LOT #43193 |
Sold on Feb 12, 2022 for: Not Sold
George Armstrong Custer: His Personal 7th Cavalry Shoulder Knots.... (Total: 2 Items)
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Description
George Armstrong Custer: His Personal 7th Cavalry Shoulder Knots. What could be a more dramatic Custer personal artifact than this magnificent pair of shoulder knots. Already one of the most important heroes of the Civil War, Custer achieved immortality for his exploits as commander of the storied 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment during the Plains Indian Wars of the 1860s and 1870s, culminating in his tragic demise with his entire command at the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. Few American military conflicts have received so much attention for authors, artists, and film makers as Custer's epic confrontation with Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. A lively debate persists among scholars and aficionados nearly a century and a half after the battle as to what led to its tragic outcome.Custer relics have always been among the most sought-after and valued of American military artifacts. Most were held closely by his descendants until the last quarter of the twentieth century when some true treasures began to come onto the market through private and auction sale. The first major auction was held by Butterfield & Butterfield in San Francisco on November 20-21, 1989, and featured items consigned directly by the Custer family. For some unknown reason, the heirs elected to split up these shoulder boards at that time, offering just a single board in the auction, designated lot #6708. Subsequently, Greg Martin, who curated the Butterfield sale, was approached by Craig Custer, who indicated that he possessed the other shoulder board and was willing to sell it. Greg made the purchase and resold the item to our late consignor. On April 4, 1995, the first shoulder board was again offered by Butterfield & Butterfield, as lot #63. The pair was finally reunited when purchased by our late consignor who was fast becoming one of the leading collectors of Old West items. It has been in that private collection ever since.
Heritage has offered some very special Custer artifacts in the past: His Indian Wars era saddle, beloved hunting rifle, and the hand-painted vases depicting Custer and Libbie, which were ordered on their 1864 honeymoon in New Orleans, among others. But none rise to the level of this glorious pair. They were the most prized item in our late client's superb collection, and the very last which his wife has allowed to be sold. We are honored to assist in finding them an equally appreciative new home.
The knots, sometimes referred to as "paddle" shoulder boards, measure 7" long and 4" wide. One example has light soiling or dusting while the other has moderate soiling. Both display some fading to the yellow raised pad. The former example has scattered areas of wear to the dark tan fabric under-covering, an address label for "Col. Chas. A. Custer (Ret.)" and the original Butterfield & Butterfield auction sticker. The latter example has a small amount of wear to the fabric under-covering. The hinged flange is stamped "Shannon Miller & Crane New York." It is accompanied by a January 2, 1990 LOA from Greg Martin stating "The Model 1872 Gold Braided Shoulder Knot having belonged to General G. A. Custer you have just purchased from me, was obtained directly from Mr. Craig Custer, grandson of Col. Charles A. Custer, and great-grandson of Neven Custer, General George A. Custer's sole surviving brother." A notarized LOA from Craig Armstrong Custer, dated January 5, 1990, referenced in the Martin letter, is included. In part: "This model 1872 shoulder knot belonged to General George Armstrong Custer while he was Lieutenant Colonel of the Seventh United States Cavalry, the command he held from 1866 until his demise at the Battle of the Little big Horn in 1876." Receipts and copies of auction catalog entries round out the documentation.
Auction Info
2022 February 12 - 13 Lincoln and His Times Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6251 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2022
12th-13th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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