction, pin back, excellent condition. Scarce badge.
Unusual World War I Wing Badge. 1 13/16" diameter, clip back with unknown hallmark. Only example we've seen.
World War I Prussian Observer's Badge. Prinzen style, 1 1/8" x 1 7/8", pin back. excellent condition. Very nice example of this uncommon Prinzen style badge.
World War I: Imperial German Naval Observer Badge, Prinzen Size. Gilt-brass, 2", pin-back, unmarked. The badge, with a watchful eagle encircled in a laurel and oak wreath, is topped with the Imperial German Crown of Charlemagne. Slight wear to the gilt finish, else fine.
Very Rare World War I Bulgarian Pilot's Badge. Hallmarked 935, 1.75" x 3", pinback with rays. Excellent condition and Bulgaria fielded no more than fifty pilots for World War I. A most rare World War I aviation badge.
World War I: Imperial Austrian Army Pilot Graduation Badge, Wiener-Neustadt Flying School. Bronze finish, 2½ " x 2½", pin-back, unmarked. The badge is topped with an eagle above a riband that reads "KuK-Luftfarhtruppe", below is a pilot and the Austro-Hungarian coat of arms. Very fine.
World War I Austrian Navy Pilot's Badge. 1st model. 1 5/8" x 1.25", pin back, excellent condition. Issued 1917 - 1918. A very fine quality example of a rare badge.
World War I Austrian Navy Pilot's Badge, 2nd Model. 2.75" x 2 5/8", with two spring catches on the reverse. The maker's mark has inexplicably been removed, else excellent condition and a rare badge.
World War I: 486th Aero Squadron Silvered Brass Pin. 5/8" x 7/8", pin-back, unmarked. The silvered-brass pin depicts a large star or comet with six smaller stars in its wake. Fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 91st Aero Squadron Gilt Bronze Pin, 1¼", pin-back (latch broken), marked "Bronze" and "B. B. & B." for Bailey, Banks, and Biddle. The gilt bronze pin depicts a mounted knight in pursuit of a winged devil whose blood has already been drawn by the lance. The 91st was a corps observation squadron assigned to the First Army. The squadron was engaged in the St. Mihiel as well as the first and second Meuse-Argonne offensives. By war's end, the 91st brought down 28 German aircraft in 104 combat engagements. Aside from the damaged clasp, the pin is very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 99th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. 1", pin-back, unmarked. The silver pin depicts an American bison in a circle. The 99th was a corps observation squadron attached to the Fifth Corps Observation Group. It was engaged in the first and second Meuse-Argonne offensives as well as the St. Mihiel offensive. Fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 147th Aero Squadron Sterling Silver Pin. 1", pin-back, the back is marked "Sterling". The silver pin depicts a rat terrier. The 147th was a pursuit squadron engaged in the Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensives. The 147th fought 102 engagements with 31 victories. Very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 155th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. 13/16" x 3/4", screw-back, unmarked, French made. The silver pin depicts the head of an arrow pointing upward. Very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 168th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. ¾" x 7/8", screw-back (missing the screw fastener), unmarked. The silver pin depicts a winged skull. The 168th was a corps observation squadron assigned to the Fourth Corps Observation Group, First Army. The squadron was engaged in the first and second Meuse-Argonne offensives. Very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 278th Aero Squadron Sterling Silver Squadron Pin. 1", pin-back (pin missing), marked "Sterling". The heavy silver pin depicts a flying owl holding a telescope above applied gold numbers "278". The 278th was an army observation squadron with the Seventh Corps Observation Group, Second Army, but did not see combat. Missing pin as noted, else very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: 17th Aero Squadron Sterling Silver Squadron Pin. 1 3/8", pin-back, unmarked. The pin depicts the Great Snow Owl and is constructed of overlaid silver. Organized on May 13, 1917, at Camp Kelly, Texas, the squadron was originally called Company M, Company B and the 29th Provisional Aero Squadron. In August 1918 the squadron officially became known as the 17th Aero Squadron. Detachments of the squadron served with the Royal Air Force upon arriving in France in February 1918. The squadron had six aces including Howard Burdick, Howard Knotts, and George Vaughn. Fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War II: Silver "Order of the Winged Boot" Pin. 1" x ¾", pin-back, unmarked. The "Order of the Winged Boot" was for airmen who were fortunate and strong enough to walk back to the safety of their own lines after being shot down in enemy territory. Fine.
World War II: Sterling Silver Sweetheart Wing. 4¼", pin-back. The stylized wing is based on a bombardier wing with a "V" for victory on the bomb. The wing is stamped "Natl. Silver Co." and has an unidentified maker's mark. Fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Pilot Wing. 3", pin-back, marked "Rolled Plate" with the N. S. Meyer company logo. This wing has nice detail on the feathers and applied gilt "U.S." Very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver and Gilt Bullion Military Aviator Wing. 5/8", stitched to a flexible backing, unmarked. Black felt backing and moderate tarnish to bullion wire, else very fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver "Dallas" Pilot Wing. 3 5/8", pin-back, unmarked. This modern copy of this classic three piece wing is mounted on a sturdy brass plate. The brownish wool is stitched over the plate. The applied gilt "US" shows some solder build-up. The tip of the silver wire beading on the left wing is broken, else a fine modern copy of the "Dallas Wing."
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Bullion Pilot Wing. 3½", stitched to a sturdy brass plate with a drop-in locking catch pin-back, unmarked. The wing is in high relief with wonderful wire detail. Strong black felt backing and very modest tarnish to bullion wire with one sight snag, else excellent.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Bullion Observer Half Wing. 2½", stitched back. Strong black felt backing and only minor tarnish to bullion wire, thus fine.
Pre-World War I: 1913 Military Aviator Badge. 1¾", pin-back, unmarked. This is a very nice later re-strike of the extremely rare "Flying Eagle" military aviator badge authorized in War Department Order 39 on May 27, 1913. This copy is all gilt with no silver highlights to the signal flags. Very fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Balloon Pilot Wing. 2", pin-back, marked "Sterling". This pattern, with applied letters, was used pre-1921. Fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: United States 94th Aero Squadron Patch. 3 7/8", hand-stitched. Mothing at the edge near the top of the ring. Mounting residue on the back, else fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Bombardier Wing. 2¼", pin-back, unmarked, with stacked applied gold "US". This jeweler-made wing is of three piece construction and a hand-hammered back. Fine. To view the an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Pilot Wing. 3", pin-back, unmarked. The bowed wing has very fine high-relief detail. A rarely encountered style of the highest quality and workmanship, thus excellent. To view an image of the back, please click here.
Post-World War I: United States Airship Pilot Miniature Sweetheart Pin. 1½", pin-back, with an indistinct maker's mark. Bright gilt with great detail, thus extremely fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Pilot Wing. 3 1/8", screw-back, unmarked. This two-piece construction wing has pebbled detail on the feathers and with inward curved tips. The two screw-backs are marked "The Victory / Pated". The wing has a black felt backing. Very fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Bullion Observer Half Wing, 1 13/16", stitched back. Moderate tarnish to bullion wire, else fine.
World War I: Five German Pilot Medals. Includes: two Manfred von Richthofen memorial medals, 37mm, one in silver, the other in bronze; one Max Immelmann memorial medal, 35mm, in silver; one Oswald Bolcke memorial medal, 33mm, with ring suspension, in silver; and, a medal produced by the Prussian mint to commemorate "Erster Ost-West Ozeanflug / 13 April 1928", a trans-Atlantic flight by the pilots von Hunefeld, Kohl, and Fitzmaurice, 35mm, in silver. The Bolcke medal shows considerable wear, the others are fine or better.
Lot of Four WWI Commemorative Medals. Includes a 45mm (metal type unknown) British battle of Jutland example; 60mm bronze nurse Edith Cavell example; 60mm bronze "Ministero della Guerra" example; and 70mm bronze 1914-1918 battle of Ypres example. All examples in very good to fine condition.
Lot of Seven French WWI Commemorative Medals. Includes a 50mm bronze 1918 Clemenceau/Foch example; a 40mm bronze French ace George Guynemer example; 41mm bronze French first fighter ace Adolphe Pegoud example; 52mm x 70mm bronze French Red Cross example; 68mm bronze Admiral Ronarch/General Foch "Bataille de L'yzer" example; 68mm bronze 1914 "Bataille de la Marne" example; and 70mm bronze 1914 Namur and Ostende battles example. All examples in very good to excellent condition.
Wright Brothers Kitty Hawk Plane Fabric Swatch with Lester D. Gardner Document Signed. "Original fabric from Kitty Hawk 'Wright Flyer'...certification...for Charles Froesch" is the bold five line heading on this original 7.5" x 9.5" signed and substantiated document to which is affixed (in a panel above headline) an original piece of fabric from the momentous flight that changed the course of history. The printed validation certifies:
"When Orville Wright, at my suggestion, assembled the Kitty Hawk machine for public exhibition for the first time, in 1916, at the opening of the new buildings of M.I.T. in Cambridge, he found the original fabric could not be used, and substituted new fabric of identical material. When he died, his executors found that he had preserved some of the original coverings of the wings and entrusted several pieces of this most valuable relic to me for distribution to notable aeronautical friends. I certify this piece was used in the first successful flight in history by Orville Wright on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, N. C. [with original ink autograph signature] Lester D. Gardner."
Lester Gardner not only personally knew Orville Wright (NOTE: two letters from Orville Wright to Lester Gardner were sold by Heritage in 1992) but was well known throughout the world of early aviation. He had flight status and rank of Major in the U.S. Army Air Service in WW I; in post war years he served on the corporate board of M.I.T. and in his professional career rose to staff member of important New York and Chicago newspapers, becoming president of the Gardner, Moffitt Company as publisher; he was also editor of the leading aviation journals of the era, including Who's Who in American Aeronautics and Aviation as well as holding a position in all important Aero societies then in existence.
"Charles Froesch" to whom this historic segment of fabric was inscribed and presented also achieved a notable role in early aviation history...commencing in WW I with duty in the U.S. Army Air Service, followed by a distinguished career with the legendary Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, with whom he maintained a lifetime association, and the creation of Eastern Airlines. Froesch is oft mentioned in "Captain Eddie's" autobiography (1967) as vice president and chief engineer of Eastern and as "vice president in charge of engineering and a brilliant one"..as well as the 2005 biography of Rickenbacker where Froesch is mentioned as having "...played a strong role in advising Rickenbacker to abandon Condors and Kingbirds and adopt DC-2's and Electras...Rick admired the way Froesch managed inventories...Froesch recommended that Eastern acquire an even better aircraft, the DC-3 that Douglas was developing and Rickenbacker began switching to it in 1936"
Accompanied by a wealth of photostatic material affirming the significance of the recipient, Froesch, and Lester D. Gardner. For the aviation historian and collector of early aeronautics, there is little in the field of collecting that rivals the importance of this extremely historic memento.
"When Orville Wright, at my suggestion, assembled the Kitty Hawk machine for public exhibition for the first time, in 1916, at the opening of the new buildings of M.I.T. in Cambridge, he found the original fabric could not be used, and substituted new fabric of identical material. When he died, his executors found that he had preserved some of the original coverings of the wings and entrusted several pieces of this most valuable relic to me for distribution to notable aeronautical friends. I certify this piece was used in the first successful flight in history by Orville Wright on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, N. C. [with original ink autograph signature] Lester D. Gardner."
Lester Gardner not only personally knew Orville Wright (NOTE: two letters from Orville Wright to Lester Gardner were sold by Heritage in 1992) but was well known throughout the world of early aviation. He had flight status and rank of Major in the U.S. Army Air Service in WW I; in post war years he served on the corporate board of M.I.T. and in his professional career rose to staff member of important New York and Chicago newspapers, becoming president of the Gardner, Moffitt Company as publisher; he was also editor of the leading aviation journals of the era, including Who's Who in American Aeronautics and Aviation as well as holding a position in all important Aero societies then in existence.
"Charles Froesch" to whom this historic segment of fabric was inscribed and presented also achieved a notable role in early aviation history...commencing in WW I with duty in the U.S. Army Air Service, followed by a distinguished career with the legendary Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, with whom he maintained a lifetime association, and the creation of Eastern Airlines. Froesch is oft mentioned in "Captain Eddie's" autobiography (1967) as vice president and chief engineer of Eastern and as "vice president in charge of engineering and a brilliant one"..as well as the 2005 biography of Rickenbacker where Froesch is mentioned as having "...played a strong role in advising Rickenbacker to abandon Condors and Kingbirds and adopt DC-2's and Electras...Rick admired the way Froesch managed inventories...Froesch recommended that Eastern acquire an even better aircraft, the DC-3 that Douglas was developing and Rickenbacker began switching to it in 1936"
Accompanied by a wealth of photostatic material affirming the significance of the recipient, Froesch, and Lester D. Gardner. For the aviation historian and collector of early aeronautics, there is little in the field of collecting that rivals the importance of this extremely historic memento.
Eddie Rickenbacker Signed Photo and Archive of Signed Letters, all to His Friend Charles Froesch of Eastern Airlines. A hand colored, original 8" x 10" photograph of a painting by famous American artist "Howard Chandler Christy/ March 1943" (the date being only four months after "Capt. Eddie's" rescue from the Pacific in WW II). Inscribed and signed: "To my good friend/ 'Charles Froesch'/ Eddie Rickenbacker" Nicely matted and framed circa 1943, overall 11" x 14", in superb condition. (NOTE: It was Howard Chandler Christy who also painted the famous portrait of Rickenbacker in WW I uniform with air combat scene in the background;Christy also noted for many other famous paintings including those of American presidents.)
Rickenbacker among the most famed of all American combat pilots. In pre-WW I years he was among the top race car drivers in the world; in WW I he was the leading American air ace and the very first aviator to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism. His post-WW I career equally notable and distinguished, being among the leading names in aviation advancement and history, the founder and president of Eastern Airlines and, in WW II, entrusted with a heroic mission for President Roosevelt and the War Department to Pacific air bases and to deliver a secret message to General MacArthur. The mission was ill fated; Captain Eddie's plane went down in the Pacific in enemy waters in November 1942 and the crew was adrift on life rafts and lost at sea for twenty-four days until rescued; Capt. Eddie not merely surviving the ordeal but taking a leading, heroic, role in keeping the crew together.
Accompanied by twenty-nine original letters from Eddie Rickenbacker to his longtime loyal friend Charles Froesch, written over a period from Christmas 1939 to October 1972. All of them on his personal letterheads "Edward B. Rickenbacker" with earliest printed address "New York City"; a few with address "Rickenbacker Ranch/ Hunt, Kerr County, Texas" (1951/53, 54, 56); and all others with his "Rockefeller Plaza/ New York" printed address. Most are single page, typed, a few are two pages; the majority are signed with his usual signature to a close friend "Eddie" or merely "Captain" with just one with a very bold full ink signature, and a few with secretarial signature in later years when he was very ill. Most letters of a personal nature expressing feelings about the country; patriotism; frustration about peace in the world; a few with religious overtones (especially at Christmas time); much about the then ensuing Korean War. All offer a superb insight into Captain Eddie's personality and all in excellent condition. It's obvious from these letters there was a steadfast, protracted relationship between the two men.
Also accompanied by copies of two October 1942 letters from Captain Eddie's wife Adelaide, written during the time Rickenbacker was lost at sea in WW II, expressing her admiration and love for Eddie and feeling he would be rescued. A most remarkable collection directly relating to one of America's most renowned and esteemed heroes (of two wars!) and among the most distinguished names in the history and advancement of American aviation.
Rickenbacker among the most famed of all American combat pilots. In pre-WW I years he was among the top race car drivers in the world; in WW I he was the leading American air ace and the very first aviator to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism. His post-WW I career equally notable and distinguished, being among the leading names in aviation advancement and history, the founder and president of Eastern Airlines and, in WW II, entrusted with a heroic mission for President Roosevelt and the War Department to Pacific air bases and to deliver a secret message to General MacArthur. The mission was ill fated; Captain Eddie's plane went down in the Pacific in enemy waters in November 1942 and the crew was adrift on life rafts and lost at sea for twenty-four days until rescued; Capt. Eddie not merely surviving the ordeal but taking a leading, heroic, role in keeping the crew together.
Accompanied by twenty-nine original letters from Eddie Rickenbacker to his longtime loyal friend Charles Froesch, written over a period from Christmas 1939 to October 1972. All of them on his personal letterheads "Edward B. Rickenbacker" with earliest printed address "New York City"; a few with address "Rickenbacker Ranch/ Hunt, Kerr County, Texas" (1951/53, 54, 56); and all others with his "Rockefeller Plaza/ New York" printed address. Most are single page, typed, a few are two pages; the majority are signed with his usual signature to a close friend "Eddie" or merely "Captain" with just one with a very bold full ink signature, and a few with secretarial signature in later years when he was very ill. Most letters of a personal nature expressing feelings about the country; patriotism; frustration about peace in the world; a few with religious overtones (especially at Christmas time); much about the then ensuing Korean War. All offer a superb insight into Captain Eddie's personality and all in excellent condition. It's obvious from these letters there was a steadfast, protracted relationship between the two men.
Also accompanied by copies of two October 1942 letters from Captain Eddie's wife Adelaide, written during the time Rickenbacker was lost at sea in WW II, expressing her admiration and love for Eddie and feeling he would be rescued. A most remarkable collection directly relating to one of America's most renowned and esteemed heroes (of two wars!) and among the most distinguished names in the history and advancement of American aviation.
A Unique, Extensive Collection of "Insider", First Person, Behind the Scenes Detail of the Development of Aviation and the Aviation Industry in Its Very Early Days! Originally all owned, written and assembled by Charles Froesch (see previous item), the man whose entire lifetime career paralleled the growth and development of aviation and the aviation industry. From his earliest employment in 1912 with the Farman Aeroplane Co. to WW I service with the newly formed U.S. Air Service....which led him to post-war employment by Anthony Fokker (whose famous German aircraft was then partially manufactured in New Jersey) and where he was soon to meet the legendary Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (who was also employed by Fokker at the time)...and with whom Froesch formed a lifetime close business and personal association. By 1929 the Fokker Co. was taken over by General Motors. While both men maintained high positions in the company in the aircraft division, Captain Eddie eventually went on to form his own company, into which he soon brought his friend Charles Froesch as chief engineer.
There is much, much more to this story and all of it is told in superb detail in the accompanying original and unpublished 244 page, 8" x 11" typewritten manuscript by Charles Froesch, entitled "BEFORE AND AFTER THE JETS CAME". Written in the 1960's, it contains many penned notations, corrections and updates by Froesch himself and includes in the "Foreword" his original autograph signature of June 1968. The two page "Preface" was authored by Captain Eddie Rickenbacker. Froesch knew everyone who was anyone in the aircraft industry as is obvious, not only from reading the manuscript, but from the accompanying personal folder assembled by Froesch, containing copies of his letters to many of these personalities, when assembling the information for this manuscript, as well as approximately fifty original replies from all of those individuals, many of them famous, and most on letterheads of the best known aviation firms of the era; the majority from men who had also spent their lives in the industry. Among the famous names with autographs are Grover Loening; Gen'l Manager of The Wright Company Dayton, Oh.; Chief Aero Engineer U. S. Army Air Service WW I; Donald Douglas; Chief Engineer of Glenn Martin Co.; eventually president of the famed Douglas Aircraft Co. As Charles Froesch wrote in his original note for his "typical letter sent" to each of those individuals, seeking their cooperation for his book: "I am planning on writing a book on the early days of commercial air transportation 1926 to the end of World War II from the data I have collected...it will be interspersed with funny stories and anecdotes from my personal experience. I thoroughly feel that much can be recorded from those early [experiences] which would be lost unless put down on paper. I think the jet age generation would be interested in reading about these. Now I need some specific information..." As it turned out the story in this fascinating manuscript starts biographically with his very earliest experiences in pre-WW I years with great emphasis on the years following. It is truly an inside, first hand look at aviation development and the great names and personalities that influenced it; one rarely seen in such intimate detail.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL! Accompanying this collection are three 10" x 12" folders all with embossed "Fokker Aircraft" covers. Two of them with fancy gold embossed panels and relief lettering on covers "Fokker/ USA Service Letters/ Fokker Aircraft Corporation of America" (another embossed "Charles Froesch" on cover). One folder particularly fascinating: a thick collection of original 1930 dated carbon copies of reports, many of which made by both Froesch and Eddie Rickenbacker (when both were employed by Fokker and worked together) of their surveys of other airlines, aircraft facilities, test flights, inspections of airport facilities. The other two folders loaded with Fokker aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and mechanical information. All circa 1929-1931 with copies of blueprints of aircraft parts, maintenance procedures; some foldouts; many with drawing illustrations plus numerous service letters with large letterheads "Charles Froesch" imprinted on them as both "General Service Manager" and/or "Sales Engineer". Plus a fourth hard cover loose leaf binder with title page "Data Book/Charles Froesch, Aeronautical Engineer," a personal compilation of original materials about engines, written and drawn by Froesch plus articles circa 1917-1919 from an automotive newspaper plus blueprints of automobile and aviation engines; a broad spectrum of material and information. Total of six folders/compilations weighing a whopping fifteen pounds.
For a firsthand look at the then blossoming aircraft industry, and the very development of the aircraft, this unique collection is a veritable "mother lode" and offers great potential for further development by an aerobuff!
There is much, much more to this story and all of it is told in superb detail in the accompanying original and unpublished 244 page, 8" x 11" typewritten manuscript by Charles Froesch, entitled "BEFORE AND AFTER THE JETS CAME". Written in the 1960's, it contains many penned notations, corrections and updates by Froesch himself and includes in the "Foreword" his original autograph signature of June 1968. The two page "Preface" was authored by Captain Eddie Rickenbacker. Froesch knew everyone who was anyone in the aircraft industry as is obvious, not only from reading the manuscript, but from the accompanying personal folder assembled by Froesch, containing copies of his letters to many of these personalities, when assembling the information for this manuscript, as well as approximately fifty original replies from all of those individuals, many of them famous, and most on letterheads of the best known aviation firms of the era; the majority from men who had also spent their lives in the industry. Among the famous names with autographs are Grover Loening; Gen'l Manager of The Wright Company Dayton, Oh.; Chief Aero Engineer U. S. Army Air Service WW I; Donald Douglas; Chief Engineer of Glenn Martin Co.; eventually president of the famed Douglas Aircraft Co. As Charles Froesch wrote in his original note for his "typical letter sent" to each of those individuals, seeking their cooperation for his book: "I am planning on writing a book on the early days of commercial air transportation 1926 to the end of World War II from the data I have collected...it will be interspersed with funny stories and anecdotes from my personal experience. I thoroughly feel that much can be recorded from those early [experiences] which would be lost unless put down on paper. I think the jet age generation would be interested in reading about these. Now I need some specific information..." As it turned out the story in this fascinating manuscript starts biographically with his very earliest experiences in pre-WW I years with great emphasis on the years following. It is truly an inside, first hand look at aviation development and the great names and personalities that influenced it; one rarely seen in such intimate detail.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL! Accompanying this collection are three 10" x 12" folders all with embossed "Fokker Aircraft" covers. Two of them with fancy gold embossed panels and relief lettering on covers "Fokker/ USA Service Letters/ Fokker Aircraft Corporation of America" (another embossed "Charles Froesch" on cover). One folder particularly fascinating: a thick collection of original 1930 dated carbon copies of reports, many of which made by both Froesch and Eddie Rickenbacker (when both were employed by Fokker and worked together) of their surveys of other airlines, aircraft facilities, test flights, inspections of airport facilities. The other two folders loaded with Fokker aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and mechanical information. All circa 1929-1931 with copies of blueprints of aircraft parts, maintenance procedures; some foldouts; many with drawing illustrations plus numerous service letters with large letterheads "Charles Froesch" imprinted on them as both "General Service Manager" and/or "Sales Engineer". Plus a fourth hard cover loose leaf binder with title page "Data Book/Charles Froesch, Aeronautical Engineer," a personal compilation of original materials about engines, written and drawn by Froesch plus articles circa 1917-1919 from an automotive newspaper plus blueprints of automobile and aviation engines; a broad spectrum of material and information. Total of six folders/compilations weighing a whopping fifteen pounds.
For a firsthand look at the then blossoming aircraft industry, and the very development of the aircraft, this unique collection is a veritable "mother lode" and offers great potential for further development by an aerobuff!
Pair of Important Works on Admiral Lord Nelson including The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Viscount Nelson, with Notes by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas. London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, 1845-1846. First edition. Seven octavo volumes. Illustrations. Folding maps. Modern blue cloth binding with titles stamped in gilt on spine labels. Contents toned, some pages brittle with scattered damp stains and foxing, else very good. [and] James Stanier Clarke and John McArthur. The Life and Services of Horatio Viscount Nelson. London: Fisher, Son, & Co., [1840]. Three octavo volumes. Illustrated. Contemporary half leather binding and marbled paper over boards with titles stamped in gilt on the spine. All edges marbled. Moderate shelf wear, contents clean. Volume I with broken front hinge and detached front board, else very good.
Three Books Written by or About the Distinguished English Military Napier Family including William F. P. Napier. History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France From the Year 1807 to the Year 1814. London: John Murray, 1828-1840. First edition. Six octavo volumes. 530, xcvi; 534; 640; 589; 622; 710 pages. Maps throughout, some folding. Contemporary half leather binding and marbled paper over boards; titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Marbled edges. A very clean set with only minimal wear. [and] H. A. Bruce. Life of General Sir William Napier. London: John Murray, 1864. First edition. Two octavo volumes. 556; 578 pages. Original blue cloth with Napier armorial device stamped in gilt on the front board and titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Moderate shelf wear to boards, especially at the edges and corners. Former owner's book plates on the front pastedown. Contents slightly toned; hinges slightly cracked, else a good set. [and] Sir George T. Napier. Passages in the Early Military Life of General Sir George T. Napier, K.C.B. Written by Himself. London: John Murray, 1884. First edition. Octavo. 295 pages. Original blue cloth with Napier family armorial device stamped in gilt on the front board and titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Modest shelf wear to boards. Note, in ink on the title page, former owner's book plate on the front pastedown. Very good.
Francis Grose. Military Anecdotes Respecting a History of the English Army, From the Conquest to the Present Time. London: Printed for T. Egerton, 1801. First edition in two volumes with material additions and improvements. Two octavo volumes. 412; 363 pages. Profusely illustrated with beautiful woodcuts, including sixty-one plates at the back of volume two illustrating weapons and armor. Contemporary leather binding with titles and decoration stamped in gilt on the spine. Modest shelf wear to the boards with the joints just starting to crack; the contents display only light scattered foxing with the bookplate of Charles Longuet Higgins on the front pastedowns of each volume, else the contents are bright and sound and the volumes are in overall very good condition. Grose first published this remarkable work in 1786. He died in 1791 and the publishers added a treatise on ancient arms and armor and reissued it in two volumes.
Two Works on Napoleon's Imperial Guard including Emile Marco de Saint-Hilaire. Histoire Populaire de la Garde Impériale. Paris: Adolphe Delahays, 1854. Octavo. 482 pages. With 41 engraved plates by R. De Moraine. In contemporary olive green cloth with titles stamped in gilt on a red morocco spine label. Marbled endpapers. Former owner's bookplate on the front pastedown. Boards display light shelf wear with occasional soiling, otherwise the contents are clean and the book is in overall very good condition. [and] Eugéne Fieffé. Napoléon 1er et La Garde Impériale. Paris: Furne Fils, 1859. Octavo. 170 pages. Illustrated with several engravings, many of which are color. Original paste paper over boards with leather backstrip. Titles and decoration stamped in six compartments between five raised bands. Wear to the edges of the boards and spine ends, especially at the corners. Half toning at the preliminary and terminal pages, scattered foxing throughout affecting a few of the plates, otherwise very good.
General [Charles Antoine] Thoumas. Les Anciennes Armees Francaises Exposition Retrospective Militaire du Ministere de la Guerre en 1889. Paris: Librairie Artistique, 1890. First edition. Two quarto volumes. xii, [1]-218; [219]-436 pages. 16 plates with tissue guards and numerous engravings in text. French text. Beautiful half scarlet leather binding with marbled paper over boards. Titles and decoration stamped in gilt in five compartments between four raised bands on the spine. Boards worn at the edges, especially the corners and spine ends. Additional light soiling to leather. Scuffing to the spine of volume one. Scattered foxing throughout both volumes, affecting several plates, otherwise a handsome set in very good condition. An exquisitely produced work with fabulous illustrations of Napoleonic era weapons, uniforms, and accoutrements, and a history, in French, of the period.
Beautifully Bound Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Complete 1921-1988. All first editions with the exception of Volume 1, 1921-22 which is a facsimile reprint published in London by Arms and Armour Press in 1973. Uniformly bound in half crimson leather over scarlet buckram boards, in sixty-one octavo volumes, including index volume. Armorial vignette on the title page of each volume. Titles stamped in gilt in compartments between five raised bands on the spine. Each volume is illustrated with period illustrations (some color) and photographs. Former owner's book plate on the front pastedown of each volume. The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research was founded in 1921 to foster "interest in the history and traditions of British and Commonwealth armies, and to encourage research in these fields." It is one of the oldest societies of its kind and past members include notable British Field Marshals Wavell and Auchinleck. The Society's interests embrace "both army and regimental history, military antiquities and pictures, uniforms, badges and medals, arms and equipment and the history of land warfare in general." These volumes include studies of campaigns, commanders and the political aspects of war from the sixteenth century to the "little wars" of the late 19th Century.
Bashford Dean: Catalogue of European Daggers, Including the Ellis, de Dino, Riggs, and Reubell Collections. (New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1929). A limited edition of which this is number 397 of 900, v, 199 pages and 84 full-page plates, folio, with full leather binding an gold blind stamping. A splendid work by the chairman of the Committee on Armor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Scuffing on the spine, else very fine.
Uniform of the Army of the United States, 1882. (Philadelphia: Thomas Hunter, 1882). 23 pages including 10 pages of full color lithograph prints and 9 pages of black and white engravings, folio, with the original blind embossed cloth covers. The book contains the army dress regulations of 1881 with color examples of the uniforms and helmets and engravings of button, epaulette, shoulder knot, and other accoutrement details. Very light wear to the boards, else excellent. An extremely rare book in this condition.
Books
Carl Otto von Kienbusch [introduction] and Stephen V. Grancsay [cataloger]. The Bashford Dean Collection of Arms and Armor in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Portland [Maine]: The Southworth Press for the Arms and Armor Club of New York, 1933. First edition limited to 250 hand-numbered copies. Octavo. 270 pages. 62 plates. Original publisher's cloth spine and paper over boards with armorial vignette stamped in gilt on the front board and titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. Ownership inscription on the front free endpaper, contents trivially toned, else a near fine copy. Bashford Dean served as honorary curator of arms and armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Upon his death, the museum purchased his fantastic collection which is documented in this fine book.
Military & Patriotic
Louis Shepard Moat [editor]. Frank Leslie's Illustrated History of the Civil War. The most important events of the conflict between the states graphically pictured. Stirring battle scenes and grand naval engagements, drawn by special artists on the spot. Portraits of principal participants, military and civil; famous forts: pathetic episodes, etc., etc. The whole forming an authentic pictorial history of the war, by such well-known artists as Becker, Crane, Beard, Schell, Lumley, Forbes, Nevill, Davis, Simons, Osborn, Wilcox, Weaver, Bosse, Newton, Rawson, Russell, Sartorious, Chamberlain, and others. A concise history of the Civil War, being official data secured from the war records. New York: Mrs. Frank Leslie, Publisher, 1895. Second edition. Folio. 512 pages. Richly illustrated with wood engravings, some double page, some single, and frequently multiple illustrations to a page. Original half leather with decorated cloth stamped in gilt over boards. Marbled endpapers. Titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Significant wear to the corners and spine ends, contents bright and in very good condition.
Excavated ID Disc of New York Infantryman Killed in Action. Pewter 1.25" disc in particularly rough, dug condition with stamping "J. S. COTY/ Co. H./ 106th REG/ NYSV/ (hometown) N.Y." barely visible on face. Reverse stamping obliterated. Coty served from August 1862 and rose through the ranks to sergeant, fighting in the Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns as well as Spottsylvania, Totopotomoy, and Cold Harbor. He was mortally wounded at Winchester on September 19, 1864, and lies buried in the Winchester National Cemetery. An historic memento complete with brief biography.
Great Excavated Pewter ID Disc of a Colorful, Twice Wounded Irish Brigade N.C.O. This dug 1.5" pewter identification token has a wonderful raised bust of Gen. George McClellan on one side surrounded by a simple border and "Maj. General McClell[an]." On the opposite side is stamped "CORNELIUS SULLIVAN/ CO. B/ 28th REGT/ MASS. VOLS/ IRISH/BRIGADE/ CO. KERRY IRELAND." surrounded by a border of stars and "The War of 1861 '62 [&] '63." Condition is sound but with the usual wear and corrosion found on these pewter examples and just a bit misshapen, with an additional hole neatly punched in the rim. Private Cornelius Sullivan joined this famed Irish Brigade unit at age eighteen in October 1861. He served in the Seven Days Campaign then deserted in September and was returned to his unit by the Provost Guard two months later. He then fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, was promoted to corporal and reenlisted for an additional three years. He was wounded in his hands at Spottsylvania and again, six days later. After convalescence in Washington he returned to his unit at Petersburg, deserted once more, returned shortly afterwards and was promoted sergeant in January 1865. Sullivan was discharged in June. This is an intriguing artifact of an equally intriguing Irish Yankee complete with a brief profile of his military service.
Metal Tag With Vermont Infantryman's Stamping. This is an unusual metal rectangle measuring about 1.75" x 2" on which is stamped in small letters "JOHN. AYERS/ Co. H 2.nd. VT/ VOLUNTEERS./ WAR. OF. 1861. 2&3." Piece appears to be brass or copper with deep patina indicative of something excavated but shows no corrosion. The top has a small, neatly drilled hole and the bottom corners are clipped. On the opposite side is a larger, stamped number "50" suggesting the item was originally intended for a use other than an identification token. Ayers joined the Second Vermont in June 1861, and served until August 1865. He was wounded in the Wilderness in 1864. Accompanied by brief service profile.
Great Condition Excavated Patriotic ID Tag of Wounded Pennsylvania Reservist. Measuring 1.25" in diameter, this dug brass identification coin is stamped "A. N., KLINGENSMITH/ Co. I,/ 11th REGT,/ P.R.V.C." The opposite side has the typical raised lettering "Against Rebellion/ 1861" around the border with a raised "Union" shield in the center. This example is in exceptional condition with 75 percent of its original gilt finish remaining overall. It's owner, Pvt. Adam Klingensmith, joined the 11th Pa. Reserves in July 1861 and fought at most of the major battles of the Army of the Potomac through his discharge in June 1864 including Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. He was wounded in the right arm at Fredericksburg in December 1862. A nice example of a classic ID device with a great history, complete with a brief service profile of its owner.
Excavated Brass Identification Disc with Battle Honors. This dug 1.25" patriotic ID disc is stamped "CHARLES BUNTON/ CO. D/ 155 P.V./ U.S. AUG. 14/ 1862/ ANTIETAM/ FREDERICKSBURG/ CHANCELLORSVILLE." On the reverse is a raised shield and the words "The Union and the Constitution/ War of 1861" around the border with "GETTYSBURG" and "WAPPING HEIGHTS" stamped below the shield. The piece has a light overall pitting but some remnants of the original gilt finish remain, principally in the stamped lettering and on the shield, giving it a pleasing look. A 22-year-old coal miner, Bunton fought at most of the major battles of the Army of the Potomac as indicated by the badge, including Spottsylvania Court House and Petersburg. He mustered out of this great fighting regiment in June 1865. An historic piece complete with brief soldier biography.
Excavated ID Disc of Captured Ohio Infantryman. Pewter 1.25" disc with stamped identification to George W. McMillen "CO. I/ 122 REG./ OVI" with unreadable hometown also noted. Reverse has highly raised profile of general officer which appears to be identified in lettering along the rim as George McClellan. McMillen enlisted as a sergeant in Co. I of the 122nd Ohio Vol. Inf. in August 1862 and fought at Winchester, the pursuit of Lee from Gettysburg, the N.Y. Draft Riots, and the Wilderness where he was captured by men of Early's Division. Exchanged in the spring of 1865, he returned to his unit at Petersburg and was eventually promoted 2nd Lt. of Co. A before being mustered out in June. Sound, dug condition with a brief soldier biography included.
Excavated Silver Identification Circlet Worn by New York Cavalryman Imprisoned at Andersonville. This battlefield-found 1.125" inch ring is clearly engraved "GEO H. LAMB/ CO. L. 5TH N.Y Cav.," a veteran of Gettysburg's famed "Farnsworth's Charge." The thin ring has a deep patina and is missing its pin fastener. It may possibly have had an additional center device, such as a mounted horseman, now also missing. Lamb enlisted as an eighteen-year-old in February 1863 and fought at Gettysburg, Kilpatrick's "Richmond Raid," the Wilderness Campaign, and more. He was captured at Stoney Creek and sent to Andersonville from which he was paroled in April 1865, mustering out two months later. Unusual and historic, complete with brief service record.
Silver Shield Identification Badge Worn by an "Iron Brigade of the East" Soldier. This is the quintessential Union soldier's ID shield of sheet silver, measuring a full 1" x 1.25". On the face, above a small stamped "War of 1861," is elaborately engraved the owner's name and unit: "Wm. H. Smart/ Co. D/ 22d Regt N.Y.V./ Iron Brigade," surrounded by a decorative border. Private Smart enlisted in May 1861 and was mustered out in June 1863 after spending about half his enlistment sick in the hospital. The brigade consisted of the 22nd, 24th, and 30th New York Regiments, the 14th New York State Militia and the 2nd Regiment, U.S. Sharpshooters. It was known as the Iron Brigade of the East or the First Iron Brigade, but with its regiments mustering out before the summer of 1863 its fame was eclipsed by the better known Iron Brigade of the West. An attractive badge in wonderful condition, complete with its original t-bar pin fastener. Service and pension records included.
Fine Identification Badge with Sixth Corps Emblem. This silver shield badge measures almost 0.75" x 0.75" and has a bold, blue Third Division, Sixth Corps device etched in the center. Around it is neatly hand etched "J. B. Lucas/ Co. I/ 67" P.V." showing ownership by Pvt. John B. Lucas who joined the unit in August, 1862 and served faithfully until mustered out in June 1865. The 67th Pa. Vol. Inf. began its service as part of the Third Corps and became part of the Sixth Corps in early 1864, seeing action at Cedar Creek among many other battles with the Army of the Potomac. The badge is in sound condition with its original t-bar fastener still intact.
Outstanding and Colorful Cavalryman's Handmade Identification Disc. This exceptionally attractive circular ID disc was hand carved from a single slice of bone and measures 1" in diameter. On the front is etched a simple border inside which is "L. Wood/ Co B/ 1st Mass/ Cav" with the lettering nicely filled in with blue and red wax. On the reverse is a well detailed Masonic compass, also colored with red and blue wax. A metal ring passes through a small hole drilled at the top to which is attached a green cord for wearing around the neck. Lemuel Wood of Readville joined the 1st Mass. Cav. in September 1861 and was discharged in November 1864. The unit saw much action, first in the Department of the South and later with the Army of the Potomac. This scarce and appealing piece of soldier "art" has a wonderful patina and is accompanied by Wood's service and pension records.
Fine Silver Identification Shield Inscribed to Massachusetts Soldier. Samuel F. Pearson was a 21-year-old butcher from Springfield, Mass. when he enlisted as a private in the 40th Mass. Vol. Inf. in September 1862. His classic, stamped silver identification badge features a raised spread-winged eagle and crossed flags at the top under which is skillfully etched in elaborate lettering "S. F. PEARSON/ Co. G/ 40th Reg't/ Mass. Vol." The reverse is missing its t-bar pin fastener, but otherwise the piece is in excellent condition. Pearson saw action during the Peninsular Campaign before his unit was transferred to South Carolina. He was discharged for disability in January 1864.
Attractive and Rare Jeweler-marked Sixth Corps Badge worn by a Gosline's Zouave. This particularly nice sheet silver badge was worn by Corporal Emmanuel Cox, Co. I, 95th Pa. Vols. His name, "E. Cox," is engraved on a scroll at the top beneath which is suspended by a chain a Sixth Corps badge having engraved "Co./ I/ 95"/ P.V.V." on the arms. In the center is etched a smaller Sixth Corps badge which may have onetime been filled with red wax. The reverse of the scroll is clearly stamped by the maker "J. Somerset/ Philada" and the corps insignia is similarly marked "Philada/ Somerset." Cox enlisted in this famed regiment in September 1861 and saw action that included the Peninsula, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He later reenlisted as a Veteran Volunteer and subsequently transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Overall, the badge measures over 1" x 2" and is missing only its t-bar pin fastener. Such historic badges with a connection to a zouave unit are especially desirable, and exceptionally rare when bearing a maker's mark. Complete with service records.
Impressive Silver and Gold Suspension Badge of a Distinguished Veteran Enlistedman. This massive post-war suspension badge belonged to Private Thomas Norton, a once-wounded, twice captured fighter from Massachusetts who served in two regiments. This is a fine, three-piece, jeweler-made specimen featuring a 2.5" wide foliate bordered, silver horizontal pinback bar at the top from which is suspended an attractive 19th Corps badge that in turn suspends a large, ornate 18th Corps badge in the center of which appears to be a small gold Eighth Corps badge. Yellow metal chains descend from the top bar and connect with the outer wings of the 18th Corps badge as well. The overall size is about 2" x 4" and condition is superb. The top silver bar has a four-petal flower design etched with "18/ AC" on each side. The 19th Corps badge below it is engraved "19th/ AC" in the center and then"49th/ Mass/ Inft/H" on each of the four arms of the Maltese-like cross. The larger 18th Corps badge below is engraved with "27th /Mass/ Vet/ Vols" on the outside edge of each arm and the dates "1862/ 1863/ 1864/ 1861" inside. The center six-pointed gold star is engraved "1865." Norton enlisted in Co. H, 49th Mass. Vols., a nine-month unit, in September 1862 and then reenlisted in February 1864 in the 27th Mass. Vols. He was wounded and taken prisoner at Cold Harbor and later escaped. The regiment then moved to North Carolina and Norton was again captured in March 1865 and paroled the next month. He mustered out with his unit in June 1865. Although this badge is not directly marked with his name, Thomas Norton was the only member of Company H, 49th Mass. Vols. to enlist in the 27th regiment as well. This is truly an eye-catching and distinctive badge that gives testimony to a brave soldier's exceptional record. Complete with service records.
Splendid Grouping Highlighted by Inscribed Christian Commission Pin and Wallets. Based in Philadelphia, the U.S. Christian Commission was created in 1861 by the Y.M.C.A. to distribute bibles and bandages to Union soldiers during the coming conflict. In actuality, it performed many more humanitarian services to ease the life of the common soldier. Here is an historic example of the organization's badge nicely inscribed on the back to a minister's wife and active member of one of the commission's busiest branches. The 2" long, silver scroll-shaped badge is etched on the front "U.S./ Christian Commission/ Phil" and on the reverse "Mrs. Rev. Arza Brown/ Chicago Illinois/ Civil War." With the pin are two identical Civil War era wallets, measuring 2.5"x 3.75" when closed, which reveal several sections when opened along with the gold imprinted name "Mrs. M. H. Brown" on one and "Rev. Arza Brown" on the other. The wallets show wear but are very sound and pliable, missing just the small closing tabs. Also with the grouping is a scarce Christian Commission pamphlet with blue paper covers titled "Information for Army Meetings" and dated November 1864. Inside is news about Commission activities and stories from various branches in the field. The booklet measures 4.5" x 6.75" and is in sound condition with only some minor chipping to the corners of the cover sheets. The Rev. Arza Brown was a retired Methodist Episcopal minister in Chicago during the war and his wife, Mary, was an energetic member of the Chicago branch of the commission. An excellent representative specimen of a scarce badge with a great history, complete with substantial historical information.
Fine Silver Fifth Corps Identification Badge Worn by a Member of the Famed Maryland Brigade. Here is a thin sheet silver badge in the Maltese cross shape of the Army of the Potomac's famed Fifth Corps, nicely inscribed on the front "Sargt. M.V.B. Myers./ Co. I./ 4" Reg't Md. Vol. Inft'y." The piece apparently lost its t-bar fastening pin during its use by Myers and a tiny hole was punched in the top through which was placed a small silver ring for affixing to a string or pin. The badge shows expected use but is otherwise excellent. Martin Van Buren Myers enlisted in the Fourth Maryland Vol. Inf. in August 1862 and the unit was assigned to the celebrated Maryland Brigade in which it remained throughout the war. It served first with the Eighth Corps and in June 1863 was transferred to the First Corps, Army of the Potomac, and then in March 1864 to the Fifth Corps. Myers served honorably and was mustered out in May 1865. A most historic badge made even more desirable by its Maryland connection. Service and pension records accompany the piece.
Handsome Society of the Army of the Potomac Medal. Dating from the 1880s-90s, this attractive four-piece badge consists of a yellow crossed saber pin clasp at the top from which depends a blue and white silk ribbon followed by a small crossed cannon link which attaches to a gold six pointed star filled with red enamel. Each point contains a gold Army Corps insignia with a gold Army of the Potomac insignia in the center. The badge measures 1.5" x 3" overall and is in wonderful condition showing just a little wear to the ribbon and bright colors throughout. A great Army of the Potomac collectible.
Extremely Rare Stamped Silver Eighteenth Corps Badge by Known Supplier. Shown in the Civil War advertisements of B. T. Hayward, a "Manufacturing Jeweller" in New York City, is this distinctive corps badge, an example of which is in the collection of the Milwaukee Public Museum and also pictured in Stanley Phillips groundbreaking book. It measures 1.25" x 1.25" and consists of a quatrefoil with a recessed foliate center filled with a hardened red wax, designating the First Division of the 18th Corps. In the center of the badge is an intricate six pointed star-like device. Condition is sound with the original t-bar pin and about 80 percent of the red wax center intact. A desirable, well-authenticated badge from the hard fighting Army of the Potomac, complete with an overview of the 18th Corps.
Scarce Gold Seventeenth Corps "Arrow" Badge. Emblematic of "swiftness...and its destructive powers" the arrow was chosen as the insignia of the 17th Army Corps in March 1865. Photographic evidence shows it rapidly became a popular symbol among all ranks of the corps and today authentic examples are much sought after, such as this gold example. Measuring 2" long by 0.30" wide, the device is solidly made and has its full t-bar closure pin on the reverse. Condition of this rarity is excellent and bright and it is accompanied by a brief history of the corps.
Attractive Stamped Brass Ninth Corps Badge. An impressive and detailed version of the handsome Ninth Corps shield with cannon and fouled anchor, this badge measures 1.5" x 1.5" and is complete with its two original fastening loops on the reverse.
Excavated ID Disc Belonging to Very Young Rhode Island Drummer Boy. Fourteen-year-old Virginias H. Arnold owned this 1.25" brass identification token featuring a bust of Washington on one side surrounded by stars and "Union" at the bottom and stamped on the opposite side "Virginias H. Arnold/ Co. F/ 2nd Reg. R.I./ Entered Service/ June 6/ 1861." Disc is sound but surface shows deep patina and some light pitting. Young Arnold enlisted in the unit as a drummer at the same time his father joined the 1st Rhode Island Artillery as a bugler. He served at First Bull Run and near Fair Oaks in June 1862 was injured by a Confederate shell that burst behind him, throwing him in the air and onto a fence. Nevertheless, the young soldier was present at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and other battles. He reenlisted and remained with his fighting regiment through Petersburg, Appomattox, and the Grand Review. A great artifact of a courageous young man, complete with an overview of his service.
Attractive Identification Shield and Corps Badge of a New Yorker Twice Wounded in Action. This is a grouping of two badges worn by Sgt. Rosell G. Firman, Co. H, 121st N.Y. Vol. Infantry. The first is a silver ID shield measuring 0.875" x 1.125" with a scroll border inside which is elegantly inscribed "R. G. FIRMAN/ Co. H/ 121st Regt/ NYS Vols." At the bottom, near the border, is an evenly punched hole barely the size of a pin prick. The original t-bar pin fastener remains intact. The second badge is a small circular piece measuring 0.625" in diameter with a gold face and red enamel bordering having the red enamel Greek Cross of the Sixth Corps in the center around which is inscribed in black "Sergt. Firman/ 121st N.Y.V." Some of the black coloring has worn but most of the red enamel remains, along with the original t-bar pin fastener. Firmin joined this gallant unit in August 1862 and saw action at such places as Rappahannock Station, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, where he was wounded twice. He was hospitalized through the remainder of his service and, for some unknown reason, was reduced to private while recuperating. A superb pair of medals worn by a battle hardened veteran, accompanied by Firmin's service and pension records.
Great Silver Civil War Corps/ ID badge of George F. Bemis, 2d Vermont Veteran Vols, Mortally Wounded in The Wilderness May 5, 1864. He succumbed to his wounds on May 8. 1 3/8" silver 6th Corps cross, the ends of the arms slightly rounded, T-bar pinback, inscribed "2d Vt./ Veterans/ G. F. Bemis/ Co. F", perfect untouched condition. The badge is accompanied by, and was originally pinned to a 5" x 8" one page ink script letter from Edwin Phillips, Surgeon of the 6th Vermont, stating, "I certify that G. F. Bemis died at this hospital of wounds received in Battle and is buried in a grave by himself & a board marked G. F. Bemis Co. F 3 VT. V. Vols and described as follows of the situation" at which point Phillips provides a detailed map of the location of Bemis' grave and goes on to state, "Enclosed find his badge as a keepsak (sic) the only thing I could save. No money was found on him." Hole in the center of the letter where the badge was attached, else excellent condition, bright and crisp.
Also included is an uninscribed 1 1/8" silver 6th Corps badge, suspended from a blue silk ribbon, with a 0.25" x 0.75" silver bar at the top with T-bar pin back. Also obviously Bemis', in perfect untouched condition. Additionally there is Bemis' eagle masthead discharge from his re-enlistment on December 22, 1863, and a number of other family associated documents, newspaper articles, etc. A remarkable grouping with a truly impeccable period provenance.
Also included is an uninscribed 1 1/8" silver 6th Corps badge, suspended from a blue silk ribbon, with a 0.25" x 0.75" silver bar at the top with T-bar pin back. Also obviously Bemis', in perfect untouched condition. Additionally there is Bemis' eagle masthead discharge from his re-enlistment on December 22, 1863, and a number of other family associated documents, newspaper articles, etc. A remarkable grouping with a truly impeccable period provenance.
Silvered Brass, Civil War Period Sheridan's Cavalry Corps Badge. Badge itself 42mm x 35mm. Separately affixed blue enamel center section with crossed sabers. Suspended from the 38mm x 7mm name bar by small brass chains. Overall near perfect condition retaining 80% of the original silver finish. Very nice example of this very scarce piece of Civil War period insignia.
U.S. M1861 .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Musket, Providence Tool Co. 1863. All metal generally smooth and gray with just some minor scattered light pitting most notable at the breech and on the trigger guard. Mechanically perfect, very good bore and markings. The front sight is an old replacement, else complete and original in every respect. Wood excellent with nice rich patina and just some minor scattered dents as a result of honest use. Retains vestiges of the inspectors' marks. A nice honest Civil War .58 caliber rifled musket.
Civil War Moore's Patent Front Loading .32 Caliber Teat Fire Revolver, #20855. With National Arms Co. Brooklyn, N. Y. barrel marking. All metal smooth and gray with traces of blue. Scroll engraved brass frame retains 70% of the original silver. Walnut grips with an old coat of varnish else about perfect. Mechanically tight and crisp, excellent bore. Very nice example of this innovative and popular Civil War revolver.
Very Fine Civil War M1860 .52 Caliber Rimfire Seven Shot Spencer Repeating Carbine, #48963. All metal smooth and dark gray with scattered blue and case. Breech block retains 80% of the original blue and case colors. Mechanically perfect, mint bore, excellent markings. Wood really excellent with feathering, although there are no inspectors' marks. There is a very minor hairline on the left side of the butt at the magazine tube aperture, and a small silver, shield shaped escutcheon inlaid at the wrist, obviously period. An exceptionally nice Civil War Spencer.
Exceptional Condition U.S. M1855 .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Pistol Carbine with the Original Detachable Shoulder Stock, Springfield 1856. Certainly one of the finest examples of this scarce and desirable U.S. martial handguns we've ever seen, with many being issued to the 1st and 2d U.S. Cavalry on the western frontier. All metal smooth and clean, very fine, just some minor pitting at the nipple, not extending on to the breech. Mechanically perfect, including the primer mechanism, deep crisp markings including 1856 lock date and 1855 tang date (not uncommon). All brass mountings perfect with nice mellow untouched patina. #1 on back of butt cap. Wood excellent just showing honest use with a few scattered dents. Shoulder stock near perfect, including brass fittings, which exhibit the same mellow patina as the gun, #16 on the brass yoke. The gun is complete, original, and untouched, including the folding two leaf rear sight, which retains the original blue, and the knurled knob for attaching the shoulder stock.
Nicely ID'd Moore's Patent, Seven Shot .32 Caliber Rimfire Revolver, #2697, with the Original Holster. Neatly inlaid on the obverse grip with the silver letters O. F. S. The S apparently lost during the period of use and filled in with red Gum Arabica. The initials denote Oscar F. Sammis, with the gun being consigned by his great-great grandson, having been in the family since the Civil War. Sammis enlisted as a 2d Lieutenant in the 7th Illinois Cavalry, September 13, 1861, and resigned January 10, 1862, doubtless accompanied, during his brief term of service, by this gun and holster. The metal on the gun is generally smooth and gray, with just some minor surface rust on the barrel housing. The scroll engraved brass frame retains 90% of the original silver. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Wood grips also excellent, retaining most of the original varnish, just showing some honest wear on the high points. The heavy brown leather, open toe, holster uses a loop and tab for closure, despite the tab being pierced for a finial. Single belt loop cut on the reverse held in place by a leather thong, obviously period. Holster also excellent and perfectly form fitted to the gun. Accompanied by a circa 1890 cabinet card portrait of Sammis. A relatively scarce Civil War revolver, with impeccable ID, and especially desirable with the original holster.
M1860 Colt Army .44 Caliber Percussion Revolver, #142339 Matching, Manufactured Late 1863 with Period ID to the Notorious Col. (Brig. Gen.) Jefferson Columbus Davis. Serving as an enlisted volunteer in the Mexican War, Davis was appointed colonel of the 22d Indiana in August of 1861 and brigadier general of volunteers in December. He commanded the 4th Division, Army of the Mississippi, at Corinth. During a subsequent sick leave, on September 29, 1862, Davis engaged in a heated argument with Maj. Gen. Bull Nelson. Upon being slapped by Nelson, Davis shot and killed him. Remarkably, because of the need for experienced field commanders, Davis was never prosecuted, and went on to Division and Corps command at Stones River, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and during Sherman's Georgia and Carolina campaigns. Along with his brevets, Davis received a promotion to colonel in the Regular Army in May of 1864, a rank he also held during the Modoc War. It was doubtless during this period that he acquired and carried this Colt. The gun bears the unquestionably period, individually die stamped, legend "Col. Jff. Davis." on the inner grip strap. The gun is overall smooth and gray, with excellent markings and cylinder scene. Mechanically perfect, tight and crisp, with excellent bore. Grips also excellent, showing some minor honest wear and nice patina. The gun is accompanied by an old collection data card stating that it was purchased in "Feb. 52" from LaPorte, Pa. for $35.00 and mailing cost of $1.55, listing a "value" at that time of $400.00.
Very Scarce U.S. Navy-Inspected M1842 .54 Caliber Smoothbore Percussion Single Shot Pistol. Lock markings "U. S./ H. Aston & Co." and at the tail "Middtn/ Conn/ 1851". Amidst some untouched pitting on top of the breech is a clearly visible small naval anchor with inspector's stamp GG on the face of the bolster. The gun is correct and original in every respect with the exception of the front screw on the ramrod swivel which appears to be a correct replacement. Metal generally smooth with, in addition to the small area of pitting at the breech, a few small scattered areas of pitting on the barrel, most notable at the muzzle. Lock with excellent markings and just some very light pitting on the forward section. All brass furniture perfect with nice mellow patina. Wood really excellent with smooth dark untouched patina and excellent inspectors' cartouches, very nice. Nice example of a rare variant of the U.S. M1842 pistol.
Near Mint U.S. M1842 Single Shot Smoothbore Percussion Pistol, Aston/ 1847. All metal smooth and clean, just a couple of tiny patches of salt and peppering, else about perfect. Crisp marks, mechanically crisp. All brass perfect with nice light patina. Wood also near mint with just a few dents. Sharp edges, deep, crisp W. A. T. inspector's cartouche. Superb condition example and especially desirable with this Mexican War date.
M1863 Remington "Zouave" .58 Caliber Percussion Contract Rifle with the Original Bayonet and Scabbard. Excellent to near mint condition. Barrel retains 99% of the original blue. Lock and hammer with 60% of the original case colors. All brass furniture perfect with nice untouched patina. Mechanically perfect, mint bore, crisp markings. Wood near mint with just some scattered light scratches and one small sliver long the ramrod channel at the nose cap. Deep, crisp inspectors' cartouches. The brown leather sling, which is apparently a 19th century addition, bears faint marks that appear to be Rock Island Arsenal and utilizes a two tine 1.75" square brass buckle. Bayonet hilt and scabbard mounts perfect with untouched patina and correct BH inspector's mark. The leather scabbard is excellent, although the back seam stitching is open and there is a clean break, with an old friction tape repair, 1.5" above the tip. A very pretty gun, completely untouched.
American Percussion "Buggy Pistol," Circa 1850. 26.25" overall with round, 20.5", .60 caliber rifled barrel. Bead front sight, no rear sight. Unmarked, single screw, scroll engraved lock and hammer. Plain iron trigger guard, no butt cap. Superb untouched condition. All metal perfect with smooth gray/brown patina. Walnut stock also perfect with nice patina. Mechanically perfect, perfect bore. Original brass tipped, shotgun style hickory ramrod. A uniquely American form.
Very Fine M1853 Lefaucheux 12mm Pinfire Revolver, #33751. This specimen utilizes a 6 1/8" octagon to round barrel. Front sight with a bead surmounting a large triangular base. Gun retains 30% of the original bright blue, the balance smooth and gray with just one small area of light pitting on the left recoil shield. Mechanically perfect, tight and crisp, excellent markings. Grips near perfect retaining much of the original varnish. Imported by both sides during the Civil War, the Lefaucheux was actually the first internally primed metallic cartridge handgun issued to U.S. troops, and "Stonewall" Jackson carried an elaborately engraved model. Choice example of a scarce and interesting Civil War revolver.
Very Fine Colt M1849 .31 Caliber Percussion Pocket Model Revolver, #188168 Matching. Manufactured early 1861. 5" barrel, five shot, one line New York address. Gun retains 90% - 95% of the original blue with just some scattered light scratches and a few tiny dings. Also a couple of tiny, really negligible, patches of light pitting around the nipples. Frame, lever, hammer with 98% case colors, just exhibiting some fading. Straps retain 98% silver, grip with 90% varnish and a few tiny nicks/dents. Cylinder scene perfect, pins worn. The trigger spring is broken, else fine mechanically. An exceptional pocket just in need of some minor "tinkering."
Ivory-gripped Colt M1851 .36 Caliber Percussion Navy Revolver, #167488 Matching. Manufactured late 1863. Retains about 10% original blue, primarily on the underside of the barrel, and traces of case color on the frame and hammer, the balance a smooth even gray, with just some scattered salt and peppering. Cylinder scene and nipples excellent, very good bore. Mainspring broken, else mechanically fine. The clearly period ivory grips exhibit a nice mellow patina and very sound, with just one minor age crack. A very attractive Civil War period Navy in a scarce configuration.
Scarce Transitional Remington .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver, #30628. Metal smooth and clean, very nice, with scattered traces of blue and retaining most of the original blue on the loading lever. Mechanically tight and crisp, excellent bore. The barrel bears the Sept. 14, 1858 patent date but does not include the New Model designation. Additionally the gun utilizes the German silver cone front sight of the old model. Inspectors' initials on various parts, and very good inspector's cartouche on left grip. Grips about perfect. A very pretty gun and a scarce variant.
Allen & Wheelock Large Frame, .34 Caliber Percussion Five Shot Revolver, #478. This is the very scarce early model with threaded cylinder pin. All metal smooth and gray. Excellent markings including deep, crisp 100% cylinder scene. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Grips also excellent, retaining most of the original varnish. An exceptionally nice example of this rare gun.
U.S. M1816/22 .69 Caliber Musket Converted to Percussion and Rifled by Hewes & Phillips of Newark, New Jersey in 1861 for Civil War Use. Really excellent untouched condition. Bolster with clean out screw, two leaf rear sight. Lock marked US/ M. T. Wickham/ Phila./ 1826 with H & P 1861 at the breech. All metal smooth with just some very light scattered surface rust, and dark patina on most parts. Mechanically perfect, excellent marks, perfect .69 caliber rifled bore. Wood really exceptional exhibiting "feathering" with nice inspector's mark. Complete and original in every respect and a choice example of this desirable Civil War conversion.
Remington .44 Caliber Percussion New Model Army Revolver, #79342. Gun retains 60% of the original blue and case colors. Other than some scattered dents/dings, the balance a smooth dark patina. Mechanically fine, perfect bore excellent markings. With the exception of some dents on the underside, the grips are about perfect with deep crisp inspector's cartouche. Nice untouched Remington.
Civil War Confederate Leech & Rigdon .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver, #887 Matching including Wedge, with the Original Confederate Holster. Metal with smooth dark patina, untouched, retaining 10% blue on the barrel housing and traces of color on the frame, lever and trigger. Nipples crisp, there are some minor striations and a couple of tiny forging flaws on the cylinder. The gun is numbered on the lever, wedge, barrel housing, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The tiny four arm cross cryptic mark, exhibited on other Leech & Rigdons is present on the right side of the trigger guard. "Leech & Rigdon CSA" on the top flat of the barrel. Missing the wedge screw, and the loading lever catch is a modern handcrafted replacement that should be corrected by a professional restorer, else the gun is correct, original, and untouched in every respect. Grips excellent with just some wear on the corners and a few minor dents with rich untouched patina. Mainspring broken, else mechanically fine with excellent bore.
The black holster, which has always been with this gun, and fits perfectly, closes with a tab/flap and loop. The original belt loop, which was stitched on, is missing, and another belt loop has been cut in the back. The stitching on the very tip of the holster has 'popped' as the holster was made without a 'plug and simply stitched closed. Overall really excellent with no flaking and just some minor crazing. Researchers strongly believe holsters of this form were issued through Richmond, and it is interesting to note that this gun is within twelve numbers (#899) of the gun carried by Famed Maryland Confederate cavalry officer Harry Gilmor, further indicating the gun was probably issued from Richmond. The gun carries verbal provenance from the consignor to a Bouragard (sic) Martin of West Virginia. An exceptional Confederate handgun that is totally fresh to the market.
The black holster, which has always been with this gun, and fits perfectly, closes with a tab/flap and loop. The original belt loop, which was stitched on, is missing, and another belt loop has been cut in the back. The stitching on the very tip of the holster has 'popped' as the holster was made without a 'plug and simply stitched closed. Overall really excellent with no flaking and just some minor crazing. Researchers strongly believe holsters of this form were issued through Richmond, and it is interesting to note that this gun is within twelve numbers (#899) of the gun carried by Famed Maryland Confederate cavalry officer Harry Gilmor, further indicating the gun was probably issued from Richmond. The gun carries verbal provenance from the consignor to a Bouragard (sic) Martin of West Virginia. An exceptional Confederate handgun that is totally fresh to the market.
Unique Form, Solid Silver, Mexican War Presentation Sword, Custom Crafted by Ames in 1847. The reverse of the scabbard, at the throat, bears the inscription, "Made/ For/ H. E. Baldwin/ & Co./ New Orleans/ By/ Ames Mfg Co./ Cabotville/Mass." The Ames records list four swords ordered by Baldwin on September 1, 1847, one of which is simply identified as "Antique," doubtless this sword, at a price of $225. The hilt is absolutely unique, being a detailed copy of an early 17th century Italian "Main Gauche," the basket composed of pierced scrolls. The pommel also reflects this form with silver scrolls and flowers pierced on a dark base. The grip is deeply cast with oak leaves and acorns, with narrow side panels composed of leaf, floral and geometric designs. Affixed to the face of the basket is a 1.75" x 2.5" triangular gold plaque, bearing the following inscription, "To/ Major Alexander B. Bradford/ of the/ 1st Regiment Mississippi Volunteers/ From The/ Citizens of Marshall Co./ Miss." The panel has separated from the basket at the top, and partially peeled back with a small crack, readily restorable by a competent jeweler with the ability to execute laser soldering (we checked). The 31" blade is double edged with a single central fuller, and is etched for 2/3 of its length with floral, scroll and military motifs including eagle with riband and liberty cap, Ames logo on the reverse. The blade is dark gray with some light scattered surface rust, untouched. The silver scabbard, retaining 20% of the original gilt, features a center mount cast and pierced with stands of arms, American flags and a cannon. The upper mount with two fixed rings composed of leaves, with a central panel engraved with American flags and arms. An eagle surmounted by rays is engraved at the throat. A panel between the upper and middle mounts is engraved with the battles "Withlacochee /Monterey/ Buena Vista".
Bradford saw service as a colonel in the Seminole War, as well as serving gallantly as Jefferson Davis' executive officer with the famed 1st Mississippi during the Mexican War, and the sword is accompanied by a detailed history of Bradford's remarkable military and political career, the sword having been consigned by Bradford's direct lineal descendant, and never before offered for sale. An 8.5" section of the scabbard, below the middle mount, is deeply chaised with scroll motifs, the drag being composed of leaves and scrolls. With the exception of the loss of gilt, the scabbard is in perfect condition. Absolutely unique in he annals of the Ames Sword Co.
Bradford saw service as a colonel in the Seminole War, as well as serving gallantly as Jefferson Davis' executive officer with the famed 1st Mississippi during the Mexican War, and the sword is accompanied by a detailed history of Bradford's remarkable military and political career, the sword having been consigned by Bradford's direct lineal descendant, and never before offered for sale. An 8.5" section of the scabbard, below the middle mount, is deeply chaised with scroll motifs, the drag being composed of leaves and scrolls. With the exception of the loss of gilt, the scabbard is in perfect condition. Absolutely unique in he annals of the Ames Sword Co.
Very Fine Sharps M1853 .52 Caliber Percussion Slant Breech Carbine with Probable John Brown Association, #15857 Just five numbers from a known documented specimen furnished to Brown (#15862). Very fine condition, all metal smooth with gray to brown patina. Block and lever with about 30% case colors. All markings sharp and a very crisp gun. Mechanically perfect, as is the bore. The correct original rear sight is just a bit loose. All brass furniture perfect. Wood excellent with just a few minor dents and the remains of an old varnish finish. An exceptionally nice slant breech.
Fine Unaltered U.S. M1841 .54 Caliber Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle. Metal smooth and generally clean with traces of brown and some scattered areas of dark patina, specifically on lock and hammer. Deep crisp marks including matching 1851 tang date. Mechanically perfect, seven groove .54 caliber rifled bore about perfect. Wood excellent with dark smooth patina, just a few minor chips dents, perfect J. L. R. inspector's mark. Complete, original, and untouched in every respect. Brass furniture perfect with nice patina, even retaining the spare nipple in the patchbox. A pretty gun in wonderful condition, and very scarce in this unaltered form.
Very Fine U.S. M1855 .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Musket, Harpers Ferry, 1858. All metal smooth and clean, just some touches of salt and peppering at the breech and on the bands, sharp and crisp. All markings deep and crisp including matching 1858 breech date. Correct and original in every respect including long range rear sight and swelled ramrod. Mechanically perfect with excellent sharp bore. Wood excellent with very good inspectors' cartouches and nice untouched patina. Just some very minor scattered dents from honest use. An exceptionally nice example of this very desirable U.S. military longarm.
Fine Quality and Condition Silver Mounted English Flintlock Holster Pistol, Circa 1800. 12.5" overall with 7.75" octagonal .50 caliber smoothbore barrel. All furniture including ramrod pipes, trigger guard, butt cap, side plates and wrist escutcheon, which is engraved JC in script, are silver. The butt cap, trigger guard and sideplates are nicely engraved as is the barrel tang. Metal generally smooth and dark with just some pitting in the area of the touch hole. The nicely figured English walnut stock is fine with no damage and a nice dark rich patina. Roller frizzen lock marked T./ Ketland/ & Co. A very pretty silver mounted English pistol.
Very Nice Civil War Confederate Leech & Rigdon .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver, #625. Bearing matching numbers on the frame, barrel housing, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, cylinder pin, flat of loading lever and face of loading lever catch. Marked on the top barrel flat Leech & Rigdon CSA. Removal of the grip/straps, barrel, cylinder and wedge reveal no other marks with the wedge being original but un-numbered. All metal generally smooth and gray, very nice, with the cylinder bright with a few dents and minor patches of pitting. Brass furniture perfect with light patina. Mechanically perfect, fair bore, three of the nipples are chipped but all six are present. Wood grips very good with some scattered dents/gouges clearly the result of use, not abuse, with nice dark patina. A very nice, 100% original generally untouched, and very early Leech & Rigdon.
M1809 Prussian .69 Caliber Smooth Bore Musket with Bolster Conversion to Percussion. Imported extensively by both sides in the early stages of the Civil War, with the majority being issued to Federal troops. Rather clumsy and inaccurate, by war's end they had all been replaced by .58 caliber rifled muskets. This is an exceptionally nice example. All metal smooth and clean. Extensively marked, as is typical of these European arms, with various proofs, maker on lock, and date of manufacture, 1830, at breech. Brass furniture with iron buttplate. Mechanically fine, excellent bore. Wood really excellent, smooth with nice patina. Accompanied by the original scarce socket bayonet. Nice gun.
Very Rare, Factory-engraved Merrill .54 Caliber "Officer's Model" Percussion Breech Loading Carbine, #1081. With only a handful of these exquisitely decorated guns known, the two examples in this auction are among the premier examples extant. Although generically identified as an "officer's model," it is also entirely possibly, based on the low serial numbers observed, that these carbines were produced by Merrill to demonstrate their superior gunmaking skills, with an eye toward a Federal contract, which they did, of course, obtain. This specimen is .54 caliber with a 21.5" barrel, the overall configuration and markings being that of a first model. The barrel retains 90% of the original blue mixing with smooth dark patina. The other exterior metal surfaces are smooth and gray with the interior of the breech mechanism displaying 80% of the brilliant case colors. Just some minor salt and peppering around the nipple. Elaborately scroll engraved on the lock, hammer, sling bar mounting plates, and top of the breech lever. The band, trigger guard and buttplate are fabricated of German silver, and extensively and deeply engraved with scroll and geometric motifs, along with a five pointed star on the trigger guard bow. The condition of the furniture is perfect. The burl walnut stock is mint, the entire gun being untouched.
Model 1842 U. S. Percussion Musket. .69 caliber. Smooth bore. This example was manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1845, on the eve of the Mexican-American War. The fore stock has been cut between the rear and middle bands, likely cut for shipping at some point in the 19th century. The sling swivel is missing from the middle band, otherwise it's a nice example with a desirable Mexican-American War-era date.
Magnificent Pair of Relief-carved Flintlock Holster Pistols, Probably German, Circa 1750. 17.25" overall with 10.25" .60 caliber smoothbore barrels. These guns were acquired by a WW II veteran in Germany who, in the 1950s lightly cleaned the guns, and applied a thin coat of lacquer, most of which remains. One gun also exhibits a rather crude attempt to cover/color some minor splits on the left front of the forestock. The guns obviously require proper, professional, restoration to correct these minor flaws. The barrels retain much of the original damascene finish, the front sight being of silver and heavily scroll engraved. A mounted rider on a rearing steed, surmounting dogs, is inlaid in silver just forward of the breech, highlighted with gold, the breech being heavily engraved and highlighted with gold, including a rampant dog. Barrel tangs also engraved. The locks are absolutely exquisite, with delicately engraved scene of a hunter in a plumed tri-corn hat, holding a dead rabbit, with two dogs in pursuit of a stag, with a rabbit being attacked by a dog intertwined with scrolls chaised/engraved at the tail, the hammers deeply engraved/chaised with scrolls. All surfaces of the brass furniture are covered with elaborate chased/engraved/cast rococo forms along with delicately engraved hunting scenes on the sides of the butt caps and a figure in early 18th century dress with plumed tri-corn hat on the trigger guard bow. The cast brass side plates incorporate dogs with intertwined scrolls. Brass trigger plate with wide curled trigger. The stocks heavily relief carved at the rear pipe and the tang. Overall the guns are in excellent condition, with absolutely no rust or pitting, the brass furniture perfect. An exquisite pair of guns deserving a place in even the most sophisticated collection.
U.S. M1861 .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Musket, Springfield, 1862. Generically, the M1861 Springfield is probably the scarcest of the standard Civil War issue Federal longarms, with all seeing service early in the war and seeing heavy use during four years of combat. Metal generally smooth and gray with just some scattered salt and peppering, and very light pitting at the breech. Complete and original in every respect. Mechanically perfect, very good bore. Wood excellent just showing honest use with trace of inspector's mark and nice patina. A very nice, totally honest, M1861 Springfield.
American Percussion Full Stock "Kentucky" Style Rifle, Circa 1845. Although unmarked, probably western Pennsylvania/Ohio. 33.5" .34 caliber octagonal rifled barrel, smooth and dark with just some pitting at the breech and a new drum and nipple. All brass furniture, including patchbox with friction spring closure, about perfect. The artificially grained maple stock has a crack at the wrist and sliver size wood inlay and plastic wood repairs along both sides of the forestock, both sides of the tang and at the wrist, which should obviously be redone by a competent restorer. Otherwise the stock is very good, retaining most of the original grained finish. The hickory ramrod is an old replacement. A worthy candidate for restoration.
American Percussion, "mule ear," Side Hammer, Full Stock "Kentucky" Style Rifle, Circa 1845. Although unmarked, the very wide trigger guard and pointed finial on the rear ramrod pipe would imply eastern Pennsylvania origins. 34" octagonal .44 caliber rifled barrel, smooth and dark with just some pitting at the breech and a new nipple. Hand crafted "mule ear" lock and hammer both scroll engraved. All brass furniture, along with German silver cheek piece and wrist escutcheons, perfect. There is rack engraving around the edge of the patchbox and both escutcheons. 13/16" wide trigger guard with, uniquely, a brass trigger, 3.5" toe plate. Nicely figured walnut stock with moulded cheek piece excellent, with nice smooth dark patina, key fastened barrel. Original hickory ramrod with a threaded brass tip. A pretty gun in very nice condition.
American Percussion "Kentucky" Style Pistol, Circa 1845. Unmarked, but probably Tennessee/ Carolina. 15" overall with 9.5" octagonal .41 caliber rifled barrel. V-notch rear sight, brass blade front, both dovetailed. Maple full stock with very tight curl, faceted butt. Brass ramrod ferrule, the rest of the furniture iron, including trigger guard, flat butt cap, and side plate, which is held in place with two small screws, with the lock bolt underneath. There is no rear ramrod pipe and the nose cap is missing. "Hardware store" lock with scroll and game scene engraving. All metal with dark untouched patina. Mechanically functional but weak mainspring, bore very good. Stock excellent with nice smooth age patina and a superior piece of maple. There is one very small old repair just forward of the nipple, difficult to detect. The ramrod is a replacement. A nice example of a "southern style" Kentucky pistol.
Civil War Burnside .54 Caliber Percussion Breech Loading Carbine, #39510 Matching. All metal with nice smooth dark untouched patina, just some scattered salt and peppering on the lever. Mechanically perfect, very good bore, complete and original in every respect. Wood shows heavy honest use but very good with vestiges of the inspectors' marks. One of the most heavily used of the Federal breech loading carbines with over 55,000 purchased.
British 1st/2d Model "Brown Bess" Musket Dated 1746 on the Lock and Bearing the Cypher of the Royal Irish Regiment, 18th Foot, on the Barrel. Although the gun exhibits considerable restoration, few regiments saw more colonial service than the 18th Foot. The regiment was ordered to America in 1767, being garrisoned at various points in Illinois until 1772, when the majority of the regiment was sent to Boston. The grenadier company was engaged at Lexington and Concord, and the entire regiment was at Bunker Hill. In December 1775 the 18th was drafted into other regiments, remaining in America until 1783. The barrel is now 41.25", doubtless originally the 46" of the first model, being shortened to conform to the second model pattern. Lock with crown, GR and Farmer 1746 at the tail. The barrel, in addition to normal proofs, bears the mark IB, which is also present on both sides of the butt stock, and doubtless represents master British gunmaker James Brazier. Interestingly the 1" high letters on the right side of the buttstock were filled in with lead/pewter, obviously during the period of use. All metal smooth and dark brown with no rust or pitting, very nice, with crisp cypher of the Royal Irish Regiment on top of the barrel, 5" from the breech. The gun is a well executed reconversion to flintlock and, other than the texture of the parts, difficult to detect. The forestock from just forward of the rear ramrod pipe has been restored. The screw fastened brass wedge escutcheons were doubtless added after the forestock had been shortened to hold the barrel in place. The original portion of the stock is excellent with rich smooth patina and crisp crown/GR/7 proof behind the trigger guard. Brass furniture perfect with 5" long three tier butt plate extension. The ramrod is a replacement. Despite the restoration a rare and important firearm, steeped in 18th century American military history.
U.S. M1861 Special Model .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Musket, Colt 1864. All metal smooth and gray with just some light pitting at the breech. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore, deep crisp markings including 1864 breech date. Wood very good with nice patina, just some scattered dents, two rather heavy, along the forestock, that could be neatened considerably. Sharp edges and visible inspector's mark. Initials AHM neatly carved on the right side of the butt stock. Nice example of this desirable contract that clearly saw Civil War service.
US M1842 .54 Caliber Smoothbore Percussion Single Shot Pistol, H. Aston 1849. Metal dark, untouched, with scattered light pitting on lock and barrel, mechanically fine, good markings. Brass furniture fine with nice patina. Complete and original in every respect. Wood very good showing honest use with 17 A B neatly carved on the side opposite the lock. Good representative example of this important US martial single shot.
French M1777 .69 Caliber Smooth Bore Martial Pistol Converted to Percussion Utilizing a Drum. St. Etienne with 1788 date proof and #525 on stock and brass frame. Metal smooth and dark with just some light surface rust at the breech. Mechanically fine. Wood very good with a rosette and some cross hatching carved on the right side, along with some scattered worm holes, but very sound. The ramrod and one of the trigger guard extension screws are old replacements. Good representative example of this French martial pistol that figured prominently in the American Revolution and served as the pattern for the first U.S. martial pistol.
Remington New Model .44 Caliber Percussion Army R, #113045. Metal smooth and gray with traces of blue, cylinder with a few tiny dents, negligible. Mechanically fine, excellent bore. Grips very good with nice patina and vestiges of inspector's mark. Grip screw is an old replacement. A nice tight Remington and a good representative example of this popular Civil War revolver.
Confederate Currency: Twelve Consecutively Numbered Confederate $10 Bills. Engraved by Keatinge & Ball in Columbia, South Carolina. Engraving at top center shows horses pulling a limber and cannon and a second engraving of Confederate cabinet member R. M. T. Hunter on the right. Each bill is 7 1/8" x 3 1/8" and issued February 17, 1864, at Richmond, Virginia. Each bill is hand signed and numbered in brown ink from 40254 to 40265. All bills are crisp and uncirculated.
Autographs
John S. "Gray Ghost" Mosby Signed Photo Postcard, also Addressed in His Hand. A black and white photo postcard showing the house in which Mosby captured Union General Edwin Stoughton inside Union lines in Fairfax, Virginia. Postcard measures 3.25" x 5.5", and is addressed in Mosby's hand on the verso to "Major E. Leroy Sweetzer" of Boston Massachusetts with a Washington, D.C. postal stamp dated August 25, 1906. Light soiling and toning. otherwise near fine and very attractive.
Mosby earned his nickname "The Gray Ghost" for his uncanny ability to elude capture and go undetected by Union forces. His capture of General Stoughton behind Union lines was a feat of legendary proportion. According to lore, Mosby found Stoughton in bed; upon waking, the general demanded, "Do you know who I am?" To which Mosby replied, "Do you know Mosby, general?" "Yes! Have you got the rascal?" "No, but he has got you!" Mosby's troops were an effective force against the Union cavalry; they had great success in destroying Union communications and appropriating supplies. He would evade capture and remained active until the end of the war.
Mosby earned his nickname "The Gray Ghost" for his uncanny ability to elude capture and go undetected by Union forces. His capture of General Stoughton behind Union lines was a feat of legendary proportion. According to lore, Mosby found Stoughton in bed; upon waking, the general demanded, "Do you know who I am?" To which Mosby replied, "Do you know Mosby, general?" "Yes! Have you got the rascal?" "No, but he has got you!" Mosby's troops were an effective force against the Union cavalry; they had great success in destroying Union communications and appropriating supplies. He would evade capture and remained active until the end of the war.
Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed "Jeffn Davis". Two pages with blank integral sheet, 5" x 8". Washington D.C., October 13, 1859. Written as U.S. senator from Mississippi and addressed to "C.J. Faulkner" declining an invitation due to illness. "We delayed from time to time an answer to your polite invitation being still hopeful that we should be able to accept it, but our continued illness lasted until we quitted Oakland..." Mat burn along right margin, otherwise very good.
Miscellaneous
Ironclad Battle at Fort McAllister: "General Orders No. 2". Recognizes the "heroic and gallant conduct" of the Confederate defenders. One and one-half pages, 7.75" x 10", February 2, 1863, from "Ogeechee River, Fort McAllister," issued "By Order of Col. K. [?] Anderson/ K. Wayne/ 1st Lt & Actg. A. A. Genl." Fourteen miles south of Savannah, Confederate Fort McAllister stood near the mouth of the Ogeechee River. On February 1, 1863, one U.S. ironclad (the Montauk) with several other naval vessels began firing on the fort shortly before 8 a.m. Thirty minutes later, the "good, & gallant Maj. [John B.] Gallie", commander of the fort, was killed by an exploding artillery shell. Six hours later, the Union ironclad left leaving the fort damaged, though not destroyed.
Following the battle, these general orders officially congratulated Captain G. W. Anderson "and his brave command for their gallant and heroic defence of Fort McAllister." The orders continue with details of the ironclad engagement: "For six hours you resisted the combined attack of five vessels, one of them an Iron Clad, within for some time, a thousand yards of your battery, and all of them armed with guns of superior metal to your own." After the "victory", the fort was "allotted the severe but glorious task of demonstrating to the world, that victory does not always perch itself on the flag of an iron clad. . . . 'Fort McAllister' [will] be inscribed on the standard of the Republican Blues & Emmet Rifles." Later in 1864, the fort was taken by the Union during General Sherman's march to the sea. Minor separation at fold intersections have been lightly repaired on verso with tape. Near fine.
Following the battle, these general orders officially congratulated Captain G. W. Anderson "and his brave command for their gallant and heroic defence of Fort McAllister." The orders continue with details of the ironclad engagement: "For six hours you resisted the combined attack of five vessels, one of them an Iron Clad, within for some time, a thousand yards of your battery, and all of them armed with guns of superior metal to your own." After the "victory", the fort was "allotted the severe but glorious task of demonstrating to the world, that victory does not always perch itself on the flag of an iron clad. . . . 'Fort McAllister' [will] be inscribed on the standard of the Republican Blues & Emmet Rifles." Later in 1864, the fort was taken by the Union during General Sherman's march to the sea. Minor separation at fold intersections have been lightly repaired on verso with tape. Near fine.
Military & Patriotic
Printed Broadside for George Christy's Minstrels, September 2, 1861, featuring the song "Fight for Uncle Sam." 9" x 24.25" sight size, attractively matted and framed to 14" x 29.25" (overall). The poster advertises a performance by George Christy's minstrel troupe at the Stuyvesant Institute on Broadway opposite Bond Street in New York City. Among the acts is a singing of the song "[We'll] Fight for Uncle Sam," a popular pro-Union song aimed at getting Irish volunteers by pointing out that the hated British were supporting the Confederacy. The poster features an engraving of a minstrel performer doing the "Ethiopian Jig." Folds, minor paper loss at the edge, else very fine.
George Christy was perhaps the leading blackface performers in America during the mid-1860s. He is credited with inventing the "line", a semicircle of performers in blackface in which "end men" named "Mr. Tambo" and "Mr. Bones" from their instruments joked at the expense of a White "middleman" called "Mr. Interlocutor".
George Christy was perhaps the leading blackface performers in America during the mid-1860s. He is credited with inventing the "line", a semicircle of performers in blackface in which "end men" named "Mr. Tambo" and "Mr. Bones" from their instruments joked at the expense of a White "middleman" called "Mr. Interlocutor".
Autographs
Union Officer's Letter by Benjamin Wright of the 10th Connecticut Volunteers. Five pages, 5" x 8", May 22, 1864, "Head Quarters . . . Bermuda Hundred Va." to "My Dear Abbie." Lieutenant Wright writes his wife, "Friday . . . the Rebs attacked our lines in right good earnest and a sharp fight was kept up all the afternoon. The rebs suffered very severely. . . . The fight was desperate but the rebs were severely punished. They were actually piled up in heaps." Wright's regiment fought at Roanoke Island, Newbern, Deep Bottom, and the Siege of Petersburg. Fine.
Unidentified Union Preacher's Letter on U.S. Christian Commission Letterhead. Three and one-half pages, 5" x 8", October 25, 1864, City Point. The preacher writes about Fort Davis skirmishes and seeing General Grant: "While I was crossing the battlefield where our boys took the rebel works on the Weldon R.R. I picked up a gun barrel and shall take it home with me. . . . [at Fort Davis] I could see our line of pickets and the line of Rebel pickets a little way beyond. There was constant firing between the pickets and I could see the flash of the guns. The balls came whizzing over our heads and I saw the dirt fly a few rods ahead of us when the balls struck the ground. . . . Did I tell you in my last that I have seen Gen. Grant? I had a great view of him last week." Fine.
Confederate Autograph Album belonging to John J. Williams of the Virginia Rockbridge 1st Light Artillery. The album is signed by 1860 graduates of Bloomfield Academy [Virginia], many who went on to serve in the Confederacy (following the war, Williams annotated many signatures with the individual's service information). Some individuals simply signed their names and hometowns, while others wrote lengthy (up to two pages) letters to Williams. Williams, of Winchester, Virginia, has written on the front pastedown "Bloomfield Academy, May 28th, 1860." Following the war, he dated the front free endpaper June 8, 1865. The signatures are dated May and June 1860. Mathematical equations are written on the final pages. Contains a list of numerous books from "Philip Williams Library". The album has a leather backstrip and corners over marbled paper boards, well-worn. Both boards are detached but present. The first page is all but detached; the last couple of pages are torn away. Good condition.
Military & Patriotic
Confederate POW Pocket Journal of Thomas Hutton Foster, a 1st Lieutenant in the 6th Virginia Cavalry. It describes his arrival at Johnson's Island and his transfer to Point Lookout in 1864. Foster has written his name adding "'Prisoner of War' / 'Point Lookout' / Md. May 18th 64 / 'Hammond General Hospital'" on the first blank page. Foster begins his journal after his health is in great decline (chronic diarrhea) and he is able to fill only the first twenty pages (including two pages of signatures). However, his rich narrative captures the hardships of life as a POW and his hopes for release in a prisoner exchange.
In brief part: "I was captured on the 13th Sept. 1863 in a fight at Brandy Station Va. between the advance of Genl Meade's advancing columns... we were marched to 'Warrenton Junction' and put on the cars, and landed in 'Old Capital Prison,' Washington D.C. As we passed through Alex. the ladies (God bless them) showed their sympathy for us in many ways..."
Of his time on Johnson's Island, he writes: "Thos who selected it and arranged it as a prison Depot are guilty of the murder of many human beings... Quarters are built such as no farmer would consider warm enough for his horses... the thermometer gets 24 degrees below zero..."
Foster, along with all of the sick and injured prisoners is transferred to Point Look Out, Maryland; and while there is put in the officer's hospital. In an entry dated June 19, 1864, (the only dated entry) he advises that his "diary was not commenced until [his] sickness had begun, and much of it has been written when the mind was sympathizing with the disabled body. I have been suffering for some time... with 'Chronic Diarrhea'... The doctors had not been able to cure a single case of this disease." Although given hope by the release of forty prisoners who arrived with him, his body was already too weakened to recuperate. This would be his last entry and is followed by an entry (in pencil) by William Hays, the surgeon in charge, dated August 20, 1864 describing Foster's final days.
The last page of writing is in an unidentified hand and was likely made by the soldier to whom the diary was given upon Foster's death. The journal measures 3.25" x 4.75" and all of Foster's entries are in ink. The journal's pages are clean and the overall condition is very good to near fine.
In brief part: "I was captured on the 13th Sept. 1863 in a fight at Brandy Station Va. between the advance of Genl Meade's advancing columns... we were marched to 'Warrenton Junction' and put on the cars, and landed in 'Old Capital Prison,' Washington D.C. As we passed through Alex. the ladies (God bless them) showed their sympathy for us in many ways..."
Of his time on Johnson's Island, he writes: "Thos who selected it and arranged it as a prison Depot are guilty of the murder of many human beings... Quarters are built such as no farmer would consider warm enough for his horses... the thermometer gets 24 degrees below zero..."
Foster, along with all of the sick and injured prisoners is transferred to Point Look Out, Maryland; and while there is put in the officer's hospital. In an entry dated June 19, 1864, (the only dated entry) he advises that his "diary was not commenced until [his] sickness had begun, and much of it has been written when the mind was sympathizing with the disabled body. I have been suffering for some time... with 'Chronic Diarrhea'... The doctors had not been able to cure a single case of this disease." Although given hope by the release of forty prisoners who arrived with him, his body was already too weakened to recuperate. This would be his last entry and is followed by an entry (in pencil) by William Hays, the surgeon in charge, dated August 20, 1864 describing Foster's final days.
The last page of writing is in an unidentified hand and was likely made by the soldier to whom the diary was given upon Foster's death. The journal measures 3.25" x 4.75" and all of Foster's entries are in ink. The journal's pages are clean and the overall condition is very good to near fine.
Autographs
Civil War Letter by a Baltimore Unionist Resident. Written only two weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg. Eight pages, 5" x 8", July 17, 1863, Baltimore, to "Cousins". The letter, which comes with the transmittal envelope, is signed, though the signature is indiscernible. The letter contains information about the influx of soldiers into Baltimore "on their way to the 'Hospitals'." In part: "The news from the Army seems to be coming in all right now. 'Vicksburg' and 'Port Hudson' having surrendered, and I hope that 'Charleston' will soon be added to the list. . . . What a shame that 'Lee' gave us the slip. I hope he will be caught yet, but fear he will not, for he is a Sharp General. The poor wounded fellows from Gettysburg still continue to 'come in'. I was on duty all Tuesday night until 5 oclock on Wed. [?] at a house in the lower part of the City which our 'Union Relief [?]' has recently taken for the purpose of feeding and taking care of the soldiers, as they pan through our City on their way to the 'Hospitals' here and Phila. They have been coming pretty fast, for over a week. . . . The women . . . went to work and washed and dressed their wounds, put on clean shirts, new shoes & made the poor fellows feel like new men, having had not had their wounds dressed for several days and all were very dirty of course. . . . They have worked wonderfully hard for the last week in dressing the wounded, making coffee, tea, preparing sandwiches & all seem anxious to do something." The author writes that "Charles", possibly another relative, is "waiting to be 'drafted'. Can't he get command of a 'darkey' regiment? ha ha." Writing about the New York draft riots of mid-July 1863: "What terrible times they have had in N.Y. I wish Lincoln would hang [Governor Horatio] Seymour & [?] and all the rest of the 'Copperhead' crew." Fine condition.
Union Officer's Letter by Lieut. Jacob Winans of the 38th Pennsylvania Infantry. Five pages, 5" x 8", August 25 [1862], "Camp near Rappahannock." Winans writes this letter to his father detailing the execution of five deserters: "We were out to witness the execution of five deserters belonging to the 1st Div. of the corps. They were substitutes and deserted while on the way to the Division. The corps was drawn up in line of column by divisions. The men were marched along the line between the Division then to the graves. Seated upon their cofins. There was a Catholic Priest and a Jewish Rabbi who prayed with them. They were killed the first volley." Winans also writes of General Lee's activities ("It is thought that Lee has been reinforced"). Fine.
Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill Autograph Letter Signed "D H Hill". One page, 7.75" x 11.5", March 23, 1863, Goldsboro, North Carolina, to "Maj. G. M. Sorrell, CSA", written shortly after the Confederate defeat at the Battle of New Bern. An exasperated General Hill writes in part: "The picket line from Mt. Roanoke to Wilmington is about 175 miles being a curved line. I have written to Genl. [Beverly] Robertson to know what is the least force which can cover it. The rest, I will order to Bertie [County, North Carolina]. They will not fight & the only use which can be made of them is as lackeys[?] and Pickets. . . . I wrote to the Sec. War in reference to dismantling G. J. Wheeler's bogus Regt. He has but four companies, very worthless & the time allowed him for the completion of his regt 15th March has expired. His Field and Staff have not been commissioned. The govt might buy the horses for the boat train & artillery & put the men in an Infantry Regt. I hope that this matter will be attended to promptly. The cavalry is beggaring the country & doing nothing but picket service." In late 1864, as Wheeler's cavalry tried to stop Sherman's march to the sea, General Hill (and some Southern newspapers) would again level complaints against Wheeler and his troops.
Hill (1821-1889) was known as an aggressive leader, and as an austere, deeply religious man, with a dry, sarcastic humor. He was brother-in-law to Stonewall Jackson and a close friend to both James Longstreet and Joseph E. Johnston, but disagreements with both Robert E. Lee and Braxton Bragg cost him favor with Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Toned with folds, slight ink smears. Fine.
Hill (1821-1889) was known as an aggressive leader, and as an austere, deeply religious man, with a dry, sarcastic humor. He was brother-in-law to Stonewall Jackson and a close friend to both James Longstreet and Joseph E. Johnston, but disagreements with both Robert E. Lee and Braxton Bragg cost him favor with Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Toned with folds, slight ink smears. Fine.
Union Soldier's 1863 Diary of Principle Musician Richard Dilley Company "G", 62nd Ohio Infantry Regiment, with a War-dated Letter. Musician Dilley, who enlisted in October 1861, was very diligent in writing daily in his journal, often expressing his hope to one day write some good news. Many of his entries, though, contain news of battles, skirmishes, or "rebel" sightings. During the spring Siege of Fort Sumter, Dilley wrote, "Moved up the Island about noon[?] got site of port Sumter seen her fire 10 guns. Went by my on accord up to the end of this Island could see the rebels very plain." On August 22: "day broke with the sound of heavy artillery resting on the breeze. The rebels are doing considerable damage with there guns on James Island." On September 7: "our men took fort wagoner last night. It had been evacuated by the main body of the enemy." The next day they captured "about 60 prisoners in the harbor." Throughout, he reports on the stress of the near constant "rebel firing". Dilley also records more mundane activities, such as hunting oysters, washing clothes, and the lack of pay ("the prospect for pay is still poor"). He also notes the death of "[Stonewall] Jac[k]son". Dilley's final entry is for January 28, 1864, after which he includes various lists (clothing purchased, cash accounts, and debts owed). Some entries have faded. The leather wrappers have become unbound. Overall good condition.
Included is a March 15, 1865, letter from "Camp Before Richmond" signed "R. H. D. Principal Musician" and written to his father. This letter contains mostly religious topics, but, sensing the nearness of the end of the war, Dilley writes, "Old Jeff is, as the darkeys say, done gone for. he is played out and might as well quit. General Sheridan is [?] near Linchburg taring up canals, Railroads and everthing else. Sherman is destroying every thing in S. C. and in short - this war will very soon cease." The letter, however, has completely separated at the folds into six pieces.
Included is a March 15, 1865, letter from "Camp Before Richmond" signed "R. H. D. Principal Musician" and written to his father. This letter contains mostly religious topics, but, sensing the nearness of the end of the war, Dilley writes, "Old Jeff is, as the darkeys say, done gone for. he is played out and might as well quit. General Sheridan is [?] near Linchburg taring up canals, Railroads and everthing else. Sherman is destroying every thing in S. C. and in short - this war will very soon cease." The letter, however, has completely separated at the folds into six pieces.
William Sherman Autograph Letter Signed "W. T. Sherman/ Maj Genl". Two and one-half pages, 7.75" x 9.75", December 5, 1864, "In the field, Ogeechee Church", on "Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi" letterhead, "Maj. Genl. [O. O.] Howard. Commd. Army of the Tenn." This important letter was written less than three weeks before Sherman sent his famous telegram presenting President Lincoln with his Christmas present of "the city of Savannah." While on his way there, Sherman writes this letter to coordinate his hell-raising total war against the Southern countryside. In part: "Since sending the messenger to you this a.m. Gen'l Blair has entered this place almost unopposed. Some Field works are fresh. And so far as I have examined would be such as would be thrown up by 5,000 inexperienced hands. . . . he [Slocum] has not heard from Davis and Kilpatrick since he heard their firing yesterday morn'g. Davis has orders to move from the point where he separated from Slocum, namely Buckhead Church, to Halley's Ferry abreast of this on the Savannah via Sylvania. I have sent a courier to Slocum to communicate with Davis at once and report to me at what moment he will be ready to move on. You will observe that with Davis at Halley's we threaten South Carolina. And to that extend will confuse our enemy. But I will not lose a moment. Only we must move in concert, or else will get lost. You may make all the dispositions to cross, at 3, but the point 2 is the true one unless modified by local geography. I will disturb the Railroad but little south of this, as we may have use for it out this far. Still Blair can burn the bridges and culverts and also enough cotton gins and barns to mark the progress of his head of column. I don't want him to start till I know Davis is abreast." The letter is toned with smoothed folds. Some light foxing. Hinged to the blank verso of page three is a typed transcription of the letter. Fine condition.
Union Letter Archive from the Chadbourn Family of Maine, containing over 40 letters. Twenty-four of the letters are dated during the Civil, mostly written between four Chadbourn brothers. Paul, the eldest, enlisted as a 1st lieutenant in October 1861 serving in Co. "I", 1st Maine Cavalry. Collins, who served as a sergeant in the same company and regiment, was killed in August 1864. Francis enlisted as an eighteen-year-old private in 1862, serving in Co. "K", 27th Maine Infantry; He mustered out in July 1863. Darling did not serve. Through their letters, the brothers notify each other of deaths, sicknesses, promotions, and movements: "Old Hookers hole armey is a bout 25 miles up west of us. they have been fiting all day. we could hear the guns but don't know how they made it [June 1862]"; "Many deserters are constantly coming in to our lines and say they are sick of war [January 1864]"; "The prospects are that there will be most desperate fighting this next campaign; but I fully believe we will subdue this most wicked rebellion yet [January 1865]"; "I ought to have a good rest, and yet I feel if I have any love of country, any patriotism or pride to see the end of this most hellish rebellion I out to remain [October 1864]."
A September 18, 1862, letter from a military official notifies Darling Chadbourn that "Your brother Lieut. Paul Chadbourn, is here [Washington, D.C.] sick with a fever." Letters from Darling to his wife reveal that he went to the capital to care for his brother. Prior to a November 1862 battle, Paul writes, "We have just received orders to march tomorrow morning at 7 for the front where they are fighting. So be on the look out for Co. 'I' for they are going to keep the Caps. Here and I shall again get to lead it to the charge, and I am determined to cut my way through." A few days earlier, he "went to Baltimore with 15 Rebel prisoners. Went all alone with them by R.R., but got them through all right." In an August 29, 1864, letter, Paul notifies one of the brothers of Collins' death: "I have been to Annapolis with the expectation of finding Collins alive - but alas what was my disappointment to find he was Dean & buried. . . . I never had such a feeling come over me before. . . . I had his remaines taken up & packed. Could not have him Embalmed it had been to long since his death, we shan't be able to have it seen. It will come through this week by Express." An April 9, 1865, letter contains the bittersweet information that Paul is wounded, yet the war is over: "[A] sad accident that had befallen Paul. . . . He with his Regiment was engaged the 31st of March near Hatchers Run and in the first-part of the action he received a wound in the right-shoulder and as we understand it, the ball passed clean through knocking off the upper part of the shoulder blade, he rode 12 miles that day and wrote us the next-day with his right hand. . . . Don't we have glorious news: no more war. when we got the news the old flag went up in haste." The family also writes about the draft and their hatred of the Copperheads. Nine of the letters are dated shortly before the war, while four are postwar. Several letters and various papers are also included, dated from the late 1800s. Many of the archive's letters have transmittal envelopes. Overall fine condition.
A September 18, 1862, letter from a military official notifies Darling Chadbourn that "Your brother Lieut. Paul Chadbourn, is here [Washington, D.C.] sick with a fever." Letters from Darling to his wife reveal that he went to the capital to care for his brother. Prior to a November 1862 battle, Paul writes, "We have just received orders to march tomorrow morning at 7 for the front where they are fighting. So be on the look out for Co. 'I' for they are going to keep the Caps. Here and I shall again get to lead it to the charge, and I am determined to cut my way through." A few days earlier, he "went to Baltimore with 15 Rebel prisoners. Went all alone with them by R.R., but got them through all right." In an August 29, 1864, letter, Paul notifies one of the brothers of Collins' death: "I have been to Annapolis with the expectation of finding Collins alive - but alas what was my disappointment to find he was Dean & buried. . . . I never had such a feeling come over me before. . . . I had his remaines taken up & packed. Could not have him Embalmed it had been to long since his death, we shan't be able to have it seen. It will come through this week by Express." An April 9, 1865, letter contains the bittersweet information that Paul is wounded, yet the war is over: "[A] sad accident that had befallen Paul. . . . He with his Regiment was engaged the 31st of March near Hatchers Run and in the first-part of the action he received a wound in the right-shoulder and as we understand it, the ball passed clean through knocking off the upper part of the shoulder blade, he rode 12 miles that day and wrote us the next-day with his right hand. . . . Don't we have glorious news: no more war. when we got the news the old flag went up in haste." The family also writes about the draft and their hatred of the Copperheads. Nine of the letters are dated shortly before the war, while four are postwar. Several letters and various papers are also included, dated from the late 1800s. Many of the archive's letters have transmittal envelopes. Overall fine condition.
Massachusetts Soldier's Pocket Diary, 1863. 3.25" x 5" with entries in ink and pencil from February 6 through December 31. The soldier's identity is never revealed, though he was from Massachusetts and served in the Army of the Potomac until June 6, 1863, when he was discharged. Before his discharge, though, he records some of what he witnessed and experienced as a soldier. On Monday, April 6, he was present at a "big review of all of the Cavalry to day by Abe. Lincoln and Secty [Vice-President] Hamlin. Commenced to rain about noon." Two days later, he saw the president, Mrs. Lincoln and Tad: "Review of the 2, 3, 5, 6 Calv. By Old Abe. It was a big thing about 80,000 Men there saw his wife and boy." (Lincoln's Army of the Potomac review was proposed by Mary Lincoln to celebrate Tad's tenth birthday). Later, following the Battle of Chancellorsville, the diarist notes on Sunday, May 3 about his near capture by the Rebels: "firing most all night, came near being taken." On July 4, he received the news that "Capt. Fogg [likely one of the diarist's commanders] was killed at the battle of Gettysburg," a battle the author fortunately missed. Most of the entries, though, are about the routine life of a soldier, involving life in extreme weather, inspections, picket duty, and the occasional diversion of playing "football at night [April 9]."
After his discharge in June, the soldier returned home to Massachusetts where he took a civilian job and watched the war from afar. It was during this time that he noted in the "Memoranda" section of the diary that the "Cutter Caleb Cushing was stolen from our harbor by pirates of the Tacony. Steamer afterwards sent in pursuit a short Engagement resulted in the sinkin of the cutter & was on [?] Chesepeake pirate all captured and some afterward Escaped." The final pages of the journal contain the soldiers purchasing records for items such as blankets, butter, coats, books, pants, and watch. Tightly bound in a well-preserved leather cover with "Diary 1863" stamped in guilt.
After his discharge in June, the soldier returned home to Massachusetts where he took a civilian job and watched the war from afar. It was during this time that he noted in the "Memoranda" section of the diary that the "Cutter Caleb Cushing was stolen from our harbor by pirates of the Tacony. Steamer afterwards sent in pursuit a short Engagement resulted in the sinkin of the cutter & was on [?] Chesepeake pirate all captured and some afterward Escaped." The final pages of the journal contain the soldiers purchasing records for items such as blankets, butter, coats, books, pants, and watch. Tightly bound in a well-preserved leather cover with "Diary 1863" stamped in guilt.
Miscellaneous
1862 Broadside: "Twenty Men Wanted for the Sixth Iowa Cavalry." December 24, 1862, 10.25" x 13.5", Davenport, Iowa, recruiting for "Captain Ames' Company" and paying "$100 Bounty, $25 of which is paid in advance, together with One Month's Pay, given each recruit. This is the last call positively before the Draft, which will certainly take place early in January. Transportation provided, as well as subsistence from day of enlistment." The broadside is issued by "Serg't B. Woolsincroft, Woodward, Recruiting Officers." Minor penciled notations at top. Some weakness at central fold. Foxing with marginal nicks. Very good.
Military & Patriotic
Clothing Return Book for Companies D and E of the 83rd Pennsylvania Vol. Inf. for the period August 1861 to June 1864. 11" X 16", maroon 1/4 leather with gilt stampings. Each page with complete detailed ink script record of individual soldier's clothing and equipment issue through the period, over 300 pages. The 83rd Penna. was one of the Army of the Potomac's hardest fought regiments, losing 282 men killed and mortally wounded during their term of service. The regiment suffered heavily during the 2d day at Gettysburg amidst the fierce fighting at Little Round Top, with many soldier's entries bearing the notation "Killed at Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. July 2nd/63", along with notations of soldiers killed at many other actions where the 83rd was engaged. Fine sound condition. just some minor scuffing on the binding, edge wear. A remarkable insight into one of the war's most gallant regiments.
Autographs
Civil War Archive of Seven Items. Includes an Abraham Lincoln letter (fair copy), broadside, and various other documents.
(1) The period fair copy of an Abraham Lincoln letter, dated September 4, 1864, from the "Executive Mansion" is written to Quaker Eliza Gurney, "My Esteemed Friend." The war-weary president writes, "We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this, but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom and our own errors therein. . . . Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion which no mortal could make and no mortal could stay." Concerning the trials that the Quakers were suffering: "Your people, the Friends, have had and are having very great trials on principles and faith, opposed to both war and aggression by war." Gurney and three other Quakers had visited the White House in October 1862. Fine condition.
(2) The broadside (8.75" x 14") calls for a "Union Mass Meeting" at Union Square on April 20, 1861, with John A. Dix as "President." It then lists numerous vice-presidents and secretaries. Handwritten at the top, "Uprising of the people at which I was present after the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter. Cornelia Minturn [the sister of Edward Minturn, who is listed as a vice-president]." Dix, who had served as President Buchanan's treasury secretary, would later become a major general during the Civil War. He was elected New York's governor in 1873. Toned with folds.
(3) An unengrossed Confederate company roster, 19.5" x 12.75". Written in ink at top, "Picked up on the field after the battle of Bull Run by Ellen Collins." Separations at folds.
(4) A Union pass (8" x 5"), July 15, 1861, issued to Edward Minturn "Daily 1 week over the Bridges & within the lines." With tape repairs.
(5) General Orders No. 9, February 6, 1862, dividing occupied parts of South Carolina into districts and assigning an agent to "superintend the management of the plantations by the Blacks, to enroll and organize the willing Blacks into working parties, to see that they are well fed, clad and paid. . . . By Order of Brig. Genl. T. W. Sherman."
(6) Richardson's Almanac, 1862, with "Almanac printed in Richmond after the war broke out" written in period ink at top. Contains information on Confederate government officials. Worn, but still bound. Good condition.
(7) Period newspaper article entitled, "Lincoln on Slavery".
(1) The period fair copy of an Abraham Lincoln letter, dated September 4, 1864, from the "Executive Mansion" is written to Quaker Eliza Gurney, "My Esteemed Friend." The war-weary president writes, "We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this, but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom and our own errors therein. . . . Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion which no mortal could make and no mortal could stay." Concerning the trials that the Quakers were suffering: "Your people, the Friends, have had and are having very great trials on principles and faith, opposed to both war and aggression by war." Gurney and three other Quakers had visited the White House in October 1862. Fine condition.
(2) The broadside (8.75" x 14") calls for a "Union Mass Meeting" at Union Square on April 20, 1861, with John A. Dix as "President." It then lists numerous vice-presidents and secretaries. Handwritten at the top, "Uprising of the people at which I was present after the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter. Cornelia Minturn [the sister of Edward Minturn, who is listed as a vice-president]." Dix, who had served as President Buchanan's treasury secretary, would later become a major general during the Civil War. He was elected New York's governor in 1873. Toned with folds.
(3) An unengrossed Confederate company roster, 19.5" x 12.75". Written in ink at top, "Picked up on the field after the battle of Bull Run by Ellen Collins." Separations at folds.
(4) A Union pass (8" x 5"), July 15, 1861, issued to Edward Minturn "Daily 1 week over the Bridges & within the lines." With tape repairs.
(5) General Orders No. 9, February 6, 1862, dividing occupied parts of South Carolina into districts and assigning an agent to "superintend the management of the plantations by the Blacks, to enroll and organize the willing Blacks into working parties, to see that they are well fed, clad and paid. . . . By Order of Brig. Genl. T. W. Sherman."
(6) Richardson's Almanac, 1862, with "Almanac printed in Richmond after the war broke out" written in period ink at top. Contains information on Confederate government officials. Worn, but still bound. Good condition.
(7) Period newspaper article entitled, "Lincoln on Slavery".
Jefferson Davis Telegram to South Carolina Governor Milledge L. Bonham. With an accompanying response revealing the growing Southern desperation for men and supplies. One page, 7.5" x 4.5", February 24 [1863], Richmond. The telegram, not in President Davis' hand, was sent through the Southern Telegraph Companies to "Gov. M. L. Bonham" and received at Columbia, South Carolina. It reads, "Though the Proposed term is but half of the authorized by Confederate Law, the Militia if sent armed and equipped will be accepted as tendered the pressing necessity of the case calls for the greatest Dispatch. Jeffn Davis." Following the receipt of the telegram, Governor Bonham sent his frustrated response "To President Davis," one page, 8" x 9.5", February 24, 1863: "Militia not yet organized for the field. The order requiring portion to rendezvous suspended till further notice before telegram received. Arms bearing population so much exhausted that reorganization difficult and slow. If necessity not extreme it would be well not to call militia in the field. Can arm but all camp equipage and subsistence supplies turned over to Confederate States. . . . For fear of real suffering prefer to leave boys out certainly at present. M. L. Bonham. 9 O'clock P.M." Docketing on the verso reads, "Telegram to President Davis in relation to calling out Militia. . . . See his Telegram within." Bonham's letter has some insignificant stains. Both are in fine condition.
Military & Patriotic
Nice Civil War Broadside. Announces a meeting for the "...election of a Captain of the Company in Military District No. 148..." The meeting is to be held January 31, 1865, at "the Town Hall in the town of Newton" (Mass.) 13.75" x 17", excellent, sound condition with just some foxing at the edges. Very impressive.
Autographs
Union Soldier's Diary kept by Joseph Perkins of the 10th New Hampshire Volunteers. Includes notes on the Battle of Fredericksburg. Although the diary is for the year 1863, he began the diary in 1862, as there are seven pages of entries covering important occurrences during the last few months of that year. Of most note: "December 1862 11th attacked fredericksburg heavy Canonanading shelled the rebels out the city we cross the river to night... 13th on picket the rebels pickets commence firing at us soon after we go on post the battle soon commenced lasted all day we called upon to charge on a battery after dark we layed on the rail road all day when the bullets wer whistling and shells bursting..."
The 1863 entries track his daily duties including pickets, weather, and some battle activity. In brief: "April 19 clear and warm firing in the night on picket today cross the river to night 89th Ny take a fors with 5 guns and amunition some prisoners April 28 rains a little this morning considerable firing to day rains to night June 10 air weather verry warm our folks picking up all the negroes going to set them to work July 4 Vicksburg surrenderd today July 5 fair weather this morning start for White house landing at 5 1/2 PM march 25 miles get into camp 1/2 past one march 25 miles."
The pages at the end includes a list of the deaths of comrades and family members. A separate page itemizes the costs of his clothing, and elsewhere a long list of the names of ships. Gentle wear to cover, clean pages, and tight binding.
The 1863 entries track his daily duties including pickets, weather, and some battle activity. In brief: "April 19 clear and warm firing in the night on picket today cross the river to night 89th Ny take a fors with 5 guns and amunition some prisoners April 28 rains a little this morning considerable firing to day rains to night June 10 air weather verry warm our folks picking up all the negroes going to set them to work July 4 Vicksburg surrenderd today July 5 fair weather this morning start for White house landing at 5 1/2 PM march 25 miles get into camp 1/2 past one march 25 miles."
The pages at the end includes a list of the deaths of comrades and family members. A separate page itemizes the costs of his clothing, and elsewhere a long list of the names of ships. Gentle wear to cover, clean pages, and tight binding.
Military & Patriotic
Jim Bowie Purchases a Knife from the Bennett General Store in 1817. Bennett General Store Ledger listing Bowie's purchases while he lived along Bayou Boeuf in central Louisiana, with entry dates from 1817 to 1819. 7.5" x 12.75" with approximately 200 pages. The ledger records four entries for Bowie with each entry recording the items he purchased such as "1 shaving box", tobacco, a rug, "9 yds cotton shirting", "1 bandanna handkf", "1 pocket comb", one quart of :madaira" wine and, most interesting, on August 7, 1817, "1 Jack knife", for fifty cents.
James Bowie (1796-1836) has become a legendary figure in Texas history, but before he arrived there in 1828, he lived in the Louisiana Territory. In 1815 at the age of nineteen, Bowie settled alone on the border of modern Rapides Parish and Avoyelles Parish and began carving his plantation out of the wilderness. It was here, near the Bayou Boeuf Store, in a region with little law enforcement, that the future hero of the Alamo gained a reputation for his adroitness with a knife.
Joseph B. Robert's general store, located in a sparsely settled region near modern Cheneyville, was built in 1817, and was originally called Bayou Boeuf Store, as recorded at the top of most pages of this ledger. Ezra Bennett bought the store in 1836 and changed the name to Bennett's Store. The Bayou Boeuf Store was a place for the settlers to retrieve mail, socialize and, according to the ledger, buy goods such as sugar, medicines, alcohol (lots of alcohol), cloth and fish hooks. Bowie, whose plantation was just a few miles from the store, traded there in 1817 and 1818.
The ledger cover has some faded pen strokes and shows wear, but good sound condition. A small number of pages have been torn out and some sketching/ doodling appears on the front and back paste downs. All writing is large and easily read.
James Bowie (1796-1836) has become a legendary figure in Texas history, but before he arrived there in 1828, he lived in the Louisiana Territory. In 1815 at the age of nineteen, Bowie settled alone on the border of modern Rapides Parish and Avoyelles Parish and began carving his plantation out of the wilderness. It was here, near the Bayou Boeuf Store, in a region with little law enforcement, that the future hero of the Alamo gained a reputation for his adroitness with a knife.
Joseph B. Robert's general store, located in a sparsely settled region near modern Cheneyville, was built in 1817, and was originally called Bayou Boeuf Store, as recorded at the top of most pages of this ledger. Ezra Bennett bought the store in 1836 and changed the name to Bennett's Store. The Bayou Boeuf Store was a place for the settlers to retrieve mail, socialize and, according to the ledger, buy goods such as sugar, medicines, alcohol (lots of alcohol), cloth and fish hooks. Bowie, whose plantation was just a few miles from the store, traded there in 1817 and 1818.
The ledger cover has some faded pen strokes and shows wear, but good sound condition. A small number of pages have been torn out and some sketching/ doodling appears on the front and back paste downs. All writing is large and easily read.
Autographs
Union Soldier's Archive, Consisting of over Sixty Letters Written by Private George W. Fernald of the 82nd Regiment, Co. "C", Army of the Potomac. Fernald was wounded at Gettysburg. This archive, which also contains a piece of his felt Hardee hat fragmentized by a bullet at the First Battle of Bull Run, dates from July 9, 1861, through December 17, 1864. Each letter is written to his cousin, George H. Fernald of New York City, and is in its transmittal envelope. Many of the letters and envelopes are on patriotic stationery. The archive contains exceptional battle descriptions. Of special interest is this soldier's evolving views on the roll of blacks in the military, as seen through his letters.
Private Fernald (demoted from "Sargeantry" in late 1862 because he "stopped at Sisters while I was sick") writes the third letter of the archive three days after the Battle of Bull Run, where his hat was "shot to pieces": "I was in that battle at Bulls Run but thank god I did not get wounded. Although I got hat all shot to pieces and I will send you a small piece of it for you to keep to remember the 21 of July by for it was a bloody battle fought on that day. I am at sisters now. our regt is encamped [?] of the city. You must not think that wee was whipped for wee got three of there masked batterys but our amunition gave out and so wee had to retreat. i should think there was about 1500 or 2000 killed and wounded but the enemy lost more than wee did." Included with the letter is a 2" x 3" irregular piece of Fernald's black felt Hardee hat.
Eight months after the defeat, General McClellan led the Army of the Potomac on the Peninsula Campaign. Through Fernald's letters (he wrote an average of one every twelve days during the ill-fated campaign), battle details and troop movements are revealed from a soldier's perspective. His regiment left Georgetown, D.C., (where they had "encamped back of the Capitol") sometime after March 26. While "On picket near Yorktown" on April 25, he was nearly "taken prisoner" during a skirmish. On a battlefield at "New Kent . . . about two miles above Westpoint . . . about thirty miles from Richmond," Fernald reports that "the enemy act like savages for they bayonet our wounded & there were several found with there throats cut from eare to eare & some of the Boys say they had a Brigade of Niggroes wich fired on our Boys." From "Cumberland Farms Va." on May 26, he writes that "Our advance drove the Enemy across the Chickahomany on the night of the 18th." From Seven Pines on June 2: "We have just had another bloody Battle within seven miles of Richmond. . . . wee had about one hours hard fighting & drove the enemy back, but had to sleep on our arms on the Battlefield with the dead & wounded wich you know was not verry pleasant. . . . it makes me sick to see the Battlefield for it is covered with the dead & wounded & the dead are begining to Bloat & Smell bad, but I hope the dead will soon be buired & the wounded cared for. The enemy retreated last night to Richmond. . . . I think the loss in our Regt. is about fifty." From "Fair Oaks Va." on June 19: "I don't think it will be long before the Ball will open in earnest. . . . The enemy shells our Camp every once in a while but they don't do Much damage. they killed one man & wounded three in the Minnasota Regt." Even though the campaign failed, Fernald, with complete confidence in General McClellan, writes on July 4, "Our army has retreated to the James River. . . . I think that McClellan has got theme just where he wants theme."
In another six months, he was again on the battlefield, this time at Fredericksburg. Following the battle, he wrote, "we remained [opposite Fredericksburg] until near dark waiting for the Pontoon Bridge. . . . the Enemy's Sharpshooters . . . picked our men off as fast as they went out to work on the Bridge. . . . wee had some street fighting. . . . there was hard fighting all day Saturday." In a letter written one month later, he ruminates, "you say that Fredericksburgh Battle is the Bloodiest Battle that has been fought in some time but it is not half as bloody as it might have been if it had not of been that God & providence was on our side for the Rebels could have Slaughtered every one of us."
After the Battle of Chancellorsville, he writes on May 27, 1863, "it was a hard & bloody Battly & nothing gained by it, although Joe Hooker says he gained his object. . . . wee have pretty good news heare from the Mississippi river that Vicksburgh has been captured. . . . Genl. Stonewall Jackson was killed in the late fight across the river which make the rebels feel verry bad."
Fernald recounts that he had fought in twelve major battles before his final battle at Gettysburg. Seven days after the battle, he finally notifies his cousin, "I was not killed . . . but was wounded. I was shot in the right breast & the ball came out of my back, but the Doctor says with careful nursing I will come out all right." He was taken from a field hospital by his aunt and uncle to their home in Baltimore to convalesce. Three weeks after the battle, he noted that "the Hospitals in the City are full of wounded of both armys, the People of Baltimore are doing a great deal for the wounded both hear & at Gettysburgh Pa. there are wounded arriving hear all the time." Fernald spent the next few months with his aunt and uncle, announcing on November 8, 1863, that he had been "pronounced unfit for active service." Though his days on the battlefield were over, he was soon attached to the Pay Department, under which he served throughout the rest of the war.
It is interesting to see how this soldier matured throughout these defining four years. Not only do his letters become more thoughtful (and grammatically more correct), but his feelings toward black people, particularly those who later served in the U.S. military, evolved. In a bitter letter written on January 16, 1863, Fernald wrote that he didn't "feel in verry good spirits . . . since the Presidents Proclaimation, has come in force, I feel still worse for I feel as if wee were fighting for the cursed N*****s, instead of the Union wich wee came out for & if things dont take a change soon, I shall leave the army for I won't fight to free N*****s for that is not in the Constitution. . . . I think at the presant time the Rebels are nearer right than wee are & I glory in there spunck for holding out against such odds." Nine months later, he writes, "there is a Niger Regt. going to parade hear to day, do you have any of them in New York. I hope not for I am opposed to Niger Soldiers." But as the war began to wind down and victory seemed likely, the soldier changed his mind, insisting in late 1864 that "Negro[s] . . . make good Soldiers": "I suppose you have heard that Sherman has invaded Savana. also that his march from Atlanta to Savana was poorly resisted by the Rebels. he lost only about 1000 men on the whole march. he has an army of about 6000 men. they lived on the fat of the land on their march through the confedercy. he captured about about 60000 head of cattle . . . about 20000 Negros which the most of them will make good Soldiers. the most of our troops in this Dept. are Negro & they make good Soldiers when officered by competent Officers."
Throughout his numerous letters, Private Fernald freely offers his opinions on the draft, complaints about drunken officers, and his preference for General McClellan over his replacements ("little Mac . . . is our man, & only him"). In addition, Fernald also supplies details on practical matters that were important to Civil War soldiers, such as the loneliness, the presence of sickness in the camp, the formidable physical conditions, and the constant fear of the enemy. Despite the hardships, he believed that he was fighting in a just war, "I want to see this Rebellion put down & I think fighting is the only way to put it down." Though some letters contain light stains and soiling (all envelopes are lightly soiled as expected), this archive is in fine condition and worthy of full research.
Private Fernald (demoted from "Sargeantry" in late 1862 because he "stopped at Sisters while I was sick") writes the third letter of the archive three days after the Battle of Bull Run, where his hat was "shot to pieces": "I was in that battle at Bulls Run but thank god I did not get wounded. Although I got hat all shot to pieces and I will send you a small piece of it for you to keep to remember the 21 of July by for it was a bloody battle fought on that day. I am at sisters now. our regt is encamped [?] of the city. You must not think that wee was whipped for wee got three of there masked batterys but our amunition gave out and so wee had to retreat. i should think there was about 1500 or 2000 killed and wounded but the enemy lost more than wee did." Included with the letter is a 2" x 3" irregular piece of Fernald's black felt Hardee hat.
Eight months after the defeat, General McClellan led the Army of the Potomac on the Peninsula Campaign. Through Fernald's letters (he wrote an average of one every twelve days during the ill-fated campaign), battle details and troop movements are revealed from a soldier's perspective. His regiment left Georgetown, D.C., (where they had "encamped back of the Capitol") sometime after March 26. While "On picket near Yorktown" on April 25, he was nearly "taken prisoner" during a skirmish. On a battlefield at "New Kent . . . about two miles above Westpoint . . . about thirty miles from Richmond," Fernald reports that "the enemy act like savages for they bayonet our wounded & there were several found with there throats cut from eare to eare & some of the Boys say they had a Brigade of Niggroes wich fired on our Boys." From "Cumberland Farms Va." on May 26, he writes that "Our advance drove the Enemy across the Chickahomany on the night of the 18th." From Seven Pines on June 2: "We have just had another bloody Battle within seven miles of Richmond. . . . wee had about one hours hard fighting & drove the enemy back, but had to sleep on our arms on the Battlefield with the dead & wounded wich you know was not verry pleasant. . . . it makes me sick to see the Battlefield for it is covered with the dead & wounded & the dead are begining to Bloat & Smell bad, but I hope the dead will soon be buired & the wounded cared for. The enemy retreated last night to Richmond. . . . I think the loss in our Regt. is about fifty." From "Fair Oaks Va." on June 19: "I don't think it will be long before the Ball will open in earnest. . . . The enemy shells our Camp every once in a while but they don't do Much damage. they killed one man & wounded three in the Minnasota Regt." Even though the campaign failed, Fernald, with complete confidence in General McClellan, writes on July 4, "Our army has retreated to the James River. . . . I think that McClellan has got theme just where he wants theme."
In another six months, he was again on the battlefield, this time at Fredericksburg. Following the battle, he wrote, "we remained [opposite Fredericksburg] until near dark waiting for the Pontoon Bridge. . . . the Enemy's Sharpshooters . . . picked our men off as fast as they went out to work on the Bridge. . . . wee had some street fighting. . . . there was hard fighting all day Saturday." In a letter written one month later, he ruminates, "you say that Fredericksburgh Battle is the Bloodiest Battle that has been fought in some time but it is not half as bloody as it might have been if it had not of been that God & providence was on our side for the Rebels could have Slaughtered every one of us."
After the Battle of Chancellorsville, he writes on May 27, 1863, "it was a hard & bloody Battly & nothing gained by it, although Joe Hooker says he gained his object. . . . wee have pretty good news heare from the Mississippi river that Vicksburgh has been captured. . . . Genl. Stonewall Jackson was killed in the late fight across the river which make the rebels feel verry bad."
Fernald recounts that he had fought in twelve major battles before his final battle at Gettysburg. Seven days after the battle, he finally notifies his cousin, "I was not killed . . . but was wounded. I was shot in the right breast & the ball came out of my back, but the Doctor says with careful nursing I will come out all right." He was taken from a field hospital by his aunt and uncle to their home in Baltimore to convalesce. Three weeks after the battle, he noted that "the Hospitals in the City are full of wounded of both armys, the People of Baltimore are doing a great deal for the wounded both hear & at Gettysburgh Pa. there are wounded arriving hear all the time." Fernald spent the next few months with his aunt and uncle, announcing on November 8, 1863, that he had been "pronounced unfit for active service." Though his days on the battlefield were over, he was soon attached to the Pay Department, under which he served throughout the rest of the war.
It is interesting to see how this soldier matured throughout these defining four years. Not only do his letters become more thoughtful (and grammatically more correct), but his feelings toward black people, particularly those who later served in the U.S. military, evolved. In a bitter letter written on January 16, 1863, Fernald wrote that he didn't "feel in verry good spirits . . . since the Presidents Proclaimation, has come in force, I feel still worse for I feel as if wee were fighting for the cursed N*****s, instead of the Union wich wee came out for & if things dont take a change soon, I shall leave the army for I won't fight to free N*****s for that is not in the Constitution. . . . I think at the presant time the Rebels are nearer right than wee are & I glory in there spunck for holding out against such odds." Nine months later, he writes, "there is a Niger Regt. going to parade hear to day, do you have any of them in New York. I hope not for I am opposed to Niger Soldiers." But as the war began to wind down and victory seemed likely, the soldier changed his mind, insisting in late 1864 that "Negro[s] . . . make good Soldiers": "I suppose you have heard that Sherman has invaded Savana. also that his march from Atlanta to Savana was poorly resisted by the Rebels. he lost only about 1000 men on the whole march. he has an army of about 6000 men. they lived on the fat of the land on their march through the confedercy. he captured about about 60000 head of cattle . . . about 20000 Negros which the most of them will make good Soldiers. the most of our troops in this Dept. are Negro & they make good Soldiers when officered by competent Officers."
Throughout his numerous letters, Private Fernald freely offers his opinions on the draft, complaints about drunken officers, and his preference for General McClellan over his replacements ("little Mac . . . is our man, & only him"). In addition, Fernald also supplies details on practical matters that were important to Civil War soldiers, such as the loneliness, the presence of sickness in the camp, the formidable physical conditions, and the constant fear of the enemy. Despite the hardships, he believed that he was fighting in a just war, "I want to see this Rebellion put down & I think fighting is the only way to put it down." Though some letters contain light stains and soiling (all envelopes are lightly soiled as expected), this archive is in fine condition and worthy of full research.
Military & Patriotic
Major John Lafausille Autograph Letter Signed Just Twelve Days Before the Battle of Culloden. This remarkable single page letter by Major John Lafausille, commanding an infantry unit of the British Army, written in the field during a short interim while heavily engaged in deadly combat to suppress the Scottish uprising, and while advancing to Aberdeen, Scotland, (where they were to engage just 12 days later, in the bloody battle on the fields of Culloden April 16, 1746). Datelined at "Montrose" (approx. 25 miles south of Aberdeen) April 4, 1746. Handsomely penned in a small, easily read hand; the letter opens: "I have the pleasure to tell my dear nanny that I am returned this day to Montrose from a circuit at the head of 300 foot through the Rebellious Province of Angus where there was a rising again...there were 220 Rebels in Arms; they were disbursed and the most rebellious parts have surrendered about 150 firearms to me and all is quiet. I march'd with ample power to fire, destroy and punish rebels...and i have burned houses and meeting houses in my way with as much mercy as was consistent with my duty." He mentions having received a letter from the aide to his Colonel that "...His royal highness is very well satisfied with everything you have done, which he has ordered me to signify to you"....then continuing to his "Nanny", Lafausille writes: "This has made me very happy as he was pleased to pitch upon me for his service and I shall march to join the Army at Aberdeen in health and spirits and hope to receive a handful of my Nanny's letters...do not doubt that you have been uneasy at my silence but it was unavoidable as I was [away from] all Post roads and even entered the Highlands one day's march where [with] fire and sword I subdued the inhabitants of Lochlie contrary to the expectations of their neighbours....I have been 5 nights in my cloaths (sic) with little rest to myself to procure it for my men. I will venture to say no field officer had ever so ample a power given given over so large a country." He clearly indicates that his actions in the Scottish countryside should not be made known to anyone (or, of course the public or press) by adding postscript at the bottom of the letter: "Don't put my letters out of your hands." Although signed (after much expression of affection to his nanny) with his initials, there is absolutely no doubting that is is by John Lafausille (and is accompanied with photostats of other original correspondence written in his hand and which bears his full signature).
Accompanying this letter (likely also sent to his "Nanny" with his April 4, 1746 letter) is a two page (each blank on reverse) penned document in the hand of Lafausille's aide or regimental clerk and made for Lafausille's personal use, being the transcription of an order issued by Lafausille just one week earlier, dated March 28, 1746 and directed to the people of the Scottish town they had just subdued and occipied. Order opens: "By Major John Lafausille, commanding a detachment of his majesty's forces...I do hereby require David Gibs, upon pain of the most severe military execution, to send this, my order, to the inhabitants of Glenesque by which I require them to return to their houses and deliver up their arms to me tomorrow...[those that are now] peacebly at [home[ deliver up their arms to me...at the Castle of Invermark or...to the minister of the parish. I shall not molest nor suffer any under my command to do, but all such who oppose me or attempt to do hurt, force me to to take [strong action] or do any damage to his majesty's subject, against all such and those who shall harbour rebels and do not give me immediate intelligence or [etc.] and should the rebels fall upon town or village inhabitants by any of his majesty's Loyal subjects I do hereby declare that I and all his majesty's military officers now in Glenesque shall come into it and I will destroy everything belonging to the rebels. I desire this may be notified to the miniisters and their parishioners to warn them of the great calamity which will inevitably befall them and their families if they persist in this unnatural rebellion." [with a facsimile signature of Lafausille by his aiide]. Page two states it is a second decree. "...My Major Lafausille...at the bequest of Mr. John Gardan, [Pastor]....I have suspended the military persecuton against the inhabitants of Glenesque who do not remain in their homes and surrender their arms and so allow them time to do it until Monday morning....such as do not deliver up their arms to the minister or managers...before that time, against all such I will proceed with fire and sword...given at the castle 29th March, 1746" with facsimile signature of Lafausille..."Major to Wolf's Reg't" Documents are both typical of the early 18th century, with usual aging but excellent sound condition and perfectly legible, absolutely authentic.
An exceptionally rare and remarkable first hand account of British military operations immediately preceding the furious battle that sealed Scotland's destiny while also ending the reign of Bonnie Prince Charles! John Lafausille led a distinguished military career rising to command the 66th Regiment of Foot and ultimately to the rank of major general.
Accompanying this letter (likely also sent to his "Nanny" with his April 4, 1746 letter) is a two page (each blank on reverse) penned document in the hand of Lafausille's aide or regimental clerk and made for Lafausille's personal use, being the transcription of an order issued by Lafausille just one week earlier, dated March 28, 1746 and directed to the people of the Scottish town they had just subdued and occipied. Order opens: "By Major John Lafausille, commanding a detachment of his majesty's forces...I do hereby require David Gibs, upon pain of the most severe military execution, to send this, my order, to the inhabitants of Glenesque by which I require them to return to their houses and deliver up their arms to me tomorrow...[those that are now] peacebly at [home[ deliver up their arms to me...at the Castle of Invermark or...to the minister of the parish. I shall not molest nor suffer any under my command to do, but all such who oppose me or attempt to do hurt, force me to to take [strong action] or do any damage to his majesty's subject, against all such and those who shall harbour rebels and do not give me immediate intelligence or [etc.] and should the rebels fall upon town or village inhabitants by any of his majesty's Loyal subjects I do hereby declare that I and all his majesty's military officers now in Glenesque shall come into it and I will destroy everything belonging to the rebels. I desire this may be notified to the miniisters and their parishioners to warn them of the great calamity which will inevitably befall them and their families if they persist in this unnatural rebellion." [with a facsimile signature of Lafausille by his aiide]. Page two states it is a second decree. "...My Major Lafausille...at the bequest of Mr. John Gardan, [Pastor]....I have suspended the military persecuton against the inhabitants of Glenesque who do not remain in their homes and surrender their arms and so allow them time to do it until Monday morning....such as do not deliver up their arms to the minister or managers...before that time, against all such I will proceed with fire and sword...given at the castle 29th March, 1746" with facsimile signature of Lafausille..."Major to Wolf's Reg't" Documents are both typical of the early 18th century, with usual aging but excellent sound condition and perfectly legible, absolutely authentic.
An exceptionally rare and remarkable first hand account of British military operations immediately preceding the furious battle that sealed Scotland's destiny while also ending the reign of Bonnie Prince Charles! John Lafausille led a distinguished military career rising to command the 66th Regiment of Foot and ultimately to the rank of major general.
Autographs
Union Soldier Isaac N. Leonard Autograph Letters (Two) Signed Detailing the First Battle of Bull Run. The first letter is six pages, July 23, 1861, from "No Whare. Supposed to be in Virginia", reporting to his mother that he is "uninjured" after "our sad disaster", which was due in full to the "incompetent field officers." This letter includes a detailed account of the battle from this Connecticut private's point of view, along with the narrative of how he shot a Confederate cavalryman.
With the horrors of battle only two days in the past, Private Isaac N. Leonard of the "3rd Reg't Conn. Voll. Com. D." seems anxious to unload the burden of his bloodstained memories onto his mother: "Our troops are scattered in all directions. . . . The 3d [Connecticut Infantry] Regt was in action for about 3 hours they broke their lines twice but formd again immediately and sent in a terrific sheet of fire upon them. About the middle of the action we saw a large body of the enemy on a hill to our left we had the order to charge them and drive them from their position so at them we went and they run for they cannot stand cold steel. They run 40 or 50 rods into some bushes and then showed the stars and stripes then Gen. [Daniel] Tyler thought they were our friends and ordered our colors out so they could see them. by this time our men had come to a halt right in front of them about 12 rods when they opened a Masqued battery of 8 pieces upon us it made terrible havock . . . their first fire shot off both legs of the man that stood next to me on my left and the one on my right had two balls put through his waist and arm. It was David Case, the son of Decon Case that lives on Beau Hill, that had his legs shot off by a cannon ball. He lived about an hour. The one on my right was John Breed his wounds were not dangerous. [Case, Breed, and Leonard were from the village of Norwich, Connecticut. They had enlisted in Connecticut's 3rd Infantry at the same time on April 25, 1861.]" Leonard continues with the particulars of his own close call: "I had a riffle ball pass between my left arm and side so high that it grazed the skin on my side slightly but did me no injury." His regiment then retreated "in good order." When they charged again, the enemy released a "terrible execution it was a dredful sight to see my comrads fall all around me some with their arms shot off some with the loss of a leg, some with their heads shot off or terribly mutilated." Again they retreated, but this time "the rout was complete, we retreated without any regard to order, every man for himself." During the retreat, Leonard's regiment was "attacked by the enemy's Cavalry in the rear. . . . At the time I was in one of the wagons driveing and I jumped off and left the team in the charge of a Boy and run out to the road just as they were retreating and lay down behind a large oak tree and took a good steady aim and fired at one of them. he fell from his horse and hung by one foot in the stirrup for about 20 rods. The horse was going like a streeke of lightning and if my ball did not hurt him I think the ground must for his head did not appear to strike very softly and he did not stir after he was clear from the horse. He droped his rifle and I went out and got it and am going to send it home by express."
The private then lashes out at another Union regiment: "The Ohio troops acted shamefully for they was not in action but 1/2 hour and then the troops scattered and left for Washington." Leonard's "Conn. troops" rescued some of the scattered troops abandoned "equipage" and "brought it into camp." Threatening his commander, General Daniel Tyler, Leonard writes, "if I ever get into the [field] of [battle] again I [will shoot] him the first time I [fire] as Shure as I am writing this for he has abused us [shamefully]." (The words in brackets have been purposely damaged, perhaps by a remorseful Leonard, making them difficult to read.) Leonard's frustrations at the Union Army's performance on that disastrous day was later echoed by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton who wrote that the battle should "scarcely be mentioned." The letter is lightly soiled with folds. The sheet containing pages five and six has very slight separations beginning at some folds. A later handwritten transcription is included. Text is easily read; very good.
The second letter, two pages, dated July 14, 1861 (a full week before the First Battle of Bull Run), from "Camp Tyler Fairfax Co. Virginia," contains Leonard's expectations for the "right smart prospect of a brush before us now." Like other Union soldiers, Leonard didn't expect much of a resistance from the rebels: "The enemy will not make much of a stand." The private reports intriguing information during the pre-battle maneuvers on some "Texans Rangers" among the Union Army: "The Texans Rangers have been so nigh some of them [the Rebels] that they were frightened and beat to quarters expecting to see some of the infernal Yankies comeing for them. . . . Some of the Texans Rangers took two prisoners. One of them was a Capt. in the Rebell army." This letter is toned and fine.
With the horrors of battle only two days in the past, Private Isaac N. Leonard of the "3rd Reg't Conn. Voll. Com. D." seems anxious to unload the burden of his bloodstained memories onto his mother: "Our troops are scattered in all directions. . . . The 3d [Connecticut Infantry] Regt was in action for about 3 hours they broke their lines twice but formd again immediately and sent in a terrific sheet of fire upon them. About the middle of the action we saw a large body of the enemy on a hill to our left we had the order to charge them and drive them from their position so at them we went and they run for they cannot stand cold steel. They run 40 or 50 rods into some bushes and then showed the stars and stripes then Gen. [Daniel] Tyler thought they were our friends and ordered our colors out so they could see them. by this time our men had come to a halt right in front of them about 12 rods when they opened a Masqued battery of 8 pieces upon us it made terrible havock . . . their first fire shot off both legs of the man that stood next to me on my left and the one on my right had two balls put through his waist and arm. It was David Case, the son of Decon Case that lives on Beau Hill, that had his legs shot off by a cannon ball. He lived about an hour. The one on my right was John Breed his wounds were not dangerous. [Case, Breed, and Leonard were from the village of Norwich, Connecticut. They had enlisted in Connecticut's 3rd Infantry at the same time on April 25, 1861.]" Leonard continues with the particulars of his own close call: "I had a riffle ball pass between my left arm and side so high that it grazed the skin on my side slightly but did me no injury." His regiment then retreated "in good order." When they charged again, the enemy released a "terrible execution it was a dredful sight to see my comrads fall all around me some with their arms shot off some with the loss of a leg, some with their heads shot off or terribly mutilated." Again they retreated, but this time "the rout was complete, we retreated without any regard to order, every man for himself." During the retreat, Leonard's regiment was "attacked by the enemy's Cavalry in the rear. . . . At the time I was in one of the wagons driveing and I jumped off and left the team in the charge of a Boy and run out to the road just as they were retreating and lay down behind a large oak tree and took a good steady aim and fired at one of them. he fell from his horse and hung by one foot in the stirrup for about 20 rods. The horse was going like a streeke of lightning and if my ball did not hurt him I think the ground must for his head did not appear to strike very softly and he did not stir after he was clear from the horse. He droped his rifle and I went out and got it and am going to send it home by express."
The private then lashes out at another Union regiment: "The Ohio troops acted shamefully for they was not in action but 1/2 hour and then the troops scattered and left for Washington." Leonard's "Conn. troops" rescued some of the scattered troops abandoned "equipage" and "brought it into camp." Threatening his commander, General Daniel Tyler, Leonard writes, "if I ever get into the [field] of [battle] again I [will shoot] him the first time I [fire] as Shure as I am writing this for he has abused us [shamefully]." (The words in brackets have been purposely damaged, perhaps by a remorseful Leonard, making them difficult to read.) Leonard's frustrations at the Union Army's performance on that disastrous day was later echoed by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton who wrote that the battle should "scarcely be mentioned." The letter is lightly soiled with folds. The sheet containing pages five and six has very slight separations beginning at some folds. A later handwritten transcription is included. Text is easily read; very good.
The second letter, two pages, dated July 14, 1861 (a full week before the First Battle of Bull Run), from "Camp Tyler Fairfax Co. Virginia," contains Leonard's expectations for the "right smart prospect of a brush before us now." Like other Union soldiers, Leonard didn't expect much of a resistance from the rebels: "The enemy will not make much of a stand." The private reports intriguing information during the pre-battle maneuvers on some "Texans Rangers" among the Union Army: "The Texans Rangers have been so nigh some of them [the Rebels] that they were frightened and beat to quarters expecting to see some of the infernal Yankies comeing for them. . . . Some of the Texans Rangers took two prisoners. One of them was a Capt. in the Rebell army." This letter is toned and fine.
Military & Patriotic
Sharps New Model 1863 Carbine Converted to Caliber .50-70 Centerfire, #62323. All metal smooth and gray with just some scattered very light pitting, minor. Mechanically tight and crisp, excellent three groove rifled bore. Complete and original in every respect. Wood very good with unit markings L/94/10 on the left side of the butt stock, most likely Company L of the 10th US Cavalry, the renowned "Buffalo Soldiers." Nice example of this U.S. martial carbine that saw heavy service on the American frontier between the end of the Civil War and the introduction of the M1873 .45-70.
M1865 Spencer .50 Caliber Rimfire Seven Shot Repeating Carbine, #18494. Markings of the Burnside Rifle Co. and Model 1865 on the receiver. All metal smooth and dark, mixing with scattered original blue, breech block retaining most of the original case colors. Fitted with Stabler cut-off, inspectors' initials on various parts. Mechanically perfect, perfect bore. Missing the butt swivel but the mounting plate is present, easily replaced. Really excellent wood with nice untouched patina, just some dents on the forestock at the band. Complete and original in every respect and an exceptionally nice untouched example of this desirable early Indian Wars U.S. carbine.
James Reid Knuckle-Duster Revolver. Caliber .22. Serial number 8627. This clever weapon serves as a combination firearm and fisticuff aid. It features an engraved brass frame marked "My Friend Patd. Dec. 26, 1865" over the revolving seven-shot cylinder. This examples appears to be mechanically sound with a rich patina to the brass.
Parker Bros. DHE Grade Double Barrel 12 Gauge Shotgun, #98659 Matching. 30" Damascus barrels, ejectors. Barrels retain 80% of the original damascene finish. The finish has clearly been purposefully removed for approximately 3" at the breech. Barrels also exhibit several small dents, and one fairly significant one on the left side 6" from the muzzle. There is also one pin hole at the midpoint on the left side. Marked on the rib, Parker Bros Makers, Meriden, Conn. Special Steel. Marked on the inside of the frame with both 1883 and 1887 patent dates and on the forestock release with 1878 patent date. Frame, locks etc. with classic D quality engraving including game scenes. Trigger guard with 100% brilliant blue with gold inlaid script letters J C S. Balance of the metal smooth and clean. Beautiful piece of wood. Buttstock with a period Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. Hard rubber Parker Bros. pistol grip cap. The checkering on both the pistol grip and forestock has possibly been "freshened," but expertly done. A nice early D grade Parker worthy of full restoration.
About Mint L. C. Smith "Field" Grade Double Barrel 16 Gauge Shotgun, #FWS34609 Matching. 28" barrels, 2.75" chambers, marked "Armor Steel" on the underside of each barrel. Double triggers, extractors, mint bores, absolutely as tight and crisp as the day it was made. Gun retains 99% original blue and case colors, appears to be unfired. Barrel marking "L. C. Smith - Field - Fulton, N. Y. USA". Wood also about mint, just a few minor scratches on the fore stock, which is checkered, as is the pistol grip. Silver pistol grip cap, decorated with deep relief floral scrolls and separately affixed gold letter P in the center. Fitted with a Pachmayr recoil pad, the distance from the tip of the wood butt stock to the rear trigger being 12.25". A beautiful gun.
Vet Bring Back Japanese Imperial Navy Type 38 Arisaka Naval Training Rifle. Caliber 6.5 x 50mm Arisaka. Serial number 18474. Receiver stamped with a mum and anchor device and stock has burned in kanji characters indicating the name of the school this trainer belonged to. The rifle is complete with cleaning rod and sheet-metal bolt dust cover. A portion of the original leather sling is still attached. Accompanying the rifle is the home-made white canvas bag used by the veteran to ship the rifle home. The bag and strap are marked with a name and street address. The rifle and bag are in very good condition.
U.S. M1898 Krag-Jorgenson .30-40 Caliber Magazine Rifle, #437197. Barrel and receiver retain much of the original blue, fading, mixing with smooth patina. All furniture retains the remains of an old dull black "painted" finish that appears to be an early process of "parkerizing." Wood excellent with nice patina. There are no visible inspectors' marks. Mint bore, excellent markings, mechanically perfect with the distinctive smooth bolt stroke. Because of the powerful .30-40 cartridge and the effortless bolt throw, many of these rifles were "sporterized" over the years, and unaltered specimens have always been relatively scarce. Very nice example.
Winchester M1 Garand With 4-50 Dated Springfield Barrel. 30.06. A visually appealing rifle with a uniformly nice parkerized finish and good bore. The stock has been refinished to reveal the rather figured grain of the wood. The importer's mark is stamped on the right side of the barrel. A nice example and perfect for the rifle range.
About Mint U.S. M1873 Springfield .45-70 Breech Loading Rifle, with Improvements of 1884, #362335. "U.S./ Model/1873" on breech door. Gun retains 95% of the original blue and case colors. Mint bore mechanically perfect, crisp markings. Stock also about mint with just a few minor storage dents and crisp inspector's cartouche dated 1886. Buffington wind gauge sight. Truly exceptional specimen.
U.S. M1868 Springfield .50-70 Breech Loading Rifle, #12923. Breech block dated 1869. Metal overall with dark smooth patina, completely untouched. 1863-dated Springfield lock. The trigger guard bow is mounted backwards and the lower sling swivel is missing. The wood overall is really excellent with visible inspector's cartouche, again totally untouched. There is, however, a clean crack, with no loss, through the lock area, including a crack in the barrel tang at the screw. Although the gun is still very sound, the crack could be readily repaired and made virtually imperceptible. There is no cleaning rod. Readily restorable into an exceptionally nice example of this relatively scarce "trapdoor."
Very Fine Smith & Wesson 320 Revolving Rifle with Detachable Shoulder Stock, #784. 18" barrel, folding leaf rear sight, caliber .320 Smith & Wesson rifle. Gun retains 20% of the original bright blue mixing with smooth even dark patina. Hammer with 50% case colors. Mechanically perfect, very fine bore, excellent markings. Checkered, mottled color, hard rubber forestock and black hard rubber butt plate, both with Smith & Wesson logo. Fitted with what are certainly period, and possibly factory, mother of pearl grips. Butt stock and fittings very fine with smooth rich patina. Missing the front sight, else correct, complete, and original in every respect. A very rare Smith & Wesson in fine condition with a total production of only 514 pieces.
Very Early Smith & Wesson No. 3, 1st Model, "1st Model American," .44 Caliber Single Action Revolver, #235. Incorporates the tiny vent hole on the underside of the ejector housing. Gun retains 10% of the original bright blue, mixing, fading with a smooth dark gray patina. Excellent markings, tight and crisp with near perfect bore. Grips excellent with nice patina. Missing the small knurled ejector piston on the bottom else complete and original in every respect, all screw head sharp. Very nice example of this scarce and desirable "big frame" Smith that found favor with Buffalo Bill, Wyatt Earp at the "O. K. Corral", a number of 7th cavalrymen at the Little Big Horn. This example doubtless produced in the first month of manufacture.
Colt Lightning 1877 Double Action Revolver, .38 Caliber, #96544 Matching. Manufactured 1894, 3.5" barrel. Fine condition, retaining 60% of the original bright blue, the frame with 90% case colors. The balance a smooth gray patina. Fine bore, mechanically perfect. A crisp tight gun and a very nice Lightning.
Sharps & Hankins Model 4 Four Barrel .32 Caliber Rimfire Pepperbox, #6206. 2.5" barrels. Metal clean and gray with scattered salt and peppering and some small areas of heavier pitting along with some scattered dents/dings. Nice markings, wood grips excellent, fair bores. Mainspring broken, else mechanically fine. Good representative example.
Flobert Action Single Shot .17 Caliber Gallery Pistol. 15" overall with 9.75" octagonal barrel. Metal generally smooth and gray with just a few small patches of salt and peppering. Action fine, bore good. Elaborate trigger guard and butt cap. Dark stained walnut stock excellent, with incise carved details at the top of the reeded grip and extensive undercut carved scroll work on a stippled background on the forestock. Nice example.
Smith & Wesson 1st Model, Third Issue, .22 Caliber Rimfire Revolver, #129132. Metal generally smooth and gray with a few traces of blue and just a few tiny scattered patches of light pitting. Mechanically perfect, good bore, excellent markings. Rosewood grips excellent. Nice honest example.
No. 1 .41 Caliber Rimfire Derringer with Barrel Marking "Moores Pat. F. A. Co. Brooklyn N. Y." This is the scarce variant with "D. Moore Patent Feb. 24, 1863" on the underside of the barrel, and arrows engraved at each side. Serial #777, brass frame, 2.5" barrel. The gun retains 95% of the original silver finish, untouched/uncleaned. Excellent bore. Although the release mechanism is present, the actual release button is missing, easily replaced, otherwise mechanically perfect. A really choice example of this scarce and desirable little gun. The first of the metallic cartridge "big bore" derringers.
Factory-engraved Marlin XXX Standard 1872 .30 Caliber Rimfire Pocket Revolver with DeGress Tiffany Grips, Serial #3 Matching. 3" round ribbed barrel, five shot. Barrel and cylinder smooth and dark gray. The profusely engraved brass frame and straps retain 95% of the original nickel. Excellent markings, mainspring missing, easily replaced, else mechanically fine, just a bit loose at the barrel hinge. The grips display a deep relief full figure draped female surrounded by oak leaves on the obverse, and intricate scroll and oak leaf patterns on the reverse with Pat. Apr-28-74 around the grip screw escutcheon. Grips about perfect retaining much of the original finish. Exquisite little gun and especially desirable with this very low serial number.
Smith & Wesson British Proofed Victory Model Revolver. Caliber .38. Serial number V367282. This example is U.S. Property marked, with a G.H.D. inspector's mark. British nitro proofs are liberally stamped on the pistol. The frame, barrel and cylinder numbers match and the parkerized finish is still strong. Very good condition.
Pyrenees Model D .22 Caliber Rimfire Semi Automatic Pistol, #509395, Circa 1950. 4" barrel, adjustable front and rear sights, ten round magazine. Bears Pyrenees - Hendaye marks on the right side of the slide and "J. C. Higgins Model 85"/ .22 Cal. Long Rifle 590.850, on the left. Made in France on top of the barrel. J. C. Higgins, of course, being the trademark used by Sears Roebuck & Co, on firearms and other sporting goods, between 1946 and 1962. Gun retains 95% of the original bright blue, mint bore, mechanically perfect. The wrap-around one piece wood grip has an old varnish finish and one minor hairline at the back, easily "neatened up." A very attractive .22 automatic of exceptional quality.
Very Scarce "Philippine/ Guerilla Gun" as Produced by Richardson Industries Inc., East Haven, Connecticut, Circa 1946. 10 gauge, single shot, "slamfire" action. A most unusual American firearm with a fascinating history. Iliff David Richardson was the Executive Officer of PT 34 at the beginning of World War II. After the boat was sunk by the Japanese, Richardson eventually joined Philippine guerilla forces, with whom he served until the liberation of the islands. His memoirs served as the basis for the book and movie titled An American Guerilla in the Philippines. After the war Richardson believed there was a market in the United States for a cheap shotgun, the design based on the weapons produced by Philippine guerillas. Based on this assumption he began producing these guns in 1946. He was wrong, and the American market simply had no interest in such a primitive weapon, resulting in limited production and even more limited sales. This is a fine example with the metal smooth and dark, mixing with the original dark blue finish. Wood about perfect with excellent markings. The entire gun is composed of only four pieces. A unique World War II associated firearm.
Weatherby Southgate FN Mauser Deluxe With Weatherby Variable 2 3/4x to 10x Scope. Caliber 270 Weatherby Magnum. Serial number 3552. This superb Weatherby was manufactured in 1954 and shipped to Sears Roebuck in Chicago, Illinois on July 2, 1955. It features a 24" barrel with a #1 chrome mint bore and high luster blue. The stock is deluxe American Black Walnut with dark fore-end tip, Pattern #1 checkering (18 L.P.I.), and a Pachmayr White Line ventilated side wall recoil pad. The overall condition of this rifle is excellent with only a few thin spots to the blue on the barrel. The scope's optics are clear. A certificate of authenticity from Weatherby accompanies this fine rifle.
Scarce, Early, Round Barrel Whitneyville .22 Caliber Rimfire Revolver, #3746B. 2.5" round barrel, marked on the top Whitneyville Armory CT. U. S. A., brass blade front sight. Metal generally smooth and dark with just one small area of salt and peppering near the muzzle. Excellent bore, mechanically perfect, very good markings. Brass frame retains traces of the original silver, balance with nice patina. Walnut grips about perfect retaining 95% of the original varnish. A very rare variant.
Group of Two Guns. Consists of: (1) A side swing .32 rimfire single shot derringer, the only mark being the number 813 on the frame under the grip. Mechanically fine, bore smooth (apparently made that way). Gun retains 80% of the original nickel with excellent walnut grips. (2) A factory engraved "Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. XL 30 Long" five shot spur trigger revolver, #D691. Barrel marking "Pat. Mar 28, 1871 Apr 27, 1875". Gun is fully engraved retaining 90% of the original nickel with original mother of pearly grips. Mainspring broken, else mechanically fine with fine bore. Two nice little American guns.
Very Scarce C. H. Ballard .41 Rimfire Single Shot Derringer, #3779. Marked Ballard's on top of the barrel, with address, etc. on the left side. Gun retains 90% of the original nickel, mint bore, mechanically perfect, with excellent markings. Walnut grips fine with nice patina. A very nice example of a rather rare little gun.
Very Scarce "Liliput" 4.25mm Model 1926 Automatic Pistol with the Original Purse/ Holster, #2305. As manufactured by August Menz of Suhl, Germany. Just 3.5" overall with 2" barrel and six shot magazine. Gun retains most of the original blue on barrel and frame, slide gray and smooth. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore, perfect markings. Composition grips with checkering and 4.25 medallion on the left side, right side plain. The original form fitted purse style holster of buff leather with green wool felt lining, excellent, just some wear on the exterior where the grip fits. Nickeled frame with friction snap closure. Fascinating little gun exhibiting superior craftsmanship and most desirable with the original very rare purse style holster.
Very Rare Winchester M1873 rifle, Caliber .38-40, #106628, Manufactured in 1882. With factory 30" full octagon barrel and shotgun butt. Both of these special order features are documented with a factory letter. All metal generally smooth and gray, untouched, with traces of color, and a few tiny patches of salt and peppering, very nice. Mechanically tight and crisp, perfect bore. Wood really excellent with nice patina, steel buttplate. A rare 1873 Winchester in very nice untouched condition.
About Mint Colt New Army Double Action .38 Caliber Revolver, in the Original Box, #275220. Accompanied by a factory letter documenting special order details, and a history of use by a South Dakota sheriff. The gun was shipped March 28, 1907 to the J. F. Schmelyer Arms Co., Kansas City, Mo. 4.5" barrel, nickel finish, eagle carved mother of pearl grips, all documented by factory letter. The gun bears the inscription "J. W. L." on the underside of the butt. The gun has been fired, but is for all intents and purposes as new, housed in the original factory paste board box, with original factory labels and a 1.75" x 4.25" printed label on the top, "On His Majesty's Service". The box also contains the original cleaning rod, a brush and another cleaning rod housed in the nickeled brass handle. The box shows some edge wear but is in very good sound condition, labels perfect. The initials on the bottom of the butt are those of John Wesley Laughlin. Laughlin served as the Sheriff of Hughes County South Dakota, circa 1910, and, according to family tradition, was presented this gun during his tenure, with accompanying family letter and consigned by his lineal descendant. Also accompanied by a circa 1905 cabinet photograph of Laughlin in a militia uniform by an Iowa photographer.
Winchester M1894 Rifle, Caliber .30 W.C.F., #231480, Manufactured 1904. 26" half octagon barrel with half magazine as verified by the accompanying factory letter. Metal generally smooth and gray with scattered traces of blue. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Two frame screws and one trigger plate screw have slightly damaged heads, easily replaced. The Marbles elevator sight is probably a period replacement. Wood very good with just a number of tiny dents and scratches from honest use, retains much of the original varnish. Honest '94 in a relatively scarce configuration.
Gold Inlaid Schuetzen Single Shot Rifle by E. Pachmayr, Traunstein, Germany. Chambered to caliber .218 Bee. Short throw Martini style falling block action. 23.5" barrel, round at the breech, then tapers to octagonal for 9.5", then round to the muzzle. It is our opinion that the round portion of the barrel was sleeved into the breech section and chambered for .218 Bee in the 1950s. Octagonal portion of the barrel with an integral scope rail, ramp front sight. The gun now mounts a Weaver K10 60-B scope. The right side of the receiver is etched/ engraved with a young woman, wearing German folk costume, carrying mugs and standing on a barrel, flanked by floral/ scroll work. The left side is covered with an engraved/ etched panel of a man in German folk costume, smoking a pipe, with a mug on the table at his side, also amid floral/ scroll work. All in the best traditions of the German Scheutzen organizations. The elaborate trigger guard/ lever exhibits scroll engraving surrounding the intertwined, gold inlaid, letters, F H, on the bow. Other surfaces of the lever also display scroll and cross hatch engraving. Adjustable double set triggers, locking lever at the rear of the trigger plate. Scroll engraving at the rear of the receiver and tang with provisions for attaching tang sights/ scope posts. Massive Scheutzen style butt with extension on the toe of the butt plate that terminates in a scroll. Mechanically perfect, mint bore. The round portion of the barrel retains 99% of a bright mirror blue. The balance of the gun retains much original blue, mixing with smooth gray patina, very nice. The wood is perfect, retaining 99% of an old varnish finish. A beautiful rifle in a very desirable caliber.
Cased, Engraved, Superb Condition 7mm Belgian Pinfire Revolver. Frame, cylinder and barrel housing deeply engraved with leaf motifs. Recoil shields and straps with leaf and vine motifs. Double action, folding trigger, the trigger return spring apparently weak/broken, else mechanically fine. Belgian proof on the cylinder. Gun retains 80% of the original bright blue, the balance smooth and clean. Ebony grips. Leather covered case with brass tacks, brass lid and key escutcheons. Casing is lined in red wool felt with two compartments, one containing eight of the original cartridges, the other the key. Casing overall about perfect. A pretty little gun with an impressive presentation.
Exceptional Archive Circa 1939-1940 Belonging to J. C. "Cal" Rose, Sheriff of Gray County, Texas, including His Badge, Two Colt Revolvers, Handcuffs, Tooled-Leather Portfolio and Scrapbook. On January 2, 1939, J. C. "Cal" Rose was sworn in as the elected sheriff of Gray County, Texas, having run a campaign promising to wage war on "honky tonks", gambling and drunk driving, not a popular platform for certain elements in this Texas panhandle county. Less than a month after being sworn in, Cal Rose faced his first challenge as sheriff. On January 30, 1939, he and two of his men entered a local honky tonk and an argument shortly ensued between them and the club's owner, J. D. White. Guns were drawn, shots were fired, and when the smoke cleared one of Rose's men lay dead, and Rose had dispatched the club owner with six .45 bullets to the chest. An account of the incident appeared in the following day's edition of The Pampa Press, which read in part: "They were standing only two or three feet apart and facing one another...Rose is said to have ducked and bullets believed to have been fired at him drilled Otis Hendrix [a constable], who was standing directly behind him...Six bullets were found in White's chest. He was instantly killed." Included in this superb lot is the very pistol Rose used to dispatch White, a nickel-plated Colt single action Army revolver, serial number 349621. This revolver is accompanied by a provenance letter, dated March 5, 2008, on Colt Manufacturing Company letterhead indicating that this particular weapon was originally shipped to a Fort Worth, Texas store in February of 1927. Also included is a Colt Police Positive .32 caliber revolver, serial number 143552, that Rose had engraved at a local jeweler and gave to his mother for protection after he received threats following the shooting incident. Rose's named Gray County sheriff's badge, a pair of Peerless handcuffs (no key) in leather carrier, his personalized tooled-leather portfolio, and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings chronicling Rose's exploits from 1938 through 1940, including the shooting incident mentioned above, accompanies the lot. The archive is nicely supported with notarized letters of provenance from Rose's grandson. This is a wonderful group with a vivid and documented history.
Remington Smoot New Model No. 3 Caliber .38 Rimfire Short Revolver. Unnumbered, saw handle grip style. Al metal generally smooth, clean, and bright, with traces of the original nickel, just one small area with some light dents on the cylinder. Mechanically fine, excellent bore. Hard rubber grips perfect. Nice example.
Exquisite L. C. Smith Crown Grade Unfired 20 Gauge Shotgun With a Tragic History. The consignor indicates that this superb shotgun was custom made in 1925 for the wife of the man whose 12 gauge Crown Model is being offered in this current auction, but tragically she perished in a shipwreck before she ever used the gun, and it has remained unfired for 84 years. This beautiful 20 gauge L. C. Smith Crown Grade shotgun has a 28" barrel and is serial numbered FWE 85661, manufactured in October 1925. It comprises all of the details of the Crown Grade series including a gilded crown inlaid on top of the lever, remarkably-detailed dog scenes engraved on the lock plates, highly figured, imported walnut stock with checkered grips, and upgraded Hunter One Trigger and ejectors. The barrel extension is decoratively engraved, and the rib is matted. The right barrel is engraved "L.C. SMITH CROWN GRADE" and the left is engraved "HUNTER ARMS Co. Inc. M'F'R'S FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A.". This is one of only 170 Crown Grade 20 gauge shotguns produced by L. C. Smith from 1913 to 1950 and is as much a work of art as it is a superior firearm. A flawless example.
Group of Three Mosin Nagant Rifles, all Caliber 7.62 X 54R. (1) A M91/30 rifle, #16248, bolt, barrel and receiver matching, marked P-27 at breech. Fine condition with most original blue and excellent bore. (2) A Russian M1944 carbine, dated 1946, #10H3332, matching, with sling. (3) Polish M1944 carbine dated 1952 #MIK04357, matching with sling, both mint. Nice grouping of the standard Russian military rifle through World Wars I and II, and heavily used in the early stages of the Vietnam War.
Very Fine Swiss K31, Schmidt Rubin, 7.5 X 55 MM, Straight Pull Bolt Action Rifle, #923031 Matching. Gun retains 90% original blue, perfect action, excellent bore. Excellent markings, wood about perfect. Includes the original sling, importers mark at breech. Exceptionally nice example of this novel and well built pre-WWII military rifle.
Very Fine M24/47 8mm Czech Mauser, #B5570 Matching. Fine action, excellent markings, perfect bore. The gun retains 95% of the original bright blue. Excellent wood. Choice example.
Near Mint Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle, Caliber .348 Winchester, #19155, Manufactured 1941. A beautiful rifle with just some minor blue wear on the underside of the receiver, edges of the lever, loading gate and butt plate. Wood also near perfect with just a few minor scratches. Mint bore, no swivels. A truly exceptional example of this very desirable Winchester.
About Mint Browning BAR Semi Automatic Rifle Caliber .270 Winchester, #137 PR 22962. With factory mounted Leupold Vari-X III 3.5 X 10 50 mm scope, manufactured without open sights. An absolute superb example of the Portuguese assemble version of this exquisite quality rifle. Just a couple of very light scratches on the receiver, negligible, else overall about perfect. A beautiful Browning rifle.
Exceptional Condition Garate Anitua Tigre Saddle Ring Carbine, Caliber .44L, #A24789. An exact copy of the M1892 Winchester, produced circa 1920 by this Spanish gunmaker, these guns generally surface showing very heavy use, this being an exceptionally fine example. Gun retains 90% original bright blue and case colors, with just a couple very minor spots of surface rust/salt and peppering, negligible. Wood also about perfect. Mechanically perfect, mint bore, deep crisp markings, including tiger log on left side of frame, with what appear to be original sling swivels. A superior example of this well made Winchester copy.
Smith & Wesson Safety Third Model D.A. Revolver. Caliber .32. Serial 184797. Nickel plated frame and barrel with blued trigger guard, pearl grips. Company name and address barrel marking. Very good.
Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver. Caliber .38 Special. Serial number 926778. Blued finish, wooden grips, lanyard ring mounted to butt, frame, barrel and cylinder match, with some wear to the highlights, otherwise very good condition.
Smith & Wesson Double Action Second Model Revolver. Caliber .38. Serial number 52260. Nickel-plated finish remains strong, hard rubber grips in excellent condition. Mechanically sound with an excellent bore.
Trio of Spanish Astra Compact Semi-Automatic Pistols. Includes a caliber .22 short "Cub", serial number 143217, in the original box, with some light pitting on the slide; a caliber .22 short "Camper" (essentially a Cub with a 4" barrel), serial number 130927, in excellent condition; and a nicely engraved Astra 200, with pearl grips in .25 caliber (6.35), serial number 776373, in excellent condition.
Jäger Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 7.65. Serial number 5848. A well-worn example of this type with "Jäger-Pistole. DRP Angem." on the left side of the slide and crown "N" proofs on the left side of the slide. The magazine is numbered to the gun and the plastic grips are complete and unbroken. About 5,500 of this type were made prior to 1914.
Remington-Elliot Derringer. Caliber .32 rimfire. Sound mechanical condition with traces of a more recent attempt at refinishing.
Crisp, Untouched, David F. Clark Inspected Colt .45 Caliber Single Action Army Revolver, #81986 Matching, Manufactured 1882. Gun overall generally smooth and gray with some scattered traces of finish and just some minor scattered salt and peppering, completely untouched with a great "look." Action tight and crisp, excellent bore. All screw heads crisp, excellent markings, including inspector's marks on frame, barrel and cylinder. Grips really excellent, retaining most of the original varnish, with just some minor wear along the bottom edge and a few scratches. A really attractive martially marked Colt single action, in very desirable untouched condition.
Mint, Unfired, Consecutively Serial-numbered, Cased set of Caliber .22 Short Colt Civil War Centennial Revolvers, 1961. #16158 and #16159 with the original registration certificates dated December 5, 1961. Original Colt casing with gilt decoration including all original paperwork, instructions etc. The finest available.
Very Nice Winchester M1866 Third Model Musket, Caliber .44 Rimfire, #77647, Manufactured 1871. All metal generally smooth and dark gray with just a few tiny patches of light pitting, minor. Mechanically crisp, very good bore, and good markings. Complete and original in every respect. Wood also very nice with just some scattered dents commensurate with normal use and the remains of an old varnish finish. An attractive and desirable M1866.
Winchester Model 72 .22 Caliber, Bolt Action, Tubular Feed Rifle. Sporting rifle configuration. Winchester hard rubber butt plate, open sights, etc. A flat black hard rubber cap is attached to the underside of the pistol grip. with a screw, otherwise complete and original in every respect. Metal retains about 98% original blue with just some hardened grease and a few minor spots of surface rust, all of which would clean nicely. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Correct sling swivels with period sling. Wood about perfect. Nice example of this desirable Winchester .22 manufactured from 1938 to 1959.
Colt Frontier Scout '62 Single Action .22 Caliber Revolver, #5534P. 4.75" barrel. Overall about mint with "dipped" frame and blued barrel. Mechanically perfect, mint bore. Faux stag grips with silver Colt medallion. Choice example of this increasingly collectible Colt .22 revolver.
Winchester Model 1894 Carbine Caliber .30 W. C. F. #1663361, Manufactured 1950. Very fine, retaining 99% of the original blue with just some hardened grease, crisp markings, mechanically perfect, as is the bore. Steel buttplate, hooded front sight. Wood also about perfect. Choice example of this classic Winchester carbine.
Winchester M1894 Rifle, #2001474. Although we are of the opinion this is a factory error. 26" octagonal barrel, caliber .25-35. Metal generally smooth and dark gray, with the exception of the receiver which is cleaned bright. The markings have been removed from the tang, the front sight is an old replacement, and the rear sight ramp has a nicely done old repair. Wood missing chips on either side of the tang at the receiver, else very good with nice smooth patina. A readily restorable 1894 rifle in a very desirable caliber.
Model 1888 Turkish Commission Rifle. 8mm. Essentially a standard German Gew 88, these rifles, altered to accept the 1905 "S" cartridges, were provided to Turkey by her German allies in WWI. This example has mismatched numbers (as is common) and a mixture of German and Turkish parts, also common. The receiver is marked with a Loewe, Berlin maker's mark, Turkish crescent, and date of 1891. Good condition.
Model 1889 U. S. "Trapdoor" Rifle. Caliber .45-70. Serial number 542853. A handsome Springfield Armory manufactured example, complete with bayonet ramrod, one-piece trigger guard, corrugated trigger, and trap for tools in the butt. The wood, sans cartouches, is quite nice. There is a light layer of surface rust on the barrel and the lock plate is slightly pitted, otherwise it is a perfect candidate for display.
1981 Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver in the Original Box. Caliber .44-40. Serial number SA56055. In as new condition with beautiful color case hardening, in the original Styrofoam inner protective box and the original outer box. The trigger has been accurized by a noted gunsmith.
Photographs: Three Military Images. Includes: a cabinet card of a United States Ordnance Corps sergeant inspecting a Spanish deck gun used in the defense of Manila in the Spanish American War, 4" x 6.5", taken by Centro Artístico Fotográfico in Manila, the top is inscribed in ink, "Merry Xmas & Happy New Year"; a tintype of two Spanish American War era Pennsylvania soldiers clowning in the photographer's studio, 2.25" x 3.5", with clipped corners; and a tintype of two British soldiers, one mounted trooper and the other from a foot regiment, 2" x 3", clipped corners. All show modest wear, else very good or better.
Group of Six Unopened Boxes of Ten Each .50 Caliber Spencer Blank Cartridges. All in about perfect condition with original blue/green printed paper labels "10/ Rim-Primed Blank Cartridges/ Spencer Carbine, Cal: .50./ Frankford Arsenal, 1870". Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Exceptional condition and rarely encountered.
Group of Five Unopened Packs of Ten Each .50 Caliber Spencer Rimfire Blank Cartridges. All about mint with the original blue/green printed paper label, "10/ Rim-Fired Blank Cartridges/ Spencer carbine, Cal. .50./ Frankford Arsenal, 1870". Obtained by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Nice group and scarce in this condition.
Model of a German Prisoner of War's Dream House Built at Camp Livingston, Louisiana. This amazing project was constructed by Unteroffizier Erwin Lederer of Kreis Backnang, Württemberg during his internment as a prisoner of war in World War II. Lederer was held at the POW facility at Camp Livingston, Louisiana. During the day he and the other POWs would work cutting lumber and in the evenings he would work on his dream house. Using little more than cardboard, crate wood, milk cartons, office glue, and paint, Lederer carefully cut, pasted, and painted a model of the home he dreamed of building upon his return to Germany. He named the project "Villa Lotte" after his fiancée. Each piece; from the trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, flower pots, and lawn furniture are numbered and meticulously placed on the base along with the chain border for the walkways and the picket fence that surrounds the house. There are cut-outs of Lederer's German Sheppard dog, a housekeeper, and his future wife in evening dress. The base measures 24.5" x 33" and the house is 16.5" high when placed on the base. The windows are cellophane and the house is wired for electricity, the lights powered by four period dry cell batteries (included but not functional). The entire house fits into a specially constructed box, also out of cardboard and bits of wood, for eventual shipment to Germany. That was not to be. United States authorities denied Lederer's request to ship his project home. Rather than abandon his dream home on a trash heap, Lederer gave it to a translator at the camp. He was able to take it home. For the last sixty years it has been packed away in that veteran's attic. The house comes with five pages of instructions on the assembly of the house and grounds and notes on the materials used (in German). The notes also mention that Lederer spent 700 hours building his home. Some minor wear, else in very good condition.
Autographs
Hiram Percy Maxim Archive, containing a truly unique collection of numerous blueprints, pamphlets, patents, official documents, and various manuscripts concerning the Maxim Silencer. Hiram P. Maxim was the son of Hiram S. Maxim (inventor of the machine gun) and nephew of Hudson Maxim (inventor of smokeless gunpowder). This archive includes six original blueprints for silencers (and related parts) from Maxim's Silent Firearms Co. of New York, including one for "Springfield .30 Experiment with #5 Barrel shortened 6", June 28, 1908 (23.5" x 17"). Five others (all 17.75" x 11.5") are all dated 1908-1909.
Also included are various documents, copies of letters, and official patent papers from Italy, Germany, France, and Argentina, all dated around 1911 and dealing with Maxim's Silencer patent. Some examples: One copy of a letter from a French weapons manufacturer, who is interested in buying the patent, asking for a "new specimen" of the Maxim Silencer to see if improvement has been made; a four page document issued by Hiram P. Maxim, in December 1908, to the French National Office of the Industrial Property (in French) entitled "Improvements with the Apparatuses reducing the Noise of the Discharge of the Firearms," with a diagram of the relevant parts of a firearm; a check issued to Hiram P. Maxim from the Maxim Silent Firearms Co. (1911) and endorsed by him on verso; a newspaper clipping of a "Maxim Silencer" advertisement (ca. 1915); and much more. All items are in very good to fine condition, with all documents doubtless 'one of a kind'. An important firearms related archive.
Also included are various documents, copies of letters, and official patent papers from Italy, Germany, France, and Argentina, all dated around 1911 and dealing with Maxim's Silencer patent. Some examples: One copy of a letter from a French weapons manufacturer, who is interested in buying the patent, asking for a "new specimen" of the Maxim Silencer to see if improvement has been made; a four page document issued by Hiram P. Maxim, in December 1908, to the French National Office of the Industrial Property (in French) entitled "Improvements with the Apparatuses reducing the Noise of the Discharge of the Firearms," with a diagram of the relevant parts of a firearm; a check issued to Hiram P. Maxim from the Maxim Silent Firearms Co. (1911) and endorsed by him on verso; a newspaper clipping of a "Maxim Silencer" advertisement (ca. 1915); and much more. All items are in very good to fine condition, with all documents doubtless 'one of a kind'. An important firearms related archive.
Military & Patriotic
Horstmann Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber and Polish WZ 98 Bayonet and Scabbard. A diverse and interesting lot featuring an attractive, and classic Horstmann-made 1860 cavalry saber, without scabbard and missing the wire wraps in very good condition and a Polish bayonet with bright blade, marked "WZ.98" on the pommel, in a green-painted scabbard, in excellent condition.
Francis Bannerman & Sons "Cadet Rifle," Circa 1890. Oft identified as "Civil War training rifles," these unique pieces were fabricated by Bannerman's in the late 19th century for sale to military academies/boy's schools in an attempt to dispose of the huge quantities of surplus arms and parts in their inventory. While generically very similar, few are identical. This example employs Bannerman cast butt plate and breech. The trigger guard, stock and bands appear to be from a .45-70, as is the 5.5" barrel section at the muzzle, the balance of the barrel being wood. The lock is a U.S. Springfield, 1863 (as are most of these) and this example incorporates the unusual detail of a double strap brass front barrel band from the U.S. M1841 Mississippi rifle. Excellent condition including the original "ramrod." An interesting American arms curiosity.
Group of Three Items. (1) U.S. M1873 trowel bayonet in near mint condition. Socket retains 98% of the original bright blue with Pat. Apr 16 72 mark on the side. Blade with just a few tiny patches of salt and peppering else perfect. There is no scabbard. (2) A U.S. M1873 .45-70 socket bayonet with the M1887 scabbard/frog. Bayonet and scabbard near perfect with just some light surface rust on the scabbard, both retaining 90% original blue. Frog with some crazing and 1" seam opening at the scabbard. (3) An M1874 alteration of a M1858 smooth side canteen marked "J. H. Johnson & Co./ Feb 5. 65" on the pewter spout. Retains stopper and chain, both of which appear to be period replacements, canvas cover showing heavy wear with a couple of holes, one sling loop replaced.
Lot of Five U.S. WWII to Present Bayonets. Includes an imported M-1 Garand bayonet with scabbard; Milpar M5 bayonet in M8A1 scabbard; Milpar M6 bayonet in M8A1 scabbard, Ontario M7 bayonet in plastic scabbard; and Phrobis III M9 bayonet in green nylon scabbard with wire cutting attachment. All examples in very good condition.
Lot of Five European Bayonets including a Swiss Model 1863 "Peabody" socket bayonet, cruciform blade, no maker's mark but with serial number, no scabbard, in excellent condition; German Mauser bayonet, wood handles, blued blade, missing the spring button and release mechanism, in a metal scabbard missing the throat piece, in good condition; French Model 1874 Gras bayonet, dated 1877, in matching numbered metal scabbard, bright blade in very good condition; French Model 1866 Chassepot saber bayonet, dated 1871, complete with metal scabbard, bright blade in very good condition; and a German Model 1898-style bayonet, unmarked, with bright plated blade, in a leather scabbard with nickel tip and throat, in excellent condition.
U. S. M1863 Remington Zouave Bayonet and M1870 Springfield Navy Bayonet. The Remington Zouave bayonet bears a "B.H." inspector mark on the brass handle and "L" mark on the cross guard. The blade is mottled with some light pitting and a small chip to the blade 4" from the point, otherwise it is in very good condition. The M1870 navy bayonet was manufactured by Ames and marked "U.S.N. / G.G.S. / 1870" on the reverse of the blade. It features the distinctive scaled brass grip with crossed cannon/anchor design cast into the pommel. The blade is slightly mottled, otherwise it is in very good condition.
Nice Group of Indian Wars-period U.S. Military Insignia. A single gold bullion embroidered 2d lieutenant of staff shoulder board with black velvet background. Coiled brass wire border loose, else excellent. This board is in fact probably Civil War period. A pair of perfect condition major general shoulder straps. Border gold bullion, stars silver, on an orange background, with the shadow of a now missing piece of insignia between the stars. These are probably late 19th century. A pair of heavy gold bullion embroidered brigadier general's epaulettes, circa 1880. Staff buttons with silver bullion stars. Boards with red Moroccan leather undersides and brass attaching bars marked right and left. Pads with maroon velvet undersides. Shadow of a circular unit insignia, now missing on the boards. Overall about perfect condition. Nice group.
Japan: Japanese Order of the Golden Kite, Fourth or Fifth Class Badge. 1 7/8" x 2", in silver gilt and multicolor enamels, unmarked. The Order of the Golden Kite was an order of the Empire of Japan, established on February 12, 1890, by Emperor Meiji as an exclusively military award, conferred for bravery, leadership, or command in battle. The order consisted of seven classes, of which this is the badge of either the fourth or fifth class, the difference being if a rosette is on the ribbon (missing). The badge depicts a golden kite, a messenger of the kami as described in the ancient Japanese chronicle Nihon Shoki, which helped Emperor Jimmu defeat his enemies in battle. The golden kite stands on an eight-pointed star with 32 rays enameled in red. Below the kite are two crossed ancient samurai shields, enameled blue, with two crossed swords enameled yellow, with silver hilts. On one side is a halberd (enameled green with white trappings), with the mitsu tomoe Shinto symbol on red banners. The reverse side is plain. The order of the Golden Kite was officially abolished in 1947. Slight enamel loss at the point on the bottom left ray and a missing suspension ring, else very fine.
Bronze Medal Awarded to the Remington Arms Co. at the Louisville, Kentucky Southern Exposition, 1883. 74mm x 8mm thick, bronze table medal, the obverse depicting the exposition hall, Kentucky seal and motifs representing the exhibits at the exposition. Reverse bordered by a laurel/oak leaf wreath encircling the following legend, "Awarded To/ E. Remington & Sons/ For/ Best Gun/ 1883". Absolutely exquisite quality, obviously unique and, as with the previous medal, a superb adjunct to a Remington collection.
Bronze Medal Awarded to the Remington Arms Co. at the Louisville, Kentucky Southern Exposition in 1883. 74mm x 8mm thick bronze table medal, the obverse depicting the exhibition hall, Kentucky seal and motifs representing exhibits at the exposition. Reverse bordered by a laurel/oak leaf wreath encircling the following inscription, "Awarded To/ E. Remington & Sons/ For Simplicity &/ Durability of Parts/ 1883". Medal of absolutely exquisite quality, in perfect condition, and obviously unique. A superb adjunct to a Remington collection.
Edo Period Japanese Sword in Exceptional Condition. Nakago is marked "Made by Minamoto no Nobukuni Matasaemon Yoshimasa" on the obverse and "Tenpo Year 15 Kinoe Tatsu Second Month Day" on the reverse. This would place the age of this sword at February, 1844. The nagasa is 78cm, and the nakago 24cm. The blade displays a clear wide slightly wavy temper line. Raised gold inlay on the habaki, tsuba, kashira, menuki, and ishizuke. The scabbard is richly lacquered in brown and copper tones. This sword can be narrowed down to four smiths by this name during this time period. A beautiful example.
Japanese Sword Cane. The nagasa is 61.5cm, and the nakago about 20cm. There are a few areas of light pitting to the blade, yet it remains moderately bright. The case and handle are in the form of a tree branch, and the overall appearance is quite handsome.
Sterling and Crystal Tiffany Inkwell to General Robert L. Meade, U.S.M.C., 1903. 3" high x 3.5" in diameter, marked "Tiffany & Co. Makers" and "Sterling". This magnificent inkwell has a hinged sterling top hand-engraved with the United States Marine Corps eagle-globe-anchor insignia and the initials "RLM" in a Victorian script. The sterling collar is also hand-engraved with, "To Gen. R. L. Meade from N. C. Officers U.S.M.C. Brooklyn, N.Y. Feby. 15th, 1903". As the inscription states, the inkwell was a gift to Meade by the non-commissioned Marine officers of the Brooklyn Navy Yard upon his promotion to the rank of general. Minor chips, else fine.
Robert L. Meade was the nephew of General George Meade, the hero of Gettysburg, and the son of Commodore Richard Meade. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Robert Meade was given the command of the Second Marine Corps at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. He received his first Brevet for gallantry for a night attack at Fort Sumter where he was captured. He spent fifteen months in a Southern prison camp. During the Spanish-American War Meade was assigned to sea duty as Marine Commander of the Atlantic Fleet aboard the USS New York. Then Colonel Meade was posted with the China Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion, participating in the Battle of Tiensin. In November 1900 Meade was given command of the Marine detachment at the Brooklyn Navy Yards. President Theodore Roosevelt promoted Meade to the rank of general prior to his being placed on the retired list. Meade died in 1910.
Robert L. Meade was the nephew of General George Meade, the hero of Gettysburg, and the son of Commodore Richard Meade. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Robert Meade was given the command of the Second Marine Corps at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. He received his first Brevet for gallantry for a night attack at Fort Sumter where he was captured. He spent fifteen months in a Southern prison camp. During the Spanish-American War Meade was assigned to sea duty as Marine Commander of the Atlantic Fleet aboard the USS New York. Then Colonel Meade was posted with the China Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion, participating in the Battle of Tiensin. In November 1900 Meade was given command of the Marine detachment at the Brooklyn Navy Yards. President Theodore Roosevelt promoted Meade to the rank of general prior to his being placed on the retired list. Meade died in 1910.
Mexico: Mexican Air Force General de Ala Gonzalo Acosta Fernández, Early Dress Uniform, Medals, and Insignia. Gonzalo Acosta Fernández was born in 1903, attended the Escuela Militar de Aeronautica, and joined the aviation branch of the Mexican Army in the 1920s. He was the son of Mexican Army General de Brigada Gonzalo Acosta Mason, whose uniforms, spiked helmet, and cocked hat are also offered in this auction. In a distinguished career that spanned more than forty years, Acosta Fernández made history when he became the first Mexican aviator to break the sound barrier at El Centro, California. He was an instructor at the Escuela Militar de Aeronautica and ended his military career with the rank of General de Ala. Included in this grouping are:
An early Mexican Air Force uniform with jacket and trousers. The black wool uniform has a standing black velvet collar with black tabs on which are embroidered winged propeller insignia in gold and silver bullion wire. On the chest of the jacket is an early bullion embroidered eagle in flight, 3.25", with a purple rectangle upon which are the letters "F. A. M." [Fuerza Aérea Mexicana] and below, the Mexican Air Force triangular insignia. Each shoulder has a gold lace strap edged in purple. There are three gold lace stripes above a black velvet cuff with purple trim. The jacket is single breasted with seven button holes (the buttons have been cut off, but are included). There are three large buttons on each coat tail. The uniform trousers have a button fly and a 2" purple stripe down each leg.
A grouping of seven medals awarded to General Acosta Fernández: the Medal for Teaching Merit [Condecoración al Mérito Docente] for instructors at higher military schools who discharge their duties in an exemplary manner for at least three years. The medal in gilt metal and enamels consists of an eight-pointed star of multiple rays, with blue central medallion bearing head of Aztec chieftain Cuauhtémoc behind the head of the goddess Athena, enclosed within a white band inscribed, "Mérito Docente Militar". A green wreath of laurel surrounds the white band. Suspended from a ribbon with three equal stripes of red-green-red, with a gilt bar at top; the a medal from the Ex-Students Association of the Original School of Military Aeronautics [La Asociacion ex Alumnos Extinta Escuela Militar de Aeronáutica] in gilt metal and enamels with an eight-pointed star of multiple rays, with purple central medallion bearing a gilt winged propeller, enclosed within a white band inscribed, "Asociacion Escuela Militar de Aeronáutica". Suspended from a purple ribbon with three equal stripes of green-white-red, with a gilt bar at top; Five long service medals [Condecoración al Perseverancia] for faithful, uninterrupted periods of military service from 5th Class (15 years) to 1st Class (35 years) in gilt metal and enamels. All have the original ribbons and suspension bars.
A large group of insignia including: a Mexican pilot wing presented to Gonzalo Acosta Fernández by General Alberto Vieitis del Rio, General Acosta Fernández's shoulder boards, hat insignia, and collar badges.
This is a particularly fine set of Mexican Air Force material from one of Mexico's notable military families. All items are very fine condition.
An early Mexican Air Force uniform with jacket and trousers. The black wool uniform has a standing black velvet collar with black tabs on which are embroidered winged propeller insignia in gold and silver bullion wire. On the chest of the jacket is an early bullion embroidered eagle in flight, 3.25", with a purple rectangle upon which are the letters "F. A. M." [Fuerza Aérea Mexicana] and below, the Mexican Air Force triangular insignia. Each shoulder has a gold lace strap edged in purple. There are three gold lace stripes above a black velvet cuff with purple trim. The jacket is single breasted with seven button holes (the buttons have been cut off, but are included). There are three large buttons on each coat tail. The uniform trousers have a button fly and a 2" purple stripe down each leg.
A grouping of seven medals awarded to General Acosta Fernández: the Medal for Teaching Merit [Condecoración al Mérito Docente] for instructors at higher military schools who discharge their duties in an exemplary manner for at least three years. The medal in gilt metal and enamels consists of an eight-pointed star of multiple rays, with blue central medallion bearing head of Aztec chieftain Cuauhtémoc behind the head of the goddess Athena, enclosed within a white band inscribed, "Mérito Docente Militar". A green wreath of laurel surrounds the white band. Suspended from a ribbon with three equal stripes of red-green-red, with a gilt bar at top; the a medal from the Ex-Students Association of the Original School of Military Aeronautics [La Asociacion ex Alumnos Extinta Escuela Militar de Aeronáutica] in gilt metal and enamels with an eight-pointed star of multiple rays, with purple central medallion bearing a gilt winged propeller, enclosed within a white band inscribed, "Asociacion Escuela Militar de Aeronáutica". Suspended from a purple ribbon with three equal stripes of green-white-red, with a gilt bar at top; Five long service medals [Condecoración al Perseverancia] for faithful, uninterrupted periods of military service from 5th Class (15 years) to 1st Class (35 years) in gilt metal and enamels. All have the original ribbons and suspension bars.
A large group of insignia including: a Mexican pilot wing presented to Gonzalo Acosta Fernández by General Alberto Vieitis del Rio, General Acosta Fernández's shoulder boards, hat insignia, and collar badges.
This is a particularly fine set of Mexican Air Force material from one of Mexico's notable military families. All items are very fine condition.
Mexico: Mexican Army General de Brigada Gonzalo Acosta Mason, Dress and Undress Uniforms with Spiked Helmet (Pickelhaube ) and Fore-and-Aft Hat, 1905-1910. General Acosta Mason's spectacular uniforms and headgear conform to the Mexican Army uniform regulations that were introduced in 1905, in the last days of the long rule of President Porfirio Díaz, and were made obsolete by the Mexican Revolution in 1910. The 1905 regulations were a curious mix of German, French, and British military fashions. Officers were required to purchase their uniforms and headgear, but the tremendous expense kept most officers, including general officers, from actually acquiring a full set. Included in General Acosta Mason's five-piece wardrobe are:
Mexican General Officer Pickelhaube Helmet, German made, of lacquered leather with a highly detailed front plate of a spread-wing Mexican eagle in mercury-gilded brass. The plate retains almost all of its original gilding with the high areas lightly polished to provide contrast to the lower frosted areas. The plate is affixed by two screw posts. The helmet has a fluted spike, a smooth spike, and two parade plumes, one with green and white swan feathers, and the other, with black feathers. The Perlring is "officer pattern" on a cruciform spike base with frosted star mounts. The squared front visor has rounded trim. The rear spine is high quality with channels on both sides. The chin-scales are gilded with covered mounts. The officer cockade has red tips, a silvered ring of diagonal ribbing, and a green painted center. The interior has a calf-skin sweat band with a scalloped top. The skullcap is tan ribbed silk. The underside of the front visor is green and the rear is red. Under the skullcap are several light pencil notations, including "55", the helmet size. The helmet is in the original cloth-lined, lacquered canvas conical box.
Mexican General Officer Cocked or Fore-and-Aft Hat, British made, with a stiff felt base, heavy gold lace, and ostrich feather comb. There is gold twist wire at the points and over a silk cockade of red and green separated by silver wire. The button is a French-made two-piece button with the Mexican eagle above "RM" for República de México. The sweatband is calf and the hat has a white silk lining with the British Royal Arms. The hat has the fitted cloth covered paperboard box, although the lid is missing.
Mexican General Officer Full Dress Tail Coat, 1905, French made, of the finest wool and with spectacular gold bullion wire embroidery. The coat has a standing collar with a single run of gold wire embroidery. The entire coat has gold wire piping, as do the pockets and cuffs. The shoulders have embroidered wire straps. Each tail has a heavy wire Mexican eagle above a wreath of laurel. There is elaborate wire embroidery at the small of the back. The coat is single-breasted with nine French-made two-piece buttons with the Mexican eagle and a riband that reads, "República Méxicana". There are an additional two buttons at the waist in back. The coat is fully lined with silk in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "GA" above a wreath.
Mexican General Officer Service Dress Coat, 1905, French made, of high quality dark blue wool and with gold bullion wire embroidery. The coat has a standing collar with a single run of gold wire embroidery. The coat has gold wire piping at the cuffs and the crossed cannon and grenade for the artillery on the left sleeve. The coat is single-breasted with holes for seven buttons in the front with an additional six button holes on the back of the skirt (all buttons are missing). There are four flap pockets (also without buttons). The coat is fully lined with cotton in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "G" and "A". There is a sword slit at the waist.
Mexican Officer Full Dress Short Coat, pre-1905. The coat is French made, of dark blue worsted wool and with black cord knots and lace. The coat has a standing collar with gold wire grenades at the neck. The coat has three gold lace stripes and red piping at the cuff indicating the rank of colonel in the artillery. The back is covered with black cord and lace in elaborate Austrian knots. The coat is triple-breasted and can accommodate twenty-one buttons. There are only eleven of the original French-made artillery buttons in front with the crossed cannon and grenade, and two at the waist in back. The coat is fully lined with cotton in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "GA".
The older model short coat shows moderate wear. The other two coats, the hat, and the helmet are in very fine or better condition. There is slight separation in the silk satin lining at the back, near the collar, on the 1905 full dress coat. The helmet has some crazing around the spike base and a small bit of lacquered leather loss on the top. The box for the helmet has heat crazing and missing straps, else fine. This is the best Mexican General's uniform and pickelhaube helmet set offered in recent memory.
Mexican General Officer Pickelhaube Helmet, German made, of lacquered leather with a highly detailed front plate of a spread-wing Mexican eagle in mercury-gilded brass. The plate retains almost all of its original gilding with the high areas lightly polished to provide contrast to the lower frosted areas. The plate is affixed by two screw posts. The helmet has a fluted spike, a smooth spike, and two parade plumes, one with green and white swan feathers, and the other, with black feathers. The Perlring is "officer pattern" on a cruciform spike base with frosted star mounts. The squared front visor has rounded trim. The rear spine is high quality with channels on both sides. The chin-scales are gilded with covered mounts. The officer cockade has red tips, a silvered ring of diagonal ribbing, and a green painted center. The interior has a calf-skin sweat band with a scalloped top. The skullcap is tan ribbed silk. The underside of the front visor is green and the rear is red. Under the skullcap are several light pencil notations, including "55", the helmet size. The helmet is in the original cloth-lined, lacquered canvas conical box.
Mexican General Officer Cocked or Fore-and-Aft Hat, British made, with a stiff felt base, heavy gold lace, and ostrich feather comb. There is gold twist wire at the points and over a silk cockade of red and green separated by silver wire. The button is a French-made two-piece button with the Mexican eagle above "RM" for República de México. The sweatband is calf and the hat has a white silk lining with the British Royal Arms. The hat has the fitted cloth covered paperboard box, although the lid is missing.
Mexican General Officer Full Dress Tail Coat, 1905, French made, of the finest wool and with spectacular gold bullion wire embroidery. The coat has a standing collar with a single run of gold wire embroidery. The entire coat has gold wire piping, as do the pockets and cuffs. The shoulders have embroidered wire straps. Each tail has a heavy wire Mexican eagle above a wreath of laurel. There is elaborate wire embroidery at the small of the back. The coat is single-breasted with nine French-made two-piece buttons with the Mexican eagle and a riband that reads, "República Méxicana". There are an additional two buttons at the waist in back. The coat is fully lined with silk in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "GA" above a wreath.
Mexican General Officer Service Dress Coat, 1905, French made, of high quality dark blue wool and with gold bullion wire embroidery. The coat has a standing collar with a single run of gold wire embroidery. The coat has gold wire piping at the cuffs and the crossed cannon and grenade for the artillery on the left sleeve. The coat is single-breasted with holes for seven buttons in the front with an additional six button holes on the back of the skirt (all buttons are missing). There are four flap pockets (also without buttons). The coat is fully lined with cotton in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "G" and "A". There is a sword slit at the waist.
Mexican Officer Full Dress Short Coat, pre-1905. The coat is French made, of dark blue worsted wool and with black cord knots and lace. The coat has a standing collar with gold wire grenades at the neck. The coat has three gold lace stripes and red piping at the cuff indicating the rank of colonel in the artillery. The back is covered with black cord and lace in elaborate Austrian knots. The coat is triple-breasted and can accommodate twenty-one buttons. There are only eleven of the original French-made artillery buttons in front with the crossed cannon and grenade, and two at the waist in back. The coat is fully lined with cotton in the sleeves and black satin in the body. Stitched into the lining in green thread are the initials "GA".
The older model short coat shows moderate wear. The other two coats, the hat, and the helmet are in very fine or better condition. There is slight separation in the silk satin lining at the back, near the collar, on the 1905 full dress coat. The helmet has some crazing around the spike base and a small bit of lacquered leather loss on the top. The box for the helmet has heat crazing and missing straps, else fine. This is the best Mexican General's uniform and pickelhaube helmet set offered in recent memory.
Mexico: Breast Star of the Order of the Aztec Eagle. Gilt sterling silver and enamels, 2.25". The highest decoration awarded by the Republic of Mexico to foreigners was created by decree on December 29, 1933, as a reward to services given to Mexico or humankind. Among the recipients of the Order of the Aztec Eagle are: Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The round star is shaped like an Aztec calendar with a light blue enamel center upon which is superimposed is an Aztec eagle with a snake in his beak. The back is stamped "MA-23 925" and has a maker's mark. Very fine.
WWI Aviation: Austrian Pilot's Silver Engraved Presentation Cigarette Case, Circa 1917. 3.25" x 4.5".The plain silver case has an applied brass Austrian pilot badge. The gilt interior of the case is hand-engraved, "Drei fach war Dir heute das Glück hold 'höze es Dir auch andauernd bleiben,'/ Im Felde, 20./3. 1918 / Artur" [Three times today your luck held, 'let's hope it continues to remain with you,'/ In the field, 20./3. 1918 / Artur ]. The inside of the case is marked on each side and the thumb-piece with maker's mark "JR" and the Diana head with "A" and "2" for Vienna and 900 silver. The applied pilot badge is two-piece construction, with the Austrian crown at the top and a shield with the Emperor Karl's cypher below. The badge retains only small bits of the original enamel, minor surface wear, else near very fine.
Lothar von Trotha: German East Africa Military (Schutztruppe) Engraved Presentation Silver Cigarette Case, 1900. 3.75" x 2.25". The ribbed silver case is stamped on the inside lid with the German crescent and crown silver mark and "800". The lid has an applied East African Schutztruppe Südwester, the iconic hat used by German East African officers. The case is hand-engraved on the inside lid, "Cramer s/l [to his dear friend] v. Trotha" and "Muanza 1900". General Lothar von Trotha was a professional Prussian military officer who, in 1894, commanded the Colonial Force, the Schutztruppe, in German East Africa and successfully suppressed native uprisings in the German colony. In 1900, he was temporarily posted to Imperial China as German Brigade Commander of the East Asian Expedition Corps during the Boxer Rebellion. In 1904 von Trotha was appointed Commander in Chief of German South West Africa and directed to crush the native Herero Rebellion. He did so reducing the Herero population from 80,000 to 15,000. Muanza, on the banks of Lake Victoria, was a major military center in German East Africa. Gilt interior. Very fine.
World War I: Sculpture, "Bomb Thrower" by P. Botto, Florence, Italy. 6.5" x 7" high, bronze mounted on a painted onyx stone base, unsigned. The subject is a running World War One Italian soldier wearing an Adrian helmet throwing a discus-shaped hand grenade. There is the original paper tag on the bottom that reads, "P. Botto, Frenze, Torino". There is some roughness at the right shoulder, else very fine. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Holocaust: Document Issued by Swedish Red Cross under the Authority of Raoul Wallenberg in Budapest, Hungary in 1944 Giving Protection to a Jewish Woman Doctor. The document is one page, 8" x 11", Budapest, Hungary, October 14, 1944, on Swedish Red Cross Stationary, in Hungarian and German. An approximate translation reads, "We certify hereby that Miss Marianne Krieger is a member of the branch of the Swedish Red Cross in Hungary and is therefore under our protection. We ask the authorities to grant to the above the utmost support in her activities." The woman pictured and mentioned in the document was actually an Austrian Jewish chemist who, in 1942, walked from Vienna to Budapest in hopes of finding refuge from the Nazis in Hungary. For a while she lived with relative comfort and security, but in March 1944 Germany occupied Hungary. The Nazis and their Hungarian allies, the Arrow Cross Party, deported nearly 440,000 Jews to concentration camps, primarily Auschwitz. When Raoul Wallenberg arrived in Budapest in July 1944, for the express purpose of saving Jewish lives, this lady sought his help and protection. He had this document issued in her assumed name, thereby saving her life. Most of the documents Wallenberg issued were Schutz-Pass, "protective passports", which identified the bearers as Swedish subjects awaiting repatriation and thus prevented their deportation. This rare document has minor weakness at the folds, else fine. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI American Red Cross Complete Women's Foreign Service Uniform. Another fabulous uniform from the archives of the American Red Cross consisting of a standard Oxford gray whipcord wool foreign service tunic with an Abercrombie & Fitch tailor's tag and horizon blue Department of Military Relief collar flashes, one enameled Red Cross shoulder insignia, and one A.R.C. metal collar insignia. The tunic is complete with matching skirt, green wool double-breasted overcoat with plastic Red Cross buttons, lace-up shoes, and a rare straw hat with wide silk band on which is embroidered a Red Cross insignia. All uniform items are in excellent condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI American Red Cross Woman's Motor Service Tunic, Skirt and Hat. A loden green wool four-button front tunic with attached epaulettes and four patch pockets with matching skirt with two patch pockets. The tunic has a cotton twill "American Red Cross Motor Service" patch on the upper left sleeve. All Red Cross buttons are present, and all hooks, snaps and buttons are present on the skirt. The ensemble is in excellent condition with no moth damage; however the material has aged giving it an overall "greener" appearance. The matching French-style overseas hat is complete with the proper enameled insignia and in excellent condition. There is a Mandel Brothers, Chicago tailor tag removed and inserted one of the pockets. Women's uniforms from the WWI period are not frequently encountered, and seldom in this condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross Women's WWI Service Uniform and Hat. Lot includes a standard Red Cross satin-lined four-pocket black wool tunic with four plastic Red Cross button front, metal A.R.C. collar devices and matching skirt with integral satin blouse. Rounding out the lot is a matching felt fedora-style hat. The satin blouse is tender, with several tears, otherwise the rest of the ensemble is in very good condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross WWI Artillery Shell Donation Display. This fantastic (and extremely heavy) artillery shell measures approximately 22" high and 6" in diameter. A 5" in diameter Red Cross insignia is painted on it's side and two slots are cut near the top of the shell to allow money to be dropped inside. An engraved brass plaque affixed above the Red Cross emblem reads: "6in Common Shell Manufactured by Washington Steel and Ordnance Co. Washington, D. C. Loaned to the American Red Cross". A perfect item for the "war room". From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross Group of Women's Hats and Uniform. An excellent lot featuring five different styles of women's Red Cross hats including a straw Canteen Worker hat (slightly cracked at the crown) with wide red silk band (with significant fraying) and ARC Canteen Worker woven insignia; a WWI foreign service Oxford gray overseas hat with two button front, enameled Red Cross insignia and Air Service winged prop; another fray foreign service overseas hat with enameled Red Cross insignia; yet another overseas variant with stitched-on felt Red Cross insignia; and a WWII green-piped overseas cap. Also included in the lot is a WWII-era navy blue tunic with American Red Cross Nurse shoulder insignia and matching skirt. All items are in excellent condition with the exceptions noted. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI American Red Cross Group. Including two photograph album with scores of original photographs of destruction, wounded soldiers in hospital, chums, aircraft, parades, trenches, ships, etc. taken by an American Red Cross woman in France; three piano rolls in the original boxes - "The Rose of No Man's Land", "Red Cross Girl", and "The American Red Cross March"; two copies of The Work of the American Red Cross During the War published in Washington, D.C. in October of 1919; a 10.5" x 7.5" French commemorative ceramic plaque honoring American Red Cross personnel; and a small lot of insignia including a metal "US" color insignia, pair of Army Nurse Corps collar insignia, Pope Leo XIII medal, and small silk 48-star flag. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Rare American Red Cross Women's Canteen Worker Overcoat and Hats. Another rarity from the archives of the American Red Cross featuring a heavy blue silvertone cloth canteen workers single-breasted overcoat lined in red flannel, fastening down the front with four black plastic buttons, with the cuffs piped in red flannel as well as the scarf collar lined in red flannel, two large patch pockets, belted, and with a single six-month service stripe and woven A.R.C. Canteen Worker insignia on the left sleeve. The matching short brimmed hat has a woven A.R.C. Canteen Worker insignia on the front and red flannel piping around the body. Also included is a gray wool overseas hat with enameled metal Red Cross insignia pinned to the front. All uniform items are in excellent condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI American Red Cross Woman's Foreign Service Uniform. The standard foreign-service uniform of the Red Cross constructed of gray wool (though it has aged giving it a slightly green appearance) and with the dark red collar flashes of the Department of Civilian Relief. The tunic shows a few moth nips and is missing one plastic button on lower right patch pocket, one small plastic button on the left collar flash, and the button on the upper right pocket has detached but is inserted in the pocket. The tunic comes with the matching skirt and an overseas type hat piped in dark red and with an enameled Red Cross metal insignia on the front. Another superb example. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Complete WWI American Red Cross Women's Foreign Service Uniform. A fantastic group in rarity and condition, this lot consists of an Oxford gray whipcord wool belted, single-breasted, four-pocket tunic with horizon blue Department of Military Relief branch of service collar flashes, enameled Red Cross shoulder insignia, and bullion District of Paris, United States Liaison Services to French Army insignia on the left shoulder sleeve. The tunic is complete with matching skirt and canteen-style hat. Also included is a heavy sleeveless horizon blue overcoat, lined in Oxford gray wool, and matching French style overseas hat with enameled Red Cross insignia mounted on front. With the exception of some minor mothing to the hats, these uniforms appear as fresh as the day they were made. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Exceptional WWI Group Named to a DSC Recipient of the 345th Battalion, Company B, Tank Corps. Doubtless there are many important WWI groups in collections and museums, and surely this group would be an equal in their ranks. On offer is a superb group including two uniforms, pants, overseas hat, personalized leather jerkin, and personalized gas mask belonging to Corporal Charles V. Williams of the 345th Battalion, Company B, Tank Corps. The uniforms include a standard wool pattern with a Henry Sonneborn & Company, Baltimore, MD. maker's mark on the depot tag and contract date of September 6, 1917, and the other an olive drab cotton pattern with a Bernheim maker's mark and contract date of June 8, 1917 on the depot tag. Each is marked with Williams' name in ink on the inside lining. Both are complete with collar insignia, including the important Tank Corps enlisted disks and a beautiful three-piece wool Tank Corps shoulder insignia on the left sleeve and wool corporal's rank insignia on the right sleeve. Each has a gold six-month service chevron on the lower left sleeve and the wool tunic has the addition of a red service chevron on the left sleeve. Both are in excellent condition retaining all buttons and hooks and without moth damage or soiling. The leather jerkin, missing one button, has been artfully adorned with a French FT-17 Renault tank on the back and the caption "345th Tank Bn". The front is captioned with Williams' name and rank and "Company B 345th Tank Battalion France". Williams' gas mask is captioned "Charles V. Williams Co B 345th Tank Battalion" on the reverse and "My Best Friend" on the front. The mask is complete with anti-dimming stick, instructions, and is in excellent, complete condition. This is an amazing and important identified group to a decorated member of the fledgling U.S. Tank Corps. Williams' unit had been organized June 7, 1918 as Company B, 327th Battalion, Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces in France but was later re-designated as Company B, 345th Battalion, Tank Corps on September 12, 1918.
Charles V. Williams was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. His citation reads: "The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles V. Williams, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Baulny, Meuse, France, September 28, 1918. During an attack on a hedge south of the Montrebeau Woods, Corporal Williams left his tank, which was out of action, and went through the severe rifle, machine-gun, and artillery fire to give first aid to wounded lieutenant. He then took the wounded officer's place, leading the platoon of tanks to the objective through the intense enemy fire. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919. Home Address: 534 South Forty-ninth street, Philadelphia, PA."
Charles V. Williams was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. His citation reads: "The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles V. Williams, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Baulny, Meuse, France, September 28, 1918. During an attack on a hedge south of the Montrebeau Woods, Corporal Williams left his tank, which was out of action, and went through the severe rifle, machine-gun, and artillery fire to give first aid to wounded lieutenant. He then took the wounded officer's place, leading the platoon of tanks to the objective through the intense enemy fire. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919. Home Address: 534 South Forty-ninth street, Philadelphia, PA."
Fantastic Identified Painted A-2 Flight Jacket and Flight Gear. This spectacular painted A-2 jacket and related gear is attributed to Colonel Douglas D. Stewart. The jacket features a chenille patch of the 440th Air Base Training Unit, Santa Maria Army Air Field Training Squadron above the left breast pocket. The back of the jacket has a skillfully executed painting of a diving P-38 Lightning, guns blazing, with a lightning bolt in the background. The jacket is in excellent condition, still pliable, and with only modest scuffing to the surface. The jersey cuffs and waistband have been replaced at some point, as has the lining. However, a portion of the new lining has been cut away to reveal a section of the old lining which the squadron patch is still sewn to. The Talon marked zipper still functions smoothly, and all snaps and hooks are present and functioning. Also included are A-9 and AN-H-15 summer weight helmets in unused condition; a pair of moderately worn Type A-6A pilot's fleece-lined winter flight shoes; a pair of fleece-lined flight gloves, and a pair of Type A-11A lined intermediate flight trousers in unused condition. Santa Maria Army Air Field was home to the IV Fighter Command, responsible for final training of P-38 pilots. These pilots received final training on combat maneuvers prior to shipment to various overseas theaters of operation.
Battle of Little Bighorn Survivor, Lt. Charles DeRudio, 7th Cavalry, Figural Cane. The bamboo shaft of this cane is mounted at the top with a finely carved wood figural Moor's head. The shaft and head are connected by an engraved fitted coin silver band that has the numeral "7" between crossed cavalry sabers and that reads, "25 June / 1876 / Captain C. C. de Rudio / U.S.A.". The head depicts a turbaned Moor with a flowing beard and mustache very similar to those worn by DeRudio. The turban has an inlaid silver crescent. The overall length of the cane is 35.5" and it retains the original ferrule. Light wear, thus very fine.
The cane was presented to Little Bighorn survivor Captain Charles Camillo DeRudio of the 7th Cavalry. He was born Carlo di Rudio in Belluno, Italy, the son of Count and Countess Aquila di Rudio. As a teenager, he attended an Austrian military academy in Milan. At the age of 15, di Rudio joined Giuseppe Garibaldi's Red Shirts during the uprising in 1848, and was given the nickname "Moretto" [The Little Moor], for his dark complexion. When the revolutionaries were unsuccessful, di Rudio fled to the United States. When his ship sank off the Spanish coast, di Rudio made his way to England. While there Italian revolutionaries recruited di Rudio in a plot to help assassinate Emperor Napoleon III of France for failing to follow through with a pledge of support for Italian nationalists. In January 1858 the assassination attempt took place, with di Rudio and his accomplices threw three bombs at the royal carriage. Eight people and a horse were killed and one hundred and fifty injured. di Rudio was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on Devil's Island. Several months later, he escaped from the prison and made their way to British Guiana. In 1860 di Rudio made his to New York City, anglicized his name to "Charles DeRudio," and joined the 79th New York Volunteers ("Highlanders"). In 1864 he was commissioned second lieutenant, 2nd U. S. Colored Infantry. DeRudio received appointment to the 7th Cavalry in July 1869, as a 37-year-old second lieutenant. Initially, he was assigned to Company H, commanded by Captain Frederick Benteen who nicknamed DeRudio "Count No Account" because of his boastful story-telling and haughty manner. He was promoted by seniority to first lieutenant. On June 25, 1876, DeRudio was with Company A and crossed the Little Bighorn River as part of Major Marcus Reno's battalion. His company dismounted and fought in skirmish line. Under pressure from growing numbers of warriors, Reno ordered a retreat back across the river, where DeRudio lost his horse and was left behind in the timber on the western bank. For thirty-six hours, DeRudio remained hidden while witnessing the mutilation of dead soldiers. In the early hours of June 27, he was finally able to cross the river, joining the Reno and Benteen command on Reno Hill. DeRudio continued service with the 7th Cavalry, was promoted to captain on December 17, 1882 and retiring on August 26, 1896, in the grade of major.
The cane was presented to Little Bighorn survivor Captain Charles Camillo DeRudio of the 7th Cavalry. He was born Carlo di Rudio in Belluno, Italy, the son of Count and Countess Aquila di Rudio. As a teenager, he attended an Austrian military academy in Milan. At the age of 15, di Rudio joined Giuseppe Garibaldi's Red Shirts during the uprising in 1848, and was given the nickname "Moretto" [The Little Moor], for his dark complexion. When the revolutionaries were unsuccessful, di Rudio fled to the United States. When his ship sank off the Spanish coast, di Rudio made his way to England. While there Italian revolutionaries recruited di Rudio in a plot to help assassinate Emperor Napoleon III of France for failing to follow through with a pledge of support for Italian nationalists. In January 1858 the assassination attempt took place, with di Rudio and his accomplices threw three bombs at the royal carriage. Eight people and a horse were killed and one hundred and fifty injured. di Rudio was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on Devil's Island. Several months later, he escaped from the prison and made their way to British Guiana. In 1860 di Rudio made his to New York City, anglicized his name to "Charles DeRudio," and joined the 79th New York Volunteers ("Highlanders"). In 1864 he was commissioned second lieutenant, 2nd U. S. Colored Infantry. DeRudio received appointment to the 7th Cavalry in July 1869, as a 37-year-old second lieutenant. Initially, he was assigned to Company H, commanded by Captain Frederick Benteen who nicknamed DeRudio "Count No Account" because of his boastful story-telling and haughty manner. He was promoted by seniority to first lieutenant. On June 25, 1876, DeRudio was with Company A and crossed the Little Bighorn River as part of Major Marcus Reno's battalion. His company dismounted and fought in skirmish line. Under pressure from growing numbers of warriors, Reno ordered a retreat back across the river, where DeRudio lost his horse and was left behind in the timber on the western bank. For thirty-six hours, DeRudio remained hidden while witnessing the mutilation of dead soldiers. In the early hours of June 27, he was finally able to cross the river, joining the Reno and Benteen command on Reno Hill. DeRudio continued service with the 7th Cavalry, was promoted to captain on December 17, 1882 and retiring on August 26, 1896, in the grade of major.
Spanish Officer's Sword Captured During the Spanish-American War at the Battle for the Chinese Hospital. A Toledo-made Spanish officer's sword of unknown pattern taken as a war souvenir by Capt. Lucien G. Berry, Assistant Adjutant-General of US Volunteers during the Spanish-American War. An old paper label attached to the scabbard reads "Captured from Spanish officer at the Chinese hospital Feb 1899". On February 5, 1899, in which the Tenth Pennsylvania was directed to advance upon and capture the Chinese hospital in Manila, which they accomplished after stubborn resistance from Spanish troops. The sword itself features an attractive brass guard with Royal Spanish heraldic device and other floral decoration. The blade is etched with floral designs. The throat of the scabbard has detached from the rest of the scabbard and the scabbard has a generous coating of rust. However, documented war souvenirs are seldom encountered, making this an exciting historical find.
Philippine Revolution Katipunan Insurrectionist Badge. 1.75". The Katipunan was a Philippine revolutionary society founded by anti-Spanish Filipinos in Manila in 1892 with the goal of gaining independence from Spain through revolution. The obverse of the badge features a raised star in each of the three corners and the etched rayed-sun symbol of the Katipunans. The soldered catch on the reverse is still present but the pin is missing. Personal insignia from the various insurrectionist groups of this period is rarely seen of this type is rarely seen. This example was obtained by Capt. Lucien G. Barry, Assistant Adjutant-General of US Volunteers, while serving in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.
Philippine Revolution Insurrectionist's Dagger. Blade 11.5", 10.25" overall. Rosewood handle, ornate brass cross guard, leather-covered wooden sheath. This example of an insurrectionist's dagger, is a cut above the typical Philippines-made edged weapon, and was brought back from the Philippines by Capt. Lucien G. Berry, an Assistant Adjutant-General of US Volunteers stationed in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. Berry brought back several war souvenirs from his time in the Philippines which we are proud to offer in this current auction.
Captured Philippines Insurrection Flag. 24.5" x 18.75". Linen, with hoist, blue canton with five stars, cross dagger and spear, and other device separately applied. A few moderately-sized holes and modest staining, otherwise in very good condition. An old typed note attached to the flag reads "Phillipine [sic] Insurrection Flag Captured at San Pedro Masantry on day General Lawton Was Killed". This flag was brought back by Captain Lucien G. Berry, Assistant Adjutant-General of US Volunteers. The flag must have been captured on December 19, 1899 (the date of General Lawton's death) in some unspecified action against the insurgents around San Pedro. Capt. Berry, a West Point graduate, brought back several interesting war souvenirs from his service in the Philippines which we are pleased to offer in our current auction.
Royal Spanish Navy Coastal and Fortifications Flag Captured by American Forces During the Spanish-American War. 48" x 80". Constructed of two red and one larger yellow central wool panels, with the heraldic device of Royal Spain applied as a separate panel in the center. This Spanish flag, taken from the Chinese Hospital in Manila, was a souvenir of the Spanish-American war brought back by Captain Lucien Grant Berry, Assistant Adjutant-General of US Volunteers. Along the hoist of the flag, written in ink, appears the legend "Captured at the Chinese Hospital Feb 1899". This refers to an incident on February 5, 1899, in which the Tenth Pennsylvania was directed to advance upon and capture the Chinese hospital in Manila, which they accomplished after stubborn resistance from Spanish troops. This historic flag has some areas of separation from the wool and cotton hoist, with a few trivial scattered holes, otherwise it remains bright and in very good condition. We are pleased to offer several other of Captain Berry's Spanish-American War souvenirs in this present auction. Berry, a West Point graduate, served with distinction through the First World War, attaining the final rank of colonel.
Spanish-American War: Four Relics From Important Land Battles. Including: an oval wooden disc, 2.5" x 1.75, with an affixed paper label that reads, "Piece of wood from block house at San Juan Hill Cuba captured by men led by Col Roosevelt given by Charles Adams U.S. sailor a volunteer 1898"; a piece of wood. 2" long, with a paper tag with "Coco Bolo Wood from Block House on McCella Hill, Cuba" ; a brass triangular tag, 4.25", with incised red letters that read, "Almacen de dinamita Repuesto de Velasco" [Velasco Dynamite Warehouse], an attached paper tag reads, "Key Tag / Key to Magazine in / Moro Castle Havana Cuba / January 1, 1900"; and a turned wood candlestick , 8" high, with a paper label affixed to the bottom that reads, "While on the U.S.S. Vixen 1901 / Piece of the ironwood taken from the Prisoner cell Moro Castle Cuba [Senorita Evangelina Cisneros] May 20th --- I also witnessed U.S. run down U.S. flag & have Cuba flag her independence", the imprisoned Cisneros was at the center of a cause célèbre used by New York newspapers to foment anti-Spanish sentiment prior to the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine. All fine or better.
Spanish-American War: Two Books Signed by Military Officers. Includes: (1) General Leonard Wood- his personal copy of Walter Frewen Lord's The Lost Empires of the Modern World, Essays in Imperial History, (London: Richard Bentley and Sons, 1897), 362 pages, octavo, original cloth covers, signed, "Leonard Wood / Zamboanga, Mindanao / P.I. 1904". Wood was personal physician to Presidents Grover Cleveland and William McKinley through 1898. It was during this period he developed a friendship with Theodore Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Wood, with Roosevelt, organized the 1st Volunteer Cavalry regiment, popularly known as the Rough Riders. Wood commanded the regiment in a successful engagement known as the Battle of Las Guasimas. Wood received a field promotion to brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, V Corps (which included the Rough Riders) and led the brigade to a famous victory at Kettle Hill and San Juan Heights. Also, (2) General Frederick Funston, Memories of Two Wars, Cuban and Philippines Experiences, (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1911), xv, 451 pages, octavo, original cloth covers, signed "To Major and Mrs. Geo. P. Ahern / with my complements. / Frederick Funston / Manila Dec. 18, 1913". Funston joined the Cuban Revolutionary Army that was fighting for independence from Spain in 1896. After a bout of malaria, Funston was given a leave of absence by the Cubans. When Funston returned to the United States, he was commissioned as a colonel of the 20th Kansas Infantry in the United States Army in 1898. That same year, he landed in the Philippines as part of the U.S. forces that would become engaged in the Philippine Insurrection. In April 1899, Funston took a Filipino position at by swimming under heavy fire. For his bravery, Funston was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers and awarded the Medal of Honor on February 14, 1900. The officer the book was inscribed to, Major Ahern saw service in the Indian campaigns of the Northwest, the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion and the Philippine Insurrection. During the World War he was first assistant to the Chief of Military Intelligence and afterward Secretary of the War College. For gallantry in action in the Spanish War on June 30, 1898, he received the Silver Star decoration.
Spanish-American War: Archive of Signed Material Related to Admiral George Dewey, "Hero of Manila Bay." Including: an Autograph Letter Signed "George Dewey", two pages, 4.5" x 7.5", April 27 [1899], Flagship Olympia, Manila, Philippine Islands, with the original Dewey addressed transmittal envelope, all mounted on card stock; a copy of the Autobiography of George Dewey, Admiral of the Navy, (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1913), xii, 337 pages, octavo, original green buckram covers with gold lettering, with an inscribed and signed laid-in card, "Very truly yours / George Dewey. / April /13"; and, a cabinet card portrait of Admiral Dewey, 4.25" x 5.5", trimmed at the bottom. Also included is a place-card for the Dewey-Mutual Aid Society of Cincinnati, 10" x 2.5". Unless otherwise mentioned all are fine or better.
Spanish-American War: Group of Related Books. Including: Robley D. Evans, A Sailor's Log, Recollections of Forty Years of Naval Life, (New New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1908), vii, 467 pages, octavo, original tan buckram covers, the inside cover with a bookplate signed by the author, an interesting autobiography of Admiral "Fighting Bob" Evans, broken hinges; Bradley A. Fiske, From Midshipman to Rear-Admiral, (New York: The Century, 1919), x, 694 pages, octavo, original blue buckram covers, signed and inscribed, the autobiography of one of Dewey's officers at Manila Bay who became o One of the earliest naval officers to understand the revolutionary possibilities of naval aviation; Lucian Young, The Boston at Hawaii: The Observations and Impressions of a Naval Officer During a Stay of Fourteen Months in Those Islands on a Man-of-War, (Washington, D.C.: Gibson Bros. Printers, 1898), xi, 311 pages, with foldout maps, twelvemo, original cloth covers, signed by the author on inside cover, ex lib, by an officer who commanded the USS Hist off of Cuba in the Spanish-American War; and, Richard Sennett, The Marine Steam Engine, A Treatise for the Use of Engineering Students and Officers of the Royal Navy, (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1885), xv, 695 pages, with 12 pages of advertisements, octavo, original buckram covers, signed by Joseph Wright Powell the man who commanded the little launch which, under heavy fire, vainly searched for survivors of the-collier Merrimac, scuttled in the entrance to Santiago Harbor by Lieut. Richmond Pearson Hobson in an effort to bottle up Admiral Cervera's fleet.
Spanish-American War: Relics from the Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine, the Event that Triggered the War. Including: an inscribed copy of Captain Charles D. Sigsbee's The 'Maine', An Account of her Destruction in Havana Harbor: The Personal Narrative of Captain Charles D. Sigsbee, U.S. N., (New York: The Century Co., 1899), xiv, 270 pages, octavo, with original cloth illustrated boards, inscribed, "U.S. Flagship 'Brooklyn', New York, December 22, 1905 / Presented with my kindest regards to Mr. & Mrs. William Astor Chandler. This dull book - undramatic by intention - but truthful - also by intention. / Charles D. Sigsbee, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy"; a 1.25" section of round steel with an affixed paper label that reads, "Piece of anchor chain mooring the Maine when blown up"; a wood slat, 13.5" x 1.75", with an affixed paper label that reads, "Taken from the Battleship Maine, blown up in Havana Harbor, Feb. 15/98 at 9:40 P.M. Total on board 354. Saved 101. Killed 253."; an iron bar, 8.5" long and a length of nautical rope, 7.5" in a box upon which is written, "Original pieces from Maine"; and an United States naval officers cast interlocking dress belt buckle stamped, "Relic U.S.S. Maine". The book has wear and soiling to the cover, else very good. All other pieces fine.
Spanish-American War: Relics From The Sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac, One of the Most Important Sea Actions of the War. Including: a piece of wood, 7.25", with a paper tag that reads, "splinter from mast of U.S.S. Merrimac, sunk in Santiago Harbor - Splinter made by Spanish Shells"; a piece of wood, 2.75", with a pencil inscription and a typed tag that both read, "Piece of the raft used by [Richmond P.] Hobson and his men escaping from the Merrimac"; a signed book by Richmond P. Hobson, The Sinking of the Merrimac, A Personal Narrative of the Adventure in the Harbor of Santiago de Cuba, June 3, 1898, and the Subsequent Imprisonment of the Survivors, (New York: The Century, 1899), xiv, 306 pages, octavo, original cloth covers, inscribed twice, "Complements of the Author, Richmond P. Hobson" and "To Lucius N. Littauer, Esq., describing a little incident in a little war of the long ago, being a small tribute of the esteem and gratitude of Richmond P. Hobson, N.Y.C., Feb 4, '32", the front cover is loose as are the signed pages; a 1" slice of cloth covered copper cable with a card that reads, "Submarine Cable cut at Manzinello"; a United States Navy cap tally from the U.S.S. Culgoa, 33.5"; and, a wood splinter is a glassed box, 3.75" with an affixed label that reads, "a splinter from Captain's Cabin of the battleship Iowa - splintered by a Spanish shell during Spanish American War - red cloth from Camp Alger - a piece from which the red crosses were made - T.F. Bolger". Aside from the book, all pieces are fine.
During the Spanish-American War, the USS Merrimac was a steamship in the service of the United States Navy. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered her to be sunk as a blockship at the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba, in an attempt to trap the Spanish fleet in the harbor. On the night of 2-3 June 1898, eight volunteers attempted to execute this mission, but disabled by enemy gunfire, she sank without obstructing the harbor entrance. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, the men were released. All eight were awarded Medals of Honor for their part in the mission.
During the Spanish-American War, the USS Merrimac was a steamship in the service of the United States Navy. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered her to be sunk as a blockship at the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba, in an attempt to trap the Spanish fleet in the harbor. On the night of 2-3 June 1898, eight volunteers attempted to execute this mission, but disabled by enemy gunfire, she sank without obstructing the harbor entrance. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, the men were released. All eight were awarded Medals of Honor for their part in the mission.
Spanish-American War: Five Relics From Important Sea Battles of the War. Including: a brass gage indicator 3.75" long, with an old paper tag that reads, " Pointer from engine room of the Almaranto Oquencho [sic]", the Almirante Oquendo, a 6890-ton Infanta Maria Teresa class armored cruiser, was a unit of Admiral Cervera's Spanish-American War squadron, she was wrecked by gunfire in the Battle of Santiago, Cuba, on 3 July 1898; a heat damaged 5 Pesetas silver Spanish coin in a glassed box with a hand-lettered label that reads, "Taken from Spanish Warship 'Oquendo' after Battle of July 3rd 1898, by Cyrus S. Radford, Lieutenant of Marines U.S.S. Texas", Cyrus Sugg Radford former Quartermaster General of the Marine Corps graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served aboard the USS Texas in the battle of Guantanamo Bay in 1898, when the Spanish fleet was destroyed, he retired with the rank of Brigadier General; a 7.5" section of steel bound copper cable with a paper tag that reads, "French Cable Cut at Guantanamo 1898"; brass door or cabinet knob, 1.5" in diameter, with a coiled wire and paper tag attached that reads, "Relic of Infante Maria Teressa [sic] sunk in Battle of Santiago [Bay] 1898 / Raised by Lieut. [Richmond P.] Hobsonn & sunk in gale on 1st Nov. in Crooked Island passage off San Savador", the Infanta Maria Teresa was an armored cruiser of the Spanish Navy that fought at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-American War; and, a book, by D. Esteban Paluzie, Guía del Artesano, (Barcelona: Litografía de Faustino Paluzie, 1882), with an inscription, "Taken from Captain's room on Spanish Steamer 'Rita' which was captured by U. S. Cruiser 'Yale'. Presented to Miss Mary F. Demoville by Lt. Col. John Biddle, U.S. Army - Oct. 24th, 1898", Biddle was a career United States Army officer who became Superintendent of the United States Military Academy and Acting Army Chief of Staff. All are fine or better.
"Part of International Code of Signals Made and Used On Board U.S. Torpedo Boat 'Winslow' Presented by Lieutenant Charles S. Thurston. Ensign Bagley of Raleigh, N. C. was killed on the Winslow at fight in Cardenas Bay" is the 3.25" X 4.5" period printed tag attached to one of this group of five signal flags. All flags of wool bunting and clearly hand stitched/fabricated. Each flag retains the original rope halyard, and all are in excellent condition, but showing obvious use. The action in Cardenas Bay, Cuba, on May 11, 1898, in which the Winslow was literally shot to pieces by Spanish shore batteries, resulted in the award of the Medal of Honor to three members of the Winslow's crew. Six of the Winslow's crew were killed in the action, including Ensign Worth Bagley, the only U.S. Naval officer killed in action during the Spanish-American War. Great artifact from one of the most vicious and costly single boat actions of the Spanish-American War.
Spanish-American War: Archive of Six Documents and Letters Regarding the War and Philippine Insurrection. Including: a typed letter signed by Admiral George C. Remey, one page, 8" x 7.5", April 30, 1902, [Aboard] U.S. Flagship Brooklyn, at sea Lat. 39o 20' N. Long. 68o 25' W; autograph letter signed by Henry T. Allen, two pages front and verso, 8" x 10.25", June 30, 1900, Catbalogan, Samar [Philippine Islands], with original transmittal envelope, to Herbert Pierce, secretary of the United States Embassy, St. Petersburg, Russia, in which Allen speaks of the logic used by President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Henry Cabot Lodge regarding the retention of the Philippine Islands by the United States and details of losses in his command, shortly after this letter was written Allen organized the Philippine Constabulary; orders signed by Captain H. L. Harrison, USN, one page typed with several endorsements on the verso, 8" x 10.5", May 27, 1896, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California, regarding the reassignment of a paymaster from the U.S.S. Concord when the ship was placed out of commission for repairs; two typed dispatches from Lieutenant Henry M. Morrow, 32nd Inf. U.S.V., two pages affixed to each other making a single page, 8.5" x 10.75", dated May 29 and June 3, 1900, Balanga, P.I. [Philippine Islands], both dispatches regard military actions near the town of Abucay, reinforcement on the verso; a autograph letter signed by James O'Donnell Bennett, one page 8.75" x 8", n.d., n.p., the letter mentions a page from Bennett's Spanish American War journal; and, the page Bennett mentioned in the previous letter, two pages, front and verso, 2.75" x 6", dated July 4-5, 1898, in which he writes, "Returned from the firing line ...it is a very sad Fourth, wounded coming in by the wagon loads ... sickness increases and condition of wounded horrible ... feel like the devil, hint of Y[ellow] F[ever].", Bennett was a war correspondent during the Spanish American War for the Chicago Record-Herald. Most fine.
Colt "2nd Battle of the Marne" Commemorative M1911 in the Issue Presentation Case. Caliber .45. Serial number 1659-M2. This is a beautiful example of the Colt Commemorative M1911 pistols as issued in 1969 to commemorate the 2nd Battle of the Marne. The left side of the slide has a gold flashed, roll engraved battle scene depicting American soldiers shooting at a squad of Germans across the Marne River, with the gold flashed Rampant Colt at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide has a large gold flashed, roll engraved banner which reads: "1917 WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE 1967" over the Colt patent and address markings. It is fitted with a set of polished blond wood grips, ivory in appearance, each fitted with a large bronze medallion. Beautiful condition in the original presentation box, as issued.
1921 Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number C127986. An original pistol with a few areas of old rust and pitting spots on the frame and slide. The finish retains areas of the original blue with other areas worn to plum and brown, and with a few areas of bare metal. The walnut grips match the overall condition of the pistol. The bore has been rusty but the lands and grooves are smooth and intact. A worthy example exhibiting honest wear.
Exceptional 1918 Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 293839. A beautiful 1911 in a condition rarely seen these days. The black finish is strong on the slide and frame, with only minor wear on the grip straps. The walnut grips are still sharp and exhibit virtually no wear. With the "United States Property" and "JMG" (J. M. Gilbert) inspector's mark on the left side of the frame and complete with two-tone magazine. Excellent bore.
German Walther (ac 44) P-38 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 8488g. Another superb example with a deep blue finish, trivial wear and mint bore. All numbers match with the correct 359 waffenamts. Collector grade quality.
German Mauser (byf 43) P-38 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 2201o. A beautiful example of German WWII mid-war production with strong bluing on the slide and slightly different finish on the barrel giving it an almost two-tone appearance. The core is mint and the pistol's component numbers are all matching as well as exhibiting the correct eagle/135 waffenamts. A superb example in fine condition.
Colt Custom Shop WWII Reproduction Pistol Model No. M1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol in the Original Box. Caliber .45. Serial number WK01694. A faithful reproduction down to the last minute detail, produced by Colt from 2001 to 2004, this example dating from 2002. The pistol is in as new condition, in the original box with all protective wrapping, manual, tags, etc.
1945 Ithaca U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 1871223. A very good condition pistol with the proper "F.J.A." inspector's mark, about 80-85% original finish, and an excellent bore.
1944 Remington Rand U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 1540973. Excellent Remington-produced 1911A1 with the proper "F.J.A" inspector's mark, excellent bore and light wear to raised surfaces.
Rare 1943 Union Switch & Signal U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 1091192. Union Switch & Signal produced far fewer 199A1s than their Remington and Colt counterparts. This pistol, a third production type, exhibits minor wear to the high spots, mainly in the form storage or holster wear. The bore is excellent and the pistol presents an overall handsome appearance.
Colt Argentine Contract Model 1927 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 2099. A standard Government Model manufactured by Colt for an Argentine army contract of 10,000 guns. With the standard Colt company information and patent dates on the left side of the slide and the Argentine crest and "Ejercito Argentino / Colt Cal. 45 Mod. 1927" on the right. Matching serial numbers stamped on the top of the slide and right side of the frame. Plastic 1911A1 style grips. Original sights have been replaced with larger combat sights without modification, using the existing slots. The removed original sights are included. Miniscule importer's mark between the magazine release button and grip. Arsenal refinished to excellent condition.
Mauser Broomhandle Bolo C96 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 7.63mm. Serial number 487768. Rear sight marked for 50 to 1000 meters. Overall nice condition with bluing slightly thin on the barrel. Grip screw appears to be a replacement, otherwise complete with lanyard ring and in very good condition.
Browning Mk1* Canadian Hi-Power With Shoulder Stock. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 4CH9192. Fantastic John Inglis made Hi-Power with Canadian broad arrow proofs and a Chinese export serial number. The finish is slightly thin as is common with this type. The wooden holster/stock is stamped with "Made in Canada" as well as a maker mark and date: "S.A. LTD / 1945". The rig is complete with a Canadian broad arrowed web belt sling attachment. A great rig in very good condition.
Postwar Walther P-38 in the Original Box. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 290139. In as new condition, this beautiful post-war P-38 includes two extra magazines (for a total of three) and a cleaning rod, all secured in the original box. The pistol bears all the usual West German proof marks. The box is worn at the corners of the lid, otherwise it is in very good condition.
Mexican Automatica Sistema Obregon Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45 (11.43mm). Serial number A 689. Similar in appearance to the Colt M1911A1 but with a combination slide and safety latch on the left side of the frame. The frame appears to be re-blued and the original finish and markings on the slide are thin. The plastic grips have a pearl appearance. Obregons were produced in small numbers and as such are quite scarce. This example is in good condition.
German Spreewerke (CYQ) P-38 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 6539x. Late- war manufacture exhibiting the typical milling marks and finish of the period. Numbers match on the slide, frame, and barrel. A nice example of this late-war pistol.
Unit Marked Reichswehr-Era DWM Luger, Holster and Lanyard. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 8431. A handsome rig with a DWM, all matching (except the magazine) Luger with a 1921 receiver date and with "A./J.R.21.33." unit marking on the grip strap. One assumes this unit marking signifies that this pistol was number 33 in the inventory of Company A, of the 21st Infantry Regiment. Very fine, 90% blue with just some minor holster wear on the high points, 60% straw The brown holster is dated 1918 on the inside flap, with an Imperial crown stamped on the back of the holster. The holster is complete with Imperial proofed loading tool. The rig is completed with a rare brown, unmarked lanyard in nice condition. Scarce Luger in superior condition.
1914 Artillery Luger. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 7167. This is a fine example of a DWM produced pistol with a 1917 receiver date. All numbers match except the aluminum base magazine. Very fine retaining 95% original blue with just a few tiny pits at the at the back on the underside of the barrel, minor, and the receiver number is a bit weak. Original wooden grips excellent, and an exceptionally nice Artillery.
Large Brass Die Struck American Patriotic Insignia, Circa 1830. Although the exact function of this massive plate has remained a mystery, several examples have surfaced affixed to period drums. The strong curvature, and six rather large holes for attachment, would indicate that was the likely function of this specimen as well. Perfect untouched condition with nice patina. Excellent die work. A most impressive piece of early American insignia.
Solid Silver 1854 American Shooting Medal from the Famed National Lancers Boston Militia Unit. Formed in 1836 to serve as the governor's ceremonial escort, the unit has remained active, without interruption, to this day, having served in the Civil War (Companies C & D 1st Mass. Cav.), as well as World Wars I & II. The heavy silver medal is 2.5" x 2.75" high with scroll engraved suspension loop. The obverse displays a 3/8" wide chaised border of acanthus leaves, with the central theme of a mounted lancer wearing the unit's distinctive uniform, patterned after the Polish Lancers of the Napoleonic era. A scrollwork riband at the top displays the unit's motto, "Union Liberty and the Laws". The reverse utilizes an identical border with the legend "National Lancers/ Awarded to/ [blank]/ for 2d best Shot/ at Target practice/ September 20th/ 1854. Pristine untouched condition with wonderful patina, the quality of the workmanship being as fine as any we've ever seen. Absolutely stunning.
Civil War U.S. Oval Waist Belt Plate with the Original Belt and Brass Keeper. Plate, with arrowback hooks, and keeper, both excellent with just some scattered verdigris. Belt very sound and supple but finish exhibits considerable flaking. Good representative example.
Mexican War Veteran's Medal Inscribed to "Alfred H. Byrd/ La. Cav." Medal only, no ribbon, the suspensory bar on the back with an old solder repair, else perfect untouched condition. Byrd also had Civil War service with the 1st Regiment Louisiana Regular Infantry. A very rare medal.
Very Rare Second National Pattern Civil War Confederate Flag. With a fascinating contemporary history and accompanied by detailed analysis and authentication documents from noted flag authority Fonda S. Thomsen. In the late 1950's the consignor's father, through his position as editor of Variety, in Hollywood, formed a close friendship with actor Nick Adams. Adams, in 1959 assumed the starring role in the television series The Rebel, where he portrayed a wayward Confederate veteran in the American west, circa 1875, epitomizing the honor and gallantry of the "lost cause." The consignor also became closely associated with Adams, and named him Godfather of his first child. Adams was presented the flag, circa 1960, at a UCV/SCV function honoring him for his portrayal of "Johnny Yuma," at which time the history of its use during the war accompanied the flag. That history has been lost over the years, but the consignor's recollection is that the flag was used in Richmond during the war. Shortly before his untimely death in 1968, Adams gave the flag to the consignor, in whose hands it has been ever since.
The flag is 36.25" on the hoist and 59" on the fly, constructed of one layer of wool bunting, the canton 23.625" x 23" in the pattern of the Army of Northern Virginia battleflag. The thirteen 2.5" five pointed stars are yarn embroidered into the field. The cross is trimmed with a 9/16" white cotton fimbriation, inserted between the cross and quadrants. The flag is constructed of two 18.75" sections of white wool bunting flat fall seamed horizontally across the middle. The 1" hoist is constructed of linen that has been wrapped around a 0.25" rope halyard. The flag is in excellent sound condition. There is a 3.5" x 2.5" period patch at the upper fly corner, and the flag exhibits heavy soiling from airborne contaminants that definitely occurred during a period of use rather than during the flag's storage. Ms. Thomsen suggests that the soiling is either the result of use in battle or from exposure to heavy smoke and soot, with strong indications, both from the materials used in its construction and the soiling that it was used on a Naval vessel.
The flag is 36.25" on the hoist and 59" on the fly, constructed of one layer of wool bunting, the canton 23.625" x 23" in the pattern of the Army of Northern Virginia battleflag. The thirteen 2.5" five pointed stars are yarn embroidered into the field. The cross is trimmed with a 9/16" white cotton fimbriation, inserted between the cross and quadrants. The flag is constructed of two 18.75" sections of white wool bunting flat fall seamed horizontally across the middle. The 1" hoist is constructed of linen that has been wrapped around a 0.25" rope halyard. The flag is in excellent sound condition. There is a 3.5" x 2.5" period patch at the upper fly corner, and the flag exhibits heavy soiling from airborne contaminants that definitely occurred during a period of use rather than during the flag's storage. Ms. Thomsen suggests that the soiling is either the result of use in battle or from exposure to heavy smoke and soot, with strong indications, both from the materials used in its construction and the soiling that it was used on a Naval vessel.
Original Patent Model for Shutters to Cover the Port-Holes of Civil War Iron Clad Vessels. Wood. 4.5" x 9" x 2.25". This fantastic patent model is a section of B. H. Bartol's larger invention for "mounting a gun on a carriage arranged to traverse suitable tracks on a supplementary carriage" on ironclad vessels for which he was granted Patent No. 38,089. The patent model illustrates a design for armored shutters to cover the gun openings and is complete with the original Patent office tag reading "No. 38,089 1863 / B. H. Bartol / Shutters for the / Port-Holes of / Iron Clad Vessels/ Patented April 7th / 1863". A copy of the full text of the original patent is included. It is unknown whether Bartol's gun mounting system was ever used. This fantastic piece is from the noted Petersen Collection. In 1979 Cliff Petersen purchased the remaining patent models, some 800 crates, from the collection of Sir Henry Wellcome. In 1898 Wellcome purchased 150,000 from the United States patent office, spanning inventions devised from 1790 and 1898.
Very Nice Pre-Civil War Grouping Identified to Maj. Daniel Chase. Chase served with the 15th U.S. Infantry during the Mexican War and was brevetted for action at Contreras and Churubusco. He was appointed military storekeeper in 1856 (probably the period from which these pieces date) and Major of the 13th U.S. Infantry, October 20, 1861. He was brevetted for gallantry at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post, retiring on December 31, 1864. Included with the group are two sets of exceptional quality infantry shoulder boards, first lieutenant and captain, both with silvered stamped brass false embroidered borders and bars. Bright blue velvet background, black wool undersides, both sets in about perfect condition. A group of buttons including twelve coat size general staffs with Scovill Mf'g Co./ Waterbury backmarks and four cuffs with Schuyler H. & G/ N. York backmarks. All in about perfect condition retaining 99% of the original gilt. Also a pristine , high quality, M1851 officer's sword belt plate with matching numbered keeper, and his GAR membership medal. Accompanied by an old pencil script ID. A very pretty group of American military insignia identified to a gallant Regular Army officer.
U.S. M1840 Musician's Sword, Ames 1864. Blade very fine retaining most of the original luster, just some minor staining and a few tiny edge nicks, really negligible. Brass hilt perfect. Scabbard excellent, but with a clean break, with no loss, just above the tip, easily repaired. Scabbard mounts with a couple of minor dents, excellent. Nice representative example.
Civil War Regulation General Grade Officer's Bullion Hat Insignia of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. Consigned by his direct lineal descendants. 2.5" x 3.25", tin back with two brass loops for attachment. Gold bullion wreath, silver old English US, coiled brass wire border, black velvet background. About perfect condition. A rare piece of insignia in superb condition, impeccably provenanced to one of the war's more important generals.
Civil War Spurs of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. Consigned by his direct lineal descendants. Very similar to standard U.S. cavalry spurs with the exception of a stippled finish on the strap slots and leaf/scrollwork at the base of the rowel posts, with multi pointed iron rowels. Both spurs retain the original leather boot straps with brass buckle. With the exception of some minor flaking on the straps, overall about perfect condition. Doubtless worn by Weitzel throughout his Civil War career.
Set of Cased Civil War Binoculars Given to Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel by President Abraham Lincoln. Consigned by Weitzel's direct lineal descendants. The binoculars are 3.125" high when closed and, with the exception of missing the small screw on the top of the adjusting knob, are in about perfect condition retaining 98% of the original japanned finish. The original black leather case is lined with pink silk, and bears strap loops on the sides and bottom. The inside lid exhibits the gilt embossed logo of "McAllister & Brother/ 728 Chestnut Street/ Philadelphia". This firm was in business from 1853 to 1865 and was one of the leading retailers of high quality optical instruments. A period ink legend in the lid of the case, apparently applied by Weitzel himself as it bears his signature, reads, "President/ Abraham/ Lincoln/ to/ Godfrey/ Weitzel/ 1861". Weitzel was, in 1861, serving as Chief Engineer, Military District of Washington, a capacity that often brought him in contact with Lincoln to discuss the city's defenses, etc.
Autographs
Godfrey Weitzel Archive Including War-Dated Letters by Weitzel together with Four Cartes de Visite, an Albumen, and Other Ephemera Kept by His Widow.
Includes: A large period albumen (image 6.5" x 5.25", mounted to an overall size of 7.5" x 6.5") is identified on the mount as "General Albert Kantz - Major General Godfrey Weitzel Civil War 1864". Some foxing to the mount, with good contrast and detail on the albumen.
Two cartes de visite of Weitzel one signed "Yours Godfrey". Both CDVs have Walter & Heuck's stamps on the verso. Stating on the back that the image was taken in 1864 and that Weitzel was 28 years old.
Two cartes de visite of Weitzel and General Farmer (also taken at Walter & Heuck's), identified on the bottom mount adding that the images were "taken in rainstorm at Cincinnati, Ohio.
A fifth carte de visite is of Louisa, which lists on the verso that it was taken when Louisa was 22 years old. This image has been hand-colored, with paper loss at the bottom of the albumen and some damage to the mount.
Four Autograph Letters Signed "Godfrey" totaling 24 pages, all dated from March through May 1864 to his future wife Louisa Bogen. Although primarily sent as love letters, Weitzel writes in great detail about fighting in the Battle of Drewry's Bluff in his letters. In small part: "Cobb's Hill. Va. May 8th... We can see Petersburg easy. My division arrived here on Friday morning last. On Friday afternoon I made a reconnaissance to Westphall station on the railroad with my 1st Brigade. I had a fight and lost ten killed and sixty wounded. Yesterday one of my brigades and four others all commanded by Genl Brook's advanced and destroyed the railroad and telegraph. My brigade lost about one hundred... Beauregard is in command of the rebels out here...
"Cobb's Hill near Petersburg, Va. May 21st 1864... At daybreak... in a dense fog the enemy who had been heavily reinforced during the night from Richmond headed by Jeff Davis, Beauregard and Bragg and got on the right flank and rear of my line which was nearest to the front and in a very short time overwhelmed one of my brigades and broke it...I never have been under such fire nor ever seen such men slaughtered so. The rebels came on to my line in dense masses determined to drive me, and they were just piled up in heaps. During the night before I had made my men make log breastworks in front of their line, and there I made them take some telegraph wire and stretch it along my whole front near the ground, winding it firmly around stump &c. The rebels came on to charge my breastworks. Everytime they came to the wire as it was foggy they stumbled and fell over it and then I peppered it to them... About 250 of them surrendered... Last night General Butler sent for me and told me that he must have me near him... The truth is that he did not know how to manage so large an army and wants me to help him..." It is likely in one of these letters that he enclosed the elaborately ornate holograph poem drawn by W.H. Williams of the 10th New Hampshire Corps which is included. Weitzel married Louisa in January 1865.
Autograph Letter Signed "G. Weitzel", 3 pages on imprinted Twenty-Fifth Army Corps letterhead, 8" x 10", February 27, 1865. Weitzel writes to Jake [Pfau] reproaching him for referring to his soldiers as "'n*****s'", and providing what he deems more appropriate terms: "they are called 'negroes' here, or familiarly 'smoked Yankees'". He also sends news of the war, "If Sherman succeeds I believe we will had peace soon. The rebels are deserting in droves... 200 deserters came in yesterday." Some soiling and separations at folds. Weitzel assumed command of the Twenty-Fifth Army Corps in November 1864 consisting of black soldiers serving under white officers.
Two war-dated letters addressed to Weitzel; the first sends congratulations on his marriage to Louisa and is signed "G.L.L.". The second ALS is from "W. von Bechtoh late Capt. 45th U.S. Col. Troops", Washington, D.C., May 17, 1865. The writer is sending thanks for Weitzel's letter and advises that he is returning home. He writes, "circumstances would not allow me to do more in forwarding the noble cause of the bloody conflict... I part with the sincerest regret from the American army..." Unevenly trimmed at the top without affecting the text, some soiling, otherwise very good.
W.P. Derby Autograph Letter Signed, 4pp, 8" x 12.5", Springfield, May 4, 1883. Derby writes to Weitzel asking for clarification of information Weitzel had previously provided regarding the Battle of Drewry's Bluff. Derby's letter indicates that all of his research supports Weitzel's accounts and that he is "sorry for Genl Butler that he should seem to think it necessary to defend his military career by throwing disrepute upon his troops." Great content giving both Confederate and Union veterans memories of the events of the battle. Derby was likely writing to research his book Bearing Arms in the Twenty Seventh Massachusetts. Light soiling to first and last ages, otherwise very good.
Two sheets (4pp total) listing Weitzel's demerits during his attendance at West Point. Weitzel is cited repeatedly for 'trifling' behavior including laughing and talking at inappropriate times, and inattention. Minor separations at folds and negligible soiling on the final page. These sheets have been removed from a larger ledger and represent a unique opportunity to observe the formative years of a future General's military career.
Other ephemera includes: Period printing of General Orders No. 4, March 24, 1884, announcing the death of General Weitzel; letter on Army Mutual Aid Association letterhead transmitting a check for $1000 to Weitzel's widow Louisa a his beneficiary, ticket for a performance on June 14th given in conjunction with a party given for "Genl Grant and Genl & Mrs Sheridan on June 15 1882"; and period newspaper clippings giving details of activities by Weitzel and his troops. Also with photographic copies of letters by Weitzel (including letters in this archive), a typed transcript of a report made by Weitzel 14 years after the close of the war as prepared by the Richmond Civil War Centennial Committee, and an 1861 map of Richmond showing civil war battlegrounds. An extensive archive providing both the personal and military experience of this Union General.
Includes: A large period albumen (image 6.5" x 5.25", mounted to an overall size of 7.5" x 6.5") is identified on the mount as "General Albert Kantz - Major General Godfrey Weitzel Civil War 1864". Some foxing to the mount, with good contrast and detail on the albumen.
Two cartes de visite of Weitzel one signed "Yours Godfrey". Both CDVs have Walter & Heuck's stamps on the verso. Stating on the back that the image was taken in 1864 and that Weitzel was 28 years old.
Two cartes de visite of Weitzel and General Farmer (also taken at Walter & Heuck's), identified on the bottom mount adding that the images were "taken in rainstorm at Cincinnati, Ohio.
A fifth carte de visite is of Louisa, which lists on the verso that it was taken when Louisa was 22 years old. This image has been hand-colored, with paper loss at the bottom of the albumen and some damage to the mount.
Four Autograph Letters Signed "Godfrey" totaling 24 pages, all dated from March through May 1864 to his future wife Louisa Bogen. Although primarily sent as love letters, Weitzel writes in great detail about fighting in the Battle of Drewry's Bluff in his letters. In small part: "Cobb's Hill. Va. May 8th... We can see Petersburg easy. My division arrived here on Friday morning last. On Friday afternoon I made a reconnaissance to Westphall station on the railroad with my 1st Brigade. I had a fight and lost ten killed and sixty wounded. Yesterday one of my brigades and four others all commanded by Genl Brook's advanced and destroyed the railroad and telegraph. My brigade lost about one hundred... Beauregard is in command of the rebels out here...
"Cobb's Hill near Petersburg, Va. May 21st 1864... At daybreak... in a dense fog the enemy who had been heavily reinforced during the night from Richmond headed by Jeff Davis, Beauregard and Bragg and got on the right flank and rear of my line which was nearest to the front and in a very short time overwhelmed one of my brigades and broke it...I never have been under such fire nor ever seen such men slaughtered so. The rebels came on to my line in dense masses determined to drive me, and they were just piled up in heaps. During the night before I had made my men make log breastworks in front of their line, and there I made them take some telegraph wire and stretch it along my whole front near the ground, winding it firmly around stump &c. The rebels came on to charge my breastworks. Everytime they came to the wire as it was foggy they stumbled and fell over it and then I peppered it to them... About 250 of them surrendered... Last night General Butler sent for me and told me that he must have me near him... The truth is that he did not know how to manage so large an army and wants me to help him..." It is likely in one of these letters that he enclosed the elaborately ornate holograph poem drawn by W.H. Williams of the 10th New Hampshire Corps which is included. Weitzel married Louisa in January 1865.
Autograph Letter Signed "G. Weitzel", 3 pages on imprinted Twenty-Fifth Army Corps letterhead, 8" x 10", February 27, 1865. Weitzel writes to Jake [Pfau] reproaching him for referring to his soldiers as "'n*****s'", and providing what he deems more appropriate terms: "they are called 'negroes' here, or familiarly 'smoked Yankees'". He also sends news of the war, "If Sherman succeeds I believe we will had peace soon. The rebels are deserting in droves... 200 deserters came in yesterday." Some soiling and separations at folds. Weitzel assumed command of the Twenty-Fifth Army Corps in November 1864 consisting of black soldiers serving under white officers.
Two war-dated letters addressed to Weitzel; the first sends congratulations on his marriage to Louisa and is signed "G.L.L.". The second ALS is from "W. von Bechtoh late Capt. 45th U.S. Col. Troops", Washington, D.C., May 17, 1865. The writer is sending thanks for Weitzel's letter and advises that he is returning home. He writes, "circumstances would not allow me to do more in forwarding the noble cause of the bloody conflict... I part with the sincerest regret from the American army..." Unevenly trimmed at the top without affecting the text, some soiling, otherwise very good.
W.P. Derby Autograph Letter Signed, 4pp, 8" x 12.5", Springfield, May 4, 1883. Derby writes to Weitzel asking for clarification of information Weitzel had previously provided regarding the Battle of Drewry's Bluff. Derby's letter indicates that all of his research supports Weitzel's accounts and that he is "sorry for Genl Butler that he should seem to think it necessary to defend his military career by throwing disrepute upon his troops." Great content giving both Confederate and Union veterans memories of the events of the battle. Derby was likely writing to research his book Bearing Arms in the Twenty Seventh Massachusetts. Light soiling to first and last ages, otherwise very good.
Two sheets (4pp total) listing Weitzel's demerits during his attendance at West Point. Weitzel is cited repeatedly for 'trifling' behavior including laughing and talking at inappropriate times, and inattention. Minor separations at folds and negligible soiling on the final page. These sheets have been removed from a larger ledger and represent a unique opportunity to observe the formative years of a future General's military career.
Other ephemera includes: Period printing of General Orders No. 4, March 24, 1884, announcing the death of General Weitzel; letter on Army Mutual Aid Association letterhead transmitting a check for $1000 to Weitzel's widow Louisa a his beneficiary, ticket for a performance on June 14th given in conjunction with a party given for "Genl Grant and Genl & Mrs Sheridan on June 15 1882"; and period newspaper clippings giving details of activities by Weitzel and his troops. Also with photographic copies of letters by Weitzel (including letters in this archive), a typed transcript of a report made by Weitzel 14 years after the close of the war as prepared by the Richmond Civil War Centennial Committee, and an 1861 map of Richmond showing civil war battlegrounds. An extensive archive providing both the personal and military experience of this Union General.
Photography
Beautiful Framed Portrait of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. Consigned by his direct lineal descendants. Weitzel is seated in maj. gen. uniform, overall 17.25" x 20.75". Based on an albumen photograph, it is exquisitely hand water colored giving the overall impression of an original portrait, which with the exception of the underlying photographic image, it actually is. Weitzel, who had served as acting mayor of New Orleans following the Union capture of that city, established his headquarters in the home Jefferson Davis after the fall of Richmond. Superb quality, pristine condition.
Military & Patriotic
Civil War Regulation, All Silk 25th Corps Flag of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, Consigned by His Direct Lineal Descendants. Weitzel was the first Union general grade officer to enter the city of Richmond upon its fall, doubtless under this very flag. Weitzel was originally given command of the all black 25th Army Corps on December 3, 1864, maintaining the command until January 1, 1865, and resuming command February 2, 1865, through May of 1865. The flag is entirely hand stitched, 47.5" on the hoist and 68" on the fly, configured as a swallowtail. The blue silk body is composed of two pieces seamed horizontally in the center. The layered corps insignia is 21.5" x 22.25", with the number "25" is 3.75" high. There are four 0.25" hand whipped grommets on the hoist for suspension. The flag is in superb condition, with absolutely no loss, although there are some cracks/breaks at the folds, obviously in need of being mounted and stabilized.
The 25th Army Corps was created on December 3, 1864, from the 10th and 18th Corps, which were disbanded. All white troops were placed in the newly formed 24th Corps, and all black troops on the 25th, under the command of Weitzel, in the Army of the James. Weitzel having previously commanded the 18th Corps. Units of the 25th Corps participated in the Siege of Petersburg, the Battle of Fort Fischer, and the Appomattox Campaign, with Weitzel brevetted to brigadier general in the regular army for his participation in the fall of Richmond. Weitzel stated, in 1866, upon the disbanding of the Corps, that the conduct of the 25th Corps "has been such to draw praise from persons most prejudiced against color, and there is no record which should give the colored race more pride than that left by the 25th".
The 25th Army Corps was created on December 3, 1864, from the 10th and 18th Corps, which were disbanded. All white troops were placed in the newly formed 24th Corps, and all black troops on the 25th, under the command of Weitzel, in the Army of the James. Weitzel having previously commanded the 18th Corps. Units of the 25th Corps participated in the Siege of Petersburg, the Battle of Fort Fischer, and the Appomattox Campaign, with Weitzel brevetted to brigadier general in the regular army for his participation in the fall of Richmond. Weitzel stated, in 1866, upon the disbanding of the Corps, that the conduct of the 25th Corps "has been such to draw praise from persons most prejudiced against color, and there is no record which should give the colored race more pride than that left by the 25th".
"One of six rebel battle flags captured from the rebel Gen'l Hoke's Division in their assault on the 1st (Stannard's) Division of the 18th Corps Brevet Maj. Gen. G. Weitzel Com'd'g on Friday the 30th September 1864 at Chafin's Farm near Richmond Virginia" is the ink script legend on the 4.5" x 5" paper tag affixed to this Army of Northern Virginia Confederate battleflag, consigned by General Weitzel's direct lineal descendants. The flag is now 46.5" x 34" high, constructed of three horizontally seamed pieces of red wool bunting. The 3.5" white cotton stars overlaid on a 5 1/8" blue wool bunting cross edged with a 9/16" cotton border. The flag is edged with a 2" white wool bunting border. A portion of the cross and a star have been removed from both right quadrants, along with sections of the upper left quadrant of the flag, doubtless as souvenirs by the regiment that captured the flag. The remainder of the flag shows some battle damage and soiling but excellent sound condition. The flag was tacked to the linen backing by the family a number of years ago, and has been in their possession since the Civil War.
The action at Chaffin's Farm saw fierce fighting between Stannard's Division of Weitzel's 18th Corps, and Hoke's Division , with McKethan's Brigade suffering 529 casualties including many captured. The four regiments in McKethan's Brigade were the 8th, 31st, 51st and 61st North Carolina. Although the 6th South Carolina of Bratton's Brigade also lost its flag on the 30th, and the flag of the 20th Georgia was captured on the 29th, is likely this flag was, in fact, taken from one of the regiments in McKethan's Brigade.
The action at Chaffin's Farm saw fierce fighting between Stannard's Division of Weitzel's 18th Corps, and Hoke's Division , with McKethan's Brigade suffering 529 casualties including many captured. The four regiments in McKethan's Brigade were the 8th, 31st, 51st and 61st North Carolina. Although the 6th South Carolina of Bratton's Brigade also lost its flag on the 30th, and the flag of the 20th Georgia was captured on the 29th, is likely this flag was, in fact, taken from one of the regiments in McKethan's Brigade.
Group of Fourteen Post-Civil War U.S. Engineers Uniform Buttons from the Coat of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. Consigned by his direct lineal descendants, all EG6. Five cuffs - Scovill Mf'g Co./ Waterbury, seven coats - Horstmann Bros & Co./ Phil., and two coats - Shannon, Miller & Crane/ N. Y. All perfect, retaining 99% of the original gilt. Weitzel mustered out of volunteer service in 1866 and returned to his engineering duties as a major in the regular army. He served until his death in 1884 as a lieutenant colonel.
1872 Regulation Major of Engineers Shoulder Knots of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. Consigned by his direct lineal descendants. Weitzel reverted to the rank of major in the Engineer Corps upon his resignation from Civil War volunteer service, in 1866, a rank he held until promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1882. The knots utilize engineer buttons, EG 6, with gold bullion oak leaves on a black velvet background. The brass attachment bars on the back are marked Shannon, Miller & Crane/ New York. Near perfect condition with just some scattered verdigris on the bullion knots and very minor unraveling on two of the oak leaves. Very rare and especially desirable with this impeccable ID.
Major General Godfrey Weitzel: Canteen Shaped Menu from the 13th Annual Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, Detroit, Michigan, June 15, 1882 and Mrs. Weitzel's Named Opera Glasses. Both pieces are consigned by Weitzel's direct lineal descendants. The canteen/menu is embossed on both sides with "13th Annual Reunion Detroit 1882" and the intertwined letters "SAP" in the center. Hinged at the bottom, the canteen opens to reveal a fabric trimmed paper menu for the banquet given at Detroit's Music Hall. The eleven course meal that included such delicacies as "Boned Turkey, aux Truffles in Aspic Gelée", "Fresh Lobsters in shell", and "Bécassine Rôtie a l'Anglaise", was a far cry from war-time camp food. The opera glasses are twice hand-engraved with the name "Louise Weitzel". The mother-of-pearl and gilt metal glasses were made by LeMarie Fabricant of Paris. There is the trademark Lemaire bee under the center bridge. The German born Weitzel graduated second in the Class of 1855 at the United States Military Academy. He taught at West Point until 1861 when he was ordered to Washington as a captain of engineers. Weitzel first met Abraham Lincoln when his company served as the new president's bodyguard at the inauguration. During the Civil War Weitzel reached the rank of major general and commanded the18th and 25th Corps. He died in 1882. The canteen is patinated, else both pieces are fine.
Civil War: Drawing of a Light Twelve Pound Dahlgren Boat Howitzer by Ulric Dahlgren, Son of the Gun's Inventor and Author of the Dahlgren Papers. The side-view rendering of the gun is done in ink and watercolor and measures 10.25" x 7.5". The detailed and finely executed drawing is signed at the lower right "U. Dahlgren / August / 1856". The rendering is evenly toned with light staining to the right of the gun, else very fine and extremely desirable. In August 1856, Ulric Dahlgren was just fourteen years old, but was an exceptional draftsman having worked with his father, Lieutenant (later Admiral) John A. Dahlgren, the founder of the United States Navy Ordnance Department. The older Dahlgren was the chief ordnance officer at the Washington Naval Yard where he developed a percussion lock; and wrote a number of books on boat armaments, shells, shell guns, and percussion locks and primers. Under his command, the United States Navy established its own foundry, and its first product was the boat howitzer, which he designed to be used on both ship and in landings. The first boat howitzer to be designed was the light 12-pounder. Two of the guns were used at the First Battle of Bull Run. Dahlgren designed guns were the primary weapons used by the United States Navy in the Civil War.
Ulric Dahlgren's place in history was not related to the navy, but rather the army. During the Civil War the younger Dahlgren was commissioned into the Army, rising to the rank of colonel, the youngest man in the army to hold that rank during the war. In March 1864 Ulric Dahlgren was killed leading a raid on Richmond, Virginia, ostensibly to free Union prisoners. In orders recovered from his body was the note, "The men must keep together and well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed and Jeff. Davis and Cabinet killed." The Confederate leadership released copies of the orders to the press. The reaction in the South and in Europe was swift and negative. Although terribly bloody, the Civil War had largely been a gentleman's affair, fought by gentlemen's rules, with flags of truce and cordial messages between opposing commanders. The Dahlgren Papers implicated Union leaders in a plot to assassinate their southern counterparts. In the North, the papers were denounced as a forgery designed to weaken the Union's war effort. It has been argued that among those who were incensed by the Dahlgren Papers was John Wilkes Booth who would develop his own plot to assassinate the Union president and cabinet a year later.
Ulric Dahlgren's place in history was not related to the navy, but rather the army. During the Civil War the younger Dahlgren was commissioned into the Army, rising to the rank of colonel, the youngest man in the army to hold that rank during the war. In March 1864 Ulric Dahlgren was killed leading a raid on Richmond, Virginia, ostensibly to free Union prisoners. In orders recovered from his body was the note, "The men must keep together and well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed and Jeff. Davis and Cabinet killed." The Confederate leadership released copies of the orders to the press. The reaction in the South and in Europe was swift and negative. Although terribly bloody, the Civil War had largely been a gentleman's affair, fought by gentlemen's rules, with flags of truce and cordial messages between opposing commanders. The Dahlgren Papers implicated Union leaders in a plot to assassinate their southern counterparts. In the North, the papers were denounced as a forgery designed to weaken the Union's war effort. It has been argued that among those who were incensed by the Dahlgren Papers was John Wilkes Booth who would develop his own plot to assassinate the Union president and cabinet a year later.
U.S. 1864 Dated M1860 Light Cavalry Saber by Roby With Hanger. An exceptional example of this collector favorite with the blade marked "C. Roby / W. Chelmsford / Mass." on the obverse and "U.S. / 1864 / A.G.M." on the reverse. The grip retains the wire wrap and the leather is superb. One arm of the brass guard is bent but not cracked, otherwise the blade is bright with only trivial spotting. The scabbard is without dents and complete with hanger with a U.S. Ordnance Dept. mark stamped in the leather and "E. Gaylord Chicopee" stamped into the brass catch. A beautiful example.
Studded Civil War-period 3.30" Diameter Shell for Use in a 3.31" Rifled Gun. 6.5" high, nine pounds. There is no gun, Federal or Confederate, known to have been used during the war that could have fired this projectile. This projectile is often confused with the Armstrong pattern which utilizes two to three rows of copper studs, while this projectile uses two rows of six lead studs. Possibly of Spanish origin and a rare projectile. Fine condition.
Civil War or Earlier Twelve Pound Shell Configured to Accept a Wooden Fuze Plug. 4.62". Excellent untouched, unfired, condition with coat of light to medium pitting. Very nice example of a relatively scarce shell.
The Original Patent Model of the Adams Hand Grenade, Accompanied by the Patent Office Tags. Patented by John S. Adams on January 10, 1865, it basically consisted of a six pound spherical shell equipped with a lead fuze stock encasing a five second paper time fuze, complete with primer wire. The patent drawing calls for a lanyard to be attached to the wrist and the priming wire, so that when the grenade is thrown the primer wire is automatically pulled. The patent number "45,806" is on both the 3" x 3.25" linen patent office tag as well as painted on the grenade itself. It is also accompanied by a 1.375" x 2.125" orange tag bearing the ink script notation, "J. S. Adams/ Hand Grenade/ Rec'd Sept. 14, 1864" with the printed date '64. This tag was apparently affixed to the grenade when it was originally submitted to the patent office. Despite the fact that this grenade was demonstrated to General Abbott at Petersburg in 1865, and he actually preferred it over the Ketchum, it apparently never went into production, and only a few examples exist, this being the ultimate.
18th Century Nine Pound Spherical Solid Shot. Marked with a 1 5/8" x 1 13/16" shield shaped cartouche, exhibiting the central theme of a Christian cross. Perfect untouched condition.
About Perfect Condition Civil War Six Pound Canister Round on the Original Wooden Sabot. 3.58" diameter, 6.625" high including sabot. Retains 90% of the original gray paint on the sheet iron casing. Remarkable example, none better, and very rare.
U.S. Nine Pound Spherical Solid Shot Dated 1834 on the Original Cup Base Wooden Sabot. Ball with pronounced mould seam and sprue, date 1834 cast into the side. Attached to the deep wooden cup sabot with four thin iron straps. Sabot with one age crack and no loss, else about perfect untouched condition. Very scarce.
Civil War, Bormann Fuzed, Six Pounder Shell on the Original Wooden Sabot, 3.58". Fuze punctured, shell attached to the sabot with four iron straps and a circular flange at the top. Some chips around the bottom edge of the sabot, else perfect untouched condition. Another choice example of a very rare projectile.
Very Rare Civil War One Pound Ketchum Hand Grenade Complete with Fins. 1.75" diameter body which displays mould mark and substantial sprue. Body complete with plunger and nipple, perfect condition. Most of two of the cardboard fins are missing while the other two fins are essentially intact. Only a handful of existing specimens.
Civil War Twelve Pound Spherical Shell with Bormann Time Fuze. 4.52", fuze unpunched, shell with a visible mould seam. Perfect untouched condition, choice example.
Most Rare, 2", Two Pound Spherical Lead Ball on the Original Wood Sabot for the Woodruff Gun. James Woodruff designed his 2", 256 pound gun, at the outbreak of the war, theoretically to fill the need for light guns to accompany primarily cavalry units into the field. Ripley and Scott both rejected the gun out of hand, but through political influence, and Lincoln's personal intervention, Woodruff received a government order for thirty guns. The pieces were subsequently issued to several Illinois and Iowa cavalry regiments, saw limited use, and were generally deemed ineffective. The ball exhibits aging, with a number of small dents, and remains tightly affixed to the sabot with a 3/8" wide brass strap. The sabot is perfect with dark smooth age patina. A rare opportunity to acquire a nearly non-existent Civil War artillery projectile.
Civil War Patent Model for "Explosive Canister Shot." Smith Groom of Troy, New York described his "improvement in shot and shell for rifled cannon" as containing powder, wadding, war missiles, wood plug, and conical end. The model is 4.5" long, the brass body being 1.125" wide at the spiral flanges, of which there are four. Conical wooden nose, and a wooden plug inside at the base. The small brass tube in the base serves as the time fuze. The cross section of the shell shows the exploding charge in the base, topped with the wooden plug, with the canister balls placed between the wooden base and the wooden nose. The spiral flanges are, of course, intended to impart spin to the projectile in a rifled gun. There is no indication that this projectile was ever used in combat, and apparently did not go into production, with this model doubtless being the only three dimensional evidence of its existence. Accompanied by the original 3" x 3.25" Patent Office tag, "36,820/ Smith Groom/ Explosive/ Canister Shot/ Patented Oct. 28th/ 1862" Overall about perfect condition.
Two Absterdam 3" Sub-Pattern II Shells. One with a heavily pitted body and a brass screw driver slot fuze plug. The other with no fuze plug in about perfect condition with JPK on the body. Both shells with Absterdam's/ Patent/ Feb. 28, 1864 on the brass sabot. Fine examples of this shell that, although patented during the war, was apparently never issued for field use.
Nice Group of Civil War Artillery Items. Two Confederate fuze plugs, a Hotchkiss time fuze plug, a Navy water cap fuze inspected and dated 1862, five japanned tin Taylor flame directors, four paper fuzes, and a linen powder bag stenciled, "6" Q. F./ Common Shell/ 1 lb. F. G.". All items in about perfect condition.
Original Civil War Patent Model for the Ganster Hand Grenade. Although George P. Ganster applied for the patent on October 3, 1864, as is documented by the accompanying period tag, it was not granted until June 13, 1865, with the apparent result that these grenades did not see combat, and did not go into production. The 2.75" spherical shell employs a slotted, threaded, brass side loader plug. Inside is a spring loaded anvil-cone mechanism with the tip exposed at the bottom of the grenade, resulting in detonation, using matchheads for ignition, when the exposed tip strikes the target. A threaded fuzing device on the top employs a wire handle that is released with a locking bolt, thus arming the grenade. Although apparently full size, this model does not include the small locking bolt on the top, but appears to conform precisely to the original patent drawings in every other respect. Accompanied by the original 3" x 3.25" patent department linen tag, "No. 48,167/ G. P. Ganster/ Concussion Fuse/ for Explosive Shells/ Jun 13th 1865/ antedated June 9, 1865." The patent number is also painted on the grenade. Also accompanied by a 1.25" x 2.15" orange tag "George P. Ganster/ Hand Grenade/ Rec'd Oct. 3/ 1864" with the printed date '64. Tags show their age but very sound, the grenade is perfect.
A Group of Two Artillery Projectiles. An absolutely mint 3" Stafford shell with a brass Hotchkiss time fuze plug. Shell retains 95% of a period coat of black paint. Absolutely perfect. A post war 3" Dyer shell threaded for a Taylor fuze. Perfect untouched condition.
Absolutely Remarkable, Probably Factory, 1864 Display Board with Sixteen Coston's Flares for Use with the U.S. M1862 Army Signal Pistol. Each flare is different, held in place by a copper wire loop, and identified by a number or letter, that were apparently keyed to a legend which no longer accompanies the display. 14" X 19" nicely mounted in a gilt lined period walnut frame. The display heading, executed in water color and ink espouses, "Coston's/ Telegraphic-Night-Signals/ U. S. Army Signal Service/ Signal-Pistol And Cartridges". The signal pistol depicted is also executed in ink and watercolor as is the 1864 date. Attached below the pistol is a factory label for M. E. Coston's flares, Patented April 8, 1859. All flares in perfect condition, the backboard with some toning and a few water stains, but very sound and bright.
Martha Jane Hunt Coston eloped with an American naval officer at the age of sixteen. Benjamin Franklin Coston, only twenty-one, became director of the U.S. Navy's scientific laboratory in Washington, where he experimented with color coded signals to allow communication between ships. Upon his death, in 1847, Martha struck out on her own, perfected the flare system, and found a manufacturer to produce them. Sadly, she was never compensated for the flares she produced, at cost, for the Union Army during the war. Her perseverance after the war, however, led to the adoption of the Coston Maritime Signals on an international level.
Martha Jane Hunt Coston eloped with an American naval officer at the age of sixteen. Benjamin Franklin Coston, only twenty-one, became director of the U.S. Navy's scientific laboratory in Washington, where he experimented with color coded signals to allow communication between ships. Upon his death, in 1847, Martha struck out on her own, perfected the flare system, and found a manufacturer to produce them. Sadly, she was never compensated for the flares she produced, at cost, for the Union Army during the war. Her perseverance after the war, however, led to the adoption of the Coston Maritime Signals on an international level.
M1863 Cavalry Bit Iron with Brass U.S. Rosettes. Lot consists of a pair of cavalry bits, both ports & cheek straps are very good condition no repairs, lower rein rings (curb) are good also, branches are sturdy, one bit has brass U.S. Rosette (or boss), and the other bit is missing the Rosettes. Over all condition is very nice; they have normal rusting.
U.S. M1833 Foot Artillery Sword, Ames/1845, with the Original White Buff M1836 Waist Belt Set. Sword near mint retaining 50% of the original gilt on the hilt, with the blade showing 98% of the original luster. Scabbard with a few minor finish cracks and just a bit weak where it joins the tip, else perfect. Tip undented. Belt set also about perfect. Buckle and fittings retain 50% of the original gilt, face of the belt with period white buff dressing, perfect. Reverse of the belt with the 1" x 2.25" maker's stamp of R & H. A. Dingee. Really and exceptional example of this U.S. regulation belt/sword set.
Civil War: United States Sanitary Commission Flag, 86" x 68". This red wool bunting flag has "United States Sanitary Commission" in sewn white cotton letters approximately 2" wide and 10" high. The hoist is reinforced with 0.75" wide white cotton bunting. This historic Sanitary Commission flag is one of only a handful of surviving specimens and the only example ever to be offered for sale in a public venue. It has been professionally conserved, framed, and is in excellent condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
The United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization that is considered the forerunner of the American Red Cross, had a brief but very important role in bringing medical aid and general support to our fighting men during and just after the Civil War, a conflict with conditions so rough that many more men died of disease than were killed in battle. On April 22, 1861, just days after the Battle of Fort Sumter, the editor of the New York Times, Henry Raymond, published an editorial titled "Work for the Ladies." He suggested that interested "ladies in the several Wards, or in connection with the different Churches of the City, form small organizations among themselves for the purpose of preparing bandages, lint and other articles of indispensable necessity for the wounded" and proposed a meeting of those so disposed to meet with his wife and their residence that very day. At that same time, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the nation's first female medical doctor, started training women at Bellevue for work as army nurses. On April 26, she helped organize a meeting of 4000 women at Cooper Union to found the Women's Central Association of Relief for the Sick and Wounded of the Army. It was modeled after the British Sanitary Commission who, during the Crimean War, sought to lessen disease caused by the unsanitary conditions of war. Their efforts at interesting federal officials in the cause were unsuccessful so they turned to their male colleagues. On May 15, 1861, a Unitarian clergyman named Henry Bellows led a delegation of male doctors to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Lincoln on behalf of the women's group. Lincoln was reluctant at first, thinking that this organization would be a "fifth wheel to the coach"; on June 8, 1861, however, he approved the recommendation of the war department establishing the Sanitary Commission with Bellows as its president. By 1863, there were 7,000 local affiliates. Though its officers and agents were mostly men, nearly all its volunteers were women who tirelessly collected food, clothing, medicine, and supplies for the soldiers, alleviating an untold amount of suffering and death from disease.
The United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization that is considered the forerunner of the American Red Cross, had a brief but very important role in bringing medical aid and general support to our fighting men during and just after the Civil War, a conflict with conditions so rough that many more men died of disease than were killed in battle. On April 22, 1861, just days after the Battle of Fort Sumter, the editor of the New York Times, Henry Raymond, published an editorial titled "Work for the Ladies." He suggested that interested "ladies in the several Wards, or in connection with the different Churches of the City, form small organizations among themselves for the purpose of preparing bandages, lint and other articles of indispensable necessity for the wounded" and proposed a meeting of those so disposed to meet with his wife and their residence that very day. At that same time, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the nation's first female medical doctor, started training women at Bellevue for work as army nurses. On April 26, she helped organize a meeting of 4000 women at Cooper Union to found the Women's Central Association of Relief for the Sick and Wounded of the Army. It was modeled after the British Sanitary Commission who, during the Crimean War, sought to lessen disease caused by the unsanitary conditions of war. Their efforts at interesting federal officials in the cause were unsuccessful so they turned to their male colleagues. On May 15, 1861, a Unitarian clergyman named Henry Bellows led a delegation of male doctors to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Lincoln on behalf of the women's group. Lincoln was reluctant at first, thinking that this organization would be a "fifth wheel to the coach"; on June 8, 1861, however, he approved the recommendation of the war department establishing the Sanitary Commission with Bellows as its president. By 1863, there were 7,000 local affiliates. Though its officers and agents were mostly men, nearly all its volunteers were women who tirelessly collected food, clothing, medicine, and supplies for the soldiers, alleviating an untold amount of suffering and death from disease.
Nice Confederate "Dog River" Cavalry Saber Exhibiting Several Unusual Details. 35.5" curved blade with unstopped fuller generally smooth with just a few very small patches of salt and peppering and one tiny nick. The blade shows a few tiny forging flaws but very well made with nice untouched patina. Hilt also nicely made, with just a few tiny flaws and exhibits the unusual detail of the branches being flattened where they enter the guard. There is an old solder "shim" where the guard joins the pommel, obviously done to simply tighten the sword as there is no break. There is also an old solder shim where the base of the grip enters the guard apparently for the same purpose. The grip is covered with dyed vellum, which has simply shrunk exposing some of the wood on the back of the grip. Retains several turns of the original single strand iron wire wrap. Hilt overall with very nice patina and no bends, cracks or breaks. The scabbard exhibits a prominent soldered lap seam with iron drag. A couple of minor shallow dents but really excellent with nice dark untouched patina. The heavy brass ring mounts are pinched together and soldered at the back. The top mount appears to have been struck and the ring is missing. The scabbard is made without a throat. An unusual and rare form in very nice condition.
Great Confederate Canteen Taken at Wilderness with Tag. Standard Gardner pattern with iron hoops and three tin strap loops, no spout. Canteen overall about perfect with dark untouched patina. Attached to the face of the canteen is an old cardboard tag which bears the following, period, ink script, history, "Canteen taken from a dead rebel at the battle of the Wilderness Va. 1864 By Reese Parker Co. B. The blood stains are caused by the blood of the dead rebel." Tag shows its great age but very sound and perfectly legible. The reverse face of the canteen is neatly carved with the block letters E. G., doubtless the "dead rebel." J. Reese Parker served with Co. B, 63rd Penna. Vol. Inf. from August 1, 1861, to August 5, 1863. Accompanied by a photostat of a group image showing Parker with other members of his company.
Civil War: Named Southern Cross of Honor and Ten United Confederate Veterans Ribbons, Buttons, and Badges to Robert L. Harris. The collection, all given to Harris, includes: his named Southern Cross of Honor; a ribbon badge for the Stonewall Camp No. 4, Portsmouth, Virginia, 2.5" x 9.25"; U.C.V. 1898 Reunion button for a" visiting veteran", July 20-23, Atlanta, 1.75"; ribbon badge named to Harris for the 1919 North Carolina Division Reunion of the U.C.V., August 5-17, Rocky Mount, N.C., 1.25" x 4.25"; ribbon badge for the 27th U.C.V. Reunion , 1917, Washington, D.C., 1.25" x 4"; a bronze finished pin-back badge to the same event, 1.25" x 1.75"; Confederate reunion ribbon badge, October 23-25, 1907, Norfolk, Virginia, 1.5" x 5"; ribbon badge North Carolina Division Reunion of the U.C.V., July 26-27, 1916, Wilmington, N.C., 1.5" x 4.5"; a bronzed pin-back badge 26th Annual Reunion of the U.C.V., 1918, Birmingham, Alabama, 1.25" x 1.5"; and, two Confederate flag pins, one paper (repaired) and the other celluloid. Some minor weakness to the ribbons, else fine. Robert L. Harris served with the 6th Alabama from May 1861 to Appomattox, including at Gettysburg, and was wounded in the leg in 1864. Very nice group with excellent history.
Group of Eight Packs of Civil War Artillery Fuzes. Seven are unopened/sealed. The eighth is open and retains two fuzes. Two packs of 4 second fuzes with Frankford Arsenal labels, 4 second. The other five sealed packs with printed times ranging from 10 to 20 seconds. Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Nice group and becoming increasingly scarce.
Great Group of Personal Items from John Whipple, Co. C, 11th New Hampshire Vols., Who Died as a POW at Andersonville, June 27, 1864. Whipple enlisted in the 11th on August 18, 1862, and was captured at Knoxville, Tn. November 22, 1863. He is buried in the Andersonville National Cemetery. Included with the group is an 8" x 10" one page ALS from the "Angel of the Battlefield," Clara Barton, dated March 20, 1865, and headed "Office of Correspondence with the Friends of the Missing Men of the United States Army, Washington, D. C." informing Miss Nellie Whipple of John's death at Andersonville and that his grave number is 2544, includes the original envelope. Also included is a great 5" x 8" four page foldover, ink script letter, dated January 22, 1865, from William W. Fish to Nellie Whipple, informing her of the circumstances surrounding his capture and death. Fish was in Whipple's company, and was with him when he was captured and at Andersonville, having been paroled. Fish reports that "the rebels took Whipple's boots, he having a good pair, and marched him barefoot and put him on the cars at Bristol, Tn." Fish further states, with reference to Whipple's death, that he died from "chronic diarrhea and scurvy which together with the barbarous treatment received at the hands of the fiends in human form caused his death."
The lot also includes: his 1.75" x 4.75" brass stencil, "J Whipple Jr./ Co. C 11 ' N. H. V.", about perfect condition; his tarred canvas kit for personal items, stationery etc., 7" x 9" when closed and folded, edged with blue silk and lined with light brown polished cotton. One flap of the kit is ID'd with the enclosed stencil. Numerous interior pockets and flaps, retaining a three tine wooden handle fork, his intricately carved bone toothbrush, as well as needles and thread. Attached is a 3.5" x 4.75" folk art needle pad in the form of a butterfly, with beaded and embroidered wings and wool felt flaps for needles. All items in about perfect condition. A remarkable grouping with some of the finest provenance we've ever seen.
The lot also includes: his 1.75" x 4.75" brass stencil, "J Whipple Jr./ Co. C 11 ' N. H. V.", about perfect condition; his tarred canvas kit for personal items, stationery etc., 7" x 9" when closed and folded, edged with blue silk and lined with light brown polished cotton. One flap of the kit is ID'd with the enclosed stencil. Numerous interior pockets and flaps, retaining a three tine wooden handle fork, his intricately carved bone toothbrush, as well as needles and thread. Attached is a 3.5" x 4.75" folk art needle pad in the form of a butterfly, with beaded and embroidered wings and wool felt flaps for needles. All items in about perfect condition. A remarkable grouping with some of the finest provenance we've ever seen.
The Remains of a Confederate Altered U.S. M1842 .69 Caliber Percussion Musket Taken at Ft. Wagner, September 6, 1863. Based on the damage the piece was likely struck by a shell. The barrel is snapped off at the breech plug where it also shows the result of a heavy impact, the barrel additionally is notably bent. The stock shattered in the same area with cracks further up the forestock, all obviously the result of the same impact. The gun retains all three bands and the ramrod spoon. Of particular note is the fact that 2.625" of the barrel at the muzzle has been turned down to accept a socket bayonet with a 31mm inside diameter, the original lug remains on the bottom of the barrel, obviously a Confederate alteration. Neatly executed in red paint on the forestock is the following period legend, "Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S. C./ Captured Sept 6: 1863." Perfect untouched condition and a great relic from this famed Confederate fort.
Doubtless the Finest Carved Confederate Canteen We've Ever Handled and Certainly One of the Finest in Existence. Classic Gardner pattern canteen with iron hoops and, in this case, turned wooden spout. Relief carved shield on the face inscribed "Port Hudson/ July 8, 1863". American flags and arms panoply at the top with intricate incise carved scroll work at the sides. Deeply relief carved underneath "O. J. Pierce." Osborn James Pierce served with the 24th Maine Inf. from October 13, 1862, to August 25, 1863, and was obviously with the regiment at the fall of Port Hudson. Pierce subsequently served with the 7th Maine Light Arty. from December 30, 1863 to June 21, 1865. Canteen overall with dark rich patina, age hairline crack diagonally on the face, with no loss and very sound. The reverse face bears the legend, "Canteen/ Obtained From/ A/ Rebel Prisoner (relief carved)/ At/Port Hudson/ La." The entire inscription with intertwined incise carved scrolls. Pierce, in addition to his military exploits was an architect and sometime illustrator for Harper's Weekly.
Included with the canteen are six captioned sketches by Pierce of the Port Hudson vicinity during the siege and fall, including a 5" x 7" depiction of Union soldiers with dozens of canteens slung over their shoulders, with a group of prisoners.
Included with the canteen are six captioned sketches by Pierce of the Port Hudson vicinity during the siege and fall, including a 5" x 7" depiction of Union soldiers with dozens of canteens slung over their shoulders, with a group of prisoners.
American Militia Coatee, New England, Probably Rhode Island, Circa 1810-1820. Red wool, triple breasted, with 3.5" blue wool standup collar, blue cuffs and tail turnbacks. Ball buttons with no backmarks. Heavily padded breast with single interior pocket, white silk quilted partial body lining and white silk sleeve lining. The collar is lined with a coarse loose weave heavy wool. Gold bullion embroidered tape on edges and collar. Oak leaf like bullion tape motifs on cuffs, tail turnbacks and back of collar. Some minor scattered moth damage, one stain, probably removable, near the collar, but overall very good sound condition. Nice representative example of an American uniform coat from the first quarter of the 19th century, with possible War of 1812 association.
Nicely ID'd Civil War Officer's Frock Coat of Captain Henrie Crandall. Crandall initially saw service with the first Rhode Island Light Artillery from May 2 to August 6, 1861, including 1st Bull Run. He was subsequently appointed to the General Staff of the State of Rhode Island, and the uniform is accompanied by a letter of introduction from Governor James Y. Smith dated January 8, 1865. Crandall's name is neatly printed in ink on the liner of the hanging loop inside the coat. Single breasted nine button front, three buttons on each cuff and one on each tail, all D. Evans & Co. Rhode Island state seals. Excellent period sleeve cut, tufted at the shoulders, raw cut skirt. Very fine quality blue wool, black silk quilted breast lining, draped skirt. Breast and tail pockets lined with brown polished cotton. White cotton sleeve lining, and black velvet lining in the stand up collar, which rises to 1.75" at the back. Triple bullion border, 2" wide, shoulder straps with black velvet (staff) background, about perfect. Lining excellent with some areas of wear and some frayed spots from mothing in the wool. Wool with some small scattered moth holes, and just a few larger (.5") holes. Overall excellent, very sound, with nice color and lots of character. A nice Civil War officer's frock coat with impeccable ID.
Probably the Most Visually Stunning Civil War Confederate Flag We've Ever Cataloged. Very rare form, pristine condition, with an intriguing history, and accompanied by detailed analysis and authentication documents from noted flag authority Fonda S. Thomsen. 67.5" on the hoist, 97.5" on the fly, conforming precisely to specifications set by the Confederate Secretary of the Navy, May 26, 1863, for a Navy standard, having a length one and one half times the width.
The flag is constructed of one layer of wool bunting in the pattern of a Confederate Naval Jack, 2nd issue. There are thirteen, five pointed, 8.25" X 9" white cotton stars inserted in a 11.5" blue bunting cross, three in each arm and one in the center. The cross is inserted in the fly between each quadrant. The quadrants are constructed of red wool bunting. The leading edge and fly quadrant have two horizontal seams, while the top and bottom quadrants have only one. The 1.75" hoist is of white linen and has been wrapped around a 0.25" rope halyard with a 3.5" wooden dowel at the bottom. The flag is as constructed and is in superb condition, with very minor deterioration. Interestingly there are a few areas of small holes, that are clearly the result of being burned, based on the dark tips of the fibers, probably by airborne cinders.
The flag was acquired by the consignor's father in 1965, along with a 2nd National Naval Jack that remains in his family, from the granddaughter of Union Naval war hero William B. Cushing. Cushing became a national celebrity during the war for his daring "commando" style action when, on the night of October 27-28, 1864, he, and a small crew, took the Navy steam launch "Picket Boat Number One" upriver to Plymouth, N.C., where they attacked and sank the Confederate ironclad ram CSS Albemarle with a spar torpedo. A copy of Ms. Thomson's report is available to interested parties.
The flag is constructed of one layer of wool bunting in the pattern of a Confederate Naval Jack, 2nd issue. There are thirteen, five pointed, 8.25" X 9" white cotton stars inserted in a 11.5" blue bunting cross, three in each arm and one in the center. The cross is inserted in the fly between each quadrant. The quadrants are constructed of red wool bunting. The leading edge and fly quadrant have two horizontal seams, while the top and bottom quadrants have only one. The 1.75" hoist is of white linen and has been wrapped around a 0.25" rope halyard with a 3.5" wooden dowel at the bottom. The flag is as constructed and is in superb condition, with very minor deterioration. Interestingly there are a few areas of small holes, that are clearly the result of being burned, based on the dark tips of the fibers, probably by airborne cinders.
The flag was acquired by the consignor's father in 1965, along with a 2nd National Naval Jack that remains in his family, from the granddaughter of Union Naval war hero William B. Cushing. Cushing became a national celebrity during the war for his daring "commando" style action when, on the night of October 27-28, 1864, he, and a small crew, took the Navy steam launch "Picket Boat Number One" upriver to Plymouth, N.C., where they attacked and sank the Confederate ironclad ram CSS Albemarle with a spar torpedo. A copy of Ms. Thomson's report is available to interested parties.
Confederate Civil War Gardner's Pattern Cedar Wood Canteen with Wonderful Period Paint Decoration. 6.9" diameter, 2.5" thick, a slightly different size than normally encountered, but classic form with riveted iron bands and mortises for strap loops. The untouched paint decoration, which is 100% intact, is very similar in character to the canteen pictured on page 34, at top, in Sylvia & O'Donnell's Civil War canteen book. The scene depicts a cottage next to a stone bridge over a stream in a wooded setting, with mountains, painted blue/gray, in the background. There is clearly an artist's signature to the left of the bridge and below, which we are unable to make out, but certainly discernible and worthy of research. The sides of the canteen are painted black, and the reverse face gray. Turned wood spout with cork/wood stopper. Old hairline on the face and the spout but no loss and really negligible.
"Piece of an Eleven Inch Shot that Struck the U.S. Monitor Mahpopac While in Action with the Howlett Battery on the James River Nov. 1864... on board were Addison Poole A. A. P./ Calvin W. Pool A. A. P. S. USN of Rockport Mass. Weight of shot 167 lbs." is the period ink script history on this 11 1/8" diameter piece of paperboard with an ink line drawn around the edge with the notation "Circumference of Shot". The original accompanying fragment weighs about ten pounds. The USS Mahopac, a heavily armored Canonicus class Monitor, was launched May 17, 1864. After participating in the attack on Charleston, she operated on the James River and engaged a Confederate artillery battery at Howlett's farm, the obvious point of origin of this remarkable artifact. Paper board with some chips at upper right, not affecting the inscription, else excellent sound condition. A unique Civil War naval artifact.
Important Group of Four Rare Civil War-period Cartes de Visite Associated with the Colt Firearms Company. A portrait of Samuel Colt (1814 - 1862) by Kellogg, Hartford, Ct. A view of Colt's home "Armsmear" by R. S. De Lamater, Hartford, Ct. and, also by De Lamater, two views of the Colt factory's East Armory after the disastrous 1864 fire. All with period ink ID on the verso, all excellent, and a superb adjunct to any Colt collection.
Autographs
Samuel Colt Autograph Letter Signed to Edward Wesson Regarding the Development of a Dragoon Form Revolving Carbine. The letter is four integral pages written on pages one and two and addressed on page four, 8" x 9.75", New Haven, Connecticut, April 12, 1847, and postmarked the same day. Samuel Colt writes asking that Wesson bore and rifle two long barrels that Colt expressed to him that day. Colt explains that "I want them for moddles [sic], & not having as yet any convenience for boring & rifling anything but pistol barrels" he is giving the tooling commission to Wesson. Colt gives specific instructions asking that Wesson make the barrel of one gun to accommodate "a round ball 50 to the pound loading at the britch [sic] & must not be any larger in the bore than the sample pistol barrel I send you." Shortly after this letter was written Colt moved his operations from New Haven to New York and began the production of the Colt Dragoon Revolver.
It is obvious from the letter that Colt was considering the production of a revolving carbine. A Colt production model would not come until the introduction of the 1855 Colt Revolving Rifle. There is however an experimental piece on loan to the Cody Firearms Center, Buffalo Bill Historical Center that incorporates a 21.06" long barrel on a brass dragoon frame that carries all of the features typical of Colt factory work in its first year of existence. In this very important letter Colt also asks Wesson's advice in hiring employees. Very fine condition.
It is obvious from the letter that Colt was considering the production of a revolving carbine. A Colt production model would not come until the introduction of the 1855 Colt Revolving Rifle. There is however an experimental piece on loan to the Cody Firearms Center, Buffalo Bill Historical Center that incorporates a 21.06" long barrel on a brass dragoon frame that carries all of the features typical of Colt factory work in its first year of existence. In this very important letter Colt also asks Wesson's advice in hiring employees. Very fine condition.
Military & Patriotic
Firearms: Original Letters Patent for Improvements to the Forehand & Wadsworth Revolver, June 27, 1871, #116422. The document is ten integral partially printed pages, 10" x 14.75", June 27, 1871, Washington, D.C., with the embossed paper seal of the Patent Office of the United States securing a red ribbon binding. The patent is for a cartridge ejector pin on Forehand & Wadsworth revolvers. The pin, stored in the hollowed base pin upon which the cylinder revolves, is removable and used to push spent cartridges out of the cylinder. It was used on the F&W Center Hammer .32 caliber revolver. The ejector pin was replaced by the introduction of the automatic shell extractor. The patent was issued the same year as the Forehand & Wadsworth firm began manufacturing arms. Very fine.
Magnificent American Mounted Infantry Officer's Eaglehead Saber, Circa 1810. One of the finest examples of this form we've ever seen, for both condition and quality. Doubtless of French manufacture, displaying the finest craftsmanship of the 1st Empire sword makers. 40.5" overall with 33.75" curved blade. The scabbard, excluding the drag, is also exactly 33.75". Blade decorated for 2/3 its length with fire blue, and gilt engraved, decoration, including military and scroll motifs, with a liberty cap and stars, and all-seeing eye on the obverse. Retains 90% of the original fire blue and gilt with just some light scattered surface rust. Totally untouched and would clean beautifully. Brass hilt retains 50% of the original silver wash, with beautifully detailed eaglehead and ivory plaque grips. Heavy D guard with deep relief oak leaves and acorns, scroll and military motifs, including a star with rays in the center of the reverse. Cross guard with crossed Roman swords and wreath, the quillon in the form of a ram's head. Langets with American eagle with shield on the obverse, and classical military motifs on the reverse. Heavy brass scabbard with separately affixed embossed brass ring mounts, the scabbard covered on both sides with chaised and engraved floral, scroll and geometric decoration. The scabbard is perfect with absolutely no dents or dings and retains 50% of the original silver wash. A truly exceptional example of a rare and very desirable form, and unquestionably pre War of 1812.
American Eaglehead Mounted Officer's Saber, Circa 1825. 38" overall with a curved 33.25" blade, 1.85" wide at the ricasso. Decorated for 2/3 its length with fire blue and gilt engraved scroll and military motifs including a spread wing American eagle, shield and motto on the obverse, and liberty cap on the reverse. The blade also displays white etched panels with scroll, leaf and classical motifs. Blade generally dark and smooth retaining traces of the fire blue, and 80% of the gilt, with some scattered patches of light pitting, and one small area with heavier pitting near the hilt on the reverse. The unusual hilt includes an all brass one piece grip and eaglehead. The face of the grip engraved with three flowers. Brass D-shaped guard with cast decoration of a form not previously encountered, with engraved disc quillon. Hilt perfect with nice dark untouched patina. Despite the seemingly disproportionate size of the hilt and the blade, the sword is unquestionably as manufactured, and completely untouched. An unusual and impressive eaglehead in a very rare form.
Second Model Virginia Manufactory Saber as Altered for Confederate Use. Certainly one of the finest condition examples we've seen. Deeply curved 33" blade, generally smooth and dark with just some small scattered patches of light pitting and dark surface rust. There are a number of nicks in the center section of the blade which (without being melodramatic), in recognition of the sword's history, were most likely inflicted in combat. With the exception of a small circle on the obverse ricasso the blade is unmarked. Hilt about perfect with smooth dark patina, absolutely no rust or pitting. Grip also near perfect with just a few surface chips in the leather, and tight single strand brass wire wrap. Scabbard with brass mounts also exceptional with smooth dark patina and just a few small patches of light pitting. Brass ring mounts perfect/untouched.
Attached to the saber is a period cardboard tag which bears the following ink script legend: "Used by one of the "Black/ Horse" Cavalry at the/ 2nd Battle of Bull Run/ Confederate Saber" and on the reverse, "Presented to Wm. Knight Frick and/ by him to presented to / Alfred Parks Brown/ Brooklyn, N. Y./ Presented to/ Larry Schloss Freeport, N. Y." Tag in good sound condition, crisp and legible. A great Confederate sword with a superb history.
Attached to the saber is a period cardboard tag which bears the following ink script legend: "Used by one of the "Black/ Horse" Cavalry at the/ 2nd Battle of Bull Run/ Confederate Saber" and on the reverse, "Presented to Wm. Knight Frick and/ by him to presented to / Alfred Parks Brown/ Brooklyn, N. Y./ Presented to/ Larry Schloss Freeport, N. Y." Tag in good sound condition, crisp and legible. A great Confederate sword with a superb history.
Horsehead Pommel American Artillery Officer's Saber, Circa 1830. Generically a very rare form, this example being of a pattern we have not previously encountered. 35" overall with 30" curved blade decorated with gilded, engraved, floral and military motifs, including a primitive tucked wing eagle with riband and stars, beneath which is a riband with "Warranted". Blade generally smooth and dark with just a few small patches of light pitting, retaining 80% of the original gilt. The unique hilt incorporates a horsehead pommel with open mouth and integral backstrap chaised/engraved with the mane. The plain stirrup guard, with disc quillon, attaches underneath, rather than in the mouth as is normally encountered on these scarce swords. Polished wood grip with twisted silver wire and a ferrule at the base. Hilt retains 90% of the original gilt. Grip with a few chips at top and bottom but very sound with nice patina. There is no scabbard. A very rare American sword.
Napoleonic Wars: Auguste-Denis Marie Raffet, "Untitled". Oil on canvas, 21.5" x 18", signed "Raffet" in lower left corner. The painting shows a soldier wearing a Belgic shako from the Coalition forces grabbing a standard out of the grip of a dead French standard bearer. A dog, obviously loyal to the fallen Frenchman, bites at the hand of the soldier pulling at the flag staff. The battle rages in the background. The artist, Auguste-Denis Marie Raffet (1804-1860), painted scenes of the Napoleonic campaigns, from Egypt to Waterloo. Raffet was inspired by ardent patriotic enthusiasm and a love of the Napoleonic period. The painting, with one small area of paint loss, modest craquelure, and light wear at the edges is in very fine condition.
U.S. M1840 Non Commissioned Officer's Sword. Totally unmarked and possibly a very early example. Blade excellent, smooth and light gray with just a few tiny nicks. Brass hilt and scabbard mounts with dark patina, totally untouched. The scabbard mounts have a few scattered dents. The leather scabbard exhibits some flaking and the stitching is open, but completely intact. Good representative example.
M1811 German/Prussian Light Cavalry Saber. Patterned directly after the British 1796 saber and oft referred to as the "Blucher sword" in recognition of their use at Waterloo. The 1796/1811 is viewed by many historians as the most effective military slashing saber ever devised, and was continually in use by German cavalry units through the end of the 19th century, this example being circa 1880. Sword overall with nice patina in near perfect untouched condition. Blade retains most of the original luster with just some very minor abrasions along the cutting edge, easily removed. Leather wrapped grip and scabbard also about perfect. Blade, hilt and scabbard all bear the number 335H1. Scabbard and reverse langet also exhibit the mark 10.T.P.3.34, representing Proviantkolonne der Train - Abteilung. This is a supply column of a service detachment, 10th train, 3d company, 34th weapon. Very fine example and especially desirable with these matching numbers/unit marks.
U.S. Military Issue "Peace" Flask, N. P. Ames 1847. As issued with the rifleman's accoutrement set. Circular stars pattern in near perfect condition with nice patina, even the charging spring is functional, just missing the small post for adjusting the spout. Original triangular brass sling loops. Old linen tag attached with chain of ownership. Fine example and especially desirable with this Mexican War date.
Civil War Period or Earlier Oval Lead-filled South Carolina Waist Belt Plate that Family Tradition States was Worn by a Drummer and Recovered from the Gettysburg Battlefield. 57mm x 33mm brass shell with scalloped edge. Palmetto tree neatly hand engraved on the face of the plate, fully extending from top to bottom. Trunk and leaves with cross hatched embellishment. Lead filled, using two single wire iron hooks for attachment to the belt (one broken) and a double iron wire hook for closure. Totally untouched with deep dark patina, the hooks rather heavily rusted, face with a few shallow dents. This quite possibly began life as the escutcheon on a circa 1840 leather trunk but was then obviously modified for use as a belt plate. Really a fascinating testimony to Confederate ingenuity. Great South Carolina and Gettysburg artifact.
Great Confederate "Bible Flag" with Wonderful October 10, 1863 Letter of Transmittal from a New Orleans "Belle" to a Soldier. The flag is silk, handstitched, 4 1/8" x 1 7/8", one sided, with thirteen separately affixed gilt painted paper stars. Hand stitched script motto "Gloire et Liberte" with a pencil script notation on the white stripe on the front "Victory or slight wounds" and on the back "this is french (sic)". Near perfect condition, just slightly frayed at the fly end.
Bright crisp four page ink script letter, 9" x 11" unfolded, separated along the fold but with no loss. "Annie" expresses how much she misses him and that she and her father have been trying to get a pass to Vicksburg from Gen. Grant. Further states that she is not uneasy about his safety but "if you should be killed, your last moments would be happy ones, your last thoughts of me would not be tinged with the least unforgiving feeling - I should not be the one whose unkindness had driven you to seek that death." Very Victorian but with a touch of pique. Really a great set and certainly one of the nicest Confederate Bible flags we've ever seen.
Bright crisp four page ink script letter, 9" x 11" unfolded, separated along the fold but with no loss. "Annie" expresses how much she misses him and that she and her father have been trying to get a pass to Vicksburg from Gen. Grant. Further states that she is not uneasy about his safety but "if you should be killed, your last moments would be happy ones, your last thoughts of me would not be tinged with the least unforgiving feeling - I should not be the one whose unkindness had driven you to seek that death." Very Victorian but with a touch of pique. Really a great set and certainly one of the nicest Confederate Bible flags we've ever seen.
Very Rare Tin of 1000 Sharps Pellet Primers. 2" x 1 5/8" diameter tin retaining traces of the original japanned finish, excellent condition. Retains the original green paper label on the lid, "Sharp's Primers/ 1000/ Patented June 28, 1853/ Address, Sharp's Rifle Mfg. Co./ Hartford, Ct." Label about perfect. Retains twenty-five of the original brass tubes, each containing twenty-five copper pellet primers. Each tube lightly crimped on one end with a 1 1/8" notched wooden plug inserted in the other. All in perfect condition. Interestingly the tin also contains a rifle size percussion nipple. Only a handful of known specimens, and a rare opportunity for the Sharps collector.
Group of Five Civil War Wooden Mortar Fuzes. 9.375" long, 1.75" diameter at the top. All in about perfect condition with original printed paper labels/seals "5/ Seconds/ to the Inch/ 1864 (4 crossed out and replaced with an ink script 5). Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Choice condition and, as with all of the fuzes, becoming quite scarce.
Historic Confederate Flag Fragment. 3.5" x 4.5" swatch of blue silk, clearly cut from a larger piece, with double sided gilt painted star, 2.75" across the tips, neatly inscribed in script in the gilt paint, "Cut from Rebel flag/ captured at Fisher's/ Hill and returned/ by Lt. Edwin/ Stoner Co. C/ 93rd Penna./ Vol.". Stoner enlisted as a private in the 93rd Pennsylvania on October 3, 1861, rose through the ranks, and served with the regiment to the end of the war, including the action at Fisher's Hill, September 22, 1864, during Sheridan's Valley Campaign. Perfect condition and a superbly documented artifact.
Civil War Personal Camp Stove with Great Period ID to O. A. Hildreth, Co. K, 127th New York Vol. Inf. 7.25" high including pan, which has a 6.25" diameter at the top and two small handles. 7" diameter base with three tin legs with wire reinforcing at the edges, supporting the 7" diameter ring for the pan. 3.75" diameter fuel reservoir, still contains the original wick but missing the screw in burner. One leg missing rivet at the top, else excellent complete condition. The first example we've seen. The burner and pan each have very old, small printed paper labels on the bottom, "#321". The base has a .75" x 2.75" printed paper label of the same period, "#321 Tent Stove/ O. A. Hildreth/ Co. K/ 127th Regt. N. Y. Vol.". Oscar A. Hildreth enlisted in the 127th on September 8, 1862, and was discharged for disability on January 26, 1864. During his term of service the regiment was involved in the pursuit of Lee after Gettysburg, and engaged throughout South Carolina. A very rare piece of Civil War personal equipment with excellent ID.
Very Rare Leather Neck Stock with Period Provenance Attesting to Its Mexican War Use. Standing 2.25" at the back and 1.75" at the front. The exterior with a waffle like finish, the interior smooth. 1" wide leather tab with two tine iron buckle for closure. Attached to the inside is a 5/8" x 4" period ink script note that bears the following history, "Collar used by Orlando Link in the War with Mexico" Link served with the 2d Pennsylvania Inf. at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, and is listed as having been wounded at Cerro Gordo "while burying the dead." Link also served in the 213th Penna. Inf. during the Civil War. About perfect condition and the only example we've ever seen.
Unidentified, Possibly American, Infantry Officer's Kepi, Circa 1860-1870. Stands 3.25" high at the front, original 1.5" maroon Moroccan leather sweat band and leather crown liner, the rest of the lining is missing. Visor with narrow 1/16" edge binding. The hat exhibits dark blue wool cord piping and quatrefoil, with a 1.5" band at the base, elaborately silk embroidered with oak leaves and acorns in shades of blue and white. Body of the hat with some scattered mothing but very good. The 5/8" leather chinstrap utilizes a 7/8" gilt brass adjusting buckle. The chin strap is affixed with two Civil war period eagle I buttons, which are possibly replacements. An interesting kepi, certainly of the Civil War period, but unknown point of national origin.
Very Fine Sheble & Fisher, Philadelphia, M1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber. Blade excellent retaining much of the original luster, with absolutely no rust, pitting, or nicks. Brass hilt with dark untouched patina perfect, as is the twisted brass wire wrapped leather grip. Original, distinctive, scalloped edge leather washer. Scabbard also about perfect with dark smooth patina. An exceptional example of this desirable early Civil War saber.
War of 1812 Maryland Militia Cannon Priming Horn. 16.5" overall. 3" copper top designed for priming artillery pieces, missing the thumb piece/closure lever but the brass mounting base is intact. Large, heavy hand forged eye bolt for suspension (the other end would have been suspended from the filler plug). The concave wooden base is held in place with four wooden pegs and retains most of the original black paint. Threaded, turned wood base plug that could be removed for filling the horn. Horn overall with rich mellow patina. "2nd/ Division/ Md." deeply carved in a 3" x 4" oval panel, surrounded by acanthus leaves. Absolutely authentic and "of the period." Overall perfect untouched condition. Important and scarce piece of War of 1812 artillery equipment, and especially desirable with this superb period ID.
Civil War Confederate D-guard Bowie Knife. Clearly forged from a file. 17.1" overall, 13" slightly curved blade with deep 2.5" clipped point, 1.5" wide at the base. The diagonal striations of the file it was forged from are clearly visible on both faces of the blade. Heavy iron D-guard with turned down quillon. The one piece cylindrical wood grip exhibits the unusual feature of being inletted top and bottom for the guard. Deep, dark untouched patina overall with scattered light pitting, somewhat heavier near the tip. Wood grip very sound with just a few minor age/hairline cracks. A classic Confederate knife exhibiting a number of unusual and desirable details.
Classic War of 1812 Massachusetts "Cheese Box" Wooden Canteen. 7.25" x 2.75". Retains all of the original black paint with the 1.6" high red painted letters MS 90% intact. The canteen overall is in superb untouched condition. Retains the three leather sling loops, and a portion of what appears to be the original 0.75" wide heavy leather sling. 0.75" initials FB neatly carved on the back face. Choice example.
Scrimshaw Carved American Powder Horn, Dated 1725. Indigenous to the Maryland area. 12" overall with 100% coverage, including human and animal figures along with vine and leaf motifs, geometric designs, and several remarkable representations we have not previously encountered. Animals include antlered deer, several unidentified species and, uniquely, a grasshopper. The human representations are of two figures wearing a crown, one of them half length with the figure holding a scepter. There is also a detailed representation of a bird cage holding a bird and, most curious of all, an animal hanging by the neck from a scaffold, with a figure, with what appears to be horns or pointed ears, standing on a ladder reaching for the animal. Carved along the top "I N 1725". Carved with a ring near the spout, and a lip at the base, for suspension. One worm hole and a few tiny chips at the base else perfect, with wonderful rich age patina. An important carved American horn, for both the date and the unique decoration and a great piece of American folk art.
Scrimshaw Carved American Powder Horn, Circa 1750 or Possibly Earlier. 15.25" overall, indigenous to Maryland/ Pennsylvania, and very possibly from the Chesapeake Bay area. The horn exhibits 100% coverage, with both human and animal figures, including antlered deer, tortoise, duck, and other game birds, along with vine and leaf motifs, hearts, geometric designs, and the iconic 18th century winged cherub. The human figures include two representations of what are clearly Native Americans. An important 2" x 3" panel near the top of the horn depicts two figures in a boat with a sail, with a large fish underneath. The figure at the right is attacking the fish with a six pronged gig, while the figure at the left is in the act of throwing a net, again attesting to the horn's possible Chesapeake Bay origins. The name "Nehemiah Hobart" is neatly carved in 5/8" high block letters in a 6.5" panel. The original wooden butt is held in place with seven iron brads. A large script "N" is carved in the face of the butt. The horn is carved with a narrow ring near the spout to accommodate a sling. There are a few chips at the bottom edge, one of which was apparently the small pierced lip for suspension, half of which remains. The horn is otherwise in perfect condition with very attractive mellow age patina. The folk art character of this horn is really over the top, and certainly one of the most charming examples we've ever seen. A great 18th century carved American horn.
Very Scarce 1st Pattern U.S. M1874 Alteration of a M1858 Smooth Side Canteen Marked A. Jewett on the Pewter Spout. In about mint condition. Original Civil War brown wool cover, correct stopper/chain, and 1.25" canvas sling with three sling loops. The vast majority of these canteens were subsequently further altered. A scarce U.S. canteen in pristine condition.
Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer's Sword. Though it is not maker marked, this is a particularly well-made and ornate example of this pattern, circa 1890. The blade is bright and the etching is strong, featuring the typical spread-wing eagle and floral decoration on one side and "US" and floral decoration on the opposite side. The guard is ornamented with an eagle and trophy of flags. The scabbard features highly decorated gilded-gold mounts and drag. An attractive sword in excellent condition.
Regulation New York Brigadier General's Frock Coat and Epaulettes, Circa 1866-1870. Double breasted, buttons spaced in groups of two, 1.5" high velvet standup collar, 3" velvet cuffs. All buttons are NY28 (Albert) with Shannon, Miller & Crane/ New York backmarks. Lining includes quilted polished cotton breast, ticking in sleeves, belted back with brass buckle, raw cut hem. Interior pocket at each breast with polished cotton lining. Gilt thread embroidered maker's label from "Hatfield & Sons/ New-York". Provisions at each shoulder for attaching the epaulettes. The coat is in overall mint condition, displaying the finest quality materials and workmanship. The original gilt bullion epaulettes with gilded brass crescents, silver bullion stars with brass wire border, and double row of heavy bullion fringe. Pads with red velvet undersides, the boards red Moroccan leather. Brass attaching bars marked right and left, staff buttons. Epaulettes also in about perfect condition. A beautiful regulation general's uniform from this transitional period between the Civil War and the 1872 regulations.
Rare Model 1868 Springfield Breech-Loading Rifle Musket Manual and Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Army Revolver Manual. Rarely seen is this manual entitled Description and Rules for Management of the Springfield Breech-Loading Rifle Musket, Model 1868 published by the National Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts in 1868. Bound in printed paper wraps, it contains 19 pages of text, line drawings and charts for the proper use of the weapon. There is some soiling and chipping to the wraps, otherwise it is in very good condition. The other manual, Description and Rules for the Management of the Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Army Revolvers, Caliber .45 was printed in Washington, D.C. by the Government Printing Office in 1898. Bound in printed stiff paper wraps with cloth spine, it contains 69 pages of text, fold-out diagrams, line drawings and tables related to the proper use, care, and maintenance of the three weapons mentioned. Fine condition.
U.S. M1917 Trench Knife by Landers, Frary and Clark. Knob type hilt retains 70% of the original blue/black finish, wood grip perfect. Blade retains 95% of the original blue, just the typical lines from the scabbard throat. Deeply marked on the underside of the quillon, U. S./L. F. & C./1917. Scarce scabbard with the leather suspension tab about perfect, typically just a bit loose where it enters the throat. Choice example, scarce form.
Japan: Japanese Iron, Gold, and Silver Tsuba with a Maple Leaf Motif. 2.75" in diameter. This very attractive tsuba depicts maple leaves and branches in gold highlights. The tsuba is rimmed in dark patinated silver. In a fitted wood box. Fine.
Japan: Three Japanese Samurai Sword Fittings. Including: an iron sword guard (tsuba) with bronze, silver and gold, the piece has cricket, butterfly, bat, grasshopper, mosquito, dragon fly, and snail motifs, 2.75" x 3", unsigned; a collar (fuchi) in iron and bronze with three gold highlighted lion dogs (shishi), 1.5" long, unsigned; and, an iron pommel (kashira) with an elaborate gold and silver shishi, 1.5" long, unsigned. All are very good or better.
Large Japanese Compass Removed From a Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" Flying Boat. 6" in diameter; 4" tall. The consignor indicates that this compass was "liberated" by a soldier of the 165th Infantry regiment on Makin Island shortly after the battle of November 23-24, 1943. The compass is spring mounted to negate the effects of turbulence and shock. The data plate indicates that it was manufactured in October of 1941. It has been mounted on a gray-painted wooden base for display. Included with the lot is a group of 24 photographs depicting the aftermath of the battle on Makin Island with gruesome scenes of Japanese dead soldiers, weapons, general destruction, and shots of the indigenous people on the island, including the inevitable nude photos of island women.
Unique U.S. Pattern 1852 Naval Officer's Sword Belt with all Furniture, Made and Marked by Gorham in 14 Karat Gold, Circa 1880. The belt plate, and all fittings, including snap swivels etc. bear the Gorham mark and 14K. The belt itself is of maroon Moroccan leather, covered in dark blue silk with stripes of gold bullion thread. Sword hangers also of blue silk with the snap swivels on leather tabs. Belt shows clear signs of wear and use but excellent, all fittings perfect. A great rarity in American military equipment.
M1831 Mameluke Hilt British General Officer's Saber, Circa 1880. 33" slightly curved blade with latched back and 11" false edge, absolutely mint. Etched for 2/3 its length with floral scroll and military motifs including British royal seal, crown and scimitar with baton, all on a frosted background. Brass Proved disc inset on the obverse ricasso, with maker's name, Manton & Co. incorporated in the blade etch on the reverse. Regulation brass hilt with composition plaque grips, perfect. Brass scabbard, also about mint, retains much of the original gilt with just some scattered vertigree, easily cleaned. Choice 19th century example of this desirable regulation British sword.
World War II Japanese Type 30 Bayonet for the Arisaka rifle with Rubberized Canvas Scabbard and Frog. The bayonet, produced at Kokura Arsenal, displays a smooth gray blade, fittings with dark patina, and wooden grips intact but showing considerable wear. The scabbard with integral frog is excellent with just some minor crazing. A rare Japanese bayonet set.
Vintage Japanese Sword. The nagasa is 60cm, and the nakago about 21cm. The iron tsuba is undecorated but habaki, kashira, and menuki display raised gold inlay. The unsigned blade is out of polish and has a few nicks on the cutting edge otherwise it is in good condition. The lacquered scabbard is complete though chipped and starting to crack at the seams.
Full Unopened Box of Fifty .44-40 Cartridges for the M1873 Winchester. Box about perfect retaining 100% of the original seal. Green label, graphics depicting M1873 Winchester carbine etc. Split at three edges but no loss and very sound. Very scarce.
Group of Three Boxed Sets of Cutaway "Dummy" Shells. Two 12 gauge Remington Kleanbore sets with five shells each and one Peters set with five 12 gauge, one .410 and a box of .22 shorts (empty). Boxes all very good to excellent. Shells also excellent with a few showing expansion but intact. Quite scarce and a nice group.
Miscellaneous
Rare Winchester Repeating Arms Company Catalogue No. 73, January 1907. Over 176 pages featuring ammunition, firearms, parts and accessories, in short, everything Winchester produced for sale in 1907. The catalog, bound in flexible leatherette wraps, is well illustrated and provides a wealth of information for the researcher and historian. This copy has been well used with several pages having become detached, some soiling and damp staining to the contents, and an inexplicable small burn mark to the top edge of the rear cover. Still, a remarkable find in any condition.
Military & Patriotic
Lot of Vintage Winchester and Remington Ammunition in the Original Boxes. Includes three complete boxes of Remington .30-40 Krag cartridges (60 in total) and one partially filled box with 13 cartridges; a full box of Winchester .303 cartridges for the Savage repeating rifle; a box of Winchester .45-70-405 cartridges (one round missing); and an unopened box of .45 caliber wooden shells for bird shot cartridges. The boxes are soiled and moderately worn, otherwise all examples are in very good condition.
Vintage Box of Phoenix Metallic Cartridge Company .32-100 Caliber Extra Long and Frankford Arsenal Manufactured Tin of Cartridge Primers. The Frankfurt Arsenal cartridge primer tin appears to be complete with all 500 primers. The label states: "This primer is suitable for black powder charges only; it is used in all Cal. .45 and shot gun ammunition and in Cal. .30 gallery practice cartridges." The tin and paper label are in very good condition. The Phoenix .32-100 cartridges number 50 in total, housed in a box cleverly printed to resemble a steamer trunk. The box has cracked and separated at the front seam, otherwise it is in very good condition.
CASE Knife/ Ax/ Ruler Combination with Original Sheath. Ax haft bears the CASE/ USA mark. Stag handled knife 9" overall with 5" blade marked CASE on the tang. 3" ruler folds into the side of the handle and is marked on the reverse Pat. Oct. 22 1935. Brown leather sheath with snap closures, also mint, and marked CASE-XX. None finer.
U.S. M1880 Hunting Knife and Sheath. 8.5" blade, brass bolster marked "Springfield/ Armory" on obverse and "U.S. 1892" on reverse. Turned wood grip mint. Brass bolster perfect with nice patina. Blade with some light sharpening abrasions, easily removed. Scabbard with leather belt loop exceptional, near mint. Just some minor scuffs, with inspector's initials C. E. H. Accompanied by old linen tag detailing its lineage. Very fine example.
Lot of Miscellaneous Military and Firearm Accoutrements. Includes a Ideal Manufacturing Company .45 Colt loading tool, a shotgun primer tool, powder horn, and powder measuring tool. Additionally included is a French Model 1874 Gras bayonet dated 1879 in a scabbard with numbers matching the bayonet and an excellent "US" marked Model 1873 Trapdoor socket bayonet in a scabbard with brass "US" marked hanger.
U.S. M1873 Trowel Bayonet and Scabbard. Socket retains 98% of the original blue with just some light scattered surface rust. The socket is unmarked. Blade with some minor stains and very light surface abrasions, all of which can be easily removed, else about perfect. Original leather covered sheet iron scabbard with brass tip excellent, just some surface scratches, some very minor flaking and some obvious wear along the top edge. Very sound and completely untouched. Leather frog with circular brass US rosette, also very sound, with just some cracking to the surface finish. Marked Watervliet Arsenal. Fine example and very scarce with the original scabbard and frog.
World War I: Collection of Military Decorations, Medals, and Insignia of Lieutenant Colonel Norman Sweetser, 1917-1970. Including: the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana); the Order of Vittorio Veneto (Ordine di Vittorio Veneto); the War Merit Cross (Croce al Merito di Guerra), the War Medal (Medaglia della Guerra) 1915 -1918, the Gold Medal Commemorative of World War I (Medaglia-ricordo in oro della I Guerra Mondiale); the World War One United States Victory Medal, with "Vittorio - Veneto" and "Defensive Sector" bars; American Service Medal; World War Two United States Victory Medal; a bronze table medal marking the 50th anniversary of the Italian Air Force, 1923-1973; a bronze medal honoring Gianni Caproni, designer of the Caproni 33 bomber, 1918-1968; a gilt medal marking the 55th anniversary of the first Caproni passenger flight; and a gilt medal from the Italian Ministry of Defense (Il Ministro della Difesa). Also included are Sweetser's World War One United States identity card; rolled gold identity bracelet; and his identity discs from World War One and Two. There are a number of patches, badges, pins, miniatures, and wings (including a gilt Italian wing) as well as two photographs of WWI Caproni bombers.
Norman Sweetser (1894-1980), the son of a noted clergyman, attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he appeared in several theatrical productions. After graduation, Sweetser worked in numerous fields, including architecture, banking, advertising, teaching, singing, and acting. He was commissioned as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Service when America entered World War I and sent to Italy, where he earned the Italian War Cross for his service as a Caproni bomber pilot in the bombing 6a Squadriglia, (XIth Gruppo). His commanding officer was Captain Fiorello LaGuardia, later mayor of New York. After the war, Sweetser pursued his interests in music and theater performing with the Savoy Opera Company and in several Broadway shows. In 1927 he began a radio career as an announcer for one of the first New York City radio stations. In 1928 he accompanied presidential candidate Alfred E. Smith on his campaign tour of the West where he served as the official announcer for all of Governor Smith's radio speeches. In the 1930s Sweetser traveled with Babe Ruth on his personal appearance tours. During World War II Sweetser returned to military service with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Norman Sweetser (1894-1980), the son of a noted clergyman, attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he appeared in several theatrical productions. After graduation, Sweetser worked in numerous fields, including architecture, banking, advertising, teaching, singing, and acting. He was commissioned as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Service when America entered World War I and sent to Italy, where he earned the Italian War Cross for his service as a Caproni bomber pilot in the bombing 6a Squadriglia, (XIth Gruppo). His commanding officer was Captain Fiorello LaGuardia, later mayor of New York. After the war, Sweetser pursued his interests in music and theater performing with the Savoy Opera Company and in several Broadway shows. In 1927 he began a radio career as an announcer for one of the first New York City radio stations. In 1928 he accompanied presidential candidate Alfred E. Smith on his campaign tour of the West where he served as the official announcer for all of Governor Smith's radio speeches. In the 1930s Sweetser traveled with Babe Ruth on his personal appearance tours. During World War II Sweetser returned to military service with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Pair of Early Aviation Leather Flight Helmets. Two leather flight helmets in remarkable condition, circa 1920' or early 1930s. One example features a supple tan calf outer and linen lining; the other, possible of Australian origin due to the presence of a Carr Fastener Company snap, has a dark brown leather outer and chamois lining. All hooks, snaps, buckles, etc. are present and in working condition.
Rare U.S. Army 1909 Recruiting Poster. 30" X 40". Depicts an army artillery unit, the officer and NCO conferring with a radioman in the foreground, gun crew and signal personnel in the background. All wearing 1903 field uniforms. The poster bears the artist's signature of Michael Whelan. This is one of a series of apparently six posters done by Whelan for Army recruiting, all of which are very scarce. Copyright 1909 By The American Lithographic Company N. Y. at lower right. This is a superb example with just some roughness along the edges but really excellent with no loss or foxing, and bright vibrant colors. In its original unmounted state.
U.S. Army 1914 Recruiting Poster. 30" X 40", depicting American infantrymen with M1903 Springfields. Signed at lower left by I. B. Hazelton. Isaac Brewster Hazelton was a renowned American book and magazine illustrator, as well as a poster artist, with this poster recognized as one of his iconic creations. Overall excellent with some tears along the top edge, but no loss and easily repaired. In its original unmounted state. "Copyright 1914 By The American Lithographic Co. N. Y." at lower right. A very scarce poster by an important artist.
World War I: "On Ne Passe Pas" Bronze Sculpture by Guiraud Riviere. The sculpture, 11" high by 9" wide, depicts a French pilot in uniform holding his arms apart, with the words "On Ne Passe Pas" [One does not pass] at his feet. On the pilot's breast is the Légion d'honneur, Médaille militaire, and Croix de guerre and on his sleeve, a pilot's badge. The artist, Guiraud Riviere (1881-1957), is best known for his Art Deco and allegorical pieces. The base is signed, has the foundry mark, and has "Susse Fres Edts. Paris". Very fine with a lovely patina.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, [Baden] 10 Comp. Inf. Regiment Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm. 3. Bad. Nr. 111 Rastatt. 1900-02. The stein, 11" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Reservist Geissler. The center of the pottery stein has depictions of the regimental epaulette flanked by soldiers in uniform. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus very fine.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, [Bavaria] Kgl. Bayr. 21 Inft. Regt. 1. Comp. 1904-06. Fürth. The stein, 10" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Johann Schwägel. The china stein has depictions of an officer and enlisted man shaking hands, a soldier saying good-bye, the regiment charging at the run, a line of riflemen firing at charging cavalry, and a soldier kissing a young country maiden. The lid has a faceted topaz colored crystal. The thumb-piece is a dolphin. The bottom of the stein has a lithopane of a King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Light paint loss along the top and bottom. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus very fine.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, 2 Fahr. Batt. Würzburg [Bavaria] 1900-02 Kgl. 11 Feld Art. Rgt.. The stein, 9.25" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Salzr. Paul Stadelmann. The china stein, made by "Bergman Munchen Schelling Str. 28", has depictions of a limber with an artillery piece, mounted soldier at the gallop, mounted soldiers reconnoitering, the city of Marienberg, and a group of soldiers drinking and kissing young country maidens. The lid has a faceted crystal top with a hand-colored image, signed "Heimath", of three soldiers and a waitress in a tavern. The thumb-piece is the Bavarian rampant lion. The bottom of the stein has a lithopane of a King Ludwig II of Bavaria. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus excellent.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, [Baden] 8 Comp. Inft. Rgt. Markg Ludw. Wilh. 3. Bad. Nr. 111 Rastatt. 1911-13. The stein, 12" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to infantry Reservist Bach. The center of the china stein has depictions of Grand Duke Frederick II of Baden and Ludwig Wilhelm, Margrave of Baden flanked by soldiers in uniform and infantry firing, soldiers charging, soldiers at camp, and a soldier kissing a young country maiden. The lid has a pewter soldier and the Baden griffin. The thumb-piece is the Baden griffin. The bottom of the stein has a lithopane of a soldier flirting with a barmaid. A hole and a tiny glass plug in the helmet of the soldier on the lid, else no chips, breaks, or repairs, thus very fine.
WWI Air Service Recruiting Poster "Join the Air Service Learn-Earn". 20" x 30". Circa 1917-18. Printed by Forbes, Boston. A striking poster featuring a central Air Service emblem surrounded by aircraft, balloons, and other lighter-than-air craft. Below the star a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" is prepared for take off with the caption "Give'er the gun". Air Service related militaria is highly sought after by collectors and this wonderfully evocative poster would make the perfect decorative centerpiece for the "war room". The poster has a few small closed tears at the edges and a few small areas of soiling, otherwise it is in very good condition.
Rare Roundel Insignia Removed From U. S. Air Service Neiuport 28. Approximately 20" in diameter. A fantastic aviation relic from WWI, this doped-fabric section features the red, blue and white roundel insignia of America's Army Air Service. The consignor indicates that this insignia if from the lower wing panel of a French-made Nieuport 28 fighter. The Nieuport 28 was purchased in large numbers from the French government and was the aircraft initially supplied to fledgling U. S. fighter squadrons in France. This roundel displays old fold marks and darkened a bit from age, otherwise it is in very good condition.
World War I: Aerial Dog Fight Painting by Clayton Knight Inscribed to Floyd Gibbons, "Untitled", 14" x 22.5", matted (20" x 29.5" overall), gouache and charcoal, signed and inscribed in lower left. The painting shows a German fighter plane firing on a British aircraft and in the process collides with a German Pfalz D.III. The artist, Clayton Knight (1891-1969), was well acquainted with aviation having served with a British fighter squadron in World War One. His artwork from the 1930s and 1940s largely focused on heroic aviation art. In WWII, along with Billy Bishop, Knight helped to organize the Eagle Squadrons, volunteer American fighter pilots who flew with the Royal Air Force before Pearl Harbor. Knight was friends with Floyd Gibbons, the war correspondent for the Chicago Tribune during World War I. Gibbons lost an eye after being hit by German gunfire while attempting to rescue an American soldier at the Battle of Belleau Wood in France. In 1927 he wrote a biography of the Red Baron called The Red Knight of Germany. The painting has minor surface wear, else fine.
World War I: Very Early United State Navy Aviator Uniform and Visor Hat of Lieutenant R. C. Pailett. The green wool jacket is in near fine condition with wear only in the interior. The shoulders have sewn-down ensign soft shoulder boards. Above the left breast pocket is pinned a 3.75" metal naval aviator wing. The trousers and officer's visor hat are in excellent condition. Both the jacket and the trousers have tailor labels with, "R. C. Pailett / April '18".
Austria: Large Collection of Austrian Patriotic Pins, Badges, Buttons, and Rings from 1914. 14.75" x 10.75". This wonderful collection contains fifty-six pieces still in the original fitted silver frame. The top of the frame is engraved "Erinnerung an das Kriegsjahr 1914" [In Memory of the War Year 1914] and has an engraved signature at the bottom. The frame was made by Alexander Strum of Vienna and is fully marked for 800 silver. The pieces feature Austrian and Hungarian colors and motifs, but many also include themes and colors from Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. Many of the badges are enameled. Not examined out of the frame. All are in near mint condition.
Pair of 1939 U.S. Army Air Corps Randolph Field "West Point of the Air" Recruiting Posters. Each measures approximately 25" x 38". It's hard to imagine how the youth of 1939 could have possibly resisted the Air Corps call to arms as graphically illustrated by this superb pair of posters. Each is rife with formations of Martin B-10 bombers, Boeing P-26 Peashooters, and an early variant of the soon-to-be legendary B-17 "Flying Fortress". The posters seek "Unmarried men of excellent character, citizens of the United States, between 20 and 27 years of age, of sound physique and excellent health...". With the exception of a few closed tears at the edges, both examples are in very good condition.
World War I British Royal Flying Corps Flare Gun with Shoulder Stock, #9173 Matching. 27" overall, 40mm bore. Marked on the left side of the barrel housing "1916/ Webley & Scott Ltd./ London & Birmingham/ No. 1 [barely legible] Mark 'I'/ AERO and R. F. C." Various metal parts with other British proofs/ordnance marks. The right side of the pistol grip is checkered, the shoulder stock is permanently affixed. Gun overall retains 95% of the original blue black finish. Wood stock with a few paint splotches else excellent. Scarce.
Session 2
Very Fine Confederate Lined "C" Cavalry Button. CS127A1 (Albert), 23mm, Superior Quality. About perfect with nice untouched patina. Scarce.
Group of Two Confederate Buttons. South Carolina, SC15A (Albert), 23mm, HT & B/ Manchester, retaining 98% gilt. Virginia, VA15B (Albert), 22mm, Hortsmann & Allien/ NY, very fine with traces of gilt. Both choice examples.
Very Rare Waco Guards Button. TX244A2 (Tice), Scovill Mf'g Co./ Waterbury with stars. Organized in 1860/61 the Guards entered Confederate service as Co. A of the 7th Texas Infantry. Captured at Ft. Donelson, the unit was exchanged and participated in the Vicksburg campaign. Heavily fought until the end of the war, the remaining members of the unit surrendered at Greensboro in May of 1865. This example appears to be dug but was with an Iowa estate and there is no accompanying history. Retains 70% of the original gilt, with one light push on the front.
Confederate Staff Officer's Button, CS36A1 (Albert), H. T. & B. Manchester. Button stitched to a celluloid card, which is stitched to a piece of paper bearing the following ink script history, "Presented to Mr. Geo. Dantz by Daniel A. Clemmans Jr. a rebel button taken from a rebel Officer's coat at the battle (sic) of Chickamauga Ga. in the first days fight Sep 19th 1863 in a Strip of Woods laying behind a large rock while the 79 Penn. Vet. Vol. Ware (sic) forming in line of battle." Button perfect, untouched with great patina. The presentation probably circa 1890. Daniel A. Clemmans enlisted in the 79th Penna. Inf. on July 13, 1863 and was discharged for disability on September 4, 1864. Scarce button with a great history.
Civil War Sixth Plate Tintype of a Federal Infantryman "On the March." Wears four button blouse and what appears to be a Hardee hat, Enfield rifled musket on his shoulder. Wears full set of equipment including canteen, knapsack, tarred canvas haversack, from which is suspended a coffee boiler, and holding a large long handled skillet. Fine quality and condition in a floral scroll case.
Civil War Quarter Plate Tintype of a Young Federal Infantryman Enjoying a Meal. Wears shell jacket, pork pie hat, trousers tinted blue. Holds hardtack in one hand, tin cup with utensils in the other. Arranged on the floor in front of him are his M1842 musket with long range rear sight, several hardtack biscuits, what appears to be a slab of "fatback" with a fork sticking in it, and a tin coffee pot. Patriotic backdrop, fine quality and condition. Scarce subject.
Great Brady/ Anthony Carte de Visite Portrait of Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer. Scarce view, holding folding slouch hat. Very fine condition, just some minor scattered fading. Brady/ Anthony logo on reverse.
Carte de Visite of a Young Confederate Enlisted Man. With period pencil ID on verso "Miller Cross/ C.S.A.", mounted in an embossed Porter's Patent mat, March 7, 1865. No backmark, fine condition. Wears gray shell jacket with short standup collar and Virginia state seal buttons. Accompanied by a portrait of his wife with Winchester, Va. backmark and revenue stamp dated July 2, 1865.
Civil War: Carte de Visite Image of Colonel Daniel S. Troy, Confederate States of America. 2.5" x 4", an oval albumen image laid on a card with a printed ornamented gold frame, with pencil notations on the verso that reads, "D. S. Troy / Col. / Conf. / Army/ Son-in-law of Gov. Thomas H. Watts / Gov. of Alabama". Lieutenant Colonel Troy of Montgomery, Alabama joined the "True Blues" as a private in 1861. A year later he recruited a company known as the "Gilmer Greys" and led them as their captain before joining the 59th and 60th Alabama regiments. Troy was wounded at the Battle of Drewry's Bluff in Virginia in 1862. Later, at Hatcher's Run, Virginia, Troy was shot through the lung and left for dead on the battlefield. Troy was captured and transported to a Union field hospital, where he received compassionate care from his captors throughout his recovery. While in the Federal hospital Troy converted to Roman Catholicism. He resumed the practice of law after the war, serving two terms as an Alabama State Representative. He died in 1895. Very fine.
Civil War: Three Images of Major Theodore Winthrop. Including a carte de visite, 2.5" x 4", with clipped corners; another carte de visite, 2.25" x 3", trimmed; an oval sepia colored salt print of Winthrop, 5.5" x 7.25", laid on a 8" x 10.5" sheet of paper. All are near fine or better. Winthrop, a writer, lawyer, and world traveler was one of the first Union officers killed in the Civil War. At the Battle of Big Bethel on June 10, 1861 Winthrop led an ill-fated charge extorting his men with, "One more charge boys, and the day is ours." Soon thereafter, he was killed by a musket ball to the heart.
Civil War: Four Identified Carte de Visite Images of Union Officers. all CDVs are 2.5" x 4", with period ink notations on the verso identifying the officers pictured, including: "Geo. Vardon / Capt. Co. "B" 42nd Ill V.I. / England / Dead" taken by Van Stavoren of Nashville, Tennessee; "N. H. Walworth / Colonel 42nd Ills. V. Infty. / Oneida, Ill"; "Capt. W. R. Townsend / Capt. Co. "E" / 42nd Ill. Vols. / Berrien Springs, Mich." taken by Schwing & Rudd, Army of the Cumberland; and "Edward Hurson / Lieut. Co. "E" 42nd Ill. Vols. / Chicago, Ill." Taken by Bishop & Campbell, Army of the Cumberland. All fine or better.
Very Scarce Signed Civil War Carte de Visite of Brig. Gen. (later Maj. Gen.) John McCauley Palmer. Signed by Palmer as Brig. Gen. in ink script on the verso. About perfect condition. Palmer served throughout the war, originally entering service May 25, 1861, as Colonel of the 14th Ill. Scarce image and very desirable signed.
Great Civil War Carte de Visite of 9th New York, Hawkin's Zouaves, Drummer Johan Christian Julius Langbein. Posed in 9th New York Zouave uniform with tasseled fez, holding drum at his side and sticks in his hand. Near perfect condition with Fredericks/ New York backmark. Langbein was thirteen when he enlisted in the regiment on May 4, 1861, mustering out in mid 1863. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor January 7, 1865 for his actions at Camden, North Carolina, April 19, 1862. The citation reads, "A drummer boy, 15 years of age, he voluntarily, under heavy fire, went to the aid of a wounded officer, provided medical assistance for him, and aided in carrying him to safety. Langbein was affectionately known as Jennie by his comrades, because of his youthful appearance and went on, after the war to become a New York state judge. He was one of only two members of Hawkin's Zouaves to win a CMOH during the Civil War. A great Civil War image accompanied by a wealth of documentation.
Sixth Plate Tintype of a Young Federal Infantry Drummer. Wears regulation musician's frock coat with bummer's cap. Waist and cross belts, holding non reg non com sword. Painted eagle drum at his side with sticks on top. Fine quality and condition in a nice geometric case. Very desirable subject.
Very Fine Quarter Plate Tintype of a 12th New York Officer. Kepi with quatrefoil and "12" in the wreath. Frock coat with straps and standup collar, baggy trousers with gaiters. Sword belt and sash, holding foot officer's sword with the etch visible. Exceptional quality, perfect condition in half case. Very scarce with this unit ID.
Remarkable Sixth Plate Tintype of a Union soldier Undergoing "Barrel Punishment." The soldier stands in the center, surrounded by comrades wearing solemn expressions, wearing a barrel with cut outs for his arms. The common wooden barrel was used to transport everything from gunpowder to food, and Civil War officers were quick to recognize its potential for meting out punishment. Barrel incidents were generally of short duration, but the humiliation that resulted was not soon forgotten by the transgressor. Fine condition, image just a bit dark, but the only hard image we've ever seen depicting this form of punishment. Housed in a scroll/geometric case.
Two Great Quarter Plate Tintypes of an Unidentified Federal Surgeon. Horizontal mounted view of the officer wearing full uniform with clearly visible M1840 Medical Staff sword suspended from his sword belt, knee high boots, gilt tinted buttons. A couple of small buildings in the background. A portrait of the same officer, along with another officer. Both wear frock coats, knee high boots, the surgeon puffing on a cigar, buttons tinted gilt, military backdrop. The other officer is also apparently a surgeon as both officers display Medical Staff insignia on the front of their hat. Both fine quality and condition housed in a near mint Critchlow figural brown thermoplastic case.
Carte de Visite View on the Deck of the USS Richmond. Dozens of sailors and officers, literally filling the deck, with the Marine Corps detachment, turned out in formation, in right foreground. The Richmond was launched in 1860 and was heavily engaged throughout the war, including landing her Marine detachment at New Orleans to aid in the capture of the city. Fine quality and condition, no backmark. Great Civil War navy image and especially desirable with the inclusion of the Marines.
Signed Carte de Visite Bust of Confederate Captain L. Jaquelin Smith. Wears double breasted frock coat with stand up collar tinted red, designating artillery, rank insignia gilt. Signed "L. Jaquelin Smith/ Capt. Arty C. S. A." Smith is also listed in records as a Confederate general and staff officer. Fine quality and condition, no backmark.
Carte de Visite Portrait of Charles C. Thomas, Co. C, 9th New York Inf., Hawkins' Zouaves. Wears complete Hawkins uniform, including fez with huge tassel, sash and leather gaiters. Period ID on verso with backmark of Bailey & Silver, New York. Thomas enlisted in the 9th New York May 2, 1861, in New York City and mustered out May 20, 1863. Fine quality and condition and a very scarce image.
Eagle Masthead Discharge of Lewis J. Mattison, Co. K, 2d New York Cav. with a Hospital Dept. Carte de Visite-size Image Attached at Upper Right. Image shows Mattison in profile, crutches in the background, holding a slate on which is written his name and regiment. Mattison's left leg is amputated at the knee. Although identified as Mattison on the discharge, which is dated September 1865, he shows up in records as Matson and was severely wounded at Five Forks, March 1, 1865, resulting in the amputation of his left leg at the knee. Both pieces show their age but very good sound condition. Great set.
Great Quarter Plate Tintype of a Civil War Artillery Gun Crew with Twelve Pound Napoleon and Caisson. The full gun crew, eight men, stands in prescribed position to service the gun, wearing shell jackets, bummers caps, with equipment including rammer, gunner's haversack, etc. Clapboard buildings with vented cupolas in the background, possibly taken inside a fort. Perfect condition, fine quality, just a shade dark but superb. No case.
Carte de Visite View of a Black Soldier or Servant with 18th Corps Badge on his Slouch Hat. He is seated holding an axe outside a log and canvas hut. McClellan saddle and other horse gear on a stand at left. Finest quality, very fine condition and a very rare subject.
Great Carte de Visite View of "Fourth Corps Color Party." Six soldiers- one sergeant, four corporals and a private wearing a variety of uniforms (all with slouch hats), with two heavily battle damaged silk flags. Muskets with bayonets fixed stacked in the right foreground. Backmark of Greenwall & Stringham/ Army/ Photographers. Fine quality and condition and a most desirable subject.
Very Rare Carte de Visite Portrait of a "A Richmond Prisoner," Jackson O. Broshears, Co. D, 65th Indiana Mounted Inf. Printed label on the verso from U.S. General Hospital Div. No. 1 Annapolis, Md., describing Broshears internment for three months in "rebel hands" including two months at Belle Isle. 6' 1" in height, weighing 185 lbs when captured, states he is "Under treatment in U. S. Hospital 8 weeks - constantly improving, now May 19th 1864, weighs 108 1/2 lbs." Sadly, Broshears (listed in records as Brashears) died at home in Indiana on October 15, 1864. Copyright 1864 by E. Wallace. Some even fading, but a very rare graphic representation of the incredible deprivations visited on Union prisoners in Confederate hands.
Brady/ Washington Albumen View of Members of the 23d New York Inf. 2.75" x 3.5". Lengthy period ink inscription on the verso from William Caslin (apparently one of the soldiers in the photograph) to his girl friend, dated "August the 23, 1861". Caslin mustered into Company A of the 23rd on May 16, 1861 and mustered out May 22, 1863. Two officers in frock coats at left, enlisted men/NCO with New York state shell jackets, kepis, full equipment and P1858 Enfields. Fine quality and condition, just some even fading.
Brady/ Anthony Carte de Visite View of "Sherman in front of Petersburg." Period pencil ID on both front and back of the image. Two cent revenue stamp and Brady/ Anthony logo on verso. Sherman stands leaning on the breech of a 20 lb. Parrot rifle, with his staff. Fine condition. Nice example of this famous image.
Carte de Visite Portrait of a Pennsylvania Militia Drummer. Wears gray shell jacket with exterior pocket, kepi, white gloves, holding sticks poised to play. Large eagle drum suspended from a white linen sling. A white buff waist belt with two piece buckle and cartridge box with script NG front plate, on the pedestal at his side. Austrian/ Prussian percussion musket with bayonet fixed leaning against the pedestal. Exceptional quality, perfect condition, with backmark of Newell, Philadelphia.
Ninth Plate Tintype of a New York Infantryman. The hilt of a large, stag handled, silver mounted, Sheffield Bowie knife protrudes from the front of his New York state shell jacket. Fine quality, perfect condition in a floral/geometric case.
Civil War: Large Albumen Print of Secretary of State William Seward and Foreign Diplomats by an Unidentified Waterfall in New York State, August 1863. This image, normally seen in carte de visite format, is extremely scarce in this large 8.75" x 7.125" size. The figures have been placed in the image of the waterfall at a later time. The image comes with the original paper label that identifies the men. They are, left to right, standing: State Department messenger Donaldson; unidentified; Joseph Bertinatti, Italian Minister; Rudolph Mathias Schleiden, Hanseatic Minister; Henri Mercier, French Minister; Luis Molina, Nicaraguan Minister; William H. Seward, Secretary of State. Left to right, seated: Count Edward Piper, Swedish Minister; Baron Edward de Stoeckel, Russian Minister; Lord Richard Lyons, British Minister; Sheffield, British attaché; and, Count Alexander de Bodisco, Secretary of the Russian Legation. Very fine quality and condition and a scarce Civil War image.
Great Quarter Plate Civil War Tintype of a Federal Infantryman, Possibly 44th Massachusetts, with his Equipment Displayed. Wears nine button frock coat with collar rolled down and sleeves rolled up, wide brimmed slouch hat, regulation style brogans. Enfield waist belt with snake buckle, cap box, bayonet. His P1853 Enfield rifle displayed on the floor in front of him, along with tarred haversack with hardtack, coffee cup with spoon, tin plate with hardtack and other food, coffee pot and canteen. Very fine quality, a few minor bends and drying lines on emulsion but very sound, no flaking or signs of any deterioration. Includes the original mat, which was removed for the photograph. In leather half case. Very nice example of a very scarce subject.
Stunning Pair of Civil War Quarter Plate Tintypes of Federal Infantrymen, Circa 1861. Housed in the original, brown, mint condition, floral/geometric pattern, thermoplastic case, "Union Case/ Improved, S. Peck & Co." Superb quality, pristine condition. Both soldiers wear high collar nine button frock coats (soldier at the left with the collar rolled down), posed with M1861 rifled muskets with bayonets fixed. On the pedestal at the side of each soldier is a Hardee hat with infantry horn and 29/F on the front. Pastoral painted backdrop. Original mats included (removed for the photograph). A great pair of early war images.
Civil War "United States Military Record" for Co. E, 12th Vermont Volunteer Militia. 18.25" x 23", very colorful. Copyright 1862 by E. B. De La Matyr, Schoeder & Sanders Chromo Lithogr. 117 Balto. St. Baltimore. Very good condition with just some roughness at the edges including a few minor edge tears. Colors bright and striking. The 12th Vermont mustered in October 4, 1862, and mustered out July 13, 1863, without being engaged. Rare and unusual form.
Huddy & Duval Hand-Colored Lithograph "To the Washington Greys of Reading Pa." 10" x 12". Extracted from U.S. Military Magazine, Volunteers (Vol. 3rd), circa 1842. A beautifully executed lithograph featuring an officer and two men of the Washington Greys militia with the city of Reading, Pennsylvania in the background. The attention to the details of the men's uniforms is quite remarkable. The litho is in excellent condition with only a trivial small stain or two present.
Hand-Colored Lithograph "M'Donough's Victy. on Lake Champlain". 15" x 10", mounted on backing board. Lithographed and published by N. Currier, 1846. The fury of the Battle of Lake Champlain (also known as the Battle of Plattsburgh) is well illustrated in this magnificent Currier lithograph. MacDonough's flagship Saratoga trades shots with ships from Pring's squadron during this pivotal War of 1812 battle. Some closed tears and toning along the edges with some scattered foxing, otherwise perfect for framing and in very good condition.
Miscellaneous
Maryland Guard Gallop Sheet Music. Written by Charles Denstedt. Six pages, 11" x 14", published in 1861 by Miller & Beacham of Baltimore, with a rare color lithograph cover exhibiting four Union soldiers in Zouave dress by "A. Hoen & Co. Balto." On page three is printed, "Maryland Guard Gallop, Respectfully dedicated to the Battalion by the Publishers." Stamped on the cover by a Washington, D.C. "Piano & Music" store. Slightly uneven toning on the cover with foxing. Near fine.
Military & Patriotic
Currier & Ives Hand-Colored Lithograph "The Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. July 3, 1863". 15" x 11". This wonderful hand-colored lithograph depicts the "high-water mark of the Confederacy" on the third day of battle at Gettysburg. The paper has uniformly toned and there is a damp stain or two present, but the lithograph is striking and worthy of framing.
1841 Huddy & Duval Print Titled "To The Jackson Rifle Corps, Lancaster, Pa." 11.5" x 9.25" mounted on board. Officer in the foreground with sword and bugle wearing "stovepipe" style shako with 1833 style dragoon eagle on front plate. Additional soldiers in the woods/ background with muskets/rifles. Some roughness along bottom edge else excellent with brilliant hand applied water colors. Scarce.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Pilot Wing. 3 7/8", pin-back, three-piece construction, with gold "US" letters on the shield. The feathers are etched and bright-cut. This large wing is very attractive and in extremely fine condition.
Post World War I: Four United States Navy Wings, Circa 1920s. Including: a gilt wing, 2.75", pin-back, marked with a shield; a silver (perhaps sterling) observer's wing, pin-back, unmarked; a gilt wing, 2.75", pin-back, marked with the Meyer shield and "Meyer Metal", slightly bowed in the center, the name "Sunny" scratched on the back; and, a gilt wing, 2.75", pin-back, marked with the Hilborn-Hamburger eagle and "Oroid", slightly bowed in the center. All show modest wear, else fine or better.
World War I: United States Navy Gold Pilot Wing. 3.25", pin-back, marked "XX". This wing has exceptional detail on the feathers and shield. Very fine.
World War I and Post War: Lot of Eight International Badges. Including: a WWI US aero patch, 1.5" square; a WWI US officer propeller collar insignia, 1.75"; an officer propeller collar insignia mounted on a gold filled belt buckle, 2" x 1"; an unofficial variant on a US WWI openwork enlisted man's air service disc, 1"; a silvered and enamel US Air Service insignia made by Meyer; a WWI German patriotic badge in brass with a celluloid flag and the words "In Treue Fest", 1"; an Austro-Hungarian aviation badge in brass and enamels, 1.75", the top has the flag of the Duel Monarchy with a monoplane in the center and an Iron Cross at the bottom, pin-back; and, a British war worker badge from the A. V. Roe [aircraft] Company in brass and enamels, 1.75", with "AVRO" and "O.H.M.S." [On His Majesty's Service]. Most fine or better.
World War I and Post War: Two United States Navy Balloon Pilot Wings. The larger wing is 2" and has a solid back. The other wing is 1.5". Both wings are unmarked and pin-backed. Both are near very fine.
U.S. Air Mail: Three Gilt United States Air Mail Service Pilot Wings. Including: an unmarked wing, 3.5", pin-back; a wing, 3.5", pin-back, marked "Patent Applied For" and "Rolled Gold"; and, a "U. S. Aerial Mail" pilot wing, 2.5", pin-back, marked "B.B. & B." [Bailey, Banks & Biddle] and "Bronze". All very fine.
World War II: Large Lot of Sixteen United States Wings. Including: one senior pilot wing, pin-back, sterling, Meyer, scratched on the back "Chuck '44 Hill", the star added later to the wing; four sterling pilot wings, two clutch-back, the others pin-back, one engraved "Jim to Millie 1944", Amcraft, Meyer, A.E. Co [American Emblem], and M-F & Co [Marshall-Fields & Co. ?]; one bronzed ATC pilot wing, pin-back, unmarked, missing pin; two aerial gunner wings, both pin-back, one GEMSCO [General Merchandising] and the other Meyer; one air crew wing, pin-back, GEMSCO, sterling; one navigator wing, clutch-back, sterling; one bombardier wing, clutch-back, Vanguard; one observer wing, pin-back, sterling; Civilian Pilot Training Program wing, pin-back, sterling, Danecraft; two glider qualification badges, both pin-back and sterling, one missing the pin; a wire bullion USN pilot wing. All full size, with most fine or better.
World War I and World War II: Twelve French Aviation and One RFC Badges. Includes: an unofficial "eagle in flight" pilot badge, gilt silver, 2.75", pin-back, unmarked; a small silver pilot badge, 1.75", pin-back, unmarked; an unauthorized wire bullion pilot badge, 2.25" including the horizon blue cloth backing, stitched back; two observer badges, one with a gilt star and wing, and the other, all silvered, both 2"; five aircrew badges, one marked, "Beraudy Vaure /Ambert (P.de D)", the others unmarked; A French Navy pilot badge, 2.25", unmarked; a naval aircrew badge, 1.5", unmarked; a naval airship pilot badge, 2.25", unmarked; and, a dulled Royal Flying Corps badge, 1.5", J.R. Gaunt. Some badges are cast, else near fine or better.
World War II: United States Women Airforce Service Pilot, WASP, Wing. 2¼", pin-back, marked "Sterling" in raised letters. This wing is slightly bowed in the center. Very fine.
World War I: Austrian Field Pilot Badge. Brass and enamels, 2¼" x 2½", pin-back (replacement pin is loose), marked "J. Zimbler / Wein. VII". The badge has an enameled laurel and oak wreath and topped by an elongated Imperial Austrian Crown. A blank shield is at the bottom of the wreath. This badge is constructed of two pieces soldered together. Minor enamel loss, else very fine.
World War I Prussian Army Gunner's Badge. 2.75" x 3", hollow construction, pin back. Very nice, retaining traces of the original silver. Instituted in January 1918, this was the last German flight badge authorized in World War I.
World War I: Imperial German Naval Air Service Land Plane Pilot Badge. Gilt-silver, 1¾" x 3", pin-back, marked with a five-point star on the pin, rayed back. The frosted badge shows an eagle in flight within a laurel and oak wreath and topped by a solid Imperial German Crown of Charlemagne. The badge has remnants of gilding, else very fine.
World War I Bavarian Pilot's Badge. Hallmarked Karl Pollath/ Schrobenhausen/ Silber. 1 7/8" x 3", pin back with rays. Rare badge by a very desirable maker.
World War I German Navy Land Plane Pilot's Badge. Pin back, 1 7/8" x 3", retaining traces of the original gilt. Front face with one slight push, minor. Nice badge.
World War I Prussian Commemorative Army Pilot's Badge. 1.75" X 2 7/8", pin back. Catch slightly bent, else excellent condition with the face retaining most of the original silver frosting.
World War I Prussian Observer's Badge. 2.75" x 1.75", pink back, hollow construction. Excellent condition retaining most of the original silver.
World War I Prussian Pilot's Badge. 1.75" x 2 7/8", thin pin back, excellent condition. Exceptionally nice example of the standard World War I German pilot's badge.
World War I German Aviation Sweetheart Pin. 1", hallmarked 800, pin back, excellent condition. Face of the pin features an early war Taube aircraft.
1917 Austrian Luftfahrtruppe Badge. 2.25" x 2.25", thin white metal with safety pin back. Fine.
World War I: Imperial Austrian Army Pilot Badge Sweetheart Pin, Karl, 1916-1918. Brass with white enamel, 2¼" x 2½", pin-back, unmarked. The badge is topped with the cipher of the Emperor Karl and the Austro-Hungarian coat of arms below. Very fine.
World War I German Navy Land Plane Pilot's Badge. Prinzen size, 1 1/8" x 1 7/8". pin back, excellent condition, retaining most of the original gilt. An exceptionally high quality example of this rare badge.
World War I Turkish Pilot's Badge. 2.25" x 2.25", pink back, in excellent condition. These badges, created in 1914, are generally deemed to be semi-official and are very scarce. Very fine quality with a hallmark on the pin.
Post-World War I: Turkish Silver Air Badge. 1¼" x 1½", pin-back, perhaps German made. The frosted silver badge has a bi-plane within two raised wings, surmounted by an eight-ray star and a crescent and star below. Fine.
World War I: Imperial Austrian Army Air Squadron Badge Flieg-K-18. White metal, 1¾", pin-back, unmarked. The badge is topped with the Austrian Crown and has "Flieg-K-18" engraved below. The clasp is missing, else fine.
World War I: Imperial Austrian Army Field Pilot Badge, Franz Joseph, 1914-1916. gilt-bronze with enamels, 2¼" x 2½", pin-back, unmarked. The badge is topped with the Austrian Crown and has the cipher of the Emperor Franz Joseph below. Two acorns are missing the red enamel and one tiny chip to the green enamel to the left of the crown, else very fine.
World War I: 103rd Aero Squadron Sterling Pin. 1¼", pin-back, sterling, engraved on back, "Tiffany Paris / Sterling Silver". Formed in France on February 20, 1918 from American pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille, the 103rd Aero Squadron served with the French Air Service until April 10, 1918, when the squadron became a part of the 3rd Pursuit Group. The squadron had eight aces. Very fine.
World War I: 94th Aero Squadron Coin Silver Pin. 7/8", pin-back (pin missing), unmarked, made from a United States silver Barber quarter dollar. The silver pin depicts a top hat with stars and stripes within a ring. Designated as the 94th Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, August 20, 1917, the squadron made the first patrol flown by an all-American squadron in France during World War I, March 6, 1918. On April 18, 1918, Lieutenants Alan Winslow and Douglas Campbell downed German aircraft for the first United States air victory. The 94th also is credited with the last aerial victory of the war - a Fokker destroyed November 10, one day before the Armistice. With such famous members as Eddie Rickenbacker, Raoul Lufberry, and Douglas Campbell, the 94th Squadron scored nearly 70 kills during the war, more than any other squadron. Fine.
World War I: 99th Aero Squadron Silvered Pin. 7/8", pin-back, unmarked, two-piece construction. The 99th Aero Squadron was a Corp Observation Squadron assigned to the Fifth Corps Observation Group on June 12, 1918. It was engaged in operations in the Toul Sector, St. Mihiel and in both of the Argonne-Meuse offensives. It is credited with three victories and suffered thirteen casualties. It ceased operations on February 13, 1919. Fine.
World War I: 168th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. 7/8", pin-back, the back is brass, an indistinct mark on the rim. The silver pin depicts a winged skull in a circle. The 168th was a corps observation squadron engaged in the first and second Meuse-Argonne offensives. Nice detail, very fine.
World War I: 155th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. 13/16", pin-back, unmarked, French made. The silver pin depicts the head of an arrows pointing upward enclosed in a rope circle. Very fine.
World War I: 155th Aero Squadron Silver Pin. 11/16", pin-back, unmarked. The silver pin depicts the head of an arrows pointing upward enclosed in a circle. The 155th was a night bombardment squadron assigned to the First Army on November 9, 1918, but did not see combat. Very fine.
World War I: 278th Aero Squadron Silver Squadron Pin. 1", pin-back, unmarked. The stamped pin depicts a flying owl holding a telescope. The 278th was an army observation squadron with the Seventh Corps Observation Group, Second Army. The squadron reached the front at Toul on November 10, 1918 after training at Love Field in Dallas, Texas, and thus did not see combat. Slight weakness at the edge, else very fine.
World War I: 103rd Aero Squadron Silvered Squadron Pin. 1 1/8", pin-back (pin missing), silvered brass. Formed at La Noblette in France on February 20, 1918, from American pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille, the 103rd Aero Squadron served with the French Air Service until April 10, 1918, when the squadron became a part of the 3rd Pursuit Group. The squadron had eight aces including Paul Baer, Frank Hunter, Edgar Tobin, and William Thaw. Missing pin, as noted, and light surface wear, else fine.
World War I: 9th Aero Squadron Sterling Silver Squadron Pin. 1" in diameter, pin-back, marked "Sterling". Organized on June 14, 1917, at Camp Kelly, Texas, the squadron was stationed at Amanty, France, during World War I, where it primarily flew night reconnaissance missions. The squadron saw its first combat during the Saint Mihiel Offensive in September 1918 and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, protecting the Lorraine sector during the war. After the war, the squadron was part of the Allied occupation forces in Germany. From August 1919 to April 1920, the 9th Aero Squadron conducted patrols of the U.S.-Mexico border. Fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Pilot Identification Bracelet. 8" overall, French made with silver discharge mark. This bracelet has an American eagle above a scroll engraved, "Archie B. Clothier / 30181 / U. S. Air Service / Poolsville, MD". The chain has two enamel bronze flags, France and Japan, and rings for two other charms (now missing). Light surface wear, else fine.
World War I: Tiffany United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Junior or Reserve Pilot Half Wing. 1¾", pin-back, marked "Tiffany & Co. / Makers / Sterling / M". This heavy sterling half wing was made by the premier jeweler of the day shows exceptionally fine detail. The tip of the wing curves gracefully inward. This pattern was in use for junior or reserve pilots from August 15 to October 27, 1917, between October and December 29, 1917 reserve pilots were re-designated as observers and retained this badge. The design was changed in 1918. The "M" below the company mark indicates that badge was made in Tiffany's "Moore" facility. The catch for the steel pin needs adjustment, else excellent.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver "Dallas" Pilot Wing. 3 5/8", pin-back, unmarked, with a scored leather patch on the back. This classic three piece wing is mounted on a sturdy white metal plate. The brownish wool is stitched over the plate. The raised letters, "US", are gilded. The detail on the wing is fine and crisp with remnants of the original finish. There is modest mothing to the fabric on the back of the wing and a scuff to the right shoulder, else very fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Bullion Pilot Wing. 3¾", stitched back, unmarked. The large wing has wonderful wire detail. Strong black felt backing and very little tarnish to bullion wire with one sight snag at the bottom of the "S", else excellent.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Silver Bullion Pilot Wing. 3¾", stitched to a sturdy brass plate with a pin-back, unmarked. The large wing is in high relief with wonderful wire detail. Strong black felt backing and very modest tarnish to bullion wire, else excellent.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Observer Half Wing. 2", pin-back [original pin missing], marked "N&S", French made. Etched detail on the feathers. Missing pin, as noted, else fine.
World War I: Silver and Gilt "Issoudun" Propeller Badge, 1 7/8", pin-back, unmarked, French made. This two-piece construction badge has a silver winged propeller with a gilt applied riband that is engraved "Issoudun". The United States Air Service maintained the 3rd Aviation Instruction Center, the largest overseas American air base. It was the primary training facility of American fighter pilots. Eddie Rickenbacker, Frank Luke, and Quentin Roosevelt were among the 766 pursuit pilots that received training there. Very fine.
Post-World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Balloon Pilot Wing. 3", pin-back, marked "Sterling". This pattern, without the letters, was authorized between 1921 and 1941. Considerable surface wear and a slight bend to the "basket", else very good.
World War I: United States 94th Aero Squadron Patch. 3½", machine stitched. Likely a post-war piece. Light mothing at the edge near the top of the ring. Mounting residue on the back, else fine.
Post-World War I: 14K Gold Miniature Wing. 2", pin-back with the clasp stamped "14" and an unidentified maker's mark. The center has a monoplane affixed to a ring. The detail is outstanding. Excellent!
Post-World War: American Ambulance / France Bronze Wing Hat Badge. 3 13/16", screw-back with two applied flexible stabilization pins. The shield has "American Ambulance" above a Geneva cross, and "France" below. The bronze wing is made from two fused bronze pieces with nice detail on the feathers and a matte finish on the shield. A slight bend at one wing-tip, else fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Non-Commissioned Officer Visor Hat Badge, 1 7/8", screw-back, unmarked. This two-piece construction hat badge has a silvered bronze propeller and wing inside a brass wreath. This pattern badge is illustrated in Duncan Campbell's Aviation Badges and Insignia (37/22). Light wear to the silvered prop, else very fine.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Sterling Silver Pilot Wing. 3 5/8", pin-back, marked "Sterling" and "Dibb", with applied gold "US". This large, and lovely, jeweler-made wing has incredible detail on the feathers and shield. Extremely fine. To view an image of the back, please click here.
Lot of Seven U.S. and French WWI Commemorative Medals. Includes a 67mm bronze General Pershing example; 61mm bronze 1919 French "La Victoire" example; 73mm bronze "Williams Medal" example; 68mm bronze 1918 battle of St. Mihiel example; 58mm bronze Lusitania example; 36mm bronze French Marshal Foch example; and 62mm bronze US "1917-1918 France" example. All examples with some wear to highlights and finish, otherwise very good condition.
Transportation
Lot of Eight Early Aviation Commemorative Medals. Includes a 68mm bronze example, uncaptioned featuring Daedalus clinging to a rock as a biplane flies overhead (with significant oxidation on the reverse); a 68mm bronze uncaptioned example featuring Daedalus flying over a biplane on the obverse and a Dreadnought class battleship on the reverse; 50mm bronze Coste and Bellonte Atlantic flight example; 60mm bronze 1928 German Atlantic flight example; 82mm bronze Admiral Byrd polar flight example; 88mm bronze 1941 dedication of the Thompson Aircraft Products Company, Euclid, Ohio medal; 68mm bronze uncaptioned French commemorative with Daedalus flying over a biplane on the obverse and winged tableau on the reverse; and 75mm bronze 1912 Berlin to Vienna flight medal. All examples in very good condition.
Military & Patriotic
Indian Wars: United States Model 1887 Officer's Infantry White Summer Dress Pith Helmet. This cork helmet, more often seen in dark blue for dress uniforms, is covered in white cotton. Loosely patterned after the British Foreign Service helmet, this is an example of the helmet used by United States infantry officers in the summer months as an alternative to the official blue cloth version. These helmets were never officially sanctioned with the spike, helmet plate, and accoutrements, but that did not stop officers, primarily in the west and south from affixing them to the white helmet. When the Army dress regulations were changed in 1905, the use of these helmets was officially banned. Replacement hatband and modest soiling and staining to the interior, else very good.
Scarce Spanish-American War Period 100 Round Cartridge Bandolier. Dark blue webbing configured to hold 100 rounds of .30-40 Krag ammunition, wire, C closure. Although unmarked the maker is believed to be Mills. Although soldiers liked the dramatically increased ammunition supply, these belts proved quite cumbersome when loaded, and saw only limited use. Just some minor fading, a couple of loops frayed at the bottom else perfect.
Spanish-American War: United States Model 1889 Khaki Summer Pith Helmet. This cork helmet, based on the British Foreign Service helmet, is covered in khaki cotton with a green underlining on the visor. The helmet has a leather hatband and brass hooks for a chinstrap (missing). This model helmet was used by United States Forces during the Spanish-American War and in Cuba and the Philippines. Size 7½. Light soiling and water stains, else fine.
Trio of Books on Napoleon Bonaparte including Le Siécle de Napoléon, Galerie des Illustrations de L'Empire. Paris: Administration de Librairie, 1846. First edition. Octavo. Unpaginated. Illustrated with color lithograph plates. Original pictorial boards, worn at the edges, especially the corners. Contents moderately foxed, more so on a few plates. Good condition. [and] John Sainsbury. The Napoleon Museum. The History of France Illustrated From Louis XIV to the End of the Reign and Death of the Emperor. London: 1845. First edition. Octavo. 687 pages. 40 plates featuring facsimiles of signatures, documents, etc. Bound in olive cloth with titles stamped in gilt on a morocco spine label. Fine condition. [and] Mario Coniglio. Arte E Storia Nelle Medaglie. Varese: Edizioni Termograph, 1977. First edition. Octavo. 499 pages. Profusely illustrated, some color. Italian text. Bound in beautiful green leather with Napoleon symbol vignette in gilt on the front board and titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Fine condition. In the issue slipcase which the top edge has become detached but can be easily repaired. A beautiful book concerning the commemorative Napoleon medals and medallions.
Five Important Works on the Life and Battles of the Duke of Wellington including [Arthur Wellesly, 1st Duke of Wellington]. A Memoir of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington With Interspersed Notices of His Principal Associates in Council, and Companions and Opponents in Arms. London, Edinburgh, and Dublin: A. Fullarton & Co., [circa 1850s]. First edition. Two octavo volumes. 644; 632 pages. Engraved illustrations throughout each volume. Contemporary half leather binding with blue cloth over boards. Titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Modest wear to the boards, else a near fine set. [and] Lieut. Colonel Gurwood. Selections From the Dispatches and General orders of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington. London: John Murray, 1841. First edition. Octavo. 939 pages. Contemporary leather with rules stamped in gilt on the boards and titles and decoration stamped in gilt on the spine. Former owner's bookplate on the front pastedown. Fine. [and] [Lord Burghersh]. Memoir of the Early Campaigns of the Duke of Wellington in Portugal and Spain. London: John Murray, 1820. First edition. 16mo. 234 pages. Contemporary quarter leather binding with marbled paper over boards. Titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Wear to boards at the corners and spine ends. Contents bright. Very good condition. [and] G. L. Chambers. Wellington's Battlefields Illustrated. Bussaco. London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1910. First edition. Octavo. 260 pages. Illustrated. Seven folding maps inserted into a pocket mounted to the rear pastedown. Publisher's original red cloth with titles and pictorial vignette on the front board and spine. Modest wear to boards, else very good. [and] Major-General F. C. Beatson. Wellington: The Bidassoa and Nivelle. London: Edward Arnold & Co., 1931. First edition. Octavo. 224 pages. Illustrated. One map in a pocket at the end of the volume. Publisher's original blue cloth with titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Some foxing to page edges, else near fine.
Three Extraordinary Books on French Hussars, Chasseurs, and Dragoons of the Napoleonic Era including Lieutenant D'Ollone. Historique du 10e Régiment de Dragons. Paris: Berger-Levrault et Cie, 1893. First edition. Octavo. 614 pages. Nine color plates, 23 engravings and additional illustrations in text. French text. Contemporary maroon leather binding with titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Floral endpapers. Fine. [and] A. De Martimphrey. Historique du 9e Régiment de Cuirassiers. Paris: Berger-Levrault et Cie, 1888. First edition. Octavo. 323 pages. French text. Wear to the edges of the boards and spine ends, especially at the corners. Original paste paper over boards with leather backstrip. Titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Marbled endpapers. Wear at the edges of the boards, and spine, otherwise a very good copy. [and] Colonel De Chalendar. Les Hussards de Chamborant (2e Hussards). Paris: Maison Didot, 1897. First edition. Octavo. 333 pages. Twenty-six plates (two color). Contemporary quarter leather and paste paper over boards with titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Minimal shelf wear to boards; contents bright, a very good copy.
Lot of Ten Books Regarding British Regiments, Awards, Uniforms, Insignia and Battles including Liet. Colonel John Luard. A History of the Dress of the British Soldier, From the Earliest Period to the Present Time. London: William Clowes and Sons, 1852. First edition. Octavo. 171 pages. Illustrated with 50 drawings. Original publisher's blind stamped blue cloth boards with soldier vignette stamped in gilt on the front board and titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Spine re-backed using the original spine panel with titles. Corners bumped with additional soiling to the boards. Contents with scattered foxing, else very good. [and] [William Hamilton Maxwell]. The Victories of the British Armies; With Anecdotes Illustrative of Modern Warfare. London: Richard Bentley, 1839. First edition. Two octavo volumes. 406; 402 pages. Illustrated. Half crimson leather binding with marbled paper over boards, titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Very good. [and] [C. McFarlane]. The Great Battles of the British Army. London: George Routledge and Sons, [no date, circa 1860]. First edition. Octavo. 565 pages. With color illustrations. Bound in full blue calf with titles and rules stamped in gilt. Very good. [and] Historical Records of the British Army. The Second or Royal North British Dragoons, Commonly Called the Scots Greys. London: William Clowes and Sons, [1837]. First edition. Octavo. 137 pages. Re-backed with red cloth using the original boards. Very good. [and] Historical Record of the Forty-Second or, the Royal Highland Regiment of Foot. London: Parker, Furnivall, and Parker, 1845. First edition. Octavo. 198 pages. Re-backed with red cloth using the original boards. Very good. [and] Major N. P. Dawnay. The Distinction of Rank of Regimental Officers, 1684 to 1855, Special Publication No. 7. London: Printed for the Society for Army Historical Research by Gale & Polden, Ltd., 1960. First edition. Octavo. 76 pages. Illustrated. Bound in half crimson leather over scarlet buckram boards with titles stamped in gilt in compartments between five raised bands on the spine. Fine. [and] N. B. Leslie. The Succession of Colonels of the British Army From 1660 to the Present Day, Special Publication No. 11. London: Printed for the Society for Army Historical Research by Gale & Polden, Ltd., 1974. First edition. Octavo. 172 pages. Bound in half crimson leather over scarlet buckram boards with titles stamped in gilt in compartments between five raised bands on the spine. Fine. [and] Major N. P. Dawnay. The Badges of Warrant and Non-Commissioned Rank in the British Army, Special Publication No. 6. London: Printed for the Society for Army Historical Research by Gale & Polden, Ltd., 1949. First edition. Octavo. 64 pages. Illustrated. Bound in half crimson leather over scarlet buckram boards with titles stamped in gilt in compartments between five raised bands on the spine. Fine. [and] Army Officers Awards Napoleonic Period. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1969. Facsimile of the 1853 edition. Octavo. 59 pages. Pictorial wraps. Fine.
Victoires, Conquétes, Désastres, Revers et Guerres Civiles des Français, de 1792 a 1815, par une Société de Militaires et de Gens de Lettres. Paris: C. L. F. Panckoucke, Editeur, 1817-1821. First edition. Twenty-seven octavo volumes including the scarce Couronne Poétique facsimile volume. French text. Scores of maps, many fold-out. Uniformly bound in paste paper over boards with titles and rules stamped in gilt on paper labels on the spine. Modest shelf wear to the boards with light scattered foxing throughout each volume, otherwise in very good condition. A detailed survey of French military actions from about the time of the Revolution until the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Three Original Complete Bound Civil War volumes of Harper's Weekly for 1861, 1863 and 1864. Red cloth with gilt stampings. The definitive Civil War illustrated newspaper with thousands of incredible illustrations. Each volume 11" x 15.75" and all in perfect condition.
Books
Rare Heraldry Reference Books, Four Volumes. Includes: Arthur Charles Fox-Davies: Armorial Families: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armor. (London: Hurst & Blackett, 1929). Seventh edition. Two volumes, xxxviii, 1020; 1171 pages, quarto, with original burgundy buckram covers, profusely illustrated including 22 color plates. Modest wear, else fine; and, John Woodward: A Treatise on Heraldry, British and Foreign. (Edinburgh and London: W. & A. K. Johnston, 1892). Two volumes, xv, 395; 464 pages, octavo, quarter red Morocco covers with gilt stamping on the spine. Leather scuffed and edges bumped, else near fine.
Military & Patriotic
W. Lockwood Marsh: Aeronautical Prints and Drawings. (London: Halton and Truscott Smith, Ltd., 1924). A limited edition of which this is number 11 of 1000. xx, 36 pages, and 87 full-page plates, folio, with original blue buckram covers, and tipped-in color plates. A fine book chronicling the illustrated history of flight from Daedalus and Icarus to modern (1924) aircraft. Weak spine and wear at top and bottom, bumps at corners, else very good.
Books
Charles Dollfus and Henri Bouché. Histoire de L'Aéronautique. Paris: L'Illustration, 1942. Folio. 614 pages. Profusely illustrated with engravings, photographs, and color illustrations (some tipped-in). French text. Original paste paper over boards with cloth backstrip. Titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Wear to the edges of the boards and spine ends, especially at the corners. A wonderful volume, lavishly illustrated and in very good condition.
Military & Patriotic
Paul F. Mottelay. The Soldier in Our Civil War: A Pictorial History of the Conflict, 1861-1865, Illustrating the Valor of the Soldier as Displayed on the Battle-Field, Vol. 1. New York: J. H. Brown Publishing Company, 1884. First edition, thus. Folio. 421 pages. Profusely illustrated by prominent war artists of the period. Original pictorial cloth with titles stamped in gilt on the spine. Boards soiled and corners and spine ends abraded. Small hole in cloth of front board at the lower edge. Front and back hinges cracked causing boards to be loose, otherwise a good copy and perfect candidate for modest restoration.
Excavated ID Disc of Wounded New York Artilleryman. Dug condition pewter disc stamped "J. B. OLIVER/ 6/ NY IND/ BATTERY/ RAHWAY N.J." with raised "War of 1861" on reverse and stamped battle honor "Yorktown" still visible below it with other battles listed. Disc shows damage to rim and has small hole near center. Private Oliver served in Company K from June 1861 to August 1864 with service that included Seven Days, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station (where he was slightly wounded), and Gettysburg. Oliver lost his leg during skirmish at Aenon Church, Va. in May 1864, and spent remainder of enlistment at Judiciary Square General Hospital in Washington, D.C. Brief biography included.
Excavated Pewter ID Disc of a Vermont Gettysburg Veteran. This dug 1.5" pewter identification token has a raised bust of George Washington on one side surrounded by a laurel border and "George Washington First President of the U'd States." Also visible is the tiny marking of the maker "G. H. Love[ ]t N.Y." at the bottom. The opposite side is stamped "JAMES KELLY/ Co. B/ 2d R[E]GT/ VT/ VOL/ RUTLAND" surrounded by a border of stars and "The War of 1861 & '62." Condition is sound but with the expected corrosion and a very small section missing from the surface on one side. Private James B. Kelly joined the Second Vermont in August 1862, in the field in Maryland and served at Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Gettysburg, the New York Draft Riots, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Petersburg, and more. He witnessed the war's end at Appomattox and marched in the Grand Review as well. A fine memento of a dutiful soldier complete with a brief military service profile.
Excavated Pewter ID Token of a Vermont Soldier Shot by a "Poison Bullet" at Petersburg. This dug 1.5" pewter identification disc features a raised bust of George Washington on one side surrounded by a laurel border and "[Geo]rge Washington First President of the [ ] States." The opposite side is stamped "L. D. HADLOCK/ CO. D/ 2 REGT/ [Hometown]" surrounded by a border of stars and "The War of 1861 & '62." The piece is sound but corroded and somewhat misshapen. Private Lucius Hadlock joined the Second Vermont in August 1862 and served at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and more. On June 21, 1864, he was wounded in the head at Petersburg with what was listed as "a poison bullet" but was able to rejoin his regiment and fight on to Appomattox. He was discharged in June 1865. Showing wear commensurate with being in the ground for a century, the disc is nevertheless a fine artifact of a brave soldier and is complete with a brief military profile that includes the text of an interesting letter written home in January 1864.
Excavated ID Disc of a Vermont Private Wounded in Action. Measuring about 1" in diameter, this dug brass identification disk has the popular "spread winged eagle" motif on one side around which is "War of 1861" and "United States" in raised lettering. This side also retains about 75 percent of its original gilt finish although otherwise the disc has an overall dark patina. The opposite side shows some expected pitting and corrosion but is nicely stamped "D. R. BROWN/ Co. G/2d/ REG/ VT. VOLS./ BURLINGTON." Private Daniel Brown enlisted in the Second Vermont in June 1861 and fought at Seven Days, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. After reenlisting he was shot through the right arm at the Wilderness and eventually transferred into the Veteran Reserve Corps, leaving the service in July 1865. A nice example of an excavated badge worn by a heroic soldier, complete with brief biography.
Excavated Patriotic Identification Disc of Captured Pennsylvanian. Brass 1.25" ID token in good, dug condition stamped "B. W. McALEER/ Co. D/ 11th REGT/ P.R.C./ ALLEGHENY" with raised patriotic shield surrounded by "Against Rebellion/ 1861" on opposite side. Stamped lettering is light but piece retains much of original gilt finish and is in better than average condition for such an item. Bernard McAleer enlisted in the 11th Pa. Reserves in February 1862 and saw action at all the major engagements of the Army of the Potomac including the Seven Days, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. He was captured at Weldon Railroad on August 19, 1865, and, suffering from chronic diarrhea, later exchanged, dying in an army hospital on March 20, 1865. Complete with short service record.
Excavated ID Disc of Sixth Marylander Killed in Action. Brass 1.25" identification disc clearly stamped "JOHN LIEB/ CO. F/ 6TH MD./ VOLS./ BALTIMORE MD." with raised profile of McClellan on reverse surrounded by raised letters "Major General Geo. B. McClellan/ War of 1861." Very deep patina but sound condition. Lieb enlisted in August 1862 and saw action at Opequan Creek, Winchester, the pursuit of Lee after Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the Wilderness. He was shot in the head May 6, 1864, and died from his wounds the following month. Complete with short soldier history.
Historic Patriotic ID Disc Worn by a Vermont Veteran of Gettysburg. Non-dug example of a brass 1" identification disc with pleasing patina clearly stamped 'S.M. SMITH/ Co. F/ 3rd/ REG/ VT. VOL./ HARTLAND." On the reverse is a raised spread-winged eagle surrounded by "War of 1861" and "United States" in raised letters. Stillman M. Smith joined the Third Vermont Vol. Inf. in May 1861 and fought through the Seven Days Campaign and Antietam before deserting in October 1862. He returned to the regiment in April 1863 and fought at Gettysburg, then reenlisted and was engaged in all the battles of the Petersburg Campaign including Lee's surrender at Appomattox. He was honorably discharged in July 1865. A fine example of a popular device, complete with thumbnail history of Stillman's service.
Rare Silver Identification Badge Worn by a Member of the Invalid Corps. This attractive ID shield measures 1.25" x 1.25" and is carefully etched with a simple border on its face along with "Corp'l/ C. P. Jordan/ Co. E. 21st Reg't/ I'v'd Corps." The owner was Corporal Charles P. Jordan who enlisted in July, 1862 into Co. F, 33rd Mass. Vol. Inf. After the regiment's fight at Chancellorsville, Jordan suffered sunstroke and was transferred into the 21st Veteran Reserve Corps (originally known as the Invalid Corps) in December 1863 where he was promoted Corporal and remained until mustered out in June 1865. The piece is sound and only missing the t-bar pin on the reverse. Copies of Jordan's military and pension records accompany the badge.
Historic Identification Badge Crafted by a Soldier of the Pennsylvania Reserves. This wonderful identification disk was fashioned from an 1854 quarter, with one side polished smooth and inscribed with a decorative border in the center of which is nicely hand etched "G.W.M/ K 10th/ P.R.C." The reverse of the coin with its date and seated Liberty design is intact. A small hole has been drilled in the top for suspension from a string or patriotic pin. It belonged to Private George W. Morris, Co. K, 39th Pa. Vol. Inf. (10th Reserves) who served in the unit from June 1861 to June 1864 and was wounded at the Battle of New Market. An excellent example of the fabled soldier-made ID badge, complete with service and pension records.
Carved Bone ID Shield Made by a Pennsylvanian while Recovering from His Gettysburg Wound. Destined for the Veteran Reserve Corps, Private Jacob Emery, Co. H, 121st Pa. Vol. Inf. took time while recuperating in an army hospital to carve this bone identification badge. Emery enlisted in September 1862 and had been wounded at Fredericksburg that December before being shot again at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He spent the next year in a hospital and was eventually assigned to the 11th Regt., Veteran Reserve Corps before mustering out in June 1865. The shield has a pleasant patina and measures 1.25" x 1.5." Etched in an untrained hand on the front is "J. I. Emery/ Co H. 121 R./ 1864" and the lettering is filled in with red wax, almost all of which remains. Two tiny holes are drilled at top and bottom to affix a fastening device on the back, now missing. The artifact was initially in the collection of GAR Post #12 in Philadelphia before ending up in a now-closed private Reading, Pa. museum in the 1950s. An item with lots of character made by a hard fighting soldier. Complete with service and pension records.
Wonderful U.S. Christian Commission Badge with 1864 Inscription. This rare emblem is actually a mark of appreciation in the riband shape of the classic Christian Commission emblem of the Civil War. It is uniquely inscribed in four lines "U. S. Christian Commission/ To the Mt. Holyoke Class of '64/ Sow we beside all waters/ Seminatores." The hand engraving is all clear and the piece retains its original t-bar pin fastener. This badge, with the class motto, was presented by the Commission to the members of the senior class at Mt. Holyoke in gratitude of their patriotism, generosity and work fulfilling "the wants of the army." Artifacts of this important wartime organization are most difficult to find particularly with such an interesting story surrounding its presentation. Full details accompany the piece.
Appealing Silver Star Identification Badge of a New York Heavy Artilleryman. Measuring about 1.5" from point-to-point, this fine silver star badge is beautifully inscribed "John B. Howson/ Co. I 5th/ N.Y.V.A." in the center, surrounded by flourishes and an intricate border. Howson transferred into Co. I of the Fifth N.Y. Heavy Artillery from the Sixth Heavy Artillery Battalion in December 1862 and served until mustered out in June 1865. He was captured with his entire regiment at Harpers Ferry in September 1862 and later paroled. Badge is complete with its t-bar pin fastener and condition is excellent. Complete with Howson's service and pension records.
Historic Silver Identification Shield Belonging to a Member of the Pennsylvania Reserves. Here is a classic Civil War ID shield belonging to a soldier in the 33rd Pa. Vol. Inf. (Fourth Reserves), etched on the face "Jos. McMullin/ Co. A./ 4th Reg't P.R.V.C." Born in Ireland, Private McMullin enlisted in July 1861 and saw extensive service with this fighting Army of the Potomac unit including being wounded during the Seven Days battles. After three years service he reenlisted in the 16th New York Cavalry and was ultimately discharged in September 1865. He was also court martialed twice during his military career, once for losing equipment and another time for being absent without leave. The pin measures 1" x 1.25" and is in fine condition with only a missing catch to the t-bar pin fastener on the back. The pin also shows a very old repair to the hinge but in no way detracts from the great overall appearance of the piece. All pension and service records are included.
Fine Stamped Silver Ninth Corps Badge. This handsome and somewhat delicate corps insignia measures approximately 1" x 1" with a raised cannon barrel and anchor motif superimposed on a number "9" in the center surrounded by a simple recessed border. Condition is excellent and the piece retains its original t-bar fastening pin on the reverse. A hard fighting part of the Union Army, the Ninth Corps officially adopted this badge on April 10, 1864. Complete with detailed overview of the corps' history.
Superb Quality Silver Cavalry Badge. This excellent example of a Civil War badge is highlighted by a finely detailed shield surmounted by a delicately executed pair of crossed sabers. Showing skilled workmanship, elaborate etching surrounds an untouched circle in the center of the shield which could be used for engraving the owner's name or unit. The overall measurement is about 1.25" x 1.5" and condition is excellent with the t-bar pin fastener solidly in place on the reverse. An exceptional example of the jeweler's art, this is an appealing solid silver badge of the very best quality.
Scarce Stamped Silver Twenty-Third Corps Badge. Measuring about 1" x 1", this thin sheet silver shield badge has a recessed center filled with red enamel designating the First Division of the 23rd Army Corps. The t-bar pin closure remains as does about 70 percent of the original enamel. Complete with an overview of the corps.
Colorful and Rare Fifteenth Corps Army of the Tennessee "Headquarters" Badge. Circa 1870s-80s, this is the sought after badge that features a small black cartridge box with the "40 Rounds" inscription trimmed in brass and centered against an enamel backdrop of the four 15th Corps divisional colors: red, white, blue, and yellow. The brass backing is complete with its horizontal t-bar pin fastener. The piece measures 1.5" x 1.5" and shows only minor wear with two or three slight nicks on the front but which do not damage the enameling. The colors are simply magnificent. A real gem of a very scarce badge.
Spectacular Civil War Engineer's Badge as Seen in Period Advertisements. Stan Phillip's book Civil War Corps Badges pictures both an actual specimen of this exact device as well as a period advertisement for it by noted New York badge manufacturer B. T. Hayward. This impressive badge measures 1" x 1.4" and features the tall engineer's "castle" insignia on top of a circle. Inside the top of the circle is a spread-winged eagle similar to that found on engineers' uniform buttons, with a touch of yellow enamel above. Below is a detailed depiction of a fort and rising sun. This beautiful badge is in wonderful condition with its t-bar pin clasp in place. The composition appears to be silver plate over brass and essentially all the finish remains except for the tiniest spot on the back. A true rarity and one of the most attractive badges produced in the conflict.
Silver Civil War Corps/ ID badge of William H. Lewis, Co. C, 5th U.S. Artillery, Wounded at Cold Harbor. Heavy silver 2d Corps trefoil, 23mm x 23mm with T-bar pin back. Actually constructed from an English silver six pence coin with bust of Victoria, etc. on the reverse. Perfect untouched condition. Lewis enlisted on November 28, 1862, at the age of twenty. His pension records state he "was wounded at Cold Harbor June 7th 1864 by the premature explosion of a gun while fitting in the charge" and that "both forearms were torn off - right 3 inches below elbow and left 2 inches above wrist", resulting in him being hospitalized until January 1865 when he was discharged. Lewis served with the 5th US Arty through Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Great Corps/ID badge with a tragic history. Accompanied by a complete set of records.
Excavated ID Disc with Maryland Connection. Pewter disc 1.25" in diameter stamped with owner's name (appears to be "Casper Scholl") and "Co. A/ 8 Reg/ MD. V./ BALTIMORE." Nothing visible on reverse. Overall very rough condition as expected with this material. Scholl was an 18-year-old drummer who served in that unit from February 1864 until July 1865, seeing action throughout the Petersburg Campaign. With brief soldier history.
Silver Identification Shield and Pin of a Member of the Famed 50th New York Engineers. Measuring about 1" x 1", the face of this classic identification shield is nicely engraved "O. H. Langdon/ Co M/ 50th N.Y. Eng." The owner was 18-year-old Ormus H. Langdon who enlisted in that unit in January 1864 and served until the regiment ended its service in June 1865. With the shield is a small pin fashioned from an 1853 dated dime, with one side polished smooth and etched with the initials "O.H.L." Both badge and pin are in excellent condition and complete with their t-bar pin fasteners. A nice pair of artifacts connected to a regiment that's exploits included constructing pontoon bridges under fire at Fredericksburg. Complete with service and pension records.
Thick Oak Shield from Tree under which General Pemberton Surrendered to General Grant. 25mm x 27mm x 9mm, encased in a gold wire frame with an 11mm gold band across the front, inscribed "Co. F 14th Inft/ Vicksburg 7-4-63" with Ill on each side, all suspended from a 1" wide red, white and blue silk ribbon. Ribbon a bit frayed, shield and framework perfect. Accompanied by an old 3" x 2.375" paper tag bearing the following ink script history, "Piece of oak tree under which Gen. Pemberton surrendered to Gen. Grant Vicksburg, Miss in Civil War. Zeph Roberts who served in Co. F 14th Inf. Illinois Volunteers was present at surrender and carved this small shield with pocket knife. He placed it in hot grease of his frying pan to give it color and polish". Zephaniah Roberts enlisted in Co. F of the 14th Illinois on May 25, 1861, and mustered out June 18, 1864. Note is in perfect condition and a great relic.
Silver Civil War ID Tag with Exceptional History. 24mm, die stamped on the obverse "Chas Smith/ Co. B/ 1st Reg./ Exc./ Brigade/ Cleveland, Ohio". The reverse exhibits, in an arc at the top, "Peninsular Campaign" followed by a list of ten battles: "Bristow Station/ 2nd Bull Run/ Chantilly/ Fredericksburg/ Chancellorsville/ Gettysburg/ Wapping Heights/ Kelley's Ford/ Locust Grove/ Mine Run". The Mine Run Campaign was fought from November 27 to December 2, 1863. Perfect condition, loop at the top for suspension. This is doubtless Charles Smith who enlisted March 1, 1862, in the 70th New York Infantry (1st Excelsior Regt.). Beautiful ID tag with great history.
U.S. M1816/22 .69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket. With cone type alteration to percussion, A. Waters 1831, with corresponding date on the barrel tang. Barrel shortened to 25.5", the forestock accordingly. The original middle band with swivel is now friction fitted with a reformed shoulder. Doubtless altered for use as a carbine or musketoon. Metal generally smooth and dark, untouched, with just some light pitting around the nipple. Mechanically perfect, excellent markings. Wood excellent with nice smooth untouched patina and just a few minor dents. There is no ramrod.
Near Mint U.S. M1819 .54 Caliber Hall Breech Loading Rifle, Converted to Percussion. J. H. Hall/ H. Ferry/ U.S./ 1832. All metal smooth and clean, about perfect, with what appears to be an old brown coat of nicotine. Breech block retains 90% of the original case colors. Mint bore, mechanically perfect. Wood also about mint, with just a couple of minor dents and a few light scratches. Just one small sliver along the upper ramrod channel. Really an exceptional example of this innovative rifle, the first breech loading firearm adopted for use and issuance by the U.S. government.
French M1822 .69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket Converted to Percussion. 41" barrel, 56.5" overall. The percussion lock appears to have been fitted when the gun was converted, as it shows no signs of having been a flintlock. Breech proofed with a shield shaped cartouche and W in an oval. All iron mounted with finger grooves in the trigger guard extension. Very fine condition overall with very nice smooth brown patina, clearly untouched. Wood also excellent with nice patina. Just one small sliver on the left forestock and a small, obviously period, expertly done patch along the ramrod channel. Very nice example of this "serviceable arm" that was imported extensively by the U.S. government during the Civil War.
U.S. M1863 .58 Caliber Percussion Rifled Musket, U.S. Springfield, 1864, Identified to "Thos J. Ellis/ Co.H/ 35th N. J. V." ID is die stamped/hand engraved at the breech. Ellis served with the regiment from September 24, 1863, to July 20, 1865. The regiment was heavily engaged throughout Georgia and North Carolina during Ellis's term of service. Interestingly the letters of the ID are die stamped, while "35th" is hand engraved, implying the die stamp kit simply did not include numbers. Unquestionably period, and we have noted this method of ID on a number of other Civil War rifled muskets through the years, all dating to the 1863/64 period. All metal smooth with gray patina, very nice. Mechanically fine with good bore. Complete and original in every respect. Wood very good just showing honest use with traces of inspector's mark. Nice gun with great ID.
M1860, Seven Shot .52 Caliber Rimfire Spencer Repeating Rifle, #5538, Showing Signs of Mounted Use with ID to the 123rd Ill., Part of Wilder's "Mounted Infantry Brigade." Descended through the family of Oscar F. Sammis, (see Moore's Patent Revolver elsewhere in this catalog) the rifle bears the well worn remains of an inscription on the top of the barrel, between the middle and rear bands, the last portion of which is clearly "123 (Ill)" The 123d, upon joining Wilder's Brigade on May 6, 1863, was armed with Spencers, and was heavily engaged for the remainder of the war, including Chickamauga, Resaca, Kennesaw, and New Hope Church, as well as numerous mounted raids and small unit actions, losing eighty-five men killed and mortally wounded. The gun exhibits a smooth dark untouched patina overall with just some small patches of old scattered surface rust. Mechanically perfect, very good bore, excellent markings. Missing the front sling swivel (possibly removed during the period of use), else complete and original in every respect. The wood, which has a nice dark rich patina, shows clear evidence of mounted use, with heavily worn areas behind the middle band, and the last 2" between the front band and nose cap, both on the left side. There is also evidence on the left side, at the lock screw, of a lanyard/sling device, again obviously period. A great Civil War Spencer, showing clear evidence of substantial "in the saddle" use, identified to a very heavily fought regiment.
Unique .28 Caliber Percussion Knife Pistol, Circa 1840. 5 1/8" overall when closed. Heavy brass bolsters with decorative embossing. Mother of pearl plaque grips with a couple of minor hairlines and a few chips, but very sound. 4" smoothbore octagonal barrel with percussion nipple at the rear. When the knife is closed the hammer, with decoratively engraved thumb piece, can be cocked, with the screw like attachment functioning as a trigger. Knife blade now 4" with about .25" broken from the tip. Blade also with a few minor nicks but excellent. The other iron tool appears to be a marlin spike, for nautical use in unlaying rope, untying knots etc. Really excellent overall condition and a fascinating combination weapon.
French, 1st Empire Police Flintlock Pistol, Dated 1811. 10" overall, with 5" .60 caliber barrel, original flintlock. Lock engraved in script Meubeuge/ Manuf/ Impl, dated 1811 at breech, script engraving at barrel tang, several other parts with French proofs. All metal smooth and dark, very nice, with just some small patches of very light pitting. Flat faced hammer with rather small screw, which is possibly a period replacement. Wood with an old, neatly repaired hairline on the forestock, barely noticeable, with deep, crisp inspectors' marks including 1811 date. Iron ramrod appears to be correct and original. Very nice example of this scarce 1st Empire flintlock pistol.
Remington New Model .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver. Martially marked, #116460. Gun retains 40% of the original bright blue, mixing with smooth dark patina. Mechanically tight and crisp, excellent markings, mint bore. Grips near perfect with crisp inspector's cartouche. Completely untouched and a fine Remington.
Very Nice Civil War Spencer Caliber 56-56 (.52 RF) Seven Shot Repeating Cavalry Carbine, #34947. Doubtless the most innovative arm of the Civil War era, which gained the reputation in the eyes of Confederates who faced it as the gun the Yankees "loaded in the morning and fired all day." This is an exceptionally nice untouched example. All metal smooth and gray, just a couple of tiny patches of very light pitting near the muzzle, negligible. Mechanically perfect, mint bore. Wood excellent with deep rich patina, retaining traces of the inspector's mark. Complete and original in every respect and really a nice Civil War used Spencer.
US M1816 .54 Caliber Flintlock Pistol by Simeon North, Middletown, Connecticut. Metal generally smooth and dark with some light pitting in the area of the touch hole. Actually retains traces of the original brown on the straps. Excellent markings on both breech and lock with early "Midln" address. Wood generally excellent with deep LS inspector's cartouche, and nice rich patina. Small burned out area at the pan/breech, and hairlines at the upper lock bolt, and just forward of the lock. There is no ramrod. Nice example and becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in original flintlock.
Martially-marked Colt M1851 .36 Caliber Percussion Navy Revolver, #58823 Matching. Manufactured mid-1856, iron grip straps. All metal generally smooth and gray with traces of case color on lever. Near perfect cylinder scene, retains four cylinder pin, missing one nipple the others excellent. Mechanically crisp, excellent bore. "US" on left side of frame and "U.S.N./ J.I.H". on underside of grip strap. Grips are excellent with nice mellow, patina displaying some small dents on the underside doubtless commensurate with use. Mechanically perfect. A very nice example of this very scarce and desirable configuration of the 1851 Navy.
Presentation-grade Allen & Thurber .31 Caliber Percussion Pepperbox. Six shot, 3.25" barrels. Marked on the side of the bar hammer, "Allen & Thurber/ Norwich C-T" and on the top "Allen's Patent". Also marked "Patented 1837 Cast Steel" on the barrel rib. Scroll engraved frame, unique scroll engraved German silver nipple shield, and original ivory grips with oval German silver escutcheons (missing on the right side). All metal smooth and gray, nipple shield bright and clean. Ivory grips with nice mellow patina and no cracks. Mechanically perfect, excellent markings. A very rare pepperbox.
Allen & Thurber .31 Caliber Percussion Pepperbox. Worcester production, six shot, engraved frame and nipple shield, 3.25" fluted barrels. Nicely marked in the barrel flute and on the side of the hammer. All metal smooth and gray, just some tiny scattered dings on the barrel cluster. Mechanically perfect, tight and crisp, including the nipples. Bag shaped grips also excellent retaining most of the original varnish. Very nice pepperbox.
Scarce "R. P. Bruff/ N. Y." .41 Caliber Percussion Derringer. Top of the hammer broken/missing, else fine condition. 6" overall with 2.5" barrel. Top of barrel with arched Bruff mark and Cast Steel. Metal smooth exhibiting a dark patina mixing with the original brown finish. Scroll engraved breech, tang and lock with German silver bands at the breech. Screw heads also engraved. German silver front sight, wedge escutcheons, butt cap strap, and fore end tip. Inlaid German silver wrist escutcheon and side plate. German silver trigger guard is also profusely engraved, missing the rear screw. Checkered stock excellent retaining most of the original varnish. Perfect bore. Very fine overall, completely untouched, and easily repaired.
Near Mint Colt M1849 .31 Caliber Percussion Pocket Model Revolver, #182998 Matching. Manufactured late 1860. 5 shot, 4" barrel, two line Hartford address. Gun retains 90% - 95% original bright blue with just small worn spots on cylinder and at muzzle. 100% brilliant case colors on frame, lever and hammer, and 90% silver. The face of the cylinder provides no indication the gun has ever been fired. Grips retain 95% original varnish with just one tiny worn spot on either side at bottom. Cylinder scene and pins perfect. A stunning pocket model.
Fine Quality French/ Belgian .52 Caliber Smooth Bore Percussion Dueling Pistol, Circa 1840. All metal smooth and gray, the 8.5" octagonal barrel retaining 90% of the original damascene finish. The barrel exhibits Belgian proofs at the side of the breech. All iron furniture, with the hammer, lockplate, trigger guard finial, and bow, sideplate, butt cap and barrel tang all profusely engraved with floral, scroll and classical motifs. Adjustable trigger, mechanically perfect. French walnut stock excellent with finely checkered grip, relief carved with leaves at the base of the butt, and profuse shell carving at the tip of the fore stock. Nice gun exhibiting excellent workmanship.
Very Fine Remington New Model .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver, #91344. Gun retains 60% original bright blue and case colors, the balance a smooth even dark patina. Tight and crisp, perfect bore, excellent markings. Grips excellent with deep, crisp inspector's cartouche. The right grip has a period repair along the backstrap with three tiny metal pins, nearly imperceptible. A very fine Remington.
Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver. Caliber .36. Serial number 18778. A mechanically crisp example with matching frame, barrel, butt, and trigger guard number. The cylinder engraving is faint (as is common), barrel wedge is replaced and the barrel screw is missing. This example exhibits scattered small dings and dents on the barrel but the markings remain strong making this a solid example.
Prussian M1809 .70 Caliber Smoothbore Musket, Converted to Percussion with Date Proof of 1833 at the Breech and Various Proofs on other Metal Parts. Excellent overall condition, metal smooth and brown with just some pitting at the breech. Wood excellent with nice untouched patina and distinctive cutout cheek piece. All brass furniture also with nice mellow patina. Mechanically perfect, the gun being complete and original in every respect. An excellent example of this cumbersome European musket, with over 100,000 purchased by the Federal government at the beginning of the war, that was generally reviled by the soldiers to whom it was issued.
Exceptionally Quality and Condition Pair of English Percussion Belt Pistols by Samuel Nock, Circa 1835. 9.5" overall with 4" .54 caliber smoothbore barrels, marked London on the top flat, and retaining 95% of the original dark damascene finish. The breech, tang, trigger guard, lock, hammer and bolster are all profusely scroll engraved. All with deep dark patina mixing with original color. Single screw back action locks marked Nock along the top edge. The checkered walnut stocks are near perfect with just some very minor scattered dents. German silver wedge escutcheons and heavy German silver butt caps featuring the face of a lion. Original brass mounted wooden ramrods with ball screw covered by a screw off brass cap. A pretty pair of pistols by one of England's premier gun makers.
Very Fine Rigdon & Ansley Civil War Confederate .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver, #2224. Matching numbers are found on the frame, barrel housing, trigger guard, grip strap, cylinder, cylinder pin, face of the loading lever catch, flat of the loading lever, wedge and penciled on the inside of the grips. The wedge is made without a spring as is customary on guns above about #2150. Marked with CSA on the top flat of the barrel. Really an exceptional specimen, the metal smooth and dark mixing with some faded areas of original blue. Mechanically very tight and crisp, very good bore, sharp edges overall. The gun is absolutely 100% correct and original in every detail. There is a noteworthy forging flaw of the right side of the barrel housing and a "bubble" in the brass on the right side of the trigger guard. Grips excellent retaining most of the original varnish with just some dents on the bottom, tight and sound. This exact gun is included, with photograph in the important 1942 catalog of the Metropolitan Museum of Art "Loan Exhibition of Percussion Colt Revolvers and Conversions 1836 - 1873", edited by John E. Parsons, The gun is listed as being part of Parsons' personal collection. The gun is also listed as a known specimen in Albaugh's seminal 1963 book Confederate Handguns and is pictured in Gary's book Confederate Revolvers. A really exceptional example for both condition and lineage.
M1816 Musket Converted to Percussion. Dated 1837, 42" barrel in .69 caliber. Lock plate marked "Harpers Ferry 1837" with eagle over U.S. Hammer spur with deeply cut, hand filed, knurling. Large "12" carved on right side of butt, mechanically perfect. All metal surfaces medium gray to black with scattered light pitting. Wood is very nice, just lightly cleaned.
Merrill .58 Caliber Percussion Breech Loading "Officer's Model" Carbine, #1125 Matching, First Model Configuration. As with the .54 caliber example offered in this catalog, the gun is mounted entirely in German silver, all of which is elaborately and exquisitely engraved with scroll work, along with a rosette in the center of the patchbox lid. Lock, hammer and breech lever also extensively engraved and chaised with beautifully executed scroll work. The face of the loading lever plunger on this example is fitted with a unique "cartridge cutter" to puncture the rear of the cartridge and insure ignition. All metal very fine, smooth dark patina mixing with original blue and case colors. German silver furniture perfect. Beautiful burl walnut stock also about mint. As with the other example, although generically referred to as officers' models, these guns were more likely prepared as presentation or exhibition pieces by Merrill in pursuit of Federal contracts, with the unique caliber and cartridge cutter indicative of either flexibility or experimentation on Merrill's part, in attempts to produce a weapon that the Federal government would find suitable for military use.
Very fine Quality, Superb Condition, Cased Set of Percussion French Target/ Dueling Pistols, Circa 1840. 17" overall with 11" .60 caliber deeply rifled barrels. Barrels retain 99% of the original brown damascene finish. Patent breech numbered on top in gold 1 and 2. Barrel tang, lock, hammer, butt cap, lockbolt plate and trigger guard all delicately and elaborately engraved with scroll and floral motifs, the trigger guard bow of #1 with a dog and #2 with a wild boar. Highly figured walnut stocks with reeded grip, about mint, beautifully executed shell carving at the forend tip. The oak French style form fitted casing lined with maroon velvet, now somewhat faded, else about perfect. Cased with cleaning rod and brush, bullet starter, ramrod, nipple wrench, wooden cap box, bullet mould and copper flask marked AB Paris. Compartment with removable lid with numerous round balls. All accessories also about mint. The oak case is also highly figured, the brass lid escutcheon inscribed in block letters "A. Fossorier". Missing one small ebony corner piece, else about perfect. A gorgeous set of pistols.
Fine Condition Colt M1862 Pocket Navy Revolver with the Original Holster and Belt, and a History of Use by a Member of Quantrill's Guerillas, #853 Matching, Produced in Early 1862. The gun retains 30% of the original blue and 50% of the original case colors, the balance a smooth even brown, the gun being totally untouched. Perfect cylinder scene with just the slightest salt and peppering on the face and leading edge of the cylinder. The brass straps retain vestiges of the original silver, else perfect. Fine bore, mechanically tight and crisp but does not index, easily repaired. Grips retain 90% of the original varnish. Really and exceptional example of this scarce Colt. The original flap holster, which is perfectly contoured to the gun, has considerable flaking and uses a decoratively stitched 1¼" wide belt loop. The holster uses a flat brass finial and could easily be characterized as Confederate. The 1½" wide belt, which is now in two pieces with considerable flaking, is also of a form normally associated with Confederate use, with a ¾" wide closure tab and a horseshoe shaped single tine iron buckle. The tip of the closure tab is missing. The holster and belt set is unquestionably indigenous to the gun.
The set is accompanied by a notarized letter from Millie Ann Wood Glenn of Dallas, Texas which states that she inherited the gun from her father, who inherited it from her grandfather who inherited it from Ruben Wood who had a ranch in Brownfield, Texas. She further states that Ruben Wood was originally from Slater, Missouri and the revolver was always referred to in family lore as the "Confederate Gun" and was purportedly used by a member of "Quantrill's Raiders" with the surname Wood. She also states that her own research identified two members of Quantrill's band with that name, Hop and Bennett Wood, but was never able to establish which one owned the gun. Interestingly the research that accompanies the gun identifies Hop Wood as having been killed by Union cavalry during a raid on Independence, Missouri, February 22, 1862, making him an unlikely candidate based on the date of the gun's manufacture. The other candidate, however, Bennett Wood, after being wounded at Independence, Missouri, was sent by Confederate Gen. Marmaduke to recruit men for his command in Missouri. He was subsequently killed near Napoleon, Missouri June 20, 1863, making it more likely he was, in fact, the owner of the gun. A scarce Colt with a remarkable history.
The set is accompanied by a notarized letter from Millie Ann Wood Glenn of Dallas, Texas which states that she inherited the gun from her father, who inherited it from her grandfather who inherited it from Ruben Wood who had a ranch in Brownfield, Texas. She further states that Ruben Wood was originally from Slater, Missouri and the revolver was always referred to in family lore as the "Confederate Gun" and was purportedly used by a member of "Quantrill's Raiders" with the surname Wood. She also states that her own research identified two members of Quantrill's band with that name, Hop and Bennett Wood, but was never able to establish which one owned the gun. Interestingly the research that accompanies the gun identifies Hop Wood as having been killed by Union cavalry during a raid on Independence, Missouri, February 22, 1862, making him an unlikely candidate based on the date of the gun's manufacture. The other candidate, however, Bennett Wood, after being wounded at Independence, Missouri, was sent by Confederate Gen. Marmaduke to recruit men for his command in Missouri. He was subsequently killed near Napoleon, Missouri June 20, 1863, making it more likely he was, in fact, the owner of the gun. A scarce Colt with a remarkable history.
Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver. Caliber .31. Serial number 240342. 4" barrel and all matching numbers on the grip straps, cylinder, barrel and frame. Brass with no original silvering left. Cylinder with faint stagecoach scene engraving. Metal surfaces overall gray with scattered light pinprick pitting. Trigger spring broken and will not stay at full cock. Walnut grips in excellent condition.
Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver. Caliber .31. Serial number 60095. A nice example with 4" barrel and all matching numbers. Straps retain 30% of the original silver. Cylinder with faint stagecoach scene engraving. Metal surfaces with occasional light scattered pitting and overall gray appearance. A few screw heads damaged but easily replaced. Walnut grips complete and with a warm finish.
U.S. M1816/22 .69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket, Springfield 1830. A nicely done reconversion to flintlock using what appear to be original parts, and a bushed touch hole. Metal generally smooth and dark gray with a few small patches of light pitting, somewhat heavier at the breech. Wood excellent with visible inspectors' marks and nice patina. There is an old hairline with no loss forward of the trigger guard, minor. There is no ramrod. A good representative example of this martial longarm that was standard issue for American infantry for twenty years.
U.S. M1816 .69 Caliber Smoothbore Springfield Musket with 1930s Provenance: "....carried by my Grandfather Virgil M. Ramey in the War of Southern Independence while serving with Col. Mosby's Rangers" . With arsenal cone conversion and converted to a cavalry carbine, the barrel is now shortened to 24", the forestock accordingly. A salient feature of the alteration is the addition of a friction fitted front band, actually originally the rear band of an earlier musket, with an arsenal fitted brass blade front sight. Additionally the 3.75" of the trigger guard tail has been removed and the wood smoothed, obviously to make the gun easier to grip and use with one hand while in the saddle. Very fine overall condition with the metal smooth and gray, untouched, and the stock exhibiting sharp edges and a nice dark patina. The very heavy tulip head ramrod appears to be original to the gun since its alteration, and the increased thickness has resulted in an area behind the rear band where the rod has worn through the wood, the channel obviously having been originally configured for a thinner rod. Lock markings with Eagle/US and Springfield 1839. Mechanically perfect, excellent smooth bore.
The typed letter of provenance, which is dated July 8, 1937, also mentions a photograph of Ramey. "Taken from a family album", which is a cabinet card C. 1880, and is included with the gun. Additionally, the letter specifically identifies the gun as "a Confederate short musket marked Springfield 1839". The initials VMR neatly carved in the stock opposite the lock and, stamped in large block letters on the heel of the butt plate is "CS", the original US apparently having been removed or obliterated. This is in direct correlation to the statement in the letter that the gun was "remarked" after its capture and alteration. Interestingly, at least one other, similarly altered, musket has surfaced (Murphy) with iron clad provenance to a member of Mosby's command. A quintessential example of the type of alteration routinely performed at Confederate arsenals to meet the pressing need for cavalry carbines, with good provenance to one of the war's most highly romanticized Confederate units.
The typed letter of provenance, which is dated July 8, 1937, also mentions a photograph of Ramey. "Taken from a family album", which is a cabinet card C. 1880, and is included with the gun. Additionally, the letter specifically identifies the gun as "a Confederate short musket marked Springfield 1839". The initials VMR neatly carved in the stock opposite the lock and, stamped in large block letters on the heel of the butt plate is "CS", the original US apparently having been removed or obliterated. This is in direct correlation to the statement in the letter that the gun was "remarked" after its capture and alteration. Interestingly, at least one other, similarly altered, musket has surfaced (Murphy) with iron clad provenance to a member of Mosby's command. A quintessential example of the type of alteration routinely performed at Confederate arsenals to meet the pressing need for cavalry carbines, with good provenance to one of the war's most highly romanticized Confederate units.
18th Century French .69 Caliber Smoothbore Flintlock Musket with 1775 Datemark/ Proof on the Barrel at Breech. 44.75" barrel, conforming to the specifications for what is generally referred to as the M1772. The gun is in its original flintlock configuration, and appears to be complete and original in every respect. All metal with deep dark patina and scattered light to medium pitting. Wood with some very old smoothed/sanded areas but generally very good. A scarce 18th century original flintlock French infantry musket, that likely saw service in the American Revolution.
U.S. M1816 .54 Caliber Smoothbore Flintlock Pistol. S. North, Midln Con. The gun remains in its original flintlock configuration. Metal generally smooth and gray with just some light pitting on the hammer and small scattered areas of salt and peppering. Excellent markings, the gun will only hold on at half cock, easily repaired. The hammer screw is an old replacement. Wood very good with a few dents and one worn area on the left side of the butt, inspector's cartouche and V excellent. The ramrod is a replacement. Nice original flintlock example of this desirable U.S. martial pistol.
Colt M1860 .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver, #137003 Matching Except Cylinder Which is #1277. Metal generally smooth with dark patina and traces of blue, just some scattered tiny dents on the barrel, cylinder scene very good. Mechanically fine excellent bore. Grips excellent with nice dark patina and vestiges of inspector's mark. A nice untouched Army that simply exhibits honest use.
French M1822 .69 Caliber Smoothbore Percussion Pistol With date proof 1855, lock markings of St. Etienne, and die stamp Tulle 192 on the left side of the stock with the same number appearing on the barrel and the ramrod. Metal generally smooth and gray with a couple of small patches of pitting and some surface rust, on the barrel. Stock good with nice patina and numerous scattered small dents. Good representative example that will clean nicely.
British Flintlock Cavalry/ Dragoon Pistol. Although exhibiting a form one would associate with the first quarter of the 19th century, we are of the opinion the gun was more likely produced in the late 19th century for use by indigenous colonial troops, e.g. India/Africa. 9" .70 caliber barrel devoid of proofs. Tower and Crown on flat faced lock with goose neck hammer and integral iron pan. Fitted with a swivel ramrod. All brass furniture with the bow of the trigger guard marked R4/E/34. All metal smooth and gray, excellent. Brass furniture perfect. Wood also excellent with relief carved panel at the barrel tang. Really exceptionally nice overall condition and a very attractive gun.
Autographs
Lt. Col. William R. Carter Autograph Letters (Three) Signed Containing Troop Movement Orders, Along with Other Related Documents. All written shortly before the Overland Campaign. All letters are on lined-paper, 6.5" x 8", dated early February 1864 and addressed to Captain Richard H. Watkins ("Co. K Stuarts Cavalry"). All have minor bleed-through.
More specifically, these letters contain information transmitted between officers in Stuart's Cavalry Corps, Army of Northern Virginia concerning new recruits and orders for sudden troop movements. The first letter, two pages written on February 3 from "Nottoway" County, Virginia, refers to several new enlistment possibilities. If Capt. Watkins, who is on furlough at his home in Prince Edward County, has "more applications than you can take," Lt. Col. Carter writes him to "please direct them to 'Co. E or Co. B'." On a personal note, Carter reports that he "has been living on buttermilk & sleeping since I came to the county."
The second letter, one and one-half pages written on February 8 from "Nottoway near Junction," quotes an order from Robert E. Lee's nephew, General Fitzhugh Lee (a divisional commander under Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart): "Last night I sent the following telegram from Maj. Gen. Fitz Lee at Richd. 'Order the companies of your command to concentrate at Atties Station, Hanover County at once.' This telegram reached the Junction at 40 minutes past 9." Carter then ordered Watkins to "collect your company as quickly as possible & move to Atties Depot on the Central RR at once. . . . Order your men to take 3 or 4 days rations with them cooked enough to last . . . . Make them take every long range gun you find in your county that can be got."
The third letter, one and one-quarter pages written on February 8 from Lunenberg [Virginia] and designated "Official Business," repeats General Fitzhugh Lee's order from the previous letter, with the explanation, "I wrote you by mail this morning, but knowing the uncertainty, I sent this [...] hand of communication." This letter is missing text from the lower left corner of page one. Toned.
Lt. Col. William R. Carter (1833-1864), a Virginia lawyer before the war, served in 3rd Virginia Regiment, Company "E". Five months after writing these letters, he died on July 8, 1864, at Gordonsville, Virginia, of wounds received in June during the Overland Campaign. Before receiving these letters, Captain Richard Henry Watkins (1825-1905), in the 3rd Virginia Regiment, Company "K", had been wounded twice.
Included is a partly printed "Danville Rail Road Only" Confederate pass granting Captain Watkins permission to visit "Prince Edw[ard County, Virginia] upon honor not to communicate in writing . . . any fact ascertained, which, if known to the enemy, might be injurious to the Confederate States." Captain Watkins, who was beginning two weeks of furlough, has signed and dated (January 20, 1864) the verso. Included is the transmittal envelope, postmarked "Burkesville, VA", likely the home of Lt. Col. Carter, and addressed to Captain Watkins with "Official Business" written along the top margin.
Also included is a three page letter, written in pencil on January 28, 1864, from Prince Edward, Virginia, from Thomas H. Knight to Captain Watkins, concerning recruits ("there are a good many good men desire to join us, if we can arrange it so as to take them in"). All items are in very good to fine condition.
More specifically, these letters contain information transmitted between officers in Stuart's Cavalry Corps, Army of Northern Virginia concerning new recruits and orders for sudden troop movements. The first letter, two pages written on February 3 from "Nottoway" County, Virginia, refers to several new enlistment possibilities. If Capt. Watkins, who is on furlough at his home in Prince Edward County, has "more applications than you can take," Lt. Col. Carter writes him to "please direct them to 'Co. E or Co. B'." On a personal note, Carter reports that he "has been living on buttermilk & sleeping since I came to the county."
The second letter, one and one-half pages written on February 8 from "Nottoway near Junction," quotes an order from Robert E. Lee's nephew, General Fitzhugh Lee (a divisional commander under Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart): "Last night I sent the following telegram from Maj. Gen. Fitz Lee at Richd. 'Order the companies of your command to concentrate at Atties Station, Hanover County at once.' This telegram reached the Junction at 40 minutes past 9." Carter then ordered Watkins to "collect your company as quickly as possible & move to Atties Depot on the Central RR at once. . . . Order your men to take 3 or 4 days rations with them cooked enough to last . . . . Make them take every long range gun you find in your county that can be got."
The third letter, one and one-quarter pages written on February 8 from Lunenberg [Virginia] and designated "Official Business," repeats General Fitzhugh Lee's order from the previous letter, with the explanation, "I wrote you by mail this morning, but knowing the uncertainty, I sent this [...] hand of communication." This letter is missing text from the lower left corner of page one. Toned.
Lt. Col. William R. Carter (1833-1864), a Virginia lawyer before the war, served in 3rd Virginia Regiment, Company "E". Five months after writing these letters, he died on July 8, 1864, at Gordonsville, Virginia, of wounds received in June during the Overland Campaign. Before receiving these letters, Captain Richard Henry Watkins (1825-1905), in the 3rd Virginia Regiment, Company "K", had been wounded twice.
Included is a partly printed "Danville Rail Road Only" Confederate pass granting Captain Watkins permission to visit "Prince Edw[ard County, Virginia] upon honor not to communicate in writing . . . any fact ascertained, which, if known to the enemy, might be injurious to the Confederate States." Captain Watkins, who was beginning two weeks of furlough, has signed and dated (January 20, 1864) the verso. Included is the transmittal envelope, postmarked "Burkesville, VA", likely the home of Lt. Col. Carter, and addressed to Captain Watkins with "Official Business" written along the top margin.
Also included is a three page letter, written in pencil on January 28, 1864, from Prince Edward, Virginia, from Thomas H. Knight to Captain Watkins, concerning recruits ("there are a good many good men desire to join us, if we can arrange it so as to take them in"). All items are in very good to fine condition.
Military & Patriotic
Interesting Content Autograph Letter Signed by Corporal Warrick Hockaday to His Wife. Eight pages. Hockaday offers his wife advice on the maintenance of their home, livestock, and farm. August 9, 1863, Camp 1st N.C. Troops Orange Cth (Court House) Va., 5" x 8.25". He also writes at length about the conduct of the war, "...our generals ought to stop charging their [Union] breastworks or going into their country and just defend our own country the best we can and save the lives of our soldiers to defend our homes to the bitter end...". He was adamantly opposed to rejoining the Union, "...this idea of ever going back in the union is not worth talking about...we would never command respect again among the combination of states... but be a down trodden people and our children after us." Hockaday tells his wife how he longs to return home to visit. It was an unfulfilled wish. Corporal Hockaday was killed May 8, 1864, at Spotsylvania Courthouse. The letter has some tears along the folds and restoration else near fine.
Books
Charleston Tract: "The South Alone Should Govern the South and African Slavery Should be Controlled by Those Only Who Are Friendly To It". Attributed to John Townsend, 60 pages, 8vo (5.25" x 8"), disbound from a larger edition. Printed in Charleston, the first 23 pages of this tract was originally an address delivered on June 7, 1860 by John Townsend and was first published in the Charleston Mercury. The remaining pages elaborate on all of the South's grievances and called for an immediate secession from the Union. Listed as Sabin 96379, which states that this was the third edition. Clean text with some toning and a few spots foxing. A scarce and printing and the first we have handled.
Autographs
Civil War Soldier "R. E. Johnston" Autograph Letter Signed. Four pages, 7" x 9", October 11, 1862, "Camp 'Forney'", Mobile, Alabama, to his sister, "My Dear Sallie", containing war and personal news. Robert E. Johnston was in "Co. 'F.' 40th Ala. Reg." He enlisted as a private and seems to have survived the war. Reporting on a relative wounded in battle, he writes, "William . . . was wounded in the fight of the 24th of Sept. He was wounded in the breast and shoulder and would have been killed had it not been for his Blanket which he had wrapped around him which was shot through in thirteen places." Expressing his concern on the length of the war, the young private writes, "As for the war being over soon I think that rather doubtful judging from the course matters are taking now. I was in hopes a short time ago that would close soon but since the Sharpsburg and Corinth fight I think the Tables now turned somewhat at least they have been enough to Encourage the Feds to a greater Exertion should they attack and take Mobile will then become an endless affair."
Even though Johnston's 40th Regiment had organized in Mobile only five months earlier in May 1862, the nomadic military life was beginning to weigh on the young soldier: "Just about the time we get fixed comfortably in a place Orders come for us to Strike Tents and March." Johnston and other members of the regiment had nearly three more years of hard fighting ahead, including action at Vicksburg and Chickamauga. This letter is toned and in fine condition.
Even though Johnston's 40th Regiment had organized in Mobile only five months earlier in May 1862, the nomadic military life was beginning to weigh on the young soldier: "Just about the time we get fixed comfortably in a place Orders come for us to Strike Tents and March." Johnston and other members of the regiment had nearly three more years of hard fighting ahead, including action at Vicksburg and Chickamauga. This letter is toned and in fine condition.
South Carolina Palmetto Secession Cockade Given to W. L. Byers of Company "A", Phillip's Legion, Cavalry Battalion of the Georgia Volunteers, Tightly woven and stitched against a cardboard backing, 2.25" x 3"; with a small blue ribbon at the base. Accompanied by the original transmittal letter (with envelope) sending the cockade as a token of affection from a Mattie Crosby of Blairsville, South Carolina to a W. L. Byers. Also included is a contemporary copy of Byers obituary as listed in his Lodge's ledger, according to which Byers died in February of 1875. Byers served in Company A, Phillip's Legion, Cavalry Battalion of the Georgia Volunteers. Included is an image printed on paper, possibly of Byers. Condition varies from very good to fine, with the cockade being in fine condition.
Union Soldier's Letter by Elias Buterbaugh of the U.S. Signal Corps. Two pages, 8" x 10", May 17, 1864, "Fortress Monroe Virginia", with cover. Buterbaugh writes this grisly account of what he saw as a participant at the Second Battle of Drewry's Bluff (May 16, 1864): "I have been in three battles since I come down here. The first was not very hard but yesterday we had a dreadful time. we had drove the rebels within seven miles of Richmond and they got reinforcements. Sunday night and Monday morning it was so foggy that we could not see them till they made a charge and cut Gen. Heckman's division all to pieces. . . . They come down on us with three divisions and drove us out of the breast works. We fell back to an open field and formed in line again then the rebs come on us again but we held the ground, they planted some artillery on the breastworks and shelled us. It was the awfulest sight I ever saw. See men torn to pieces some their arms shot off and some their legs all around it looked hard." Written in pencil; with folds. Very minor stains. Fine.
Diary of Union Private Octave Bruso of the 50th New York Engineers. Entries from January 23, 1864, through January 16, 1865, recording experiences at the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. On May 6, 1864, Bruso writes about fighting at the Battle of the Wilderness: "In line of Battle on the north side of Mine River. Terrible fighting on the early part of the day. Behind the Breast works all day. Made Pits. One man of Co. E. Wounded. . . . layed in Pits for 24 Hours." Bruso spent the next several weeks marching, "Building Roads & Bridges", and witnessing nearby fighting. On June 1, 1864, he writes, "Arrived at Cole [Cold] Harbor at 2 P.M. Marched hard and almost bushed. A most terrible battle was fought and we had to leave our place of nest double quick." Between battles, he watched "A Negro publicly hung at 6th C[orps] for committing adultery on a white woman." Near Petersburg on July 30, 1864, he writes, "Petersburg Seiged at 4 ½ a.m. Terrible artillery and infantry fight." As a member of the engineer corps, he spent much of his time in hard labor, "digging all night" or "making rifle pits".
Twenty-five year old Private Bruso, from Buffalo, New York, mustered into "E" Co., New York 50th Engineers in December 1862; he mustered out in June 1865. Every day in the diary has an entry, though one week's worth of pages are missing from November 1864. The diary, written mostly in pencil, contains various doodles throughout. Included is an obituary from the Buffalo Courier-Express (1926) of Octave's wife, Charlotte Pierce Bruso, the adopted daughter of the nephew of President Franklin Pierce. Their marriage is recorded in the entry for February 16, 1864. Mostly tight binding with minor and occasional stains. Cloth wraps, back cover is rubbed, creased, and torn. 3" x 5". Very good condition.
Twenty-five year old Private Bruso, from Buffalo, New York, mustered into "E" Co., New York 50th Engineers in December 1862; he mustered out in June 1865. Every day in the diary has an entry, though one week's worth of pages are missing from November 1864. The diary, written mostly in pencil, contains various doodles throughout. Included is an obituary from the Buffalo Courier-Express (1926) of Octave's wife, Charlotte Pierce Bruso, the adopted daughter of the nephew of President Franklin Pierce. Their marriage is recorded in the entry for February 16, 1864. Mostly tight binding with minor and occasional stains. Cloth wraps, back cover is rubbed, creased, and torn. 3" x 5". Very good condition.
Union Soldier's Diaries (1864 and 1865) by Musician Martin F. Moore, Co. "K", New Hampshire 13th Infantry. Moore, born in England, enlisted in August 1862 and mustered out June 21, 1865. Both diaries contain daily entries with content on the Siege of Petersburg and the war's end.
The 1864 diary, 3" x 6", begins on January 1, 1864, and continues through January 29, 1865 (Moore has used the "Memoranda" section at the end of the diary for his January 1865 entries). Highlights include the following: "I got up and beat Reville for the first time while in Pittston [Pennsylvania] and the Last time too for I broke my Drum shortly after"; "[I saw] Mr. Edwin Booth the Eminent American tragedian [perform]; "[at the Battle of Petersburg] Rebs are Shelling us again. . . . They are annoying us a Great deal here"; "Woke up pretty early this morning we Expected an attack. . . . The Sixth Corps relieved us of the Field. We [?] 5 guns 500 Prisoners and 2 Stand of Colors. We Lost 40 out of our Regiment killed and wounded"; "We are still in the Pits and the Rebs keep up a cross fire on our Pits. We are firing at a Rebel Battery opposite us trying to pick off the Cmmdrs. We lost one man today. . . . The Rebels favored us with a few shells. They bursted all around us one Bursted Right in front of my tent." On January 7, 1865, Moore witnessed "the execution of two Deserters . . . they had to shoot them twice before they died." The final pages of the 1864 diary contain more lengthy descriptions of battles fought during the Siege of Petersburg. The leather covers are worn, though still intact, with loose binding. Text is easily read. Overall good condition.
The 1865 diary, 3" x 5", covers events throughout the year, with an emphasis on the war's end: "[April 21] Everything is going good for the Restoration of the peace to our victorious Armies. We are home pretty soon." At the end of the diary, Moore summarizes the year in entries made in the "Memoranda" section. One example: "[About April 1865] A Remarkable Month. There is not in the history of any nation so thickly Studded a page of great events as that which may be written of the month of April. Here is some of it's great and thrilling events. . . . 9th Surrender of Genl. Lee and his whole army to Genl. Grant . . . . 14th assassination of President Lincoln by John W. Booth and attempted murder of Mr. Seward, Sec. of State. 15th Death of President Lincoln. Andrew Johnson vice president becomes President of the United States. . . ." Leather covers, with some lose pages. Overall, good condition. Included is a tintype (2.75" x 3"), likely of Musician Moore.
The 1864 diary, 3" x 6", begins on January 1, 1864, and continues through January 29, 1865 (Moore has used the "Memoranda" section at the end of the diary for his January 1865 entries). Highlights include the following: "I got up and beat Reville for the first time while in Pittston [Pennsylvania] and the Last time too for I broke my Drum shortly after"; "[I saw] Mr. Edwin Booth the Eminent American tragedian [perform]; "[at the Battle of Petersburg] Rebs are Shelling us again. . . . They are annoying us a Great deal here"; "Woke up pretty early this morning we Expected an attack. . . . The Sixth Corps relieved us of the Field. We [?] 5 guns 500 Prisoners and 2 Stand of Colors. We Lost 40 out of our Regiment killed and wounded"; "We are still in the Pits and the Rebs keep up a cross fire on our Pits. We are firing at a Rebel Battery opposite us trying to pick off the Cmmdrs. We lost one man today. . . . The Rebels favored us with a few shells. They bursted all around us one Bursted Right in front of my tent." On January 7, 1865, Moore witnessed "the execution of two Deserters . . . they had to shoot them twice before they died." The final pages of the 1864 diary contain more lengthy descriptions of battles fought during the Siege of Petersburg. The leather covers are worn, though still intact, with loose binding. Text is easily read. Overall good condition.
The 1865 diary, 3" x 5", covers events throughout the year, with an emphasis on the war's end: "[April 21] Everything is going good for the Restoration of the peace to our victorious Armies. We are home pretty soon." At the end of the diary, Moore summarizes the year in entries made in the "Memoranda" section. One example: "[About April 1865] A Remarkable Month. There is not in the history of any nation so thickly Studded a page of great events as that which may be written of the month of April. Here is some of it's great and thrilling events. . . . 9th Surrender of Genl. Lee and his whole army to Genl. Grant . . . . 14th assassination of President Lincoln by John W. Booth and attempted murder of Mr. Seward, Sec. of State. 15th Death of President Lincoln. Andrew Johnson vice president becomes President of the United States. . . ." Leather covers, with some lose pages. Overall, good condition. Included is a tintype (2.75" x 3"), likely of Musician Moore.
Union Soldier's Letter by Andersonville POW Jordan C. Harriss, Co. A, 81st Illinois Vols. Harriss was captured June 10, 1864 at Guntown, Miss. Four pages, 8" x 9.75", April 30, 1865, Jacksonville, Florida, to "Wife". Harriss, possibly of the Illinois 34th Infantry, writes this heart-rending letter shortly after the "Rebs turned us loose." In part: "Thank God I am out of prison well and now have the blessed privilege of writing freely my feelings to you. . . . I have to write to inform Mr. Wilks's family that Richard died in prison at Andersonville. . . . . Much of our time our hunger was great. Our clothes were old & patched when we left Memphis & you may judge how they are now without having a change for nearly a year & Sleeping in them. When I was captured my blanket watch knife haversack & canteen were taken from me & the same way it was with the other boys . . . thus we entered Andersonville Prison. . . . It was nearly impossible to find room to lie down on it was so crowded. . . . Day before yesterday the Rebs turned us loose & yesterday morning we had the joy of meeting the 'Blue Coats' in authority. Since then we have been treated like parents treat their children. Only one thing cast a gloom upon our minds & that was that which has sent a wail of grief over the land [Lincoln's death]. . . . Home . . . what is better than that." Bold ink; very minor soiling. Fine condition.
Union Soldier's Letter by Sergeant Lewis M. Creveling, Pennsylvania 149th Infantry, Co. "F". Three pages, 5" x 8", July 19, 1863, "Camp near Harmony, Va." written to his "Sister", B. B. Creveling of Fairmount Springs, Pennsylvania, 150 miles north of Gettysburg. The letter, which comes with transmittal envelope, contains information on Union troop movements following the Battle of Gettysburg. "Lucky in getting this sheet of paper," Creveling writes (in part): "Well we have driven Lees Army across the Potomack. After the battle of Gettysburg our Brigade had several skirmishes with the Johnies but always drove them, none of our company after the first days fight got hurt, but quite a number of the regt. were wounded. We crossed the Potomack yesterday morning on Pontoons at a place called Berlin and last night rested our weary limbs near a fine town called Waterford on the Sacred Soil of Virginia." The soldier writes of receiving better treatment in Maryland than in southern Pennsylvania where the "Dutch women" charged high prices for food: "They don't know enough to appreciate American Liberty & would not cared a dam if the Grey bucks would have taken half of the dutch Sarpents to richmond." Fine condition.
Union POW's Letter Signed "Your Son Warren" at Danville Confederate Prison. One page, 7.75" x 8.25", December 14, 1863, Danville, Virginia, to "Mother." Warren reports that he is "well and hearty", but asks that his mother send him cheese, salt, sugar, spice, soap, licorice, paper, and "any other articles you can think of that a prisoner may need." He also asks for "my Young Men's 'book of Knowledge & Rhetoric'. . . . Now don't look at expense. I want all I have sent for if it costs me 25 dollars." He concludes by reassuring his mother that he has been "giving the Scriptures a thorough reading in my prison life." The letter, written in pencil on lined paper, has been affixed to a slightly larger backing. On the verso of the backing is the typed transcript. With folds; very good.
Union Soldier's Letter by Private Eldridge S. Pond of Co. "D", Massachusetts 40th Infantry. Four pages, 4.5" x 7", February 24, 1864, Morehead City, North Carolina. Private Eldridge S. Pond, a thirty-two year old tentmaker from Massachusetts, writes to an unnamed recipient about recent Confederate attacks and assistance by former slaves: "The rebels have attacked Newbern and they have had quite a tussel, but have ben driven back. . . . We had about 200 nigers at work falling logs acrost the roads and throughing up trenchments but they wisely kept away. the gunboats would nock hell out of them for they can run up both sides of us. we were kept in the fort for one week and slept by our loaded guns." Responding to a question about his recent sexual activity, Pond writes, "You asked if i got any skin, i tell you i have not. there is nothing to fuck but black and i would not do that." With original transmittal envelope, which has been partially cut away. Folds; fine.
Union Drummer James Henderson (Co. "E", 90th New York Volunteers) Archive. Contains a linen drum sling with leather mounts, diaries, scrapbook, tintypes, and other miscellaneous newspaper articles. The young musician kept a detailed record of his service during the Civil War by writing a diary and collecting newspaper articles. In his pocket diary (3.5" x 6"), he recorded in one-line entries daily events beginning June 1, 1862, while "stationed Key West" and ending December 8, 1864. He has written on the first page, "Memoranda of James Henderson Co. E. 90th Regt. N.Y.S.V. Carrollton [?]." Two examples from his entries: "Comet at night. N*****s seized to take care of the Sick and work for Government. Yellow Fever Raging [August 24]"; "Arrived at Washington saw Old Abe. Regt cheered him left Washington. Passed through Georgetown. Had passed the White House, Treasury Building [July 13, 1864]." At the end of the diary, Henderson has written a series of lists, including "Towns Cities etc. of which I passed through [from the states of South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Virginian, Maryland, Pennsylvania]." He has also included a list of "Money sent Home" by month. Also, a list of "Generals under whom I have served," including "Lieut. General U. S. Grant" along with a list of "Battles skirmishes" in which he participated. The diary is intact, though the leather wrappers are worn.
On December 13, 1864, shortly after returning home from the war, Henderson copied his diary into a lined notebook (5.75" x 7.25"), which is included. Written on the front pastedown, "James Henderson Enlisted in the United States Service December 5, 1861, Discharged Dec 6th 1864 Co. E 90th N.Y.S. Vols." Written on the front free endpaper, "Memoranda of James Henderson commencing from June 1st 1862 ending Decr. 8th 1864 kept while in the War of 1861. Copied Dec. 13th, 1864." The pages of this notebook have become unbound.
In another lined notebook (5.5" x 11.5"), Henderson has created a scrapbook by affixing various newspaper articles about his 90th Regiment. Most of the articles are from newspapers printed after the war reporting on the numerous reunions of the regiment; many of them are about Henderson. The first pages of the scrapbook, though, contain articles printed during the war. Some of those articles are printings of general and special orders for the 90th, while others are articles about Union and Confederate troop movements, obituaries, and lists of the dead. A folded, fragile copy of the October 11, 1862, edition of the New Era of Key West, Florida, is included. The notebook, labeled "Scraps" on the front cover, was put together after the war. Still bound in brown, stiff covers, the scrapbook offers an interesting history of the 90th Regiment during the war, as well as after the war.
Also included in the archive are two tintypes of the young Henderson. (1) 1/9 plate tintype portrait framed of the young seventeen-year-old Henderson wearing an early 1861 New York State shell jacket with kepi. Fine quality and condition. (2) 1/4 plate tintype (no frame) of Henderson wearing his shell jacket and kepi while holding his drum, suspended from his wide linen sling, to his right side. His drumsticks are held in his left hand by his side.
On December 13, 1864, shortly after returning home from the war, Henderson copied his diary into a lined notebook (5.75" x 7.25"), which is included. Written on the front pastedown, "James Henderson Enlisted in the United States Service December 5, 1861, Discharged Dec 6th 1864 Co. E 90th N.Y.S. Vols." Written on the front free endpaper, "Memoranda of James Henderson commencing from June 1st 1862 ending Decr. 8th 1864 kept while in the War of 1861. Copied Dec. 13th, 1864." The pages of this notebook have become unbound.
In another lined notebook (5.5" x 11.5"), Henderson has created a scrapbook by affixing various newspaper articles about his 90th Regiment. Most of the articles are from newspapers printed after the war reporting on the numerous reunions of the regiment; many of them are about Henderson. The first pages of the scrapbook, though, contain articles printed during the war. Some of those articles are printings of general and special orders for the 90th, while others are articles about Union and Confederate troop movements, obituaries, and lists of the dead. A folded, fragile copy of the October 11, 1862, edition of the New Era of Key West, Florida, is included. The notebook, labeled "Scraps" on the front cover, was put together after the war. Still bound in brown, stiff covers, the scrapbook offers an interesting history of the 90th Regiment during the war, as well as after the war.
Also included in the archive are two tintypes of the young Henderson. (1) 1/9 plate tintype portrait framed of the young seventeen-year-old Henderson wearing an early 1861 New York State shell jacket with kepi. Fine quality and condition. (2) 1/4 plate tintype (no frame) of Henderson wearing his shell jacket and kepi while holding his drum, suspended from his wide linen sling, to his right side. His drumsticks are held in his left hand by his side.
Union Corporal John Johnston (Berdan's Sharpshooters) Archive. Contains a large charcoal, print (framed with glass), numerous letters, tintypes, a shell fragment, and much more. Johnston (1840-1922) of Wisconsin enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1861. He qualified for the famous Berdan's Sharpshooter Corps, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, Co. "G". Corps and fought at Mechanicsville, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg. He was wounded six times in different battles. He mustered out in October 1864.
The large charcoal print (circa 1880) features the young, dashing Corp. Johnston, in a frock coat with a plume in his kepi. The print is handsomely framed to an overall size of 20" x 24" and has not been examined outside of the frame.
Over twenty wartime letters are included, beginning with an October 25, 1861, letter notifying his parents, shortly after leaving home for the army, that he had received his uniform. The letters contain content mentioning battles, Lincoln, Grant (and other generals, including the death of Stonewall Jackson), "negros", and more. The final wartime letter was written to Johnston by a friend and soldier E. S. Coryell on September 29, 1864.
One carte de visite of Johnston standing in a studio with his hand resting on a small table. Two tintypes of Johnston: (1) 1/9 plate tintype portrait framed of the young corporal, looking very similar to the charcoal print, except in this tintype he does not wear a hat. Minor blemishes. (2) 1871 tintype in a paper mat (2.25" x 3.75") and signed by Johnston. Three postwar medals: (1) G.A.R. medal; (2) Society of Veterans Auxiliary; (3) Women's Relief Corp.
Also included are Johnston's partly printed discharge papers (dated October 1864, "near Petersburg, Va." describing him as "Twenty four years of age, Five feet Four & Half inches high, Light complexion, Gray eyes, Brown hair, and . . . a farmer"); sundry regiment and battle reunion articles, invitations, and letters, including various paperwork for the 50th Gettysburg Reunion of 1913, which was attended by six of the Johnston brothers, along with a photograph (9" x 11") of the six brothers at the reunion; official pension-related papers (Johnston received $72 a month beginning in 1921 until he died at age 81 in 1922 when his wife began receiving a pension of $30 a month); and several obituaries of Johnston.
Other items are also included, such as a U.S. Navy Goodyear's patent hard rubber soap dish (mirror removed), a shell fragment (with an accompanying note, "This bomb shell was picked up by John Johnston . . . while visiting the Battle Field of Bull, Sept. 30, 1915, where it had laid for 53 yrs."), miscellaneous buttons, two images of Johnston with his wife during the early 1900s, a "Department of Wisconsin W. R. C. Salt Lake City 1909" white ribbon (3.5" x 9"), stamps, marriage certificate, memorial papers (including an "In Memoriam" certificate issued from the Grand Army of the Republic's Joe Hooker Post No. 9), printed rosters, various newspaper articles, postcards, and a family genealogy. All paper items are well-organized in a large binder with previous research results. The archive is in overall very good condition.
The large charcoal print (circa 1880) features the young, dashing Corp. Johnston, in a frock coat with a plume in his kepi. The print is handsomely framed to an overall size of 20" x 24" and has not been examined outside of the frame.
Over twenty wartime letters are included, beginning with an October 25, 1861, letter notifying his parents, shortly after leaving home for the army, that he had received his uniform. The letters contain content mentioning battles, Lincoln, Grant (and other generals, including the death of Stonewall Jackson), "negros", and more. The final wartime letter was written to Johnston by a friend and soldier E. S. Coryell on September 29, 1864.
One carte de visite of Johnston standing in a studio with his hand resting on a small table. Two tintypes of Johnston: (1) 1/9 plate tintype portrait framed of the young corporal, looking very similar to the charcoal print, except in this tintype he does not wear a hat. Minor blemishes. (2) 1871 tintype in a paper mat (2.25" x 3.75") and signed by Johnston. Three postwar medals: (1) G.A.R. medal; (2) Society of Veterans Auxiliary; (3) Women's Relief Corp.
Also included are Johnston's partly printed discharge papers (dated October 1864, "near Petersburg, Va." describing him as "Twenty four years of age, Five feet Four & Half inches high, Light complexion, Gray eyes, Brown hair, and . . . a farmer"); sundry regiment and battle reunion articles, invitations, and letters, including various paperwork for the 50th Gettysburg Reunion of 1913, which was attended by six of the Johnston brothers, along with a photograph (9" x 11") of the six brothers at the reunion; official pension-related papers (Johnston received $72 a month beginning in 1921 until he died at age 81 in 1922 when his wife began receiving a pension of $30 a month); and several obituaries of Johnston.
Other items are also included, such as a U.S. Navy Goodyear's patent hard rubber soap dish (mirror removed), a shell fragment (with an accompanying note, "This bomb shell was picked up by John Johnston . . . while visiting the Battle Field of Bull, Sept. 30, 1915, where it had laid for 53 yrs."), miscellaneous buttons, two images of Johnston with his wife during the early 1900s, a "Department of Wisconsin W. R. C. Salt Lake City 1909" white ribbon (3.5" x 9"), stamps, marriage certificate, memorial papers (including an "In Memoriam" certificate issued from the Grand Army of the Republic's Joe Hooker Post No. 9), printed rosters, various newspaper articles, postcards, and a family genealogy. All paper items are well-organized in a large binder with previous research results. The archive is in overall very good condition.
Miscellaneous
Confederate "Register of Vessels" Certificate. Partly printed, 15.75" x 21", January 8, 1862, "Port of Beaufort [North Carolina]." The bold heading, above and below handsome sailing vignettes, reads, "Confederate States of America, Register of Vessels." This rare document certifies the registration of the twenty ton schooner, T. J. Willis. It reads in part: "Anthony R. Willis of the County of Carteret & State of North Carolina having taken or subscribed the oath required by Law and having Sworn that he together with E. H. Norcan of the Same County and State one half (1/2) each are the only owners of the Ship or Vessel called the T. J. Willis of Beaufort NC whereof A. R. Willis is at present Master and is a citizen of the Confederate States, and that the said Ship or Vessel was Built in the County of Carteret and State of North Carolina in the year . . . 1856." The certificate then gives the characteristics and dimensions of the vessel ("two mast . . . length is Forty five feet . . . she is a schooner." Containing two blind-embossed seals: "Custom House, Beaufort" and "Confederate States of America Tres. Dept." This certificate is number 20 and signed by "Josiah F. Bell, Coll[ector of Customs]" and "C. T. Jones, Register." Our research has not located any other similar example offered at public auction. Docketed on verso. Slight separation starting at some folds. Toned and fine.
1861 Broadside: "To Arms! To Arms!" April 22, 1861, 13.5" x 16.5", Bedford [Ohio], partly printed. Displayed in Bedford only ten days after the Battle of Fort Sumter, this broadside appeals for "All able-bodied men who are willing to join a Rifle Company, and offer their services, are request to hand in their names at the Head Quarters of the Union Blood Rifle Guards without delay." Handwritten near the bottom margin, "Over Stone Store/ S. D. Mathews Recruiting Offices." Slight separation (and minor paper loss) at central fold intersections. Remnants of six adhesive tabs on verso. Very good condition.
1861 Broadside: "Departure of the Lima Volunteers!" May 6, 1861, 14" x 20", Lima, New York, notifying the public that "Under Orders to March on Wedensday [sic] next. A Farewell Address Will be delivered to the Lima Volunteers by the Rev. J. M. Reid, D. D. At the M. E. Church in the Village of Lima on Wednesday the 8th of May, 1861, at 1, o'clock P.M. A Flag Will be Presented to The Volunteers by the Ladies of Lima on that occasion." Admission for the affair was "25 cents. Proceeds to be appropriated for the benefit of the Volunteers." Lyman Hawes is identified as "Chairman" and Henry Decker, Jr., as "Secretary." Penciled notations along top edge. Foxing with some dampstaining. Mounting remnants and wrinkles in all four corners. Toned and in very good condition.
Autographs
USS Minnesota: Seaman Edwin Cornelius Stone Autograph Letters (two) Signed. Reports news about the "infernal machine" and the Merrimack ironclad to his fourteen year-old brother shortly before the Battle of Hampton Roads. The first letter, four pages, 5.25" x 7.75", November 11, 1861, was written from the "U.S.S. Frigate Minnesota, Hampton Roads, Virginia." After bestowing brotherly advice to the young Perley Stone, Edwin writes, "as regards the infernal machine you speak of. I can assure you it is a reality. Already have we had a narrow escape from it. It is now two or three weeks since it came down to us but by some mistake or other mistook the grappling (which is always hanging to the to the jibboom end on purpose to stop any such machines before they reach the bow) for he ships bottom. Finding out their mistake and thinking we might have discovered them they worked the machine ashore when it was carted up to Norfolk to make another trial. We are on the watch for it. 16 men are on the lookout at a time from the bow to the stern." Two years before the CSS Hunley became the first successful combat submarine, this "infernal machine" unsuccessfully attacked the USS Minnesota. The attack is reported and illustrated in the November 2, 1861, edition of Harper's Weekly, which describes "the Rebel Infernal Machine" as "built of iron, of a similar shape to the Ross Winans cigar boat, of a sufficient capacity to accommodate two persons who work it ahead by means of a small screw propeller . . . rudder . . . pump . . . compass. . . . A hazardous voyage." Concerning the Merrimack, the young sailor writes, "The Merrimac is also expected every night and we are prepared to give her a warm reception should she intrude upon us. Every night our pickets are stationed near Sewells Point." The armor-plated construction of the Merrimack had begun earlier in July 1861. The ironclad, which would not be finished until early February 1862, was obviously causing great concern among the U.S. Navy as early as November 1861. Beginning the war with no navy, the South quickly developed creative ways, such as submarines and ironclads, to contend with the Union Navy. This letter comes with transmittal envelope.
The second letter, four pages, 5" x 8", February 22 [1862], was written from the "'Minnesota', Hampton Roads Va." Edwin reports the "rumor" to his younger brother "that Gen. [Benjamin] Huger (rebel military commandant) had sent down (by a flag of truce) proposals to Genl. [John] Wool to surrender Norfolk and vicinity on condition that private property should not be confiscated and they would lay down their arms and become loyal citizens again and inviting Genl. Wool to meet him and arrange terms for a surrender. . . . It is probably a hoax." It was. Two weeks later at the Battle of Hampton Roads, the Merrimack destroyed two Union ships and crippled the USS Minnesota, which was only saved from destruction by nightfall. The next morning when the Merrimack approached to finish off the Minnesota, the Monitor intercepted the ironclad. Out-maneuvering the larger vessel, the Monitor managed to fight to a draw, thus saving the Minnesota and ushering in a new form of naval warfare. With transmittal envelope labeled, "Ships Letter . . . from U.S.S. Frigate Minnesota/ Hampton Roads Va."
The second letter, four pages, 5" x 8", February 22 [1862], was written from the "'Minnesota', Hampton Roads Va." Edwin reports the "rumor" to his younger brother "that Gen. [Benjamin] Huger (rebel military commandant) had sent down (by a flag of truce) proposals to Genl. [John] Wool to surrender Norfolk and vicinity on condition that private property should not be confiscated and they would lay down their arms and become loyal citizens again and inviting Genl. Wool to meet him and arrange terms for a surrender. . . . It is probably a hoax." It was. Two weeks later at the Battle of Hampton Roads, the Merrimack destroyed two Union ships and crippled the USS Minnesota, which was only saved from destruction by nightfall. The next morning when the Merrimack approached to finish off the Minnesota, the Monitor intercepted the ironclad. Out-maneuvering the larger vessel, the Monitor managed to fight to a draw, thus saving the Minnesota and ushering in a new form of naval warfare. With transmittal envelope labeled, "Ships Letter . . . from U.S.S. Frigate Minnesota/ Hampton Roads Va."
Books
"K. G. C., An Authentic Exposition of the Origin, Objects, and Secret Work of the Organization Known as the Knights of the Golden Circle." District of Kentucky: Published by the U.S. National U. C., February 1862. 8vo. 16 pages. Slim side-stitched pamphlet, without outer wrappers, presumably as issued. Paper is toned, with a few shallow creases. Contemporary inked name at top of first page. Very good condition. Exposé written against the K.G.C., a secret society that had sought to extend Southern slave interests into Latin America and the West Indies. This forceful diatribe against the "treasonable organization" asserts that the group is "secretly conspiring against the rights and liberties of the people" and had even planned an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Lincoln's life. Revealed in the pages of this short but fiery work are the group's heretofore secret passwords, signals, and alphabet code.
Miscellaneous
1865 Broadside: Military District No. 148. 11.5" x 16", May 18, 1865, Weston, Massachusetts, calling a "meeting of the Active Militia, and others interested in the subject" to the "Town Hall, West Newton, Monday, the 22d instant, at 7 1-2 O'Clock, P.M., for the purpose of forming a Volunteer Company." The meeting was called by Captain Frank W. Bigelow, who requested "a full attendance." Toned, with some separations beginning at the folds; near fine.
Two Civil War-dated Broadsides: "Election of Captain" and "Special Order No. 1422." The broadsides are affixed to each other with an overall size of 14" x 30.5". The "Election" broadside (14" x 14.5") reads, "Military Company District No. 148. Election of Captain. The undersigned, Justice of the Peace . . . to notify and preside at a meeting to be held for the election of a Captain of the Company in Military District No. 148, hereby notifies all persons living within the limits of said District, who are not exempt from military duty, that a meeting for the election of Captain of said Company will be held at The Town Hall in the town of Newton [Massachusetts]." Dated January 17, 1865 and signed by Justice of the Peace Isaac Hagar. Some minor separations at fold intersections.
The special order broadside (13.75" x 16.5") designates "the Military Districts of the Towns of Newton and Weston" as "District No. 147" and "District No. 148" with boundary details of each, given "By Order of the Commander-in-Chief, Wm. Schouler, Adjutant General." The broadside begins, "Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Head Quarters, Boston, Dec. 29, 1864. Special Order No. 1422." Both are toned with folds and tack holes in the corners; fine.
The special order broadside (13.75" x 16.5") designates "the Military Districts of the Towns of Newton and Weston" as "District No. 147" and "District No. 148" with boundary details of each, given "By Order of the Commander-in-Chief, Wm. Schouler, Adjutant General." The broadside begins, "Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Head Quarters, Boston, Dec. 29, 1864. Special Order No. 1422." Both are toned with folds and tack holes in the corners; fine.
Autographs
[Zachary Taylor] Land Grant Secretarially Signed "Z. Taylor" for Revolutionary War veteran descendant. One vellum page, 13.75" x 17.75", October 1, 1849, Washington, granting one hundred and fifty-four acres near the Ohio River to "Allen Latham", an heir of "Nathaniel Mason, a Captain of three years . . . deceased." (This grant was in accordance with a 1790 act granting Revolutionary War veterans land northwest of the Ohio River.) The document is countersigned by Secretary of the Interior Thomas Ewing, Sr. Contains the blind-embossed seal of the U.S. General Land Office in the bottom left corner. With folds; fine.
Military & Patriotic
Civil War Confederate Carte de Visite, Letter, and Cover from Franklin B. Riley, Co. B 16th Mississippi Inf. Image, with script pencil ID/ signature on the front, shows Riley in a nine button shell jacket, opened exposing vest. Knee high boots, holding wide brimmed slouch hat. There is no backmark. Very fine, bright, crisp condition. The original cover, in which the letter and CDV were sent, utilizes an uncut pair of five cent blue CS stamps tied to the cover with a March 8, 1863 Richmond postmark. Flap is missing else good condition.
Bright, bold ink script letter, four pages, 6" x 7.5", foldover lettersheet. Headed "Camp Near Fredericksburg, Va./ Friday March 6, 1863". Refers to the health of his unit, noting that "Two Negroes in this Co. have recently died; one belonging to Arthur Massey the other to Lt. Gibson", detailing the circumstances of their deaths. Talks about "sending you cards" (photographs and the difficulty in having them done (he was obviously successful). "My old ugly Over Coat that you and Gin laughed at me about is a great friend to me these cold days when the wind is coming...from Yankeedoodledum." Discusses the possibility of a furlough and states that "Some are looking for peace, I am looking for the hardest fighting to commence soon....since the war commenced." Really a wonderful letter. Very fine condition with some minor toning and minor weakness at folds but very sound. The 16th Mississippi served with, and participated in, all major actions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Great grouping.
Bright, bold ink script letter, four pages, 6" x 7.5", foldover lettersheet. Headed "Camp Near Fredericksburg, Va./ Friday March 6, 1863". Refers to the health of his unit, noting that "Two Negroes in this Co. have recently died; one belonging to Arthur Massey the other to Lt. Gibson", detailing the circumstances of their deaths. Talks about "sending you cards" (photographs and the difficulty in having them done (he was obviously successful). "My old ugly Over Coat that you and Gin laughed at me about is a great friend to me these cold days when the wind is coming...from Yankeedoodledum." Discusses the possibility of a furlough and states that "Some are looking for peace, I am looking for the hardest fighting to commence soon....since the war commenced." Really a wonderful letter. Very fine condition with some minor toning and minor weakness at folds but very sound. The 16th Mississippi served with, and participated in, all major actions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Great grouping.
Books
Civil War U.S. Army Payroll Ledger. Accounts for the military use of civilians in central Arkansas in 1864 and 1865. Thick folio; 274pp. (plus 42 unnumbered pages) are engrossed and dated September 1864 through September 1865, Little Rock, Arkansas. According to the entries, the majority of civilians hired repaired railroads around Little Rock or transported "troops and stores" by steamboat on the Arkansas River.
In dark black ink on the cover is written, "1864. September. October. November. December./ 1865. January. February. May. July. September." Stamped on the spine, "Report of Persons and Articles Hired/ Capt. J. R. Pratt/ A. Q. M." Printed at the top of each opening, "Report of Persons and Articles employed and hired at _____ during the Month of ___ 186_, by Captain J. H. Pratt, Assistant Quartermaster United States Army." (Captain James Hervey Pratt, from Hillsdale County, Michigan, was promoted to assistant quartermaster in February 1863. He mustered out in 1866.) Each opening contains forty-five rows of entries. Twenty-one columns include "Names of Persons and Articles", "Designation and Occupations", time in service, compensation, "Amount of Rent or Pay in the Month", remarks, and more. Many of the civilians were identified as "Labourer", "Fireman", "Master Mechanic", "Teamster", "Painter", "Carpenter", "Loco. Engineer", "Wharf Master", "Dock Hand", and more. At least one woman was identified as "Chamber Maid". Some workers were paid by the day, others by the month. The "Remarks" column contains specific information on the tasks being done:"Transporting Troops & Stores on the Arkansas River," "For putting two Locomotives on the track," "For cutting and delivering 100 cords Wood," etc. Most of the men were "Employed on the U.S. Military Rail Road between Little Rock, Ark. and Devalls Bluff, Ark", covering a distance of fifty-four miles.
Beginning in October 1864, several steamboats (including the Chippewa, the Annie Jacobs, the Carrie Jacobs, the Alamo, and others) were employed by the U.S. Military and accounted for in this ledger. Most were used for "Transporting troops and stores on the Arkansas River." Many of the civilians assigned to the military's use of the steamboats had occupations listed as pilots, mates, captains, and cabin boys. At times, such as in September 1865, the government paid for a steamship's "full crew" to transport "Gov't Stores" on the Arkansas River. Other civilians were employed for jobs such as "Cook for Wagon Train", "Gov't Stables", "Teamsters in Wagon Trains".
While over 300 pages are engrossed, the majority of the ledger is unengrossed. Bound in a handsome and unusual patterned light brown suede and reddish-brown polished calf over heavy boards. Spine is comprised of alternating suede, calf, and gilt-stamped blue leather title labels. Edges of back board lightly worn. Hinges reinforced. Entire binding is covered in protective light brown burlap with hand-lettering in ink to spine and front cover. Burlap has been glued to pastedowns and is snug to front board but has come loose from back board and spine, revealing the original leather binding beneath; burlap is wrinkled and spotted, with a few inoffensive stains and two holes to spine. A tight and solid binding in very good condition.
In dark black ink on the cover is written, "1864. September. October. November. December./ 1865. January. February. May. July. September." Stamped on the spine, "Report of Persons and Articles Hired/ Capt. J. R. Pratt/ A. Q. M." Printed at the top of each opening, "Report of Persons and Articles employed and hired at _____ during the Month of ___ 186_, by Captain J. H. Pratt, Assistant Quartermaster United States Army." (Captain James Hervey Pratt, from Hillsdale County, Michigan, was promoted to assistant quartermaster in February 1863. He mustered out in 1866.) Each opening contains forty-five rows of entries. Twenty-one columns include "Names of Persons and Articles", "Designation and Occupations", time in service, compensation, "Amount of Rent or Pay in the Month", remarks, and more. Many of the civilians were identified as "Labourer", "Fireman", "Master Mechanic", "Teamster", "Painter", "Carpenter", "Loco. Engineer", "Wharf Master", "Dock Hand", and more. At least one woman was identified as "Chamber Maid". Some workers were paid by the day, others by the month. The "Remarks" column contains specific information on the tasks being done:"Transporting Troops & Stores on the Arkansas River," "For putting two Locomotives on the track," "For cutting and delivering 100 cords Wood," etc. Most of the men were "Employed on the U.S. Military Rail Road between Little Rock, Ark. and Devalls Bluff, Ark", covering a distance of fifty-four miles.
Beginning in October 1864, several steamboats (including the Chippewa, the Annie Jacobs, the Carrie Jacobs, the Alamo, and others) were employed by the U.S. Military and accounted for in this ledger. Most were used for "Transporting troops and stores on the Arkansas River." Many of the civilians assigned to the military's use of the steamboats had occupations listed as pilots, mates, captains, and cabin boys. At times, such as in September 1865, the government paid for a steamship's "full crew" to transport "Gov't Stores" on the Arkansas River. Other civilians were employed for jobs such as "Cook for Wagon Train", "Gov't Stables", "Teamsters in Wagon Trains".
While over 300 pages are engrossed, the majority of the ledger is unengrossed. Bound in a handsome and unusual patterned light brown suede and reddish-brown polished calf over heavy boards. Spine is comprised of alternating suede, calf, and gilt-stamped blue leather title labels. Edges of back board lightly worn. Hinges reinforced. Entire binding is covered in protective light brown burlap with hand-lettering in ink to spine and front cover. Burlap has been glued to pastedowns and is snug to front board but has come loose from back board and spine, revealing the original leather binding beneath; burlap is wrinkled and spotted, with a few inoffensive stains and two holes to spine. A tight and solid binding in very good condition.
Military & Patriotic
Rare Gettysburg-related Handbill, Circa 1868. Concerning the "Grand Popular Movement/ To Erect The/ Gettysburg Asylum/ For/ Invalid Soldiers." 6.5" x 12.25". States "The land has been purchased" (30 acres adjoining Meade's Headquarters) and advertises the sale of 1.2 million tickets, at $1 each for "Grand Music Festivals" that basically constituted a lottery for awarding 122,104 "presents" totaling $641,950. Lists Gen. James A. Beaver as the President of the "Gettysburg Asylum Association." In reality the entire project was a scam, perpetrated by John Anderson of New York City, in an effort to recoup his losses in the diamond market (most of the prizes in the lottery are either diamonds and other jewelry or $1.00 cash), with most of the claims in the handbill being specious. The scheme was eventually closed down and the Asylum was never built. Overall near perfect condition with just some minor foxing along the edges. A rare look at the many attempts by ruthless profiteers to cash in on the plight off disabled soldiers after the war.
Autographs
Chaplain Joseph Twichell's Memorandum Book (71st New York Volunteers, Army of the Potomac). Twichell, who would later become one of Samuel Clemens' closest friends, was entrusted with soldiers' personal information, including addresses for communicating with relatives and money. The chaplain has written numerous notes covering various subjects throughout this 4" x 6" book. He has written the addresses of soldiers (and relatives) with instructions to write them. On one page is written a list of wounded soldiers with the locations of their wounds ("Patrick McGrath, finger/ Adam Fox, Co. F, side/ John Murphy, mortally. . . .") There are other lists of various items, including a list of soldiers next to monetary amounts under the heading, "Money deposited for safekeeping." Miscellaneous notes exist throughout, such as "spectacles repaired for Mr. Skinner", "Plug tobac. for Theister", and "3 blouses for Gen. [Daniel] Sickles". On one page is written three times, each ready to be torn out, "Admit the bearer to an ambulance./ J. J. McGowan/ Surgeon 2nd Excelsior." Another page contains a letter written by "B Franklin/ 1st Lieut 2d Regt. Excelsior Brig." concerning a "colored man named Henry, arrested this morning."
Also included is an autograph letter signed, two pages, 8" x 10", May 27, 1863 (Twichell's twenty-fifth birthday), from "Second Regt. Excelsior Brigade, Near Falmouth Va." notifying "Harry" (possibly Yale classmate Henry Upson or Harry Hopkins, a chaplain in Washington and former schoolmate of Twichell's at seminary) of the need for a chaplain in the 1st Regiment. In part: "Mr Horton late chaplain of the 1st Regt. has resigned and gone home to his female and progeny. His place is vacant. Dr. Ash the Surgeon of the Regt. asked me a few days since if I had any available friend whom I would recommend to fill it. I mentioned you of course and gave the particulars. He promised to lay the matter before the Colonel and report. Yesterday he called again and desired me to communicate with you and ascertain if you would accept the appointment. . . . There is little of pleasant society to be anticipated by one who becomes a Chaplain there." Weakness exists at the seams.
Twichell (1838-1918) graduated from Yale in 1859; he was attending Union Seminary when the Civil War began. He was soon serving as chaplain for the 71st New York Volunteers, commanded by Daniel E. Sickles. After the war, he became a leader at a Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut, where he served the rest of his life. While there, he became acquainted with Samuel Clemens in 1868. After Clemens moved into Twichell's neighborhood, they became very close friends. Twichell became Clemens' advisor, often traveling abroad with him. Clemens' even modeled the character Harris in A Tramp Abroad on Twichell. Twichell's memorandum book is bound in leather wrappers which are worn and moderately fragile. Many pages have been removed, likely by Twichell. On the back cover is affixed a piece of toned paper with "Memorandum book. Army of the Potomac. 1861-1864." Overall in good condition.
Also included is an autograph letter signed, two pages, 8" x 10", May 27, 1863 (Twichell's twenty-fifth birthday), from "Second Regt. Excelsior Brigade, Near Falmouth Va." notifying "Harry" (possibly Yale classmate Henry Upson or Harry Hopkins, a chaplain in Washington and former schoolmate of Twichell's at seminary) of the need for a chaplain in the 1st Regiment. In part: "Mr Horton late chaplain of the 1st Regt. has resigned and gone home to his female and progeny. His place is vacant. Dr. Ash the Surgeon of the Regt. asked me a few days since if I had any available friend whom I would recommend to fill it. I mentioned you of course and gave the particulars. He promised to lay the matter before the Colonel and report. Yesterday he called again and desired me to communicate with you and ascertain if you would accept the appointment. . . . There is little of pleasant society to be anticipated by one who becomes a Chaplain there." Weakness exists at the seams.
Twichell (1838-1918) graduated from Yale in 1859; he was attending Union Seminary when the Civil War began. He was soon serving as chaplain for the 71st New York Volunteers, commanded by Daniel E. Sickles. After the war, he became a leader at a Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut, where he served the rest of his life. While there, he became acquainted with Samuel Clemens in 1868. After Clemens moved into Twichell's neighborhood, they became very close friends. Twichell became Clemens' advisor, often traveling abroad with him. Clemens' even modeled the character Harris in A Tramp Abroad on Twichell. Twichell's memorandum book is bound in leather wrappers which are worn and moderately fragile. Many pages have been removed, likely by Twichell. On the back cover is affixed a piece of toned paper with "Memorandum book. Army of the Potomac. 1861-1864." Overall in good condition.
Military & Patriotic
Winchester Second Model 1873 Rifle. Caliber .32 WCF. Serial number 338639B. Full length 24" octagonal barrel, with adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and excellent bore. Complete with proper serrated-edge dust cover. The original stock and forearm have been replaced with a beautiful curly maple that gives the stock an almost 3-D effect. The side plates have been richly blued and contemporarily engraved with a patriotic scene on the left side and an Indian chief in feather headdress on the right side. The engraving has been enhanced gold accents. The original blue elsewhere has taken on nice plum tones. The rifle appears to be mechanically tight and in its enhanced form, makes a superb impression. Sold with a one page factory letter, dated July 14, 2009 on Winchester Repeating Fire Arms letterhead tracing the rifle's history from May 16, 1890.
Very Fine Parker Bros. DHE Grade 16 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun, #136924 Matching. 26" Damascus steel barrels retaining 98% of the original damascene finish, ivory bead sights. Marked on the rib "Parker Bros. Makers Meriden, Conn. Damascus Steel". Tight crisp action, as new, mint bores, ejectors, double triggers, skeleton butt plate, hard rubber Parker Bros. pistol grip cap. Exquisite D quality engraving throughout with field scenes etc. The frame and trigger guard retain 70% of the original case colors, the balance fading. Wood also about perfect with just a few very minor light scratches. Beautiful gun in wonderful condition.
U.S. Model 1903 Rifle by Springfield Armory with a Barrel Date of 8-14. .30 caliber. Serial number 585093. A nice example of the venerable "03" with a WWI-era barrel date and checkered butt plate. No cartouches remain on the stock and the hand guards and butt sling swivel are missing, pieces easily restored. The finish on the metal remains strong with some light mottling to the floor plate and trigger guard. An attractive example, awaiting minor restoration.
Very Fine J. P. Sauer & Sohn Drilling, 16X16X8X57 J. R., #235413 Matching. 23.75" barrels retaining 80% of the original blue, balance just fading. Pop up 100 M rear sight, ejectors, mint bores. Barrels marked on top Krupp-Lufstahl, Nitro and Special-Gewehr-LRUF/ Stahl on the underside. J. P. Sauer & Sohn on locks and at breech. Delicately scroll engraved locks, frame and trigger guard, retaining 20% of the external case colors and 90% internally. Thumbpiece also scroll engraved, retaining 95% of the original blue. Selective triggers with adjustable set trigger for rifle. Stock about mint with 100% of what appears to be an old, professional, satin varnish refinish, but possibly original. Steel pistol grip cap, Sauer hard rubber butt plate. Beautiful gun in a very desirable form.
U.S. M1 .30 Caliber Carbine by Winchester, #5629208. With "W" code. Very fine condition, the parkerizing displaying some honest wear/thinning but excellent. Mechanically perfect, mint bore, excellent markings. Flat bolt, adjustable rear sight (marked with JAO code), and bayonet lug. The serial number is struck twice, apparently as a result of fitting the adjustable sight. Front sight with JO code. Wood excellent with visible inspector/ordnance marks. Stock code SA apparently indicating the gun was refurbished at Springfield after WW II. Accompanied by a parkerized 30 rd. magazine with J code. Oiler correct but sling is a later nylon replacement. Desirable carbine in nice condition.
Japanese Imperial Navy Type 38 Arisaka Naval Training Rifle. Caliber 6.5 x 50mm Arisaka. Serial number 856. Receiver stamped with a mum and anchor device and stock has been lightly carved with kanji characters on one side of the butt, and "94" painted on the other side. The left side of the receiver is marked "4.28", which one assumes is a date, though it doesn't conform to the Showa period dating system. The rifle is complete with cleaning rod. The bolt is mismatched to the receiver number. The stock shows some moderate use and there is some light surface rust to the metal finish, otherwise it is in very good condition.
U.S. Model 1917 "Enfield" Caliber .30-06 Magazine Rifle by Remington, #67281. Remington barrel dated 12/17. Barrel also marked on the underside at the muzzle by St. Albans, Vt. dealer. Gun retains 98% of the original blue black finish. Mint bore, mechanically perfect. Missing the stacking swivel. Wood excellent showing some honest use with some scattered dents. Marked 7K on the left side at the receiver and with the serial number on the underside of the butt stock. A nice 1917 Enfield.
U.S. M1884 Springfield .45-70 Breech Loading Rifle, #455836. Gun retains 95% of the original bright blue and case colors with just some minor wear at the muzzle where it was clearly stored with a bayonet, and at the heel and toe of the butt plate. Mint bore, mechanically perfect, crisp markings. Wood also near mint with just some minor scattered storage scratches and a series of small light gouges on the right side of the butt stock, easily neatened up. Excellent inspector's cartouche dated 1889. Buffington wind gauge sight, original leather sling. An exceptionally nice .45-70 rifle.
French Chassepot M1866 11mm Bolt Action Needle Fire Infantry Rifle, #1468( ). Metal overall very nice, smooth and brown, untouched. Bears appropriate proofs and date of manufacture, 1867, at the breech. Wood also untouched and very nice, although missing a narrow 6" sliver on the upper portion of the left forestock, and with a replaced piece, an obviously period armory repair, on the underside of the buttstock, very difficult to detect. Missing the buttstock sling swivel and base, else complete and original in every respect. Mechanically fine, excellent bore. The standard French infantry rifle from 1866 to 1874.
Richards Conversion of the Colt M1860 Army Revolver, .44 Caliber Centerfire, #191923. Gun generally smooth and gray with some scattered salt and peppering, retaining 10% of the original bright blue in recessed areas, and just a few tiny dings on the underside of the barrel. Excellent cylinder scene, mechanically fine, very tight, fine bore. Grips very good with nice patina, just showing some honest wear with a a couple of tiny chips at the lower corners. A very nice, completely untouched and original, example, of this very desirable early Colt metallic cartridge single action.
Frank Wesson Medium Frame "Sportsman's Jewel" .32 Caliber Rimfire Pocket Rifle with Detachable Shoulder Stock. Gun #321, shoulder stock #323, doubtless as original. 15" octagonal barrel retains 95% of the original blue, frame and shoulder stock 90% of the original nickel, with just some small flakes and minor surface rust near the butt, untouched/uncleaned. Mechanically fine, excellent markings, very good bore. Rosewood grips excellent with just a tiny chip on each side at the frame. Missing the rear sight adjusting screw and leaf, mounting base intact. Very fine example of this unique American firearm.
Sharps & Hankins Model 3 Four Barrel .32 Caliber Rimfire Pepperbox, #4062. Metal generally smooth and gray with just some light scattered salt and peppering. Checkered gutta-percha grips, mechanically fine, crisp markings, good bores. Vertically mounted ejector between the barrel grooves at breech. Nice honest, untouched example.
Colt Open Top .22 Caliber Rimfire Pocket Revolver, #81270 Matching. 2 3/8" barrel, sloping spur hammer. Gun retains 40% of the original blue, mixing with smooth dark patina. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore, crisp markings. Grips about perfect retaining 98% of the original varnish. Fine example of this attractive little Colt.
Colt New Line .22 Caliber Rimfire Seven Shot Revolver, #52086. Very fine condition retaining 90% of the original nickel with small area flaked around the muzzle and on the frame forward of the cylinder. Crisp "Colt New 22" etched panel on left side of barrel. Fine bore, mechanically perfect, with period mother of pearl grips. A very pretty example of this desirable little Colt.
Reid's My Friend .22 Caliber Rimfire "Knuckle Duster" Revolver, #x261 Matching. Scroll engraved brass frame retains 98% of an old nickel finish, just some tiny dings on the underside of the frame. Cylinder smooth and gray, hammer retains 50% of the original case colors. "My Friend" marking at top of frame with patent date. Main spring and safety function fine, but the gun does not hold at full cock. Nice example of this distinctive little American handgun.
Engraved Colt .41 Caliber Five Shot "House Pistol" #8205. Brass frame profusely scroll engraved, highlighted with a zig zag line and dot pattern. That same pattern is engraved on the cylinder and both sides of the barrel. Unquestionably period and quite possibly factory. Barrel markings weak but visible, with "41 Cal" on the left side of the frame, and 1871 patent date in topstrap groove. Metal with smooth dark patina, brass with nice patina. Grips excellent retaining most of the original varnish. Very good bore. The knurled front section of the cylinder pin is broken/missing. The mainspring is broken but present, else mechanically fine. A readily restorable rare variant of this scarce Colt.
U.S. Smith & Wesson Victory Model Revolver. Caliber .38. Serial number V656323. Stamped with U.S. Property marks and G.H.D. inspector's mark. The frame, barrel and cylinder numbers match and the parkerized, though worn, is still in very good condition.
Colt New Army and Navy D.A. Revolver. Caliber .38. Serial number 3235. Military acceptance marks. Mechanically sound with good bore. Slight chipping to base of left wooden grip and original finish thin.
Near Mint Winchester M1894 16" Barrel "Trapper" carbine, #889223, Manufactured 1921, Caliber .30 W. C. F. The gun retains 95% of the original blue with just fading/loss on the barrel band and minimally on the lever. Mechanically perfect, mint bore. Address markings forward of the barrel band, 7 7/8" fore end and shotgun butt with factory hard rubber butt plate, displaying the Winchester logo. The gun is fitted with both a standard carbine sight and a Lyman receiver sight, bearing the June 25, 1895, patent date, as fitted at the factory. There is a loop for attaching a sling on the butt and the barrel band. Wood very fine retaining most of the original varnish with just a few scratches on the underside of the fore stock. Although a factory letter is not available for this specific serial number block, the gun is unequivocally a factory "trapper," with shotgun butt and 16" barrel, as is evidenced by the unique details, markings, etc.
Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1952 Carbine With Leupold Vari-X-III 3.5 x 10 Scope. Caliber 270. Serial number 8557. This exceptional rifle features a 20"richly blued barrel with mint bore and raised ramp front hooded sight; flat bolt handle, fixed floorplate marked with Stoeger Arms Corporation agents information, and single trigger. The full-length stock with cheekpiece is checkered at the wrist and mid-point. The rifle is in overall excellent condition with trivial wear to the finish and a few light scratches on the stock. The scope is mounted with a factory base and rings and the optics are clear. A beautiful rifle and fine example of post-WWII firearms manufactured by the Austrian firm of Steyr Daimler Puch.
Webley & Scott Ltd. M1908 .25 Caliber Automatic Pistol, #111441. Gun retains 80% of the original blue, the balance fading. Perfect bore, excellent markings including various proofs. Mechanically a bit sticky but functions fine. Composition grips excellent. Nice example of this relatively scarce pocket automatic.
Remington .41 Rimfire Short Double Derringer, #596. Remington Arms Co. Ilion, N. Y. on top flat of barrel. Gun retains 90% of the original nickel with just some flaking at the muzzle and grip strap edges, retains most of the original blue on screws, trigger, ejector and barrel release lever. Mechanically perfect, very good bores, excellent markings. Period mother of pearl grips about perfect. Very attractive example of this popular, high profile, derringer.
Colt Open Top .22 Caliber Rimfire Pocket Revolver, #70427 Matching. 2 3/8" barrel. Gun retains 50% original blue, brass frame with nice untouched patina. Grips retain 90% original varnish. Trigger spring broken and cylinder does not index, easily repaired. A nice mid range open top.
Rare M1873 Winchester rifle, Caliber .38-40, #614671, Manufactured in 1907. With factory 28" full octagon barrel. This special order feature is documented with a factory letter. Metal generally smooth and gray with traces of color, the magazine tube retaining most of the original blue. Just some dings/dents on the face of the brass cartridge follower. Mechanically tight and crisp, mint bore. Wood also really excellent, smooth with nice patina.
Very Rare 4mm Blank Pistol by Kolibri. One of a series of semi miniature, small caliber, handguns, characterized as "car pistols," produced by Frederich Pfanni, Rehrberg, Austria, all of which are extremely rare. Just 3 3/16" overall, single shot, tip up action, marked Austria on the left side of the barrel housing. Overall about mint, retaining 98% of the original blue with, ribbed wood plaque grips perfect. Accompanied by the original paste board box, missing one side of the lid, else excellent. Interestingly Pfanni was an Austrian watchmaker and Kolibri is, appropriately, a Germanic term for hummingbird. Fascinating little gun in pristine condition.
M1894 Winchester Rifle Caliber .30 W.C.F., #71597, Manufactured 1899. 26" half octagon barrel with half magazine, as verified by accompanying factory letter. All metal generally smooth and gray with scattered traces of blue. There are some old horizontal scratches on both sides of the receiver, probably the result of being taken in and out of a scabbard. Mechanically perfect, very fine bore. Wood very good, just showing some heavy honest wear on the right side of the buttstock. Attached to the right side of the butt stock with brass brads is a 2" x 3.5" oval German silver plate inscribed "Buffalo Bill/ Wild West". The plate is, in our opinion, absolutely authentic and "of the period." It is interesting to note that while in modern parlance it is generally referred to as "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show" during the period it's existence the title was strictly "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" with the word Show never being incorporated into the logo. Nice honest '94 in a scarce configuration with an interesting history.
Near Mint Winchester Model 12, 20 gauge, Skeet, Pump Action Shotgun. With factory installed Lyman/ Cutts choke-compensator and recoil pad, 2.75" chamber, #788432 Skeet, manufactured 1939. 26" barrel, including compensator, with solid rib, white bead sights. Gun retains 99% original bright blue, just a few tiny flecks on the left side of the receiver. Matte finish on top of receiver and forward section of magazine tube. Mechanically perfect, mint bore. WS-1 over U.S. Pat. 2054312 on left side of barrel. Beautiful checkered select walnut stocks, mint. Hard rubber Winchester pistol grip cap and red Winchester recoil pad. Gorgeous gun and most desirable configuration.
Very Rare Remington-Keene Bolt Action .45-70 Frontier Model Magazine Rifle as Manufactured for the U.S. Department of the Interior for Issuance to Indian Police, #136. Estimated total production of from 620 to 800 guns with only a handful of known specimens. As with most of the surviving examples, the gun shows heavy wear and use. Remington markings on the top of the bolt, U.S.I.D. 136 on the left side of the frame, P/WWK/and arrow on the top of the receiver, HN inspector's mark on the receiver and barrel. Metal generally smooth and dark gray , retaining about 10% of the original blue on the barrel at the breech. A few scattered small dents on the barrel at the band, minor, and a number of scattered dents on the magazine tube. Mechanically perfect, perfect bore, excellent marks. Wood shows substantial wear, with a hairline crack extending the length of the underside of the forestock, and an approximately 1" x 1.5" area of damage at the base of the forestock at the floor plate. Obviously happened long ago, and now worn smooth. The gun is correct and original in every respect. A totally honest example.
Winchester M1885 High Wall Schuetzen Rifle Caliber .32-40 #166198, Manufactured after 1920, with Exquisite Contemporary Embellishment. 30" octagon to round barrel, 21.5 MM diameter at the muzzle. Mechanically perfect, mint bore, fitted with double set triggers and Marbles tang sight, post missing. The gun was entirely, and skillfully refinished at the time of embellishment and is overall as new, with the exception of some wear to the nickel finish on the brass buttplate. Receiver and lever deeply engraved with scroll work on a matte background. The right side of the receiver inlaid with a beautifully engraved buffalo on a stippled background, the left side with a superbly detailed gold Indian head. Stocks also mint with the checkering apparently freshened when the gun was refinished. Really a beautiful rifle.
Two British Bull Dog .32 Caliber Double Action Revolvers. The larger a seven shot marked "British/ Bull Dog" on the top of the frame and "Forehand & Wadsworth" on the top flat of the barrel, serial #85085. Fine condition retaining 90% of the original nickel, perfect hard rubber checkered grips. Mechanically perfect, very good bore. The other smaller example is a five shot, marked "The British/ Bull Dog" on the top of the frame and exhibiting Belgian proofs on the cylinder. Retains about 95% of the original nickel, mechanically perfect, excellent bore with perfect checkered wooden grips. This revolver achieved infamy when Charles Guiteau used a British Bull Dog to assassinate President James Garfield. Fine examples of this historically interesting revolver.
Superb L. C. Smith Crown Grade 12 Gauge Shotgun. This beautiful shotgun was originally ordered by the husband of the woman whose 20 gauge Crown Model is offered in this auction. It has a 28" barrel and is serial numbered 87234, manufactured Sept. 1925 and shipped August 1926 to Mr. E. F. Bryant, the gun being accompanied by a factory letter. It features all of the details of the Crown Grade series including a gilded crown inlaid on top of the lever, dog scenes engraved on the lock plates, highly figured, imported walnut stock with checkered grips, and ejectors. The barrel extension is decoratively engraved, and the rib is matted. The right barrel is engraved "L.C. SMITH CROWN GRADE" and the left is engraved "MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS Co. Inc. FULTON, N.Y." It is one of only 644 12 gauge shotguns produced by L.C. Smith between 1913 and 1950. Though it shows signs of an old factory refinish, it is difficult to detect. The barrel appears to be re-blued and the engraving on the lock plates is slightly soft, otherwise this fabulous shotgun is as mechanically crisp as the day it was made.
Group of Two Guns. (1) A M96/38 Swedish Mauser, 6.5 X 55 MM, Husqvarna 1941, #609042 matching. Gun retains 70% of the original blue, perfect action, excellent bore. Wood excellent with just a couple of easily cleaned tape stains. (2) A BRNO VZ 24 8 MM Czech Mauser, #XR17456, bolt mismatched. Metal generally smooth and clean, fine action, excellent bore. Wood very good with just some minor scattered dents, untouched. Both nice representative examples.
Mauser Model 98k BYF 44 Russian Capture. 8mm. One of the nicer examples of Russian-imported 98k rifles, this example is a combination of early and late elements including an earlier laminated stock with flat butt plate, milled barrel bands, and floor plate. The integral numbers do not match and the bolt has been scrubbed of any numbers. The Russians have applied new numbers on the receiver and stock as per usual. The importer's mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel. The overall appearance is quite pleasing and the bore is still bright, making this a particularly nice example. Sold with a proper, albeit modern leather sling.
Historically Important U.S. M1873 .45-70 Cavalry Carbine, #20042, Manufactured in 1874. This number is in the same range, between, and only a few numbers away, from five known examples of this carbine with specific attribution to 10th U.S. Cavalry soldiers stationed at Ft. Concho, Texas, as cited in contemporary records dated May 17, 1876.
At the time Ft. Concho was headquarters of the "Buffalo Soldiers" of Companies A, D, F, G, I, and L of the all-Black 10th US Cavalry. A year later, in the summer of 1877, Company A was decimated in the infamous "Lost Expedition to the Llano Estacado" of west Texas, under Captain Nicholas Nolan. In 1880, Companies A, F, G, and I participated in the famous campaign against the Apache War chief Victoria and his band. This historic carbine could well have seen service in either or both of those campaigns, as well as many other lesser known actions against hostile Indians.
As is typical of these early unaltered carbines they were, in the western vernacular, "rode hard and put up wet," and the gun clearly displays its years of hard service. Correct and original as an unaltered 1st model in every detail. The three click tumbler lock dated 1873 and Model/ 1873/ eaglehead and crossed arrows/ US on the high arch breech door. All metal generally smooth and dark gray with just a few small spots of light pitting. Mechanically fine, fair bore. Wood very good with some scattered dents/ scratches commensurate with use. ESA inspector's mark weak but fully legible. There is some roughness/ deterioration, obviously due to moisture at the buttplate, primarily on the obverse. The unique buttplate, while marked with the US, is the very rare accessory attachment designed by E. C. Meachem Arms Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, that allowed for the stowage of three loaded cartridges in the butt stock, accessible through a sliding brass door. Absolutely of the period and it is unknown if is this modification was, in fact, a trial project under the auspices of the U.S. War Department. The butt plate does display some heavier pitting along the edges, commensurate with the condition of the butt stock in this area.
At the time Ft. Concho was headquarters of the "Buffalo Soldiers" of Companies A, D, F, G, I, and L of the all-Black 10th US Cavalry. A year later, in the summer of 1877, Company A was decimated in the infamous "Lost Expedition to the Llano Estacado" of west Texas, under Captain Nicholas Nolan. In 1880, Companies A, F, G, and I participated in the famous campaign against the Apache War chief Victoria and his band. This historic carbine could well have seen service in either or both of those campaigns, as well as many other lesser known actions against hostile Indians.
As is typical of these early unaltered carbines they were, in the western vernacular, "rode hard and put up wet," and the gun clearly displays its years of hard service. Correct and original as an unaltered 1st model in every detail. The three click tumbler lock dated 1873 and Model/ 1873/ eaglehead and crossed arrows/ US on the high arch breech door. All metal generally smooth and dark gray with just a few small spots of light pitting. Mechanically fine, fair bore. Wood very good with some scattered dents/ scratches commensurate with use. ESA inspector's mark weak but fully legible. There is some roughness/ deterioration, obviously due to moisture at the buttplate, primarily on the obverse. The unique buttplate, while marked with the US, is the very rare accessory attachment designed by E. C. Meachem Arms Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, that allowed for the stowage of three loaded cartridges in the butt stock, accessible through a sliding brass door. Absolutely of the period and it is unknown if is this modification was, in fact, a trial project under the auspices of the U.S. War Department. The butt plate does display some heavier pitting along the edges, commensurate with the condition of the butt stock in this area.
About Mint Winchester Model 94 Caliber .30-30 Carbine, #1900981, Manufactured 1952. Just the slightest touch of blue wear on a couple of edges else perfect. Wood also perfect. Fitted with a receiver mounted Williams peep sight, sling swivels marked Pat. 269605, and sling. Mint bore, checkered steel butt plate and a very pretty 94.
Lot of Two Early Smith & Wesson .32 Caliber Revolvers including a Model 2 Old Model Revolver, serial number 14296, with company logo and Springfield, Mass. along the top of the barrel, left half of grip looks to be an early, crude replacement and finish is thin, as usual, otherwise good condition; and a hand ejector Model of 1896, serial number 1936, with original rubber grips, finish about gone, though appears to be in good mechanical condition.
Smith & Wesson Single Action First Model Revolver. Caliber .38. Serial number 4995. Nickel plated version with hard rubber grips. Top portion of left grip missing, taking part of the S&W logo. Finish slightly scratched, otherwise mechanically sound.
Smith & Wesson Double Action First Model Revolver. Caliber .44. Serial number 7976. Overall smooth gray finish, with occasional salt and peppering, and traces of original blue. Mechanically tight.
"Southerner" .41 Caliber Rimfire Derringer as Manufactured by Brown Mfg. Co., Newburyport, Massachusetts, #110, Circa 1870. Markings weak but visible, metal smooth and clean, brass with nice patina, grips excellent. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Nice example of the rather scarce and desirable "big bore" derringer.
Wesson & Harrington No. 3, Third Type. Caliber .32. Serial number 5154. Nickel-plated finish with some flaking to the finish near the bore and on the cylinder.
Exquisite Quality, Engraved, Gold Inlaid French 6mm Double Action Revolver, #4489, Circa 1890. Marked on the top of the frame "Manufacture Francaise/ D'Armes Et Cycles Saint Etienne" with "Calibre 6 m/m" on the top flat of the barrel. 5.25" overall with 1 5/8" barrel. All surfaces of the gun delicately engraved with floral and scroll motifs, the floral engraving on the frame highlighted in gold. The engraving is further embellished by being outlined in gold, again displayed on all metal surfaces. All metal smooth and dark gray, mixing with traces of the original blue. The tip of a tiny leaf spring inset on the left side of the frame is broken, not affecting the action, else mechanically perfect, with folding trigger, and original mother of pearl grips with just a few tiny nicks. A very pretty little gun.
Smith & Wesson Model of 1905, Fourth Change. Caliber 32.20. Serial number 72453. Rich blue finish, slightly thin on the barrel. Good bore, mechanically sound.
Remington-Smoot New Model No. 3 Revolver. Caliber .38. Nickel-plated. Saw-handle grips. Finish bright with some small areas of rust on the barrel and light discoloration on the right side of the frame.
U. S. Model 1917 "Enfield" Rifle. .30-06 caliber. Serial number 1172461. A beautiful Eddystone manufactured rifle, the "American Enfield", with a barrel date of 9-18. All component parts are marked with the Eddystone "E". The stock is quite attractive, albeit lacking cartouches. These rifles have always been under appreciated, in spite of the fact they saw more service in WWI than the more popular '03 Springfield.
Colt "Army Special" Caliber .32-20 Double Action Revolver #352696. 4" barrel. Manufactured from 1908-1927 the Army Special evolved into the Colt New Police. Metal smooth and brown mixing with about 20% original blue. Mechanically perfect, excellent bore. Colt logo black hard rubber grips perfect. Nice example.
Winchester Model 72, .22 Caliber, Tubular Feed, Bolt Action Rifle. Gun retains 98% original blue with just some hardened grease and a few spots of light surface rust all of which will clean nicely. Mechanically perfect, perfect bore. Wood about perfect with hard rubber Winchester buttplate. Open sights and fitted with an early Weaver M29S Special scope on the side of the receiver. Manufactured between 1938 and 1959. Nice little .22 rifle.
Mauser Model 98k dot 43 Rifle. 8mm. Well used and mismatched, this rifle was produced by Waffen Werke Brunn in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Most of the original blue has worn off and a long-ago owner has carved their name in the stock. The original bolt has been replaced with what appears to be a G33/40 bolt. Still a good example for re-enactments or display.
Gem Quality, As New Condition, Double Barrel 20 Gauge Shotgun Made by Pedro Arrizabalaga for John Rigby & Co. London. Arrizabalaga is universally recognized as one of the world's finest gunmakers, with a production limited to 150 guns per year with these small bore configurations being extremely scarce. This example, #14562, and identified as the "Heavy Scroll" model, features 27 7/8" chrome lined barrels, raised "filed" rib, 3" chambers, seven pin action, custom ordered without the H & H self opening mechanism. The absolutely exquisite scroll, that covers every metal surface including the barrels at the breech, is articulated in a quality reminiscent of the internal mechanism of a fine watch, truly remarkable. Receiver, trigger guard, forend tip with coin finish, gold Safe, blued lever, double triggers. English style stock with Prince of Wales type grip and semi beavertail forend. There is an oval gold escutcheon inlaid on the underside of the butt inscribed R. S. Marked P. Arrizabalaga in a riband on the side locks, Pedro/ Arrizabalaga/ Eibar on the underside of the receiver, and Made For J. Rigby & C. London on the top of the right barrel.
Group of Three Shotguns. (1) A 12 gauge Mossberg 500A 18.5" slugster pump action shotgun, #J966895. A few minor abrasions on the butt stock, and some light scattered surface rust on the barrel, minor, else about perfect, including action and bore. Fitted with a recoil pad. (2) A Harrington & Richardson Deluxe Topper M488 .410 gauge single barrel exposed hammer shotgun. Gun retains 100% of an old reblue finish and is perfect in every respect. Original H & R hard rubber butt plate. (3) A 12 gauge exposed hammer single barrel shotgun retaining 100% of an old reblue finish. Maker markings buffed off when the gun was refinished. Perfect condition with recoil pad.
Winchester M1894 Rifle, #576994, Manufactured 1911. 26" round barrel, caliber .32 Winchester Special. All metal generally smooth and gray with some scattered blue fading/thinning, just some minor surface rust on the butt plate. Mechanically perfect, perfect bore. Missing the elevation thumb piece on the rear sight, else complete and original in every respect. Wood very good with just some scattered tiny dents and a few scratches. An honest 1894 rifle that would clean nicely.
Swedish Model 1896 Mauser Rifle and No. 1 Mark III* SMLE. A pair of main battle rifles including a Swedish Model 1896 in 6.5x55 caliber as by Carl Gustafs and dated 1910 on the receiver. The bolt, front sight and butt plate all match the receiver serial number (260811) but the barrel bands and floor plate are mismatched. The stock is beautifully grained and retains the brass stock disk and affixed range plate. An importer's mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel. Certainly an excellent example of the venerable Model 1896 which served yeomanry service for the Swedes. The Enfield was manufactured by Lithgow in 1923 (serial number 5448) and is comprised of an amalgam of early and late features. It has been restocked at some point in its long history and probably been through factory refurbishment at some point before importation into this country. It is generally in solid condition except for a small area of wood loss from the stock near the bolt handle.
U. S. Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen Rifle. Caliber .30-40. This is an honest example of the Krag, as manufactured at Springfield Armory during the Spanish-American War period. This example, serial number 175434, is moderately worn with a uniform patina on the metal and wood. The hand guard is cracked and chipped, and no cartouches are visible on the stock, otherwise the rifle is in good condition.
1979 Colt Single Action Army Revolver in the Original Box. Caliber .38-40. Serial number SA23823. In as new condition with beautiful color case hardening in the original Styrofoam inner protective box and the original outer box and all instruction booklets, etc. The trigger has been accurized by a noted gunsmith.
Autographs
John Dillinger Autograph Letter Signed "Johnnie" to his Father Pleading for Help in Getting out of Prison. Two pages in ink, front and back of 5.5" x 8" plain sheet, no date [March 1933], no place [Michigan City Penitentiary, Indiana]. It was the age-old case of a young man, brought up in an honest, God-fearing family, who fell in with the wrong crowd of friends and paid for it with his freedom, and eventually with his life. John H. Dillinger was born in 1903 in Indianapolis. His father was a grocer, a good but stern man, and his mother died before his fourth birthday. Older sister Audrey took care of little John until their father remarried in 1912. In 1920, the senior Dillinger moved his family to Mooresville, Indiana, the hometown of his second wife. Young Johnnie had been staying out late at night partying and likely his father thought the country life would straighten him out. It wasn't to be though; the rural life bored the young man and he took to hanging out in the local pool halls where, fatefully, he met an older ex-con named Ed Singleton. A stint in the Navy (he deserted after three months) and a marriage to a local girl ensued but he couldn't hold a job and eventually got talked into robbing a local grocer by Singleton. On the night of September 6, 1924, Dillinger struck Frank Morgan, owner of the West End Grocery Store, on the head while Ed Singleton waited in the car. His gun went off, waking neighbors, and Singleton sped off. Dillinger was caught by police and the local prosecutor told his father that he would get off easy if he confessed and testified against Singleton. The elder Dillinger recommended that his son confess and plead guilty, expecting probation. The judge though, in a five minute trial, inexplicably convicted him of two concurrent charges with sentences of two to fourteen years and ten to twenty years. He was flabbergasted when he was removed from the courtroom in handcuffs and taken straight to jail. This extended stint in a state penitentiary turned a misguided young man into a hardened criminal. He is reported to have said, when being admitted into prison, "I will be the meanest bastard you ever saw when I get out of here." By the way, Singleton got only two years for the same criminal act, even with his criminal record.
This letter was written just weeks before his eventual parole on May 11, 1933, and Dillinger has obviously made some important criminal contacts and learned exactly how to manipulate the system. He was anxious to get out of prison and wrote this long, rambling, and rather demanding letter to his father, giving him detailed instructions on what to do and who to ask for help in his bid for freedom after eight+ years inside. The letter reads as follows (exactly as written), in full:
Mr. John W. Dillinger
R. R. 2
Mooresville, Ind.
Dear Dad.
A friend of mine is mailing this for me so I thought I would outline a few things that I want you to do without fail. Mr. Wade can do me a world of good so ask him to write a letter to the board specifying that Singleton only done two years and that in his opinion and the courts opinion I have been punished sufficuntly and that in there opinion I would make good if given the chance, also be sure and have Mr. Wade to get the Judge and Prosecutor that sentenced me and the present Judge to sign my papers. Dad things are so unsettled that there may be a few changes on the board before April. I want you to get a big petition up ((8 or 10 hundred names)) and have it all ready but don't turn it in until about the 8th or 10th of April no later than the 10th for the papers have to be in fifteen days before the meeting, in the meantime have Dr. Comer or some other of your friends to see Frank Sheets and ask him to help us. He is a friend of Mr. Moorman, and he is the main guy on this board so you can realize how much good Mr. Sheets can do me if he will write Mr. Moorman in my behalf. Get after Emmett to see that fellow or any one else that has a political pull. Ask Emmitt if he knows Father Weber from West Indpls. if so see him for he has more power than Mussolini. You watch the papers and if the Governor makes any changes in the board you will have to see if you can locate someone that has a connection with one of the board members and ask him to give us a boost.
[page two]
Dad it is imperitive that you appear up hear for me when the board meets and make a plea for me. Tell them you have bad health and you are getting up in years and you need my help on the farm as you are unable to do much and Hubert isn't strong enough to help you much and in view of the fact that Singleton only done two years you think I have been sufficently punished and you are sure I will make good if given a chance. Have Dr. Comer and two or three prominent business men to write to the board testifying to your ill health and poor circumstances. If you and some of your friends can get Mr. Morgan to help me it will throw a lot of weigh to the board in my behalf. All he would have to write is he thinks I have been sufficently punished and that he would like to see me have a chance to make good. Get Bud to help get my petition fixed up. I wish you would make a trip to Indianapolis and see Rev Fillmore and Howard Phillips and any other of your former business aquaintances you never know what connections they might have and any of them will be willing to help us if they can in any way. A fellow in here owes me $15 and will send it to you this way. Tell Hubert to send me an address of one of his boy friends and this party will send him a check for $15 and he can cash it and give the money to Hubert for you to pay your expenses up here. The reason I have to have someone else's address is this party cant send money to you in your name for its against the rules so we have to go about it in around about way. Tell Bud to only give me the address and say so and so is living at the following address. Well Dad so long and get busy and be sure and do all I ask hope I will see you and some of the rest in April.
Johnnie.
Of the names mentioned in this letter, it is interesting to note the following. Frank Sheets was a local Mooresville politician, postmaster, and business owner. He was also the brother-in-law of the Mr. Morgan mentioned here who was, of course, crime victim Frank Morgan who actually did put in a good word for Dillinger with the parole board. The Father Weber Dillinger mentions as being very powerful was Father Joseph F. Weber, a highly respected, popular, and civic-minded priest in Indianapolis at the Church of the Assumption. Rev. Fillmore was Charles W. Fillmore, the Disciples of Christ minister who had married John W. Dillinger and his second wife and baptized the young Dillinger; he would also, just a few months later, preach John H. Dillinger's funeral.
Sadly, there was a snafu in his release papers and Dillinger spent eleven extra days in prison while it was straightened out. His brother Hubert picked him up on May 22, 1933, and when they got back to Mooresville, there was a hearse in the driveway. His stepmother, whom he dearly loved, had passed away an hour before they arrived; he never got to tell her goodbye. It was less than a month after his release that Dillinger robbed his first bank. Others followed in rapid succession and the rest of his story is history.
This letter is in fine condition with original light folds. The paper is rather thin so the ink has bled through a bit but it is totally legible. Included with this letter is a handwritten and signed letter of provenance from Dillinger's half sister. On a 4" x 6" lined sheet, she has written: "Feb. 18, 1998/ This letter was written by/ John Dillinger, Jr. to our/ Dad, when he was in/ prison./ He had someone mail it/ for him./ Frances Dillinger Thompson/ Half sister of John Dillinger, Jr."
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
This letter was written just weeks before his eventual parole on May 11, 1933, and Dillinger has obviously made some important criminal contacts and learned exactly how to manipulate the system. He was anxious to get out of prison and wrote this long, rambling, and rather demanding letter to his father, giving him detailed instructions on what to do and who to ask for help in his bid for freedom after eight+ years inside. The letter reads as follows (exactly as written), in full:
Mr. John W. Dillinger
R. R. 2
Mooresville, Ind.
Dear Dad.
A friend of mine is mailing this for me so I thought I would outline a few things that I want you to do without fail. Mr. Wade can do me a world of good so ask him to write a letter to the board specifying that Singleton only done two years and that in his opinion and the courts opinion I have been punished sufficuntly and that in there opinion I would make good if given the chance, also be sure and have Mr. Wade to get the Judge and Prosecutor that sentenced me and the present Judge to sign my papers. Dad things are so unsettled that there may be a few changes on the board before April. I want you to get a big petition up ((8 or 10 hundred names)) and have it all ready but don't turn it in until about the 8th or 10th of April no later than the 10th for the papers have to be in fifteen days before the meeting, in the meantime have Dr. Comer or some other of your friends to see Frank Sheets and ask him to help us. He is a friend of Mr. Moorman, and he is the main guy on this board so you can realize how much good Mr. Sheets can do me if he will write Mr. Moorman in my behalf. Get after Emmett to see that fellow or any one else that has a political pull. Ask Emmitt if he knows Father Weber from West Indpls. if so see him for he has more power than Mussolini. You watch the papers and if the Governor makes any changes in the board you will have to see if you can locate someone that has a connection with one of the board members and ask him to give us a boost.
[page two]
Dad it is imperitive that you appear up hear for me when the board meets and make a plea for me. Tell them you have bad health and you are getting up in years and you need my help on the farm as you are unable to do much and Hubert isn't strong enough to help you much and in view of the fact that Singleton only done two years you think I have been sufficently punished and you are sure I will make good if given a chance. Have Dr. Comer and two or three prominent business men to write to the board testifying to your ill health and poor circumstances. If you and some of your friends can get Mr. Morgan to help me it will throw a lot of weigh to the board in my behalf. All he would have to write is he thinks I have been sufficently punished and that he would like to see me have a chance to make good. Get Bud to help get my petition fixed up. I wish you would make a trip to Indianapolis and see Rev Fillmore and Howard Phillips and any other of your former business aquaintances you never know what connections they might have and any of them will be willing to help us if they can in any way. A fellow in here owes me $15 and will send it to you this way. Tell Hubert to send me an address of one of his boy friends and this party will send him a check for $15 and he can cash it and give the money to Hubert for you to pay your expenses up here. The reason I have to have someone else's address is this party cant send money to you in your name for its against the rules so we have to go about it in around about way. Tell Bud to only give me the address and say so and so is living at the following address. Well Dad so long and get busy and be sure and do all I ask hope I will see you and some of the rest in April.
Johnnie.
Of the names mentioned in this letter, it is interesting to note the following. Frank Sheets was a local Mooresville politician, postmaster, and business owner. He was also the brother-in-law of the Mr. Morgan mentioned here who was, of course, crime victim Frank Morgan who actually did put in a good word for Dillinger with the parole board. The Father Weber Dillinger mentions as being very powerful was Father Joseph F. Weber, a highly respected, popular, and civic-minded priest in Indianapolis at the Church of the Assumption. Rev. Fillmore was Charles W. Fillmore, the Disciples of Christ minister who had married John W. Dillinger and his second wife and baptized the young Dillinger; he would also, just a few months later, preach John H. Dillinger's funeral.
Sadly, there was a snafu in his release papers and Dillinger spent eleven extra days in prison while it was straightened out. His brother Hubert picked him up on May 22, 1933, and when they got back to Mooresville, there was a hearse in the driveway. His stepmother, whom he dearly loved, had passed away an hour before they arrived; he never got to tell her goodbye. It was less than a month after his release that Dillinger robbed his first bank. Others followed in rapid succession and the rest of his story is history.
This letter is in fine condition with original light folds. The paper is rather thin so the ink has bled through a bit but it is totally legible. Included with this letter is a handwritten and signed letter of provenance from Dillinger's half sister. On a 4" x 6" lined sheet, she has written: "Feb. 18, 1998/ This letter was written by/ John Dillinger, Jr. to our/ Dad, when he was in/ prison./ He had someone mail it/ for him./ Frances Dillinger Thompson/ Half sister of John Dillinger, Jr."
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
Two Dillinger Family-Related Documents. The first item is a Life Insurance Policy for $1000 on the Life of John Dillinger with a photostatic copy of his signed application. Four conjoined pages of 12.5" x 18.5" with two smaller attachments (one the application stat), preprinted and filled in by typewriter with facsimile signatures of the insurance company officers, June 11, 1923, Tippecanoe, Indiana. Insurance on the Life of John H. Dillinger with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York in the amount of $1000. He lists his occupation as "Machinist" on the application and his address as R.R. 2, Mooresville, Indiana. The beneficiary is listed as his father, John W. Dillinger. The second item is a Promissory Note Signed "John W. Dillinger" for $180. One page, 8.5" x 3.5", preprinted form filled in by typewriter carbon, March 6, 1920, Indianapolis, Indiana, payable in one year to Herman and Elizabeth Hugenberger. This is the year that the senior Dillinger sold his properties in Indianapolis and moved his family to Mooresville. Both documents in fine condition.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger Autograph Letter Signed "Johnnie" to his Father from Prison in Lima, Ohio. Written in pencil on two 5" x 7.75" pages of a plain four page foldover lettersheet, this letter starts on the last page (four) (written horizontally) and continues on page three inside (written vertically), September 29, 1933, no place [Lima prison], to his father, John W. Dillinger. In this letter, Dillinger states how his first conviction and extended imprisonment had caused him to turn bitter against society, a fact he knows is a disappointment to his father. He asks about his two sisters and implores his family not to believe all the newspaper reports about him, stating that he had never hurt anyone. The remorseful tone of the letter was possibly, in part, because he knew the letter would be read by those in charge of his immediate fate. This reminder of the lengthy sentence Dillinger received from the judge for a minor crime must have saddened his father; it was he who advised his son to confess and plead guilty, leading to the surprisingly harsh punishment by the judge. The letter reads as follows (exactly as written), in full:
Sept. 29, 33.
Dear Dad,
Hope this letter finds you well and not worrying too much over me. Maybe I'll learn someday Dad that you cant win in this game. I know I have been a big disappointment to you but I guess I did to much time for where I went in a carefree boy I came out bitter toward everything in general. Of course Dad most of the blame lies with me for my environment was of the best but if I had gotten off more leniently
[page two]
when I made my first mistake this never would have happened. How is Doris and Frances? I preferred to stand trial here in Lima because there isn't as much predjudice against me here and I am sure I will get a square deal here. Dad dont believe all that the newspapers say about me for I am not guilty of half the things I'm charged with and Ive never hurt anyone. Well Dad I guess this is all for this time just wanted you to know I am well and treated fine.
From Johnnie
September 29, 1933, was exactly one week after he was arrested in Dayton, Ohio and charged with the robbery of a bank in Bluffton. On September 27, he had pleaded guilty to the Bluffton job and was remanded to the Allen County jail in Lima where he wrote this letter. In the four short months since he had been freed from prison for his early indiscretion, Dillinger had already robbed numerous banks in multiple states. He knew that prison wouldn't hold him much longer and he was already formulating specific plans for the continuation of his crime spree. Sadly, he never learned that he couldn't win in that game.
This letter is transcribed on page 98 of John Dillinger: The Life and Death of America's First Celebrity Criminal by Dary Matera (New York: Carroll & Graf, 2004). It is in very good condition with three horizontal folds and general toning, weak at center fold.
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Sept. 29, 33.
Dear Dad,
Hope this letter finds you well and not worrying too much over me. Maybe I'll learn someday Dad that you cant win in this game. I know I have been a big disappointment to you but I guess I did to much time for where I went in a carefree boy I came out bitter toward everything in general. Of course Dad most of the blame lies with me for my environment was of the best but if I had gotten off more leniently
[page two]
when I made my first mistake this never would have happened. How is Doris and Frances? I preferred to stand trial here in Lima because there isn't as much predjudice against me here and I am sure I will get a square deal here. Dad dont believe all that the newspapers say about me for I am not guilty of half the things I'm charged with and Ive never hurt anyone. Well Dad I guess this is all for this time just wanted you to know I am well and treated fine.
From Johnnie
September 29, 1933, was exactly one week after he was arrested in Dayton, Ohio and charged with the robbery of a bank in Bluffton. On September 27, he had pleaded guilty to the Bluffton job and was remanded to the Allen County jail in Lima where he wrote this letter. In the four short months since he had been freed from prison for his early indiscretion, Dillinger had already robbed numerous banks in multiple states. He knew that prison wouldn't hold him much longer and he was already formulating specific plans for the continuation of his crime spree. Sadly, he never learned that he couldn't win in that game.
This letter is transcribed on page 98 of John Dillinger: The Life and Death of America's First Celebrity Criminal by Dary Matera (New York: Carroll & Graf, 2004). It is in very good condition with three horizontal folds and general toning, weak at center fold.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
Military & Patriotic
John Dillinger's Monogrammed Handkerchief, Returned to the Family by the FBI with His Personal Effects from the Little Bohemia Lodge, Shortly after the Shootout. As with the hunting suit, the FBI was remarkably conscientious in seeing that the personal effects Dillinger left behind at the lodge upon his escape were returned to the safekeeping of the family. White cotton handkerchief, 16" square, embroidered in green silk with an elaborate diamond, inside of which is the letter "J". Inscribed by the family upon its return, just above the monogram, in script, "Johnnie/ at/ Little Bohemia". The inscription now a bit faded but excellent, as is the handkerchief. An impeccably provenanced John Dillinger personal item accompanied by a letter of detailed provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger).
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
"This is the watch John H. Dillinger had on him when he was killed in Chicago on July 22, 1934" is the beginning of the ink script note written by Frances Helen Dillinger that accompanies this size 12, grade 912, 17 jewel Hamilton pocket watch with gold filled case. The watch was among the items returned to the Dillinger family by the FBI after Dillinger was gunned down outside Chicago's Biograph Theater, July 22, 1934. Other items included his money (offered elsewhere in this auction), gray slacks, white shirt with bullet holes and blood stains (as mentioned previously), shoes, a bullet covered in blood, etc. Frances Helen was present when the items were delivered and has been personally aware of the watch's whereabouts from that date to this. The watch also showed evidence of Dillinger's blood, and John Sr. is known to have taken the watch to a Mooresville jeweler to have it cleaned and repaired sometime prior to 1943, when he presented it to Carl Thompson, Frances Helen's husband. The serial number of the works implies manufacture in 1939 and, although these serial number listings are notoriously inaccurate, prompting disclaimers from the manufacturers, it is possible that, at that time, the movement of the watch was replaced, it being simpler to replace rather than repair a damaged movement, possibly as a result of corrosion from Dillinger's blood. Carl Thompsen carried the watch daily for some thirty five years, when it was replaced with a newer model, again cleaned by a Mooresville jeweler, and placed in a bank safe deposit box where it remained until its consignment to this auction. Runs fine, the original acrylic crystal now somewhat yellow with age, else perfect. Another remarkable Dillinger artifact accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger).
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger: A Blood-stained One Dollar Bill Taken from His Remains with Original Envelope Given to the Family by the FBI. A $1 Silver Certificate, Series 1928B, serial number D20718635B with three small areas of bloodstaining. This note has written vertically in ink on the verso, along the left border, "7-22-34 - Johnie", likely by a family member. This was the date of his death and he was known to his family as Johnnie. Accompanying this item is the original 6" x 3.25" kraft envelope, notated as follows in green ink on the front: "John. Dillinger/ 7-23-34/ $7.81", in which the money he had on his person was returned to his father. The dollar bill is in fine condition with several original folds. The envelope is well worn. The balance of the nearly eight dollars was apparently dispersed to various family members through the years. Based on Dillinger's very lucrative bank-robbing career, it is hard to believe that this is all the money he carried with him during a night out on the town. This question is addressed in a letter of provenance for several lots written by his half-sister Frances Helen Dillinger Thompson, included with this lot, in full:
"This is the watch that John/ H. Dillinger had on him when/ he was killed in Chicago on/ July 22, 1934./ Along with the watch the/ federal men gave my dad,/ An envelope with $7.81/ stating that was all the money/ he had on him./ My father received many/ letters from people that were/ at the scene of the killing,/ and stated there was a large/ amount of money taken off/ the remains by the FBI./ The FBI also gave my/ father a bullet covered almost/ completely red with dried/ blood, and with many/ bullet holes, (white shirt),/ Gray slacks, shoes/ etc. that he had on/ when killed./ The watch box I/ placed this in, was a/ Hamilton watch I gave/ my husband many years/ ago. I put John's watch/ in this box to protect it./ Frances H. Dillinger Thompson (Johns' half-sister)/ Aug, 24, 1997"
Everyone knows the story of the FBI's killing of John Dillinger outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago and how he was betrayed by the "lady in red," etc. The movie playing that night was Manhattan Melodrama starring Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Clark Gable. Near the end of the film, there is a dramatic scene where Clark Gable's criminal character "Blackie" is being led to the electric chair. He gives advice to another prisoner on the way, "Die the way you lived, all of a sudden. Don't drag it out. Living like that doesn't mean a thing." Those were some of the last words Dillinger heard before his death. It seems likely that he himself might well have subscribed to a similar attitude.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
"This is the watch that John/ H. Dillinger had on him when/ he was killed in Chicago on/ July 22, 1934./ Along with the watch the/ federal men gave my dad,/ An envelope with $7.81/ stating that was all the money/ he had on him./ My father received many/ letters from people that were/ at the scene of the killing,/ and stated there was a large/ amount of money taken off/ the remains by the FBI./ The FBI also gave my/ father a bullet covered almost/ completely red with dried/ blood, and with many/ bullet holes, (white shirt),/ Gray slacks, shoes/ etc. that he had on/ when killed./ The watch box I/ placed this in, was a/ Hamilton watch I gave/ my husband many years/ ago. I put John's watch/ in this box to protect it./ Frances H. Dillinger Thompson (Johns' half-sister)/ Aug, 24, 1997"
Everyone knows the story of the FBI's killing of John Dillinger outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago and how he was betrayed by the "lady in red," etc. The movie playing that night was Manhattan Melodrama starring Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Clark Gable. Near the end of the film, there is a dramatic scene where Clark Gable's criminal character "Blackie" is being led to the electric chair. He gives advice to another prisoner on the way, "Die the way you lived, all of a sudden. Don't drag it out. Living like that doesn't mean a thing." Those were some of the last words Dillinger heard before his death. It seems likely that he himself might well have subscribed to a similar attitude.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger's American Waltham Model 83 Pocket Watch. A beautiful gold-filled, open case, 15 jewel, stem-set, size 18 pocket watch with Roman numerals and "Am. Watch Co./ WALTHAM" on the double sunk porcelain dial with a farm scene engraved on the back. There is a tiny crack at 12:00 but otherwise it is in nice condition with just expected pocket wear. Overall dimensions are 2.125" x 3". This watch was originally owned by Dillinger's father who gave it to him as a gift.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
Probably the Single Most Iconic Item Associated with John Dillinger is the Legendary "Wooden Gun" He Carved and Used to Escape from the Crown Point, Indiana Jail, March 3, 1934. In reality there are three 'wooden guns', including this example, that can lay claim, all with some degree of credibility, to being the one Dillinger used is his remarkable escape. This example was part of the personal effects of Dillinger's younger brother Hubert, and has been in the possession of Frances Helen's family since his death in 1974. Another example is in the possession of the Dillinger Museum in Hammond, Indiana, while still another is in the possession of another branch of the family. While it will probably never be known which, if indeed any, of these three examples is the one he actually used, aside from it having a traceable lineage through the Dillinger family, this example exhibits several other details which lend strong credence to the family's belief that this is, in fact, the original specimen. 5.75" overall, the blackened finish is clearly affected by a dye, such as shoe blacking, rather than a paint and it does, indeed appear to have been fabricated from the leg of something such as a washboard. The general impression, based on the barrel form, is that of an automatic pistol. There are tiny brads in place on top at the front and back giving the impression of sights, with an incised line between them. A notched area at the back approximates a hammer. The front/muzzle has a .25" copper tube inserted to simulate a barrel. Crudely carved on the right side "Colt 38" and on the left, clearly in keeping with Dillinger's sense of humor and irony, "Pat Mar 3, 1934" the date of Dillinger's escape. Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger).
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger's Nickel-plated Colt Pre-Woodsman .22 Caliber Automatic Pistol, #5436, Manufactured 1917. Given to his brother Hubert at Mooresville, Indiana just a month after his daring "wooden gun" escape from the Crown Point, Indiana jail and only nine days after he was wounded in the St. Paul, Minnesota shootout, possibly with this gun in his possession. The gun is accompanied by the watch presented to Hubert Dillinger upon his retirement, ironically, from the Indiana State Police in 1967. 6.5" barrel, retaining 100% of a period nickel finish, mechanically perfect as is the bore, fitted with a period set of white composition grips. During Dillinger's early April visit to the family homestead in Mooresville, when this gun was presented to Hubert, having been wounded in the leg during the St. Paul shootout, Frances Helen jumped into her big brother's lap, unaware of his injury, resulting in the leg wound reopening, much to her shock and dismay. As with Frances Helen, Hubert idolized his big brother, and this gun was one of Hubert's most cherished possessions, having been given to him just two and a half months before his brother's death. The wrist watch is a 17 jewel Waltham automatic, with gold filled case, that bears the inscription on the back of the case, "H. M. Dillinger/ Indiana State Police/ 1946-67" A remarkable set, with the gun certainly being one of the most important Dillinger artifacts extant.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger Owned and Worn Wool Two-piece Hunting Suit, used by Him while at the Little Bohemia Lodge, Prior to the Dramatic Shootout with the FBI, and Returned to His Family by the FBI. In April 1934, seeking refuge after the St. Paul, Minnesota shootout, and the Herculean efforts to track him down on the part of both local law enforcement, along with the FBI, having leaped at the opportunity to join the case after Dillinger crossed state lines subsequent to his escape from Crown Point, the Dillinger "gang" sought safe haven at the Little Bohemia hunting lodge in northern Wisconsin. It is likely Dillinger chose this location because his attorney, Louis Piquet, was familiar to the inn's owner. The "guests" arrived on April 20, with Dillinger paying the innkeeper $500 for a three day stay (the equivalent to about $6000 in today's money). It was not long, however, until the innkeeper and his wife became suspicious of their benevolent guests (the shoulder holsters and waist guns being an obvious anomaly) and, despite efforts on the part of the gang to prevent it, were able to notify the FBI of Dillinger's presence. Meanwhile, for three relatively carefree days the gang, along with the innkeeper's family engaged in target shooting, card playing, etc. (and it was during this period that Dillinger wore his new "hunting suit"), meanwhile carefully planning an escape route if their presence was discovered.
At 4:00 AM on the morning of April 23, the FBI, led by FBI Assistant Director Hugh Clegg assisted by Melvin Purvis, and law enforcement personnel surrounded the lodge. The plan, however, was doomed from the start when around 4:00 AM, three patrons leaving the Little Bohemia bar, were mistaken for gang members and nervous FBI agents opened fire on their car, killing one and seriously wounded the other two. The gunfire, of course, alerted the Dillinger party to the raid and they promptly returned fire. In the ensuing confusion, Dillinger, and all the others, were able to escape, making use of their carefully laid earlier plans. Only "Baby Face Nelson" encountered the surrounding law enforcement dragnet, gunning down three of them who were foolish enough to confront him. In the end the botched, embarrassing FBI raid only served to make J. Edgar Hoover more determined to annihilate the gang, with the final result being Dillinger's death at the hands of the FBI two months later.
The hunting suit is in about perfect condition, cared for by the Dillinger family since its return by the FBI shortly after the incident. The suit was purchased by Dillinger in Chicago, on his way to the Little Bohemia rendezvous. Heavy red and blue/black wool plaid, with tan wool felt lining. Zipper front and metal snap closures on the breast pockets, with black silk embroidered label of "Van Longerke & Antoine/ Chicago, Ill/ Just for Sport". Interestingly this firm was well known for their association with Chicago gangland personalities, supplying arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing to some of the most notorious figures of the era. The breeches, which are reinforced at the thighs and seat, exhibit the same label, with an additional label from Woolrich, listing the size as 34 and the Woolrich lot number. Belt loops and suspender buttons, both zipper and shoestring tie closures at the ankle/calf. Accompanied by a detailed letter of lineage and provenance from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger). A remarkable artifact from one of the most dramatic and violent incidents in the almost mythical criminal career of John Dillinger.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
At 4:00 AM on the morning of April 23, the FBI, led by FBI Assistant Director Hugh Clegg assisted by Melvin Purvis, and law enforcement personnel surrounded the lodge. The plan, however, was doomed from the start when around 4:00 AM, three patrons leaving the Little Bohemia bar, were mistaken for gang members and nervous FBI agents opened fire on their car, killing one and seriously wounded the other two. The gunfire, of course, alerted the Dillinger party to the raid and they promptly returned fire. In the ensuing confusion, Dillinger, and all the others, were able to escape, making use of their carefully laid earlier plans. Only "Baby Face Nelson" encountered the surrounding law enforcement dragnet, gunning down three of them who were foolish enough to confront him. In the end the botched, embarrassing FBI raid only served to make J. Edgar Hoover more determined to annihilate the gang, with the final result being Dillinger's death at the hands of the FBI two months later.
The hunting suit is in about perfect condition, cared for by the Dillinger family since its return by the FBI shortly after the incident. The suit was purchased by Dillinger in Chicago, on his way to the Little Bohemia rendezvous. Heavy red and blue/black wool plaid, with tan wool felt lining. Zipper front and metal snap closures on the breast pockets, with black silk embroidered label of "Van Longerke & Antoine/ Chicago, Ill/ Just for Sport". Interestingly this firm was well known for their association with Chicago gangland personalities, supplying arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing to some of the most notorious figures of the era. The breeches, which are reinforced at the thighs and seat, exhibit the same label, with an additional label from Woolrich, listing the size as 34 and the Woolrich lot number. Belt loops and suspender buttons, both zipper and shoestring tie closures at the ankle/calf. Accompanied by a detailed letter of lineage and provenance from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger). A remarkable artifact from one of the most dramatic and violent incidents in the almost mythical criminal career of John Dillinger.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
The Dillinger Family Sporting Arms. The group includes four guns as follows:
(1) Circa 1870 side hammer, single barrel, percussion 16 gauge shotgun that was the property of John Dillinger's grandfather. Completely unmarked, metal generally smooth and dark with some pitting around the nipple. Mechanically fine, brass ramrod ferrules and band, brass tipped hickory ramrod. Iron forend tip and butt plate. Walnut stocks fine with some decorative carving.
(2) Circa 1900 double barrel outside hammer 12 gauge shotgun that was the property of John Dillinger Sr. Marked A. Richard on the locks, Laminated Steel Belgium on the rib, #23868. Metal generally smooth and gray, action fine, bores excellent. Checkered pistol grip and forestock. Wood very good with one chip on the toe of the butt.
(3) Circa 1890 Flobert lift block action, 8mm long, rifle, held by family tradition to be the first gun young John Dillinger ever fired. Marked Belgium on the top of the barrel with additional Belgian proofs at the breech. 24" octagon barrel with very good bore, mechanically fine. Gun overall with smooth dark patina, wood fine with checkered pistol grip. Iron furniture, including typical elaborate Flobert trigger guard. These rifles represented a cheap alternative to more expensive American arms, and were produced and imported in large quantities from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries.
(4) Fox-Sterlingworth 16 Gauge double barrel shotgun #352518, manufactured 1915, and the first gun owned by John Dillinger, having been purchased for him by his father. Dillinger was twelve or thirteen years old when his father presented him with this field grade Sterlingworth, the slightly smaller gauge, as compared to his father's 12, doubtless representative of Dillinger's youth. The gun retains 95% of the original bright blue on the barrels, the engraved frame smooth and gray. Mint bores, mechanically fine. The stocks have been replaced and the rear of the trigger guard broken as the result of the gun being struck by lightning, circa 1920. Dillinger's youngest brother, Hubert, hand crafted the stocks that are now on the gun, and added the recoil pad, while John was serving his term in Indiana State Prison, circa 1930. Frances Helen recalls John returning from hunting expeditions, using this gun, with rabbits, which her mother would prepare for one of the family's favorite meals, "fried rabbit."
Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage, including serial numbers, from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger).
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
(1) Circa 1870 side hammer, single barrel, percussion 16 gauge shotgun that was the property of John Dillinger's grandfather. Completely unmarked, metal generally smooth and dark with some pitting around the nipple. Mechanically fine, brass ramrod ferrules and band, brass tipped hickory ramrod. Iron forend tip and butt plate. Walnut stocks fine with some decorative carving.
(2) Circa 1900 double barrel outside hammer 12 gauge shotgun that was the property of John Dillinger Sr. Marked A. Richard on the locks, Laminated Steel Belgium on the rib, #23868. Metal generally smooth and gray, action fine, bores excellent. Checkered pistol grip and forestock. Wood very good with one chip on the toe of the butt.
(3) Circa 1890 Flobert lift block action, 8mm long, rifle, held by family tradition to be the first gun young John Dillinger ever fired. Marked Belgium on the top of the barrel with additional Belgian proofs at the breech. 24" octagon barrel with very good bore, mechanically fine. Gun overall with smooth dark patina, wood fine with checkered pistol grip. Iron furniture, including typical elaborate Flobert trigger guard. These rifles represented a cheap alternative to more expensive American arms, and were produced and imported in large quantities from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries.
(4) Fox-Sterlingworth 16 Gauge double barrel shotgun #352518, manufactured 1915, and the first gun owned by John Dillinger, having been purchased for him by his father. Dillinger was twelve or thirteen years old when his father presented him with this field grade Sterlingworth, the slightly smaller gauge, as compared to his father's 12, doubtless representative of Dillinger's youth. The gun retains 95% of the original bright blue on the barrels, the engraved frame smooth and gray. Mint bores, mechanically fine. The stocks have been replaced and the rear of the trigger guard broken as the result of the gun being struck by lightning, circa 1920. Dillinger's youngest brother, Hubert, hand crafted the stocks that are now on the gun, and added the recoil pad, while John was serving his term in Indiana State Prison, circa 1930. Frances Helen recalls John returning from hunting expeditions, using this gun, with rabbits, which her mother would prepare for one of the family's favorite meals, "fried rabbit."
Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage, including serial numbers, from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger).
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
John Dillinger's Suitcase, Used by the FBI to Ship His Personal Belongings Home to His Family after the Shootout with Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 31, 1934, in which Dillinger was Wounded in the Leg. As with Little Bohemia, the FBI seems to have been almost grudgingly sympathetic to Dillinger's family, taking great care to see that his personal effects were returned to them (and in many cases to Dillinger himself on his visits to the Mooresville, Ind. family home). The suitcase is constructed of heavy, stiff fiberboard, 13" x 28" x 7.5" with heavy leather corners and nickeled metal furniture. There are two snaps, a clasp lock and two leather straps for closure. The straps are marked "Schwayden/ Denver" and the snaps marked "Schwayden/ Denver/ Detroit". The original black paper label inside the suitcase is embossed in gilt, "Genuine Samson Luggage/ Schwayden Trunk/ Mfg. Co./ Denver, Colo./ Detroit, Mich." with leather straps inside the suitcase as well. The suitcase handle is missing, else excellent sound condition.
Affixed to the top of the suitcase is a 1.5" x 3.75" typed paper label, "Federal Bureau of Investigation/ U. S. Department of Justice/ 232 Uptown Station/ P. O. and Federal Courts Building/ St. Paul, Minnesota", obviously the return address label. Somewhat darkened with age but fully legible. The original address label is still affixed, but darkened with age with some chips, with only a few letters legible. Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger). Another fascinating Dillinger artifact, that doubtless spent time accompanying Dillinger during his nomadic crime spree.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
Affixed to the top of the suitcase is a 1.5" x 3.75" typed paper label, "Federal Bureau of Investigation/ U. S. Department of Justice/ 232 Uptown Station/ P. O. and Federal Courts Building/ St. Paul, Minnesota", obviously the return address label. Somewhat darkened with age but fully legible. The original address label is still affixed, but darkened with age with some chips, with only a few letters legible. Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger). Another fascinating Dillinger artifact, that doubtless spent time accompanying Dillinger during his nomadic crime spree.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
New York: Seventh Regiment of New York National Guard Gold Veteran's Badge, Circa 1900. 1 3/8" x 1½", gold and blue enamel, pin-back, unmarked. This three-dimensional gold badge has the famous 7th Regiment's motto "PRO PATRIA ET GLORIA" (For Country and Glory) on a garter with "7 / V / NG" in the center. The badge is engraved on the back, "Samuel V. Hoffman" and "Company K". The Seventh Regiment, known as the "Silk Stockings" dates from 1806 when it was formed in response to British ships firing at American ships off New York. It was mobilized in the nineteenth century both state and federal service. Company "K" was formed when the regiment was mobilized in the Civil War. The regiment was again mobilized for federal service in the First World War as the 107th Infantry Regiment. The original owner of the badge was Samuel Verplanck Hoffman a wealthy and socially prominent real estate trustee. Hoffman belonged to the Royal Astronomical Society; the Seventh Regiment of the National Guard, New York, Holland Society, Sons of the Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, St. Nicholas Society, New York Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Delta Phi, and American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. He was a member of the Century, Metropolitan, University, Army and Navy, and Grolier Clubs of New York City. The badge is in excellent condition.
Pair of Model 1873 Socket Bayonets Complete With Scabbards. 18" blade length; 3" sockets. A handsome pair of Trapdoor bayonets, each marked "US", in the scabbards and complete with hangers. One example displays the "US" marking on the hanger; the other "NJ" denoting a New Jersey militia association. Both examples retain the majority of the bluing, though the NJ example has some light surface rust on the scabbard and socket. Otherwise a nice pair in excellent condition.
Meiji Period Japanese Sword With Wide, Wavy Temper Line. The nagasa is 68cm, and the nakago about 26cm. The iron tsuba is undecorated. The blade Is mostly bright with a wide, wavy temper line and chips in the cutting surface. The black lacquered scabbard though complete, has cracked and has been reinforced with a modern tape repair. An attractive sword exhibiting quality workmanship.
Fine Quality Bowie Knife Made Exclusively for the Prestigious British Gun Maker Holland & Holland, Circa 1900. First example we've seen. 10.25" overall, the heavy 6" blade with a deep clipped point and a 3.75" false edge. Blade very fine with just some staining and very minor salt and peppering with traces of the original luster. "Holland & Holland" deeply etched in 1/8" high letters on the reverse face. Marked on the obverse ricasso 47. Very sturdily made exhibiting superb quality with heavy one piece German silver cross guard/bolster. Polished wood grips, possibly rosewood, with a hole for a lanyard, all about perfect. Accompanied by the original heavy brown leather sheath which is backstitched and exhibits decorative embossing. Sheath missing the belt loop, else about perfect. The knife is also accompanied by a fitted hard case. Nice knife and very rare.
World War I: "Adieu la Vie" by S. Cornelius, a Painting from the Collection of Thomas W. Lamont, Circa 1918. 31.5" x 23.5", oil on board. The evocative painting shows two World War One poilus, French soldiers, crouched down in a shell hole in "no-man's-land" as artillery shells pound the earth around them. Painted by the Dutch artist Cornelius during the First World War the painting was acquired by Thomas Lamont, representative of the banking house of J. P. Morgan & Company. Lamont negotiated loans for both the French and British governments prior to the United States entry into the war and served as a member of the American Commission to Negotiate the Peace at the Versailles Peace Conference in 1918. He later became the chairman of the board of directors of J. P. Morgan and was a generous benefactor to his alma mater, Harvard University. A paper label on the back of the painting reads, "#34 Monsieur T. W. Lamont / 14 Place Vendome". The address was the Paris office of J. P. Morgan. Signed in the upper left corner. Light surface wear and mounting holes along the edge, else fine.
Mexico: Brass Mexican Eagle. 13" x 13". The coat of arms depicts a Mexican Golden Eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake. To the Aztec people the symbolism had strong religious connotations, but to the Europeans, it represented the triumph of good over evil. The eagle is the early republican version used between the reign of Agustín de Iturbide, the first Emperor of Mexico, and the Emperor Maximiliano de Habsburgo. A nice display piece. Very fine.
U.S. Naval Aviation: Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Presentation Cigarette Case Ensign Samuel G. Colwell, USN, Pacific Fleet Air Detachment, Circa 1919. 3" x 4". The sterling case has inlaid yellow and red gold machine tooled stripes and a central monogram "SGC", and above, a yellow gold applied naval pilot wing. The interior of the case is engraved, "To / Samuel G. Colwell / from the Officers of the / Pacific Fleet Air Detachment / in Remembrance of Many / Pleasant Associations." The case is marked with an unidentified maker's mark and "Sterling & 14 K". The United States Navy established its first air squadron in September 1919 with the designation, the Pacific Fleet Air Detachment. The squadron was redesignated VT-5 on June 15, 1920. The squadron continues today as VFA-14, the "Tophatters", the oldest squadron in the entire United States Navy, with the motto "The Oldest and Boldest". Minor surface wear and a small dimple on the back, else very fine.
Large British Recruiting Poster "Remember the Lusitania!". 46" x 39". Linen backed. Certainly no single act provoked as much outrage against Germany and turned the tide of public opinion in the United States as the sinking of the liner RMS Lusitania. The Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank with the loss of 1,198 of the 1,959 aboard. This poster, English in origin, was published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Commission in London. One side of the poster chronicles the tragic story of a woman who lost her three young children, one "a babe in arms", contrasted with quotes from contemporary German and American newspaper accounts shortly after the sinking on the other half of the poster. The overall condition is excellent with only old fold creases and some minor loss and closed tears along the margins. The remnants of a 4th Liberty Load drive sticker is affixed at the top center. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Original Dies for the American Red Cross First Aid Service Medal Including an Un-awarded Example of the Medal. Included are the obverse and reverse dies for the American Red Cross First Aid medal. The 40mm bronze award features a dismounted Crusader kneeling and rendering aid to some unfortunate soul on the obverse with the caption "American Red Cross Neutrality Humanity" and the artist's initials "GB" and the date "1911", and two women providing aid to a wounded man on the reverse with the caption "First Aid". The medal is suspended from a bronze pendant captioned "Won by". The obverse die is marked "Medallic Art Co. N.Y.". Cursory research failed to provide positive identification of this award. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross WWI Wooden Transit Chest. 29" x 18.75" x 7.75". The lid is marked "A.R.C Volunteer Service" around a central Red Cross insignia. "Handle With Care" labels and other transit labels are affixed in several areas. The interior is partitioned into eight 6.5" x 8.25" areas. The lid is secured with the typical two clasps and hasp arrangement. The box has a "been there" look and would make a perfect display item for a WWI-themed tableau. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross Women's WWI Motor Corps Overcoat, Hat and Trousers. Utility clothing rarely survives the passage of time, especially not in as complete and excellent condition as this nearly ninety year old ensemble. The double-breasted overcoat is constructed of rough wool twill with two open patch pockets at the waist, adjustable wrist flaps, epaulettes, metal U.S. collar devices, Motor Service sleeve insignia, lieutenant rank pip and the green collar flashes of the Motor Corps. Matching jodhpurs and overseas hat complete the uniform. There are a few areas of moth damage and occasional snag or small tear, otherwise the group is in very good condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI Army Nurse Corps Ulster. A blue wool, belted overcoat with two pleated patch pockets on the breast and two lower slash pockets, shawl collar and complete with Army Nurse Corps caduceus insignia on one lapel and "US" insignia on the other. All buttons are present and the coat is in exceptional condition. Though given short shrift by collectors, women's uniforms from the period are quite rare, especially in this condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
American Red Cross Display of a WWII Prisoner of War Food Package. This lot features a display of the contents of a typical WWII Red Cross prisoner of war food box. The contents are artfully arranged around the original Red Cross cardboard box and include a pipe, chewing gum, cigarettes, matches, chocolate, vitamins, powdered milk, soap, water purification tablets, instant coffee, sugar, toothbrush, loose tobacco, band aids, and a toothbrush. All items are housed in a clear acrylic display box. A few of the items have become dislodged but can easily be re-positioned and secured. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI American Red Cross Complete Woman's Foreign Service Uniform, Hats, and Shoes. The group includes a standard Oxford gray whipcord wool foreign service tunic with horizon blue Department of Military Relief collar flashes (one detached at the button), two gold six-month service stripes on the lower left sleeve and two metal "US" collar devices. All of the standard Red Cross buttons have been replaced by regulation army eagle buttons for reasons unknown to this cataloger. The tunic is complete with matching skirt, overseas type hat with enameled Red Cross insignia pinned to the front, a rare wide-brimmed hat with a hat band piped in the same horizon blue branch of service colors, and a pair of high-top lace-up shoes. The lining of the tunic frayed, otherwise all items are in very good condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Identified WWI American Red Cross Woman's Uniform and Scrapbook of Her Time in France. Another head to foot woman's Red Cross uniform, this one identified to Nellie V. De Lisle with a fantastic scrapbook she compiled during her service in France from November, 1918 until June, 1919. The tunic is the standard Oxford gray whipcord wool foreign-service type with the purple collar flashes of the Home Communications Section, three six-month service stripes (on purple) on the left sleeve, and with the appropriate metal insignia. The tunic is complete with matching skirt, overseas hat and a fantastic straw hat with a wide purple silk band to indicate service in the Home Communications Section. A pair of shoes complete this superb uniform. Her scrapbook begins with her official foreign service certificate mounted to the inside cover of the scrapbook and includes scores of photo postcards from the various museums and cities she visited during her service in France, newspaper clippings, autographs of colleagues, 'menus, passes, original photographs (unidentified in most cases but with many snapshots of Red Cross women in uniform, perhaps this very uniform), maps, etc. The entire group is in exceptional condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWII German Inert Incendiary Bomb and Portion of a German Parachute Used to Drop Mines Sent as a Souvenir to the American Red Cross. This lot consists of a 1938 dated German incendiary bomb measuring about 13.5" x 2". The body of the small bomb is well-marked with proof marks and maker's codes. The tin tailfins have become detached but the bomb appears complete. A contemporary schematic diagram of the mine is accompanies the lot. Also included is a 2' x 3' section of sea-green cotton material cut from a German parachute used to drop land mines on England. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
WWI Army Nurse Corps Uniform. From head to foot, complete with dark blue serge wool tunic, skirt, two hat hats, and shoes. The tunic is belted with four-button front and four pleated pockets. The pocket, belt and front buttons are for the Red Cross. On each collar is a metal "A.R.C" device and enameled Red Cross insignia on each shoulder. The matching skirt has two pleated pockets at the waist. The hats include the standard overseas type with a metal "U.S." pinned to the side and a felt fedora style hat with wide silk band. The shoes are in excellent condition, only lightly worn, and can best be described as "sensible". The entire group can only be described as flawless in condition. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Korean War: American Red Cross Contents of a Korean War Prisoner-of-War Eleven-Pound Food Package. This lot is the contents of a typical Korean War Red Cross food box provided to every American prisoner-of-war each month. The contents of the original Red Cross cardboard box and include; a tin with five packages of smoking tobacco, 100 vitamin capsules, salt, buttons, tread, a needle, and a patch cloth; a brunch tin of chopped pork; a tin of dehydrated corned beef; a 1.5lb tin of sliced bacon; a tin of instant coffee; a tin of processed American cheese; a tin of salmon; a tin of preserved butter; three packs of cigarettes (Old Gold, Chesterfield, and Camels); two bars of soap, and two packs of playing cards. All cans are empty. Light wear, else fine. A very rare group of Korean War POW items. From the Collection of the American Red Cross.
Colt U.S. Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 389471 (last two numbers struck with different font). A correct 1911 in excellent mechanical condition with a uniformly worn finish, commensurate walnut grips, and a fair bore. With the proper "United States Property" and eagle/S11 inspector marks on the left side of the frame. A solid, collectible example of this venerable model.
Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 360685. This beautiful Colt Model 1911 with a serial number placing it in the 1918 manufacture range, has been professionally restored to museum quality by a noted master Texas gunsmith. It is all correct except the barrel which is an unissued WWII barrel properly marked with the "PH" symbol on the hood and the walnut grips which are accurate, high-quality reproductions. The rest of the pistol is period correct, including black finish and restored to as new condition.
German Walther (ac 45) Second Variation P-38 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 9mm. Serial number 6932a. In spite of the late war production, this example retains considerable quality and attention to detail. The bluing is strong and the bore is mint. The overall fit and finish is excellent with only light milling marks on the slide and trivial wear to the high spots. All numbers match with the correct eagle/359 waffenamts. Another exceptional example, in fine condition.
Professionally Restored Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver. Caliber .45. Serial number 143338. The revolver started out life in 1891 and was originally nickel-plated and in .44-40 caliber. A one-page letter from Colt's archive department accompanies the lot giving the earliest details of its history. The revolver, when purchased by the consignor, was a hybrid of parts which he then had professionally restored to exacting standards of historical accuracy. The barrel and cylinder are made of modern steel to facilitate shooting of smokeless powder loads. It has had a trigger job, and has been color case hardened and blued. It is accompanied by a copy of an article which appeared in August, 2008 edition of The Rampant Colt, the official magazine of Colt collectors, which details this pistol's journey through the restoration process to its present pristine state. There is also a prospectus and bill of sale from the craftsman who performed this superb restoration job.
Colt .22 Conversion Unit on a .45 National Match Gold Cup Frame. Caliber .22 long. Serial number 70N50607. The conversion unit was made between 1956 and 1964 with the Colt adjustable rear sight. The Series 70 National Match Gold Cup frame was made in 1977 or 1978. About 90% of the deep blue finish remains and the bore is mint. The pistol is sold with the original two-page instruction manual for the .22 conversion unit. The consignor has provided several pages of notes detailing the accuracy of the pistol based on ammunition type, range conditions, etc.
1943 Remington Rand U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 917053. Another excellent Remington produces pistol of mid-WWII vintage, with proper inspector's "F.J.A." mark, with excellent bore, a few areas of spotting and generally thin finish on the frame and slide, otherwise a handsome example.
1943 Colt U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number 942945. Another excellent mid-WWII 1911A1 with "G.H.D" inspector's mark, an excellent bore and light wear to the high spots.
1944 Remington Rand U.S. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol and Holster. Caliber .45. Serial number 1506592. A beautiful example of Remington wartime manufacture with only minor holster wear and mint bore. Correct "FJA" inspector's mark on the left side of the frame. It is sold with the original russet brown leather holster marked "US / Graton & Knight Co. / 1943" on the reverse. The holster retains its original uncoiled tie-down thong. This excellent pistol/holster rig was the property of Lt. Col. Don Wilson, who was issued the gun upon his arrival in France on 27 August 1944, along with the holster, and purchased the gun upon his discharge in August, 1946. His name is written on the inside flap of the holster and a detailed notarized statement from his daughter accompanies this fantastic lot, as well as copies of his service records.
U. S. Model 1911A1 Colt Automatic Pistol. .45 Caliber. Serial number 747554. The serial number places this superb 1911A1's manufacture in the latter part of 1941 and immediately prior to America's entry into the Second World War. This pistol bears the correct "RS" inspector's mark (Colonel Robert Sears) on the left side of the frame as well as the usual acceptance stamps, proofs, and property marks. The finish is lightly worn and retains a pleasing uniform appearance. Complete with extruded magazine and sold with a russet-brown Boyt made, undated holster. An excellent example of pre-war Colt quality.
Original U.S. Model 1911 Colt HP Barrel. Caliber .45. Designed for 1911 semi-automatic pistols in the 400,00 to 710,000 serial number range. The exterior is in excellent condition and the bore is mint. A hard item to find when you need one.
Colt Argentinean Contract 1911 Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .45. Serial number C115291. The standard Government Model with all the usual Colt commercial markings with the addition of the Argentine crest on the top of the slide. The barrel and frame serial numbers match. This example has been re-blued and has some trivial pitting and wear to the slide. Still a solid example in good condition.
Colt Ace Model Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber .22 long rifle. Serial number 1090769. This example has an even, rich parkerized finish using the same frame as the Government Model, including the U.S. property mark, G.H.D. inspector mark and M1911A1 marking. A beautiful example.
Japanese Type 94 Pistol and Holster. Caliber 8mm Nambu. Serial number 26430. Produced by Nagoya Arsenal in August, 1943. Typical mid-war production quality with visible milling marks and thin finish. Include two mismatched magazines. The pigskin holster is in very good condition with a small portion of the flap having come un-sewn and some light scuffing, otherwise it is complete with shoulder strap and functioning flap closure snap. The gun is accompanied by the original World War II 'capture papers' along with a note from the GI who captured it stating he was a member of the 77th Infantry Division.
U.S. M1911 .45 Caliber Automatic Pistol, #2026493, Manufactured by Remington Rand in 1944. The gun is in superb, 98% mint, condition, with just a tiny line on either side of the front lower portion of the slide from the movement of the slide, and fading on the barrel at the breech, again from the movement of the slide, else absolutely mint. FJA inspector and US Ordnance stamp. Correct and original in every respect and a truly exceptional example.
Mauser Broomhandle C96 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 9mm. Import stamp under the barrel. Replaced "Red 9" wooden grips. Finish thin, otherwise in good condition.
Bolo Broomhandle Mauser C96 Semi-Automatic Pistol. Caliber 7.63mm. Serial number 441699. Rear sight marked for 50 to 500 meters. Import mark under the barrel. Wooden grips sanded and with what appears to be Chinese characters lightly carved in. A venerable pistol with lots of character.
Cavalry Saber, Starr Contract of 1818. Complete with the original iron scabbard, this is a sound example of this model with an interesting point we've not noted on past examples: in addition to the standard "P / L. S. / N. Starr / US" marking on the obverse of the blade, this specimen also has a "star" mark stamped into the reverse of the blade. One assumes it is an early attempt at a company logo or trademark. The blade is nicely patinated with some areas of dark discoloration and the iron knuckle-bow is pitted from old rust. The wooden grip retains traces of the original leather. The scabbard also displays a uniform surface of light pitting. Still, good sword with an interesting variant marking.
Sheble & Fisher U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber. Nice example from a popular maker featuring a bright, trivially spotted blade with the "Sheble & Fisher / Philad" mark on the obverse. The leather on the grip is complete with some light abrasions and missing the wire wrap. The heavy iron scabbard shows some pitting but is complete with both suspension rings. A solid example.
Lot of Five Miscellaneous Socket Bayonets. This lot includes an English Brown Bess bayonet, unmarked, with a 17 1.8" fullered blade and with light surface oxidation; a U.S. Model 1816 bayonet, 16" blade, with light surface rusting and a nice patina; Civil War-era Enfield bayonet marked "Salter & Co." with English proof marks, numbered "3453", 10.5" blade, with some light surface rust; U.S. Model 1855 bayonet for a .58 caliber musket, 17.5" blade, with three miniscule holes drilled in the socket, otherwise in very good condition; and another U.S. .58 caliber bayonet missing the locking ring and shortened to 16".
Original Civil War-era Patent Model for an Improved Monitor Turret for Ironclads. Zinc. 10" in diameter. This amazing (and heavy) model is for Patent No. 40,535, dated November 3, 1863, granted to Michael H. Collins for "an improved Battery or Turret for Monitors or Armored Vessels or for Forts". Collins' improved turret used "curved plates of iron arranged in concentric layers, and having bolts going through the layers horizontally". The patent model reproduces the diagram accompanying the patent faithfully with 23 concentric zinc rings held together with 30 bolts with two openings for the guns. The original patent tag and tie string is included as is a photocopy of the original patent and a small printed note reading "Certified to be the original model from the U.S. Patent Office". This amazing patent model is likely from the collection of Sir Henry Wellcome by way of Cliff Petersen as is the other ironclad patent model currently in this auction. The Passaic-class ironclad monitors of the U.S. Navy saw service in the U.S. Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Naval architect and engineer John Ericsson designed the Passaic-class warships, USS Monitor being the most famous. The Monitor fought the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia to a draw in the Battle of Hampton Roads, but was lost in a storm in December 1862. Warships of Passaic class included Passaic, Montauk , Nahant, Patapsco, Weehawken, Sangamon, Catskill, Nantucket, Lehigh, and Camanche. With the lot are four books on ironclad vessels including USS Monitor, the Ship That Launched a Modern Navy by Edward Miller, Monitors, the Men, Machines, and Mystique by Jerry Harlowe, Monitor by James Tertius deKay, and The Monitor Chronicles, One Sailor's Account edited by William Marvel.
Beautiful Set of Civil War or Earlier Major General's Epaulettes in the Original Japanned Tin Storage Case. Absolutely pristine condition. Gold bullion with gilt brass crescents, the stars of silver bullion and stitched in place rather than pinned. Pads with red silk undersides, boards red wool. Each epaulette carries two red silk shoe string ties for attaching to the coat. Marked right and left with the left epaulette retaining the original 1.125" x 1.75" makers label, "Manufactured by/ J. Batten/ Devonport". Obviously English with the epaulettes being constructed in the European style with the fringe affixed to a stiffened form rather than hanging freely. Oddly the left epaulette exhibits a circa 1850 U.S. Artillery button, while the right uses a U.S. Dragoon button of the same period. Buttons are stitched in place from inside the epaulette and unquestionably original. Tin storage case excellent retaining most of the original finish with just a couple of shallow dents. A rare and striking set of U.S. officer's epaulettes.
Pair of Civil War or Earlier Gold Bullion Officer's Epaulettes in the Original Tin Storage Case. Brass crescents retain most of the original gilt, high dome eagle general service buttons, double row of slender bullion fringe, probably indicating their use during the 1850s. The pads with red velvet undersides, boards red Moroccan leather. Brass attaching bars marked right and left. Excellent untouched/uncleaned condition, just showing some honest wear on the undersides, and minor separation of one of the brass crescents. The original tin storage box is excellent retaining most of the original japanned finish. Nice representative set.
Civil War Period U.S. M1852 Naval Officer's Sword by "Horstmann/ & Sons/ Philadelphia". Blade generally gray with traces of luster, untouched, deeply etched for 2/3 its length with naval motifs including, anchors, oak leaves with intertwined ropes, eagle surmounting cannon and USN. Hilt excellent with remains of an old lacquer finish, retaining 20% of the original gilt. White rayskin grip with spring like brass wire wrap about perfect. The original sharkskin covered scabbard (as compared to one of the modern replacements) is excellent as are the mounts, which show traces of the original gilt with no dents. Nice example of this regulation U.S. Civil War sword and quite scarce with the original sharkskin covered scabbard.
Hudson Bay Trade Axe, Circa 1820. A beautiful example with a 3.5" blade and the original 24" wooden handle. The axe head has a strong "Hudson Bay Co" stamp. A superb example in excellent condition, and very rare from this early period.
1864 Dated Emerson & Silver Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. A solid example of this collectible model featuring a "US" marked blade and "J.M." inspector's mark. The saber retains the original leather throat washer and the grip is complete with the original wire wrap. The blade has some age discoloration and light surface rust which can easily be removed. The scabbard also has a light coat of surface rust. A nice example from a desirable maker, in very good condition.
1863 Dated Ames Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. A nice Civil War dated example of this classic design. "US" marked blade with "J. F." inspector's mark. The number "11" stamped into brass guard near the pommel. Blade remains relatively bright with areas of discoloration. Leather grip worn at the high spots and missing wire wrap; light surface rust to scabbard, otherwise in very good condition.
German Import Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. An interesting variation of the Model 1860 cavalry saber with a grip and pommel reminiscent of that of the previous Model 1840 saber and bearing a German maker's mark (bow and arrow with initials "BM", likely Bleckmann of Solingen). This is an impressive, well made sword, displaying typical German manufacture. The blade is uniformly tarnished with some areas of light rust. The grip retains the original wire wrap. The scabbard, too, is discolored with some light surface rust. An uncommon variant in very good condition.
U.S. Civil War Regulation Issue Carbine Cartridge Box. All leather supple, just some finish crazing and minor flaking. Buckles, belt loops, latch tab, finial, interior flaps, tool pouch, all sound and complete. Nicely marked on the inside flap, E. Gaylord/ Chicopee/ Mass. Wood block bored for twenty cartridges. Very nice example.
Scarce Copper U.S. Powder Flask as Issued with the Regulation Rifleman's Accoutrement Set. Eagle with shield on breast surmounting bugle with US in the center. Not marked or dated but circa 1830. Fine condition with just a few minor shallow dents, no seam openings, charging spring fine. Circular suspension loops. A scarce U.S. regulation flask in fine condition.
France: Cross of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis, Chevalier. 1.5" x 2.25" (including ring), in gold and multicolor enamels, unmarked. The Order of Saint Louis (Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis) is a chivalric order founded on April 5, 1693 by King Louis XIV and intended as a reward for exceptional officers, and is notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. It is roughly the ancestor of the Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honour), with which it shares the red ribbon. The French King was the Grand Master of the order. The badge of the order consisted of a portrait of Saint Louis surrounded by the motto « LUD(OVICUS) M(AGNUS) IN(STITUIT) 1693 » ("Louis the Great instituted it in 1693"). Knights, or Chevaliers, wore the badge suspended from a ribbon on the breast. One of the first acts of Louis XVIII upon the Bourbon Restoration was to reinstate the Order of Saint Louis, awarding it to officers of the Royal and Imperial armies alike. In 1830 the new king, Louis-Philippe, abolished the order, which was never recreated. Minor enamel loss to the arms and missing ribbon, else fine.
Red, Silk Brocade, Officer's Waist Sash, Worn by Samuel Huey Walkup as General of North Carolina Militia Circa 1855. Made for him by his wife. Walkup commanded the 48th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War, and was characterized as "one of the bravest officers in the Army of Northern Virginia," suffering wounds at Fredericksburg and The Wilderness, and was present at Appomattox with his regiment. Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage, which also states that the sash Walkup wore at Appomattox, in the original Schuyler Hartley and Graham box, is on loan from the family and currently on display at the Museum of Southern History at Houston Baptist University. The sash is also accompanied by copies of several photographs of Walkup, including one in which he is wearing this exact sash. The sash is 12" wide, constructed of fine quality light weight silk, brocaded with a floral/scroll design. The sash is 7.5' long, with the addition of 1" woven netting, and 5" hand knotted tassels, at each end. A number of small holes scattered about, but very good sound condition, with no unraveling and bright color. A very rare form with a wonderful history.
Mid-19th Century, White Buff British Royal Artillery Saber Belt. Thick, heavy white buff leather, all brass fitting also very heavy, including saber strap adjusting buckles, with the belt utilizing the iconic British "snake" buckle. Stenciled inside with British broad arrow and various other markings including 34 RA and rectangular ink stamped B. A./119. Overall in about perfect condition and a really a choice example of a scarce British regulation issue saber belt.
Wonderful Device for Hanging Uniforms and Gear Inside Tent, Used by Gallant Massachusetts Officer. Undoubtedly a prized and highly useful piece of personal gear, this set of hooks was designed to fasten around a tent pole to provide a means for hanging clothing and accoutrements. It consists of a 2" x 7" section of leather on which is firmly affixed five brass coat hooks. A narrower 0.75" x 6" belt is sewn to one end of that section and connects with a small japanned roller buckle on the opposite end. Still attached is an old paper tag that describes it as "Tent Pole Hooks/ Civil War-1862-3/ Maj. Elliot C. Pierce/ 13th Mass. Volunteers." The strap itself is very sound and pliable and is unmarked. The device was most likely either custom crafted for Pierce or made in very limited numbers. Pierce enlisted as the Sergt. Major of the 13th Mass. Vol. Inf. in July 1861 and rose through the ranks of this fighting unit to become Major in April 1864. He was mustered out four months later. During his service he was wounded at Second Bull Run and Spotsylvania Court House. It also appears he was court martialed for refusing to remove Confederate wounded from the field when in charge of the First Corps ambulance train at Gettysburg on July 4, 1863. A unique and functional item belonging to an officer with a most interesting history. Full service and pension records included.
Important St. Louis, Missouri-made Knife with Provenance Attesting to its Use by Captain James Simpson, Co. I 12th Missouri Cavalry, C.S.A. 12.5" overall with 7.75" double edge blade with high median ridge and 1" ricasso. Marked with a single die stamp on the obverse ricasso "WERBER" and on the reverse "ST. (LOU)IS, MO. (center portion of the die strike weak). Philip Werber is listed in the St. Louis directory as a maker of surgical instruments, beginning in 1854. The knife utilizes a one piece ebony grip, with German silver bolster and German silver washer, which is inlaid into the grip, on the exposed tang. Iron cross guard with elongated ball finials. Blade near mint, just some salt and peppering at the tip. Grip with one minor age hairline but very sound, else perfect. Brown leather scabbard, form fitted to the blade, with German silver tip and throat with frog stud. Also retains the original brown leather frog with belt loop. Scabbard and frog both with incised line decoration and about perfect condition.
The knife is accompanied by substantial family correspondence detailing its lineage from Simpson to a direct lineal descendant who acquired it via inheritance circa 1975. Simpson enlisted in the 12th Missouri Cavalry on August 5, 1862, having had prior service in Co. B 2d Regiment Missouri State Guard C.S.A. He served with the 12th through early 1864. The 12th Missouri was heavily engaged throughout Simpson's term of service. Also accompanied by a wealth of original and photostatic material on the knife's lineage, the maker, and the history of the regiments Simpson served in.
The knife is accompanied by substantial family correspondence detailing its lineage from Simpson to a direct lineal descendant who acquired it via inheritance circa 1975. Simpson enlisted in the 12th Missouri Cavalry on August 5, 1862, having had prior service in Co. B 2d Regiment Missouri State Guard C.S.A. He served with the 12th through early 1864. The 12th Missouri was heavily engaged throughout Simpson's term of service. Also accompanied by a wealth of original and photostatic material on the knife's lineage, the maker, and the history of the regiments Simpson served in.
Coin Silver Presentation Set Given to Henry W. Bellows, President of the United States Sanitary Commission, by the Citizens of San Francisco, California. The magnificent set of twelve large goblets, a centerpiece, a pitcher, two wine ewers, and a massive tray, was made by William Keyser Vanderslice of San Francisco, one of California's finest silversmiths, for the George C. Shreve jewelry company. The center of the tray has the inscription "To / Henry Whitney Bellows / President of the U. S. Sanitary Commission / from / Friends in San Francisco / A Tribute of Honor and Gratitude / for his Service / to the sick and wounded soldiers of the National Army / June 1863" surrounded by an elaborate foliate design with engraved depictions of Mount Shasta, Yosemite Falls, a view of Fort Point and the Golden Gate, and a stand of giant Sequoias. The other pieces are monogrammed with the letter "B" and have engine turned and chased decoration.
This set was presented to the president of the Sanitary Commission, Henry W. Bellows. A prominent Unitarian minister, Bellows was appalled by the terrible toll disease and inadequate medical care took on the men who fought for the Union. In 1861 Bellows helped Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell to establish the Women's Central Organization of Relief. The government and the military largely ignored the organization's offer of help. Bellows led a committee to lobby President Abraham Lincoln to accept the desperately needed aid. Reluctantly the government chartered the United States Sanitary Commission to organize the collection of donated medical supplies and to advise on public health and medical measures. Bellows was made president of the new organization. Through the efforts of Bellows and others, the Sanitary Commission coordinated the efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers spread over the entire nation. The Sanitary Commission's policy of treating captured, wounded Confederate troops as well as wounded Federal troops inspired the Geneva Convention on War. When the American Red Cross was formed, its organization was modeled on the Sanitary Commission.
There was a strong connection between San Francisco and the United States Sanitary Commission, thanks in large measure to Thomas Starr King, another Unitarian minister who, in 1860, left his native New England to accept a pastorate in San Francisco. At the outbreak of the Civil War, King spoke fervently in defense of the Union. President Lincoln credited King with keeping California in the Union. King believed that despite the great distances between the East and West, Californians needed to support Union troops. He formed the Pacific Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission to raise funds for the care of wounded Union soldiers. Largely as a result of King's fiery oratory Californians contributed over $1.5 million dollars to the Sanitary Commission's New York headquarters, a sum that amounted to twenty percent of all the funds the commission collected in its five-year existence. King's exhausting speaking schedule contributed to his death in March of 1864 of diphtheria.
This breathtaking set was made by William Keyser Vanderslice, a Quaker silversmith who moved to California from Philadelphia in 1858. The talented Vanderslice catered to a clientele made prosperous by gold and silver mining. Before he opened his own jewelry shop, Vanderslice sold his wares through George C. Shreve & Company, (later Shreve & Co.). Each of the goblets is simply marked "Sterling". All other matching pieces are marked, "George C. Shreve & Co. / S.F. Cal." and "Pure Coin" with the Vanderslice hallmark. The mammoth tray measures 28" x 21.25". The silver set is sold with its fitted oak chest. From the collection of the American Red Cross.
This set was presented to the president of the Sanitary Commission, Henry W. Bellows. A prominent Unitarian minister, Bellows was appalled by the terrible toll disease and inadequate medical care took on the men who fought for the Union. In 1861 Bellows helped Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell to establish the Women's Central Organization of Relief. The government and the military largely ignored the organization's offer of help. Bellows led a committee to lobby President Abraham Lincoln to accept the desperately needed aid. Reluctantly the government chartered the United States Sanitary Commission to organize the collection of donated medical supplies and to advise on public health and medical measures. Bellows was made president of the new organization. Through the efforts of Bellows and others, the Sanitary Commission coordinated the efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers spread over the entire nation. The Sanitary Commission's policy of treating captured, wounded Confederate troops as well as wounded Federal troops inspired the Geneva Convention on War. When the American Red Cross was formed, its organization was modeled on the Sanitary Commission.
There was a strong connection between San Francisco and the United States Sanitary Commission, thanks in large measure to Thomas Starr King, another Unitarian minister who, in 1860, left his native New England to accept a pastorate in San Francisco. At the outbreak of the Civil War, King spoke fervently in defense of the Union. President Lincoln credited King with keeping California in the Union. King believed that despite the great distances between the East and West, Californians needed to support Union troops. He formed the Pacific Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission to raise funds for the care of wounded Union soldiers. Largely as a result of King's fiery oratory Californians contributed over $1.5 million dollars to the Sanitary Commission's New York headquarters, a sum that amounted to twenty percent of all the funds the commission collected in its five-year existence. King's exhausting speaking schedule contributed to his death in March of 1864 of diphtheria.
This breathtaking set was made by William Keyser Vanderslice, a Quaker silversmith who moved to California from Philadelphia in 1858. The talented Vanderslice catered to a clientele made prosperous by gold and silver mining. Before he opened his own jewelry shop, Vanderslice sold his wares through George C. Shreve & Company, (later Shreve & Co.). Each of the goblets is simply marked "Sterling". All other matching pieces are marked, "George C. Shreve & Co. / S.F. Cal." and "Pure Coin" with the Vanderslice hallmark. The mammoth tray measures 28" x 21.25". The silver set is sold with its fitted oak chest. From the collection of the American Red Cross.
Unique Civil War Confederate Officer's Sword Belt with Great Period ID to Captain Joseph C. Clayton, Co. H, 39th Alabama Inf. Period ink inscription of Clayton's name and regiment both inside the sword sling, and on the back of the belt. Clayton, from a prominent Alabama family, was the brother of Henry Delamar Clayton, Confederate major general and later president of the University of Alabama. Joseph Clayton originally enlisted in the 1st Alabama, commanded by his brother, on January 18, 1862, and served with the regiment to early 1862. Joseph subsequently joined the 39th Alabama, in May 1862, also organized and commanded by his brother, and was seriously wounded at Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862, succumbing to his wounds while a Federal prisoner on January 15, 1863. The russet leather belt is in excellent condition, some crazing but very sound and supple. Only the longer of the two sword slings remains, which utilizes a rather crude brass hook for suspension, rather than the conventional snap swivel. The tab for the other sword sling is still attached to the belt but the sling is missing. The two piece interlocking buckle is rather crudely cast, obviously a local product, with gadrooned belt loops, and no bench marks. The tongue cast plain except for a stippled finish, to which is attached an 1852 large cent (date barely visible at the bottom) that has been smoothed, shaped and attached with two mounting studs, visible on the back. This has been cut out, obviously prior to mounting, with the letters 5/NCC. Exact significance unknown but doubtless a local Alabama militia moniker. Accompanied by voluminous records and research on both Joseph and Henry Clayton. The entire set is totally untouched.
Section of an Entirely Hand-stitched Patchwork Quilt, 22" x 23", to which is Attached a 10.5" x 8" Portion of an Eleven Star Silk Confederate First National Flag. Printed on the white stripe "Louisiana May 22, 1861/ Matte Rosa Bonde" with a seven line patriotic poem. Various size patches of various patterns and material, the flag stitched on top of the quilt, the underside of the quilt covered with a gingham like material. The flag is very fragile, composed of nine pieces. The light blue field has eleven 1.25" silk stars stitched in place. The field appears to be nearly full size, while the stripes have clearly been cut down considerably. The quilt itself is in about perfect condition, the flag very fragile and brittle along the edges, clearly requiring stabilization. A wonderful family memento of the lost cause and a superb size for framing and display.
Civil War U.S. M1855 .58 Caliber Socket Bayonet with the Original Scabbard. Bayonet very fine with just some staining on the socket, blade about mint, absolutely no rust or pitting. Scabbard excellent with just some crazing and minor flaking on the frog. Body with a couple of wrinkles and a few chips, minor, very sound, original brass tip. Nice set that has always been together
Very Scarce .56 Caliber (the Actual Diameter of the Merrill .54 Caliber Bullet) Merrill Bullet Mould. All brass, two cavities, with iron sprue cutter, marked 56 on the bottom. Casts two three cannelure, solid base, conical bullets. Near perfect untouched condition, the sprue cutter retaining most of the original blue, brass with nice mellow patina. A rare mould.
Very Rare Civil War Merrill Carbine Cartridge Box. Black bridle leather, 5.75" x 1.8" x 4.75", with double flaps and implement pocket on the inner flap. Stenciled marking on the inside of the front flap, "Merrill,Thomas & Co./ Baltimore/ Patent Applied For". Marking a bit weak but present. Specially designed wooden insert, divided into four tiers, each tier drilled to hold seven Merrill combustible cartridges. Box in excellent complete sound condition with both belt loops, latch tab, etc. Just some minor flaking on the outer flap and one seam opening on flap ear. Eight of the bored spaces in the wooden block exhibit some breakage, with twenty intact. A nice complete example of one of the rarest of the Civil War commercial cartridge boxes.
M1863 Cavalry Bit Iron with Brass U.S. Rosettes. Lot consists of a pair of cavalry bits, both ports & cheek straps are very good condition no repairs, lower rein rings (curb) are good also, branches are sturdy, one bit has brass U.S. Rosette (or boss) and is also marker marked Johnson, and the other bit is missing the Rosettes. Overall condition is very nice with just minor surface rust.
M1863 Cavalry Bit Iron with Brass U.S. Rosettes. Lot consists of a pair of cavalry bits, both ports & cheek straps are very good condition no repairs, lower rein rings (curb) are good also, branches are sturdy, one bit has brass U.S. Rosette (or boss), and the other bit is missing the Rosettes. Overall condition is very nice; they have normal rusting.
Civil War Grouping of Hiram F. Stover, Drummer, Co. C, 3rd Penna. Hvy. Arty. Stover enlisted on February 11, 1864, and was mustered out November 9, 1865. Great 2.5" x 3.5" tintype portrait of him in four button blouse and kepi with his drum, paint decorated with eagle and shield, suspended from a linen sling, sticks poised to play. Interestingly one of the sticks has clearly been broken and repaired. A few small abrasions at the top, otherwise excellent in the original walnut frame. Threaded spear point tip from a Civil War guidon/ flag pole top retaining 90% of the original gilt. A Civil War mother of pearl "sweetheart" pin, heart shaped, 7/8" x 15/16", with tiny neatly scratched letters "H. F. S./ Bat C/ 3rd Art/ Pa" filled in with ink and a red inked incised line around the edge. Early brass safety pin style back, pinned to a piece of sky blue uniform cloth, probably from an overcoat. Also a 16" x 20" post war "projection" image, obviously taken from the tintype, highlighted with water color and charcoal. Really one of the best of these we've ever seen. Interestingly it shows several modifications from the tintype including closing the coat, adding some buttons and a waist belt with rectangular buckle. Very nice Civil War musician's grouping.
Civil War Eagle Snare Drum of the 78th New York Infantry, 1st Regiment Eagle Brigade, Cameron Highlanders. The regiment left for the "seat of war" in April 1862, and was engaged at Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and, later, through heavy fighting in Georgia, being consolidated with the 112th New York in July 1864. The drum is 10" high with a 17" diameter, doubtless being slightly shortened during the period of use, which is not uncommon with the diminutive size of many drummers. Both heads intact, retaining most of the original rope, now broken, and one of the original tighteners, only remnants of the label remain. Brass tack decoration around the air hole, classic painted eagle decoration with the number 78 deeply carved preceding Reg. Original red painted hoops. The drum is in as found/ untouched condition, having surfaced a number of years ago with other artifacts related to this and other New York state regiments. The drum retains about 80% of the original paint decoration, with no imminent signs of further deterioration. Hoops retain 95% of the original red paint with demonstrable wear from the ropes. The drum is accompanied by the original fine condition sticks, with artificially grained decoration, the first example we've seen and the original cloth storage bag, black cotton with gray silk lining, a few holes, but very good and sound.
Very Fine Civil War U.S. M1858 Smooth Side Canteen. Unmarked pewter spout, original stopper and chain. The tight weave brown wool cover with some small scattered moth holes but excellent, just one small dent. Nice example of the regulation U.S. issue Civil War canteen.
Wonderful Handcrafted U.S. Navy Enlisted Man's Blue Wool Jumper, Circa 1850-1865. Entirely hand stitched, the closure on the collar affected with a black hard rubber button, with a single vegetable ivory button at each cuff. There is also a small white cotton tie 5" below the neck. Sleeves with substantial blousing where they attach to the cuffs. 0.25" wide white silk piping, 1" point to point hand embroidered stars. Rolled collar, 4" from edge to tip at the front, indicative of the early period of this jumper. There is a 5" slit, with handstitched edge, at the bottom on both sides. Some scattered minor mothing but excellent sound condition with brilliant color.
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company Cross Belt Plate. This is the exact piece illustrated in Campbell & O'Donnell, Plate 51. All bronze construction with hand engraved face, and large, heavy attachment loops on reverse. Although identified as circa 1810 in the book, it is our opinion that the engraving style, and details of construction, more likely date this plate to the 18th century. Deep, dark untouched patina overall. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company was one of the first independent military units in America, founded in Boston in 1638. Very rare and very early.
Civil War: Presentation Lap Desk of John Albion Andrew, War Governor of Massachusetts and Leading Abolitionist. The desk, 16" wide x 9.75" deep x 6" high, is rosewood with a brass plaque and mounts. The plaque is engraved "To / John A. Andrews / from the Pupils of Rev. Mr. Stearns / Sabbath School". Included are two large, 3.5", ornate antique pen nibs with a metal collar stamped "Black No 808F Swan Quill", along the side in copper-plate script is "J Gillott"; a small round cardboard box with "Charles Albion Andrew / 1850" in ink on the top and "Charly A. Andrew / May 1850" in pencil on the inside lid; and, a carte de visite of "Ex Gov. John A. Andrew", 2.5" x 4". Inside the desk is a wonderful document that reflects Andrew's abolitionist beliefs, 7.75" x 7.75" on partially printed Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department stationary dated September 2, 1864, with a quotation from the anonymous poem "The Song of the Forge" boldly transcribed and signed by Andrew that reads:
The Sword! - A name of dread; yet when
Upon the freeman's thigh 'tis bound
While for his alter and hearth,
While for land that gave him birth,
The war-drums roll, the trumpets sound -
How sacred is it then!
John A. Andrews was a graduate of Bowdoin College who, once admitted to the bar, entered politics as a Whig and committed abolitionist. 1848, he helped organize the Free Soil Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery. In the mid-1850s, following the failure of the Free Soil Party, Andrew joined the Republican Party. Following John Brown's 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, Andrew participated in organizing legal aid for Brown in Massachusetts. In 1860, he was elected governor of Massachusetts by a huge margin. Andrew anticipated the national split that followed Abraham Lincoln's election. When Andrew took office on January 2, 1861, on the eve of the Civil War, he immediately began to ready the Massachusetts militia for duty. When President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 men to defend the capitol, Andrew was the first governor to dispatch troops to Washington. In April 1862 he began working closely with Frederick Douglass to get federal support for using Black men as uniformed soldiers in the Union army. As governor he authorized the formation of two regiments of Black infantry, the 54th and 55th Massachusetts, composed of blacks from the state, as well as Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Andrew became one of the leading state executives at the Loyal War Governors' Conference which supported Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the national war effort. He left office in 1866 and died the following year.
The Sword! - A name of dread; yet when
Upon the freeman's thigh 'tis bound
While for his alter and hearth,
While for land that gave him birth,
The war-drums roll, the trumpets sound -
How sacred is it then!
John A. Andrews was a graduate of Bowdoin College who, once admitted to the bar, entered politics as a Whig and committed abolitionist. 1848, he helped organize the Free Soil Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery. In the mid-1850s, following the failure of the Free Soil Party, Andrew joined the Republican Party. Following John Brown's 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, Andrew participated in organizing legal aid for Brown in Massachusetts. In 1860, he was elected governor of Massachusetts by a huge margin. Andrew anticipated the national split that followed Abraham Lincoln's election. When Andrew took office on January 2, 1861, on the eve of the Civil War, he immediately began to ready the Massachusetts militia for duty. When President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 men to defend the capitol, Andrew was the first governor to dispatch troops to Washington. In April 1862 he began working closely with Frederick Douglass to get federal support for using Black men as uniformed soldiers in the Union army. As governor he authorized the formation of two regiments of Black infantry, the 54th and 55th Massachusetts, composed of blacks from the state, as well as Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Andrew became one of the leading state executives at the Loyal War Governors' Conference which supported Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the national war effort. He left office in 1866 and died the following year.
"Spoon made By Soldier Prisoner at Belle Isle" is the ink legend on the 3" square tag that accompanies this 6.25" long hand carved wooden spoon. Spoon with nice dark patina, tag with some cracks, now mounted to keep it intact. Documented Civil War POW artifacts are quite scarce.
Fired Confederate 3" Read Case Shot with Side Loader Plug and Lathe Notch. No fuze and the iron balls and matrix are clearly visible inside. Rifling grooves on the sabot. Obviously an early battlefield pickup, and accompanied by a 1.75" x 3.25" paper tag with ink script history, "Procured of Noah Kutze at Sharpsburg by JBC Sept. 1, 1887" on obverse and "from the center of the town of Sharpsburg" on the reverse. Tag with some chipping but sound and legible. A scarce shell and a great Antietam relic.
Confederate Twelve Pound Spherical Case Shot. Accompanied by a 2" x 3.25" paper tag with the following ink script history, "6 pound shell from the battlefield of South Mountain" on the obverse and "[This] shell contains the [orig]inal load [purc]hased from the colored broom maker of Boonsboro Md. Sept. 3, 1887" A additional typewritten tag contains the same information but properly identifies it as a 12 lb. shell. Shell with prominent mould seam and obviously an early battlefield pickup. No fuze and the iron balls and matrix are clearly visible. Another great Antietam-associated relic.
Lacquered Papier-mâché Glasses Case from the Napoleonic Wars. The case, 3" x 5.5". depicts Neptune in the center surrounded by the soldiers holding the flags of many nations. Prominent among them are the flags of Austria and Prussia, that, and the uniforms and headgear, would indicate that the case dates from the period of the War of the Sixth Coalition. To Neptune's left is an overflowing cornucopia and to his right a flowing river. The back of the case has indecipherable German copy. Both sides have light craquelure. The leather sides show minor weakness, but are still supple. Fine.
U.S. M1840 Light Artillery Saber, Ames/ Chicopee/ 1856. Pattern utilizing scabbard without throat fitting into recess on the underside of the guard. Blade smooth and light gray, just a couple of tiny nicks, negligible, with excellent markings. Hilt with nice dark untouched patina. Leather and twisted brass wire wrap about perfect. Scabbard very nice with smooth dark patina, just a few tiny patches of very light pitting, minor. Very nice example of this scarce early pattern M1840 light artillery saber.
U.S. Militia Artillery Officer's Saber, Circa 1830. 31" curved blade decorated with fire blue, and gilt engraved military motifs and scrollwork, including an American shield. Blade excellent, with much original luster, retaining 70% of the blue and 90% of the gilt, with just one small area of salt and peppering near the hilt. All brass hilt with heavy reverse P guard, langets decorated with deep relief oak leaves. Slotted for knot, disc quillon with cast floral motif. Ribbed one piece ivory grip perfect with nice mellow color. All brass scabbard about perfect with screw fastened throat. A pretty American sword in very fine condition.
Mint U.S. M1840 Non Commissioned Officer's Sword. Probably the finest we've ever seen, Ames/ 1862. Scabbard with just a few tiny scuff and one hairline in the finish near the tip, else the sword and scabbard are absolutely perfect. Few finer.
Prahl Style, All Brass Hilt American Eaglehead Saber, Circa 1790. Generally associated with the Philadelphia area, these sabers are often identified as having been used by American artillery officers, and exist in several slightly different forms. This example has the earliest form 33" flat blade with three narrow fullers along the top. Blade generally smooth and gray with a few small scattered areas of light to medium pitting, minor, and there are no nicks. All brass hilt excellent with rather crude delineation of the eagle's eyes and beak. There is a slight bend and an old repair to a crack in the outboard branch, barely perceptible. Hilt overall with nice patina, even retains the original brown leather sword knot. A fine example of this rare and desirable American sword pattern.
American Militia Waist Belt Plate, Circa 1815-1825. About identical to Plate 152 in O'Donnell & Campbell but 70mm x 71mm. All brass construction, deep dark patina with a couple of minor bends. 12mm tongue, heavy belt loop bar. Nice, complete, representative example of this popular American waist belt plate.
Major General Zachary Taylor Buena Vista Medal. 90mm. Bronzed copper. Dies by C.C. Wright. Obverse bust right, MAJOR GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR around, intertwined branches of oak and laurel beneath, RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MAY 9, 1848, C.C. WRIGHT F. beneath bust, S.ELLIS DEL. at lower rim. Reverse ornate battle scene in center, two snakes forming a cartouche above sprays of cactus and oak, BUENA VISTA FEB. 22 & 23,1847. above, F.A. SMITH DEL. at lower left, C.C. WRIGHT SCULP. at lower right. A close examination of the reverse, a classic of the miniaturist's art, will reveal more than 50 horses individually sculpted, several with riders mounting, a trumpeter, flag bearer, dozens--perhaps hundreds--of individual cavalrymen, six cannons belching smoke, along with a mountain scene in the background. With some wear to the bronzed finish, but in overall excellent condition.
Bronze Navy Medal for Duncan Ingraham. 102mm. Designed by S. Eastman, obverse sculpted by Peter Cross, reverse sculpted by James Longacre. Obverse design: ships St. Louis and Hussar obverse, text in exergue SMYRNA uppermost, left AMERICAN / SLOOP OF WAR / ST LOUIS., right AUSTRIAN / BRIG OF WAR / HUSSAR. Reverse design: within laurel-and-oak wreath and above an eagle with glory, PRESENTED / BY THE / PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES / TO / COMMANDER DUNCAN N. INGRAHAM / AS A TESTIMONIAL OF THE HIGH SENSE / ENTERTAINED BY CONGRESS / OF HIS GALLANT AND JUDICIOUS CONDUCT / ON THE 2d OF JULY 1853. / JOINT RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS AUGUST 4th 1854. In July, 1853 Captain Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham, while in command of the sloop-of-war St. Louis in the Mediterranean, interfered with the Austrian consul's detention of Martin Kosztca, a Hungarian who had declared in New York his intention of becoming an American citizen. For his conduct in this matter he was voted thanks and a medal by Congress. From a New York Times article dated December 8, 1855 concerning the original (struck in gold): "The Congressional Medal for Commander Ingraham is four and one-sixteenth inches in diameter, and the largest ever struck in the United States - of greater dimensions than the celebrated Jefferson Medal, in 1806, which was less than four inches." A nice example without remarkable flaws and with a nice chocolate patina.
Captain John Paul Jones Mint Medal. 57mm. Bronzed copper. Obverse bust facing right with epaulets and ponytail, JOANNI PAVLO JONES CLASSIS PRAEFECTO around, COMITIA AMERICANA under bust ("The American Congress to John Paul Jones, commander of the fleet"), reverse naval battle scene with HOSTIUM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS ("The vessels of the enemy captured or put to flight"), in exergue AD ORAM SCOTIAE XXIII SEPT. MDCCLXXVIIII ("At the shore of Scotland, Sept. 23, 1779"). In excellent condition.
Hundred Years War: Untitled Painting of a Medieval Battle. Oil on canvas, 24" x 17", framed 25.75" x 18.75" (overall), unsigned. The painting shows a pitched battle between French soldiers on the right and English soldiers on the left. The soldier in the foreground to the right is holding a shield with three fleur-de-lis and above the soldiers on the left is a flag with the Cross of Saint George. The painting needs cleaning and has very modest craquelure, else very fine.
U.S. M1840 Non-Commissioned Officer's Sword, Ames 1864. Blade excellent retaining much of the original luster with just some scattered surface rust, no nicks. Brass hilt with deep dark patina, untouched, just one minor bend on the edge of the outboard counterguard. Scabbard is broken through 5" above the tip with no loss. Brass mounts with some dents, frog stud missing. Scabbard and sword both need a light cleaning. Worthy of restoration.
M1811 German/Prussian Light Cavalry Saber. Patterned directly after the M1796 British saber and oft referred to as the "Blucher sword" for its use at Waterloo. The 1796/1811 is viewed by many historians as the most effective military slashing saber ever devised, and was continually used by German cavalry units through the end of the 19th century. Sword overall with nice patina, in near perfect untouched condition. Blade retains most of the luster. Leather wrapped grip and scabbard also perfect. Blade, hilt and scabbard all bear the number 246H1. Back of the blade also with manufacture date (18)82. Scabbard and reverse langet exhibit the mark R.I.M.23.32. Very fine example and especially desirable with these matching numbers/unit marks.
Double Twist Brass Bugle, Circa 1860-1870. Engraved maker's mark on the bell, "The R. Wurlitzer Co./ Manuf./ Cin. O." Brass floating rim, 15.5" overall, silvered brass mouthpiece, dovetailed seam. A few scattered dents but overall excellent with nice patina. Absolutely no bends or cracks. Retains the original rope like cotton cord. Originally red, now badly faded but very sound, presumably designating artillery. Nice U.S. military bugle with Wurlitzer (of later Jukebox fame) commencing business in 1860.
Group of Five Civil War or Earlier Wooden Mortar Fuzes. 6.25" long, 1.25" diameter at the top. All five about perfect with original paper label/seal on top with ink script time etc. Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s.
Group of Four Perfect Condition P1853 Civil War Enfield Nipple Protectors. Brass chain, leather cap, iron base, fitted to the square base of the nipple. Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Scarce and a great adjunct to a nice P1853 Enfield.
Group of Civil War Cannon Primers. An unopened pack of five friction primers, blue paper wrapping with printed representation of primer/ Friction Primers/ Frankford Arsenal/ 1861. Near perfect just a few end chips. Two loose friction primers with corrosion but easily cleaned. Four quill primers and two 2.5" long brass friction primers with attached coil spring mechanism. All acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Nice representative group.
About Perfect Condition Tin of Nine Rolls of Wax Paper-wrapped Maynard Tape Primers. As issued for use with the M1855 rifle and rifled musket. 2.5" x 1" diameter tin, retaining much of the original japanned finish. The nine rolls of primers perfect. Acquired by the consignor from Bannerman's in the late 1940s. Great for display with a M1855 and quite scarce.
Colorful Civil War Patriotic Broadside. 21" x 26.75", published/printed by the Philadelphia daily journal and probably circa 1861. Some small holes on the folds and edge chips, but very good and sound with bright colors. Archivally framed/ mounted. An impressive Civil War broadside.
Civil War: Folding Officer's Seven Piece Camp Utensil Kit. Includes: a set of three large ivory handled folding eating utensils, a fork (7.25") and spoon (7.5") marked "HW & S BP" for William Hutton & Sons founded in 1800 and BP for British Plate a superb nickel alloy developed by Hutton for plating purposes, and a matching knife (7.25") marked "Brookes & Crookes / Sheffield" for the firm of John Brookes and Thomas Crookes, founded in 1858, that produced all types of cutlery and Bowie-type knives; a small silver plated combination spoon and marrow scoop (4.75") with indistinct marks; a steel pocket corkscrew (3.75") with a lined sheath and a turned top; a two compartment bone spice tube (4"); and, a glass flask (5") with a half leather cover, a pewter screw cap and drinking cup, both the cap and cup are marked "James Dixon & Sons" a firm established in 1806. All of the seven pieces of this set fit in a folding maroon tooled leather cover. The cover shows wear and there is some light rusting to the corkscrew, else all other pieces fine or better.
Very Rare American Ceremonial Pipe Tomahawk, Circa 1840. Nearly identical to the example pictured as Fig 2, page 220, in Hartzler and Knowle's tomahawk book, this example inscribed "Metamora Tribe No. 2/ Imp'd O. R. M./ Instituted Hunting Moon/ G. S. D. 354", obviously both pieces by the same maker. Blade 9 5/8" including pipe bowl plug, 2 7/8" wide. 18.25" overall with the original curved walnut haft, and pinned construction German silver mouthpiece pierced for smoking. The Improved Order of Red Men is America's oldest indigenous fraternal organization, tracing their roots back to the pre-Revolutionary War Sons of Liberty, and the use of Indian costumes in the Boston Tea Party. The organization was formally established in Baltimore in 1834, with their rituals and regalia modeled after those of Native Americans. The head is beautifully fabricated of cast steel, engraved with a floral/sunburst motif on the obverse, and compass rose like motif on the reverse, of the haft aperture. The reverse side of the blade is engraved with bow, arrow and quiver. The pipe bowl features a screw out plug cast/chaised in the form of a flame. The entire piece is in perfect untouched condition with dark smooth patina, the haft retaining all of the original varnish. A most attractive and very rare American pipe tomahawk.
Civil War Confederate Cavalry Saber Manufactured at the Confederate States Armory, Kenansville, North Carolina. Although unmarked there can be little doubt as to its Kenansville origin. Curved 34.5" blade with 3/8" unstopped fuller along the top, and a noteworthy forging flaw at the base. Blade smooth with nice patina, no nicks, and just a few small areas of salt and peppering. Retains most of the original star shaped leather washer. Heavy sheet brass guard with recessed rough cast area on the underside, flat cap pommel, typical of this maker, all perfect with dark untouched patina. Oil cloth grip with single strand iron wire wrap also about perfect, with just a couple of tiny worn spots. Scabbard with prominent lap seam, narrow brass ring mounts and sheet brass throat, reminiscent of the iconic sheet brass guard CSA staff officer's sword produced by this firm. Heavy brass carrying rings. Scabbard with deep dark patina, just a few small scattered areas of minor pitting, and a few dents near the tip. The scabbard drag appears to have been literally 'blown off' and is bent over, apparently from impact. A very scarce Confederate "working" saber in wonderful untouched condition.
Silver-Mounted, Handcrafted Re-creation of What is Generically Referred to as "Bowie No. 1". Considered by collectors to be one of the earliest forms of the "Bowie knife," this example being very similar to the knife in the Alamo museum. 15" overall, 8.75" blade with shallow clipped point. All mounts of silver including plates on either side of the ricasso. Black, possibly ebony, wood grip, with one well worn chip on the reverse side. Heavy, silver mounted, backstitched, leather scabbard. Knife and scabbard in overall excellent condition, with just some scattered dents/dings on the silver mounts. Although long believed to be period, we are of the opinion this example is, in fact, a late nineteenth century recreation of this seminal American knife form. Still a wonderful addition to any early American knife collection.
U.S. Volunteer Militia Cap Plate, Circa 1825-1835. Identical form to FIG 582 in Campbell & O'Donnell but apparently an earlier, more finely detailed, die strike. Die struck brass 5" x 3.75". Perfect condition with nice untouched patina, retaining both of the original solder affixed brass attachment loops on the reverse. Choice example of this very attractive plate.
Exquisite Quality Set of Silvered Officer's Spurs, Circa 1840. Very heavily silver plated brass with deep relief cast decoration of oak leaves and acorns. Rowel post with scrollwork, acorns on the rowel mount. Multi pointed blued steel rowels. The rowel post is threaded into the boot heel mount and pointed, for permanently affixing to the boot. Perfect untouched condition and a very pretty set of officer's spurs.
U.S. Military Copper Flask as Issued with the Rifleman's Accoutrement Set, N. P. Ames, 1838. Deep dark untouched patina with some scattered dents but absolutely no seam openings. Rare pattern with eagle surmounting bugle containing U.S. Original spout, and triangular brass suspension loops, charging spring works fine. A very scarce US military flask.
Jean-Baptiste Edouard Detaille. "The Cavalryman". Image size 9 ½" x 7 ¼". Drypoint. Signed "Edouard Detaille / 1874" at the lower left. Edouard Detaille was one of the more popular artists of the 19th century. He produced numerous works portraying scenes of military life and was noted for the intensity and detail he brought to his work. In fact, he became the semi-official painter of the French army. This example, "The Cavalryman", certainly captures Detaille at his finest. There is some toning at the edges of the paper, a reaction from a previous mat, not affecting image, otherwise it is in near fine condition.
Jean-Baptiste Edouard Detaille. Study of Mounted French Cavalryman. Image size 8 ½" x 11 ½". Drypoint. Signed "E. Detaille / 1875" at the lower right. A fine study by one of France's premier military artists, mounted on board and matted.
Very Rare U.S. Issue, Squad Cleaning Kit for the M1911 Colt .45 Caliber Automatic Service Pistol, Circa 1915. 5" x 9" x 2" high, sturdy steel case with hinged lid and carrying handle. Embossed US in a circle on the lid, the case retains 98% of the original bright blue finish, commensurate with the finish then applied to the Colt M1911. The kit contains ten brass cleaning rods, nine copper bristle brushes (one missing), nine take down tools (one missing), an OD finished oil can, and galvanized tin for patches. The wood and metal inserts all exhibit what are probably parts numbers. The lid is friction fitted with a tab on the front. Marked on both ends 9F, which designates Troop F of the 9th United States Cavalry. During the period this piece was in use the 9th Cavalry was stationed at Camp Harry C. Jones on the Arizona border with Mexico, and was engaged at the infamous "Battle of Naco", against the Mexican revolutionaries of Pancho Villa. A most rare piece of U.S. Issue equipment, in superb condition, with a wonderful history.
U.S. Issue Five Button Blue Wool Fatigue Blouse with Accompanying Period Kepi, Circa 1890. Eagle buttons with mixed backmarks, but primarily Horstmann. Brown polished cotton lining, white sleeve lining with light blue pinstripes. Breast pockets on both sides. Both sides of the collar with buff color inset numeral one that were apparently covered for reissue, covering removed on one side. Overall condition near perfect with just a few tiny moth holes and missing one button on each cuff. The kepi has an unbound visor with Ohio state seal side buttons. Missing the lining else about perfect. Nice representative set.
Presentation Grade, Silver Grip Model 1860 Staff and Field Officer's Sword of Edward A. Wells, Circa 1900.
Nicely etched blade by James H. Hirsch and Company, Chicago Illinois, on the obverse ricasso. Fire blue and gilt panel on the reverse with steam boat, eagle, stand of flags & foliate patterns. The name "Edward A. Wells" gilt etched, with fire blue background on the obverse..Blade marked "Made in Germany." in an intertwined US on the reverse ricasso. Blade excellent with most of the original luster, just a few minor scattered stains. Very heavy elaborate gilt brass guard, with deep relief eagle on obverse counterguard, and arms panoply with American shield on the reverse folding counterguard. The knucklebow incorporates acanthus leaves with a US. Hilt overall retains about 98% of the original gilt. Nickeled scabbard is mounted with elaborately decorated ring mounts and drag, also retaining most of the original gilt. Silvered grip with twisted wire wrap about perfect. Scabbard with some minor surface staining, would clean to about perfect.
A very nice 1860 Staff & Field.
Nicely etched blade by James H. Hirsch and Company, Chicago Illinois, on the obverse ricasso. Fire blue and gilt panel on the reverse with steam boat, eagle, stand of flags & foliate patterns. The name "Edward A. Wells" gilt etched, with fire blue background on the obverse..Blade marked "Made in Germany." in an intertwined US on the reverse ricasso. Blade excellent with most of the original luster, just a few minor scattered stains. Very heavy elaborate gilt brass guard, with deep relief eagle on obverse counterguard, and arms panoply with American shield on the reverse folding counterguard. The knucklebow incorporates acanthus leaves with a US. Hilt overall retains about 98% of the original gilt. Nickeled scabbard is mounted with elaborately decorated ring mounts and drag, also retaining most of the original gilt. Silvered grip with twisted wire wrap about perfect. Scabbard with some minor surface staining, would clean to about perfect.
A very nice 1860 Staff & Field.
Japan: Three Letter Openers and Page Turners. Including: one in brass and silver with a snake coiled in a gnarled tree trunk, an applied silver bird and two bronze leaves, decorated brass blade, 12" long; another in bronze with two silvered and gilt highlighted cormorants on each side of the handle, a decorated silvered brass blade, 12" long; and, the third with a bronze handle decorated with bird and floral motifs, a faux ivory etched blade, 12.25". All show wear, else very good or better.
Japan: Japanese Iron and Gold Openwork Tsuba with a Ship Motif. 2.75" x 3". This marvelously detailed tsuba depicts a dragon bowed ship on a rough sea. The gold highlights are spectacular. In a fitted wood box. Very fine.
Showa Period Japanese Sword in Superb Condition. Nakago exhibits the Showa stamp dating the sword to the 1926-1945 period and bears the legend, "Seki Ju Yoshida Kaneyoshi Saku", the smith's name being Yoshida Kaneyoshi. The nagasa is 64.2cm, and the nakago 16.7cm. Blade is in perfect polish with distinctive hamon. Wooden scabbard, WW II mounts. Nice sword.
Mexico: Venustiano Carranza Oversized Photo Signed "V. Carranza". Encircled by images of staff officers of the Mexican Constitutionalist Army, n.d., [ca. 1918], 19.75" x 24", sepia. Venustiano Carranza, Governor of the Mexican State of Coahuila, formed the Constitutionalist Army to avenge to murder of President Francisco Madero and Vice President José María Pino Suárez and to oust the usurper General Victoriano Huerta from the presidency. Carranza assumed the position of Primer Jefe [First Chief] of the Constitutionalist Army and was the de facto leader of Mexico following the defeat of federal forces loyal to Huerta in 1914. Carranza served as president of the Republic of Mexico from 1917 until 1920, when he was assassinated. Among the officers pictured are Lieutenant Colonel Lucio Dávila, Captain Ignacio Suárez, Captain N. J. Ochoa, and Captain Octavio Amador. Fine condition.
Mexican Revolution: Silk Flag of the Supreme Leader of the Division of the North, General Francisco [Poncho] Villa. The flag, printed on one side, has three stitched panels with the Maderist eagle in the center with "Cuerpo de Ejercito / del Norte" above, and below, "Jefe Supremo / Gral. Francisco Villa". The flag measures 25" x 15" and has ribbon ties. The green has faded to brown. One small water stain, else near very fine.
Autographs
Francisco "Poncho" Villa Military Order Signed. In the one page order, in Spanish, August 29, 1913, Bustillos, [Chihuahua], Villa commands that "10 rifles Mauser" be given to Captain Joaquin Terrazas for use by his men. The order is signed, "Francisco Villa" as "El General en Jefe". On August 29, 1913 Villa's Division of the North was locked in battle with Victoriano Huerta's federal forces in the State of Chihuahua. Villa defeated the Federales and captured the cities of Guerrero, Bustillos, and Casas Grandes. His forces, attacking the town of San Andrés, were charging headlong into federal machine gun and artillery fire and the Dorados, as Villa's men were known, needed every gun they could find. The order, on lined paper, is evenly toned, else in excellent condition.
Military & Patriotic
WWII Japanese Home Guard Helmet. An excellent example, complete with cotton liner and web chinstraps. A kanji character and the number "508" is painted on the inside rim of the helmet. The helmet retains most of the original brown paint and is in excellent condition.
Lot of Four Vintage Western Holsters. An assortment of vintage holsters in various sizes and shapes. All are dry and in need of conservation. Of particular note is a nicely tooled example with a floral rosette overlay (which has become detached), but once restored would be the perfect accompaniment to a Western tableau.
Lot of Assorted Collectible Ammunition in the Original Boxes. A varied cross-section of ammunition including incomplete boxes of Peters Police Match .38 Special cartridges; full box of Peters .41 short; full box of Remington .41 short rim fire; a full box of Peters .22 hornet; full box of Winchester .22 hornet; partial box of Peters Police Match .22 long rifle; a box of Sellier & Bellot 7.65mm and 6.35mm cartridges; and a partial box of Winchester .30 caliber carbine dummy cartridges. All examples in very good condition.
Lot of Vintage Remington .38 Caliber Ammunition in the Original Boxes. Includes three sealed boxes of Remington .38 Long Colt cartridges, a box of .38 Smith & Wesson cartridges, an incomplete box of thirty-nine .38 Automatic Colt Smokeless cartridges, and two empty boxes of Winchester .32 short rifle cartridges. All examples in moderately worn but very good condition.
Identified WWI Uniform Group. This group of uniform items is identified to Gilbert W. Stoermer and includes a tunic with a tradesman specialty insignia, two six-month silver service chevrons and red service chevron, lacking the collar disks and with scattered light mothing. The initials "G S" are marked in ink on the lining of the jacket. Additionally Gilbert's dog tags, trousers, puttees, leather leggings, and military issue boots are included. The boots are dry, worn and a portion of the top of the right boot has ripped but remains attached to the main portion of the boot.
Antiques
French Early Aviation "Le Looping the Loop" Color Lithograph Poster. 17.5" x 22". A whimsical snapshot in time catches spectators queued up for an exhibition of daring flight at the aerodrome, awaiting the then state-of-the-art maneuver of "looping the loop" . There are some old adhesive-tape repairs, and the upper and lower left corners suffer small areas of loss, otherwise the colors remain bright, making this a perfect candidate for framing.
Military & Patriotic
Brass-Mounted Double Twist Copper Bugle. Maker marked on the bell, M. J. Kalashen/ New York, and identified on the brass floating rim with individually die stamped letters "51/ Bugler Ainsworth/ 1918" with 51 possibly being a unit designation. Kalashen is listed as a maker/dealer in New York from 1895 to 1930. Some scattered dents, solder repair to key change loop, but overall very good, with no bends or cracks. Leather strap with small buckle still attached. Intriguing, almost anachronistic form and certainly worthy of research.
Lot of Two Vintage Leather Flight Helmets. Includes two russet brown leather helmets, one with a cloth Spaulding maker's tag in the crown; and the other, of similar construction but without maker's marks. Both are in excellent condition, complete with all buckles, straps and snaps.
Great World War I Navy 1917 Recruiting Poster. Heavy stock, 28.25" x 41.25". Depicts American sailor riding a torpedo using a rope as a whip. Signed at lower right Babcock. Richard Fairweather Babcock was an important American poster artist and this is one of his most recognizable creations. Excellent with vivid colors, just some edge tears but no loss and easily repaired. In its original unmounted state, and a very scarce World War I poster.
Rare U.S. M1876 Cartridge Belt with the Trial Modifications of 1879. Standard 1876 "wide" belt variation but with the addition, by stitching and riveting, of three brass "O" rings. These modified belts were used in the Infantry Field Trials of 1879. Near perfect condition with just some crazing and, a few spots of minor flaking on the leather belt tab. Marked Watervliet/ Arsenal and A. R. Smith. Unit markings in blue paint on the inside of the web belt. Heavy, brass, single tine buckle, perfect. Choice example of a very rare U.S. issue cartridge belt.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, [Bavaria] 1 Comp. Konigl. Bayr. 20. Inftr. Regt. Prinz Rupprecht v. Bayern. Lindau. 1907-09. The extremely fine stein, 10.5" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Gesr. Ludwig Heberle. The center of the very attractive china stein has a Zeppelin over a steamboat traversing a river. On the left are a soldier standing guard and a soldier up a tree with two women cutting it down. The right side has a soldier taking a moonlit walk with a woman and a soldier returning home. The front is dotted with a trophy-of-arm, the Royal Arms of Bavaria, the regimental epaulette, and a likeness of Prince Rupprecht. The lid is pewter and the thumb-piece is the Bavarian lion. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus very fine.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, [Bavaria] 6 Kgl. Bayr. 18. Inftr. Rgt. Prinz Ludwig Ferdinand. Landau. 1903-05. The colorful stein, 12" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Reservist Bauer. The center of the pottery stein has a trophy-of-arms and the Royal Arms of Bavaria topped by the regimental epaulette and flanked by soldiers in uniform. The stein also has two depictions of soldiers in uniform and infantry firing. The lid has a pewter soldier holding a wounded soldier. The thumb-piece is the Bavarian lion. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus very fine.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, 3 Comp. Grhrz. Hess Train Batl. No. 18, Darmstadt. 1906-08. The stein, 13" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is beautifully hand-colored and named to Reservist Derheimer. The center has a mounted Hess-Darmstadt soldier above a trophy-of-arms; on each side are depictions of a military wagon with troopers at the gallop, horses being fed, a hospital wagon, and a soldier kissing a young country maiden. The lid has a helmeted soldier with his mount jumping over a fence. The thumb-piece is the Hess-Darmstadt rampant lion. The bottom of the stein has a lithopane of a soldier and his sweetheart. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus excellent.
Imperial German Regimental Stein, 3 Comp. Württb. Pionier Bataillon Nr. 13, Ulm. 1906-08. The stein, 9.5" high including the pewter hinged-lid, is hand-colored and named to Gefr. Heinzelmann. The china stein, made by "R. Kahle, Ulm", has two depictions of pioneers manning pontoon bridges across rivers; a group of soldiers around a campfire, and, a group of soldiers and barmaids in a tavern. In the center is a crowned trophy-of-arms with an anchor, oars, spades, and other tools. The lid has a faceted crystal top with a colored image, of a pioneer in a boat on a river pulling up an anchor with the words "Anker-wirs!". The thumb-piece is a pewter bird. The bottom of the stein has a lithophane of a soldier and a lady on a city street. No chips, breaks, or repairs, thus excellent.
Marine Corps "Spirit of 1917" Recruiting Poster. 18" x 26". Artist: Anonymous. Circa 1917. The image is of four Marines proudly marching on some tropical beach carrying the U.S. and Marine Corps flags. In the background a battleship can be seen. The image brings to mind the 1915 Marine excursion into Haiti, though undoubtedly the poster was designed to recruit men for the U.S. entry into WWI. The caption at the bottom of the poster reads "Join the U. S. Marines at 113 East Baltimore St., Baltimore". With a small 1" closed tear at the top edge and old, pressed out roll creases, otherwise in very good condition.
World War I Soldiers on the March, Etching by Kerr Eby. 13" x 10.25" (sight size), matted to an overall size of 18" x 15", signed in pencil in lower right. The etching pictures United States soldiers marching along a dreary road in a featureless French countryside. Light toning at the matting, else fine.
Kerr Eby was born in 1890 in Tokyo, Japan, the son of missionaries. His mother came from a family of prominent artists. After graduating from high school in 1907, Eby supported himself by working as a magazine illustrator. In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, Eby joined the U.S. Army. During the war he sketched what he saw and experienced and on his return to New York City, he reworked his studies into prints and published them in a book entitled War.
When the United States declared war in 1941, Eby tried to re-enlist, but was turned down because of his age. He was commissioned as a combat artist. Between October 1943 and January 1944, he traveled with Marines in the South Pacific and witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war, landing with the invasion force at Tarawa and living in a foxhole on Bougainville. He died in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1946.
Kerr Eby was born in 1890 in Tokyo, Japan, the son of missionaries. His mother came from a family of prominent artists. After graduating from high school in 1907, Eby supported himself by working as a magazine illustrator. In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, Eby joined the U.S. Army. During the war he sketched what he saw and experienced and on his return to New York City, he reworked his studies into prints and published them in a book entitled War.
When the United States declared war in 1941, Eby tried to re-enlist, but was turned down because of his age. He was commissioned as a combat artist. Between October 1943 and January 1944, he traveled with Marines in the South Pacific and witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war, landing with the invasion force at Tarawa and living in a foxhole on Bougainville. He died in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1946.
World War I: United States Army Air Service Jacket of Lieutenant John Butler with Rare Observer-Pilot Wing. The lightweight wool jacket is in excellent condition. All of the original rank and designation insignia are on the jacket with the exception of one Signal Corps collar device. Sewn above the left breast pocket is a 3.5" bullion wire wing for observers who qualified as a pilot. The Wing shows slight wear and fading to block wool. The label in the interior pocket reads, "Lt. John G. Butler / March 1918".
World War I British Royal Flying Corps Flare Gun with Shoulder Stock, #28432 Matching. 27" overall, 40mm bore. Marked on the left side of the barrel housing "1917/ Webley & Scott Ltd./ London & Birmingham/ No 1 Mark 'I'/ Aero and R. F. C.". Also marked on the left side of the frame "No. 1 Mark 'I'". Various metal parts with other British proof/ordnance marks. The right side of the pistol grip is checkered brass, the shoulder stock is permanently attached. Gun overall retains 95% of the original blue black finish. Wood stock excellent. Again, a scarce piece of World War I aviation equipment.
World War I British Royal Flying Corps Flare Pistol with Nice ID, #8999 Matching. 14" overall, 40mm bore. Marked on the left side of the barrel housing 1916/ Webley & Scott Ltd./ London & Birmingham/ No. 1 Mark "I"/ AERO and R. F. C.. Also marked on the left side of the frame No. 1 Mark "I". Other metal parts with various proof/ordnance marks. The heavy wooden grips, which appear to be period replacements, are carved on the left side R. E. 8/ Amiens, and on the right 2nd Lt. W. Leighton/ RFC/ Sq. No 59. Pistol retains 95% of the original blue black finish and is mechanically perfect. Interesting ID worthy of research.
Very Scarce No. 4 Mk. 1 World War I British Royal Flying Corps Flare Pistol, #24356 Matching. Brass frame, steel barrel, composition grips. 7.5" overall, 40mm bore. Marked on the left side of the barrel housing "1917/ No. 4 MK 1/ AERO" with a star. Marked on the left side of the frame with the manufacturer's logo of Webley & Scott. Marked on the right side of the barrel housing at top "R. F. C." Other parts with various British proofs/ordnance marks. Probably the scarcest of the British WW I flare pistols, the lugs on the short barrel permitted the pistol to be fitted to a mount on the side of the aircraft. Perfect condition.
All Brass World War I German Flare Pistol. Approximately. 9.5" overall with 5.25" octagon to round barrel, 25mm bore. The barrel is 1.75" at the flared muzzle. Very heavy construction, perfect untouched condition with nice patina. Marked on the underside of the butt "St. & B. 15" representing the manufacturer Stantien & Becker of Lubeck, Germany, and the date 1915. Several other numbers/letters stamped on various parts. Original wooden grips also perfect. Scarce pattern.
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Mailing Address:
PO Box 619999
Dallas, TX 75261-6199
Street Address:
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75261-4127
(Northwest corner of W. Airport Freeway & Valley View Lane)
All Rights Reserved
1-800-872-6467 / (214) 528-3500 / Fax: (214) 443-842