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Description

U.S. Navy Belt Plate worn by Confederate Admiral Franklin Buchanan, Commander of the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) and CSS Tennessee. Franklin Buchanan (1800-1874) led a distinguished naval career which began in 1815 and spanned 45 years. Buchanan commanded many ships, notably the Susquehanna during Admiral Perry's expedition to Japan, and later served as the first Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. He resigned his commission when the war began and commanded the ironclad CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimac) during the Battle of Hampton Roads, Virginia where he was wounded in the thigh by a Union sharpshooter. In August 1862, Buchanan was promoted to the rank of admiral and sent to command Confederate naval forces at Mobile Bay, Alabama. He oversaw the construction of the ironclad CSS Tennessee and was on board her during the Battle of Mobile Bay. During the battle he was wounded and taken prisoner and wasn't' exchanged until February, 1865. He was on convalescent leave until the Civil War ended a few months later.

This fantastic lot features Buchanan's extremely finely detailed U.S. Navy officer's belt plate, framed and matted under glass with a letter of provenance dated December 7, 1990, stating that the buckle had originally been purchased from a nephew of Admiral Buchanan's. Also included is provenance showing the succession of collector ownership for the last several decades. The buckle is sold with an original carte de visite of the Admiral in his Confederate uniform, posed seated with sword and belt plate (presumably the example in this lot) clearly visible. An extraordinary offering to an important U.S. and Confederate naval officer.


Auction Info

Auction Dates
December, 2014
12th Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,409

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $100,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $100,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.

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Sold on Dec 12, 2014 for: $9,375.00
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