LOT #57187 |
Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for: Not Sold
Exquisite Circa 1860 German/American Turnerverein Custom Made Belt Plate with Historic Civil War Association....
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Description
Exquisite Circa 1860 German/American Turnerverein Custom Made Belt Plate with Historic Civil War Association. The Turners were politically active German/American shooting associations that were determinedly anti slavery and vehemently pro Union. At the outbreak of the war Turners of St. Louis, under the command of Franz Sigel, took possession of Camp Jackson, and are thought by many to have saved Missouri for the Union. At Lincoln's inauguration on March 4, 1861, his body guard consisted of Turners from Washington and Baltimore which is the point of origin of this plate. Nickel silver, 2½" x 3 3/8", slightly convex with a decorative scalloped edge. 3/8" wide brass tongue and heavy brass belt loop with two free floating brass tines on the reverse. The border of the plate is decorated with engraved scrolls with a finely detailed spread wing eagle at the top holding two flags inscribed Gut/Heil and a wreath encircling a stein in its beak. The center portion is inscribed Soc. Dem./ Turnerverein/ Baltimore/ William Eckhardt, flanked on both sides by vines. The bottom of the plate exhibits a spread wing owl surmounting a crossed sword and torch with two flags Bahn/Frei. The upper left corner is inscribed Frisch and the upper right Froh Frei. Certainly one of the most elaborate American belt plates we've ever seen. William Eckhardt is listed as a tavern owner at 13 Second St, in the 1858 Baltimore directory. Interestingly at the outbreak of war the Turner hall on Pratt St. in Baltimore was the scene of anti Union riots, the Turners themselves having departed form Washington. Perfect condition and important for both its rarity as an American belt plate and its noteworthy historic significance.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: 900
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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