Absolutely Incredible Inscribed Civil War Officer's Silver Pocket Watch, Chain, and Cartes de Visite. The watch ... (Total: 3 Items)

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Absolutely Incredible Inscribed Civil War Officer's Silver Pocket Watch, Chain, and Cartes de Visite. The watch itself is an American Watch Co. silver case, key wind, key set serial #95698 dating it to 1863. The watch is covered inside and out with the exquisitely engraved Civil War history of Lt. Ward B. Frothingham, 22d and 59th Mass. Inf. The engraving on the back of the watch includes, at the bottom, "9th Corps 1st Div. 1st Brig Maj. Gen. Burnside Comdg" A ninth Corps badge is in the center flanked by an all seeing eye and a Masonic symbol. At the top is a coat of arms featuring a running stag with the motto "Be It Fast". The front cover of the watch exhibits 12 battles and four notations of Frothingham's career eg. Prisoner, 1st lt. 59th Mass. Vet. Vol. etc. all radiating from a central motif with "Libby" surrounded by "Richmond Petersburg". The inside back of the watch bears the following tiny inscription, "Shot through the left shoulder by a "Minie" Ball at the battle of Gaine's Mills June 27th 1862" and "Shot through the right leg by a "Musket" ball at the battle of Pegram's Farm Sept. 30th 1864" and, on the cover enclosing the works, "Lieut. W. B. Frothingham from his uncle Sidney Brooks". Still attached to the very heavy silver hallmarked chain/fob with two large silver suspensions. Frothingham originally enlisted in the 22d Mass. on Sept. 6, 1861 as a corporal and was wounded and captured at Gaine's Mills June 27, 1862. He was discharged for disability as a result of the wound and debilitation caused by prison Oct. 2, 1862. He then enlisted in the 59th Mass. as a lieutenant on April 23, 1864 and served with the unit until June 24, 1865. Pension records provide further documentation of his wound at Pegram's Farm. The watch is in perfect condition with nice untouched age patina. Also included are two CDVs of Frothingham. One by a Boston photographer with green revenue stamp on the verso and period pencil ID, which depicts him in full uniform including officer's sack coat, foot officer's sword etc. The other, by the same photographer, depicts Frothingham in a garish hand tinted patriotic costume with the ink script inscription on the verso, "Young America at...fancy dress Ball given at ..Madeira February 12, 1866."Possibly the finest and most historic Civil War officer's pocket watch known.