LOT #57223 |
Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for: Not Sold
Regulation Set of US Issue Brass Gunner's Calipers Inscribed to Franklin Buchanan, Commander of the CSS Virginia....
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Description
Regulation Set of US Issue Brass Gunner's Calipers Inscribed to Franklin Buchanan, Commander of the CSS Virginia. Famed for the actions at both Hampton Roads and Mobile Bay. Wounded by a federal sharpshooter at Hampton Roads, Buchanan ceded command of the Virginia to Catesby during the famous engagement with the USS Monitor. Upon recovering, Buchanan commanded Confederate Naval forces at Mobile Bay aboard the CSS Tennessee. During the action of August 5, 1864, Buchanan was wounded and taken prisoner, and not exchanged until February 1865. Buchanan entered the United States Navy as a fourteen year old midshipman in 1815 seeing service in the Mediterranean, and against pirates in the Caribbean. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1825 and doubtless acquired these calipers during that period as they bear the inspector's marking of "Lieut. M. Thomas U. S. Ordnance. Frankford, Pa. 1819". They exhibit calibrations for both sea and land guns including mortars, howitzers and ordnance from 3 pounders to 42 pounders. Buchanan's name is inscribed on one arm in flowing script reminiscent of the first half of the 19th century. All brass construction with dovetailed steel tips in perfect untouched condition. Buchanan was co-founder and first superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, saw service in the Mexican War and was on Perry's expedition to Japan. A remarkable artifact from the ranking flag officer of the Confederate States Navy, who, on March 8, 1862, handed the United States Navy the worst defeat it would suffer until Pearl Harbor.Auction Info
2009 June Signature Civil War Auction #6024 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,696
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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