LOT #32156 |
Sold on Jun 8, 2013 for: Not Sold
Virginia Militia Uniform C. 1859 - 1861 of Lt. Henry Bedinger Davenport Co. A 2nd Virginia Inf.... (Total: 3 Items)
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Description
Virginia Militia Uniform C. 1859 - 1861 of Lt. Henry Bedinger Davenport Co. A 2nd Virginia Inf. Davenport, of Jefferson Co. Charlestown, Va. was born Sept. 9, 1831 and died Sept. 15, 1901. The uniform was purchased by the consignor from his grand niece, along with the 1st National Confederate flag offered elsewhere in this catalog, and is accompanied by a sworn and notarized affidavit from the consignor attesting to same and details of the uniforms ownership and provenance from the Civil War until its purchase by the consignor.Davenport was a Lieutenant in Capt. Rowan's company of militia at the capture and trial of John Brown at Harpers Ferry in October 1859, doubtless wearing this uniform. He mustered into Confederate service with Company A Jefferson Guards, 2nd Va. Inf., subsequently Stonewall Brigade, May 13, 1861. Davenport was engaged with the regiment at 1st Manassas also likely wearing this uniform. Available records do not reveal the date of Davenport's discharge, but the 2nd Va. was engaged in all major actions of the Army of Northern Virginia, surrendering at Appomattox with just 9 officers and 62 men.
The single breasted blue wool frock coat with 9 button front utilizes 13 coat size Va 7A2 ((Albert) rmdc buttons. The 6 cuff buttons are all Va222As6 (Tice) Scovills & Co. Extra. Every indication is that these are all the original buttons. The coat exhibits classic early Civil War period sleeve cut with ballooning elbow tapering to narrow cuff with some billowing at the shoulder. The standup collar rises to 1 1/2" at the back. Quilted breast lining with single breast pocket, which is lined with brown cotton, the sleeves lined with white polished cotton. Both the shadow and lines of stitching where the straps were affixed are clearly visible on each shoulder. The coat exhibits some small scattered spots of mothing with damage much heavier on the upper breast. Completely untouched and certainly a prime candidate for restoration. Interior of the coat is excellent just showing some honest use with just a few scattered holes in the draped lining, quilted lining perfect. All seams are tight.
The trousers are also classic period form and utilize an 1/8" gold bullion covered cord on the seam. Belted back, watch pocket in waist band, front pockets with button closure at the top, buttons missing, 5 button fly front closure, pockets of white cotton with lining a combination of plain and polished white cotton. Trousers exhibit considerable scattered moth damage but primarily concentrated on the front half. As with the coat all seams are tight and an excellent candidate for restoration.
Very high, 3 1/2" at the front, blue wool kepi, tipped forward in the Jacksonian style. Tarred bound visor and tarred chinstrap with stamped brass adjusting buckle and cuff size Virginia staff side buttons. The sweatband is missing but the brown polished cotton lining, including quilted crown, is intact and excellent. Body of the kepi with scattered minor moth damage with a large area at the lower front adjacent to the visor.
An important uniform, that doubtless bore witness to John Brown's raid and trial, and very likely also worn by Davenport during the Battle of First Bull Run. Overall completely untouched and certainly worthy of careful restoration.
Auction Info
2013 June 8 Civil War & Militaria Signature Auction - Dallas #6098 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2013
8th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,300
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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