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Exquisite Maroon Moroccan Leather Cased Shaving Kit with Two Razors and a Strop. "Generallisimo Manuel Fernandez Castrillon" a...
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Sold on Jul 25, 2009 for:
$4,929.38
Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder
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Description
Among the rarest of American military artifacts are those from the War of Texas Secession. Here is a remarkable relic from the Battle of San Jacinto.
Exquisite Maroon Moroccan Leather Cased Shaving Kit with Two Razors and a Strop. "Generallisimo Manuel Fernandez Castrillon" and "Found After The Battle At San Jacinto - 1836 Given to Colonel Thomas Rusk By His Men" are found engraved on a 5/8" x 4½" silver plaque affixed to the top of the lid, surround by gilt embossing. Absolutely authentic and of the period. On April 21, 1836, with the resounding battle cry "Remember the Alamo," 900 Texans commanded by Sam Houston, overwhelmed and annihilated 1400 Mexicans under the command of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and Gen. Manuel Castrillon. The Texans lost a total of nine men killed, while the Mexicans, during the battle and in the revenge fueled killing frenzy that followed, lost 630 killed, including Gen. Castrillon, and 730 captured, including Santa Anna. The action at San Jacinto is characterized by the monument that stands on the battlefield as "...one of the most decisive battles of the world." The freedom of Texas from Mexico won here led to the annexation of Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma. Almost one third of the American nation, nearly a million square miles of territory changed sovereignty.Castrillon was one of the few admirable personages under Santa Anna's command. He argued vehemently against the execution of 400 Texas prisoners, including James Fannin at Goliad and, at the Alamo, it was Castrillon who turned over the seven captured Texans including, apparently David Crockett, to Santa Anna. Castrillon again argued, in vain, for Santa Anna to spare their lives. At San Jacinto, unlike the rest of the Mexican Army, Castrillon bravely took a stand while commanding the "Golden Standard" cannon and tried to rally his troops. Thomas Rusk argued, in vain, to spare the life of this gallant and distinguished officer and he was gunned down, dying on the battlefield. It was obviously fitting that Rusk should receive this memento of the general. In 1836 Rusk signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and was appointed by the interim government as Secretary of War. Rusk served gallantly at San Jacinto and from May to October 1836, he served as commander in chief of the Army of the Republic of Texas, following the Mexican army westward to be sure they retreated from Texas. Rusk was again appointed Secretary of War of the fledgling republic and remained active in Texas civil and military affairs. He was elected as one of the first two US Senators from Texas, along with Sam Houston. Upon his death in 1857, the State of Texas erected a monument at his grave site and Rusk County and the Town of Rusk were named in his honor.
The razors bear the maker's name of "Laundy" with flat ivory handles which display a coat of arms, doubtless of Castrillon, featuring a unicorn surmounting a crown. The miniature strop is in a black Moroccan leather case. All pieces unquestionably period and original to the case. The case is lined in red velvet and is compartmented for each piece. The set is, in its entirety in near perfect condition, just a minor age crack with not loss on the handle of one razor, totally untouched. This set was doubtless in Castrillon's possession throughout the Texas Revolution, including the Alamo. A remarkable piece of Texas history, absolutely authentic and truly moving in the light of the events it touched.
Auction Info
2009 July Grand Format Arms & Militaria Auction #6023 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2009
25th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,678
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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