LOT #43034 |
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[WWI and O.S.S.] William "Wild Bill" Donovan: Round-Footed Silver Bowl and More.... (Total: 4 Items)
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Sold on Feb 25, 2023 for:
$11,875.00
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Description
[WWI and O.S.S.] William "Wild Bill" Donovan: Round-Footed Silver Bowl and More. A total of four items make up this grouping, all fantastic for an attractive display. Included is a 9" x 4.5" silver bowl with the inscription, "Presented To/ Captain William J. Donovan/ By Present And Former Members Of/ Troop I, First Cavalry, N.G.N.Y./ As/ A Token Of Their Esteem/ May-Fifth-1917." The Mulholland Brother's maker mark can be seen on the underside of the base, with the stamped numbers "412" and "Hand Wrought Sterling." Accompanied by a 6.5" x 9" silver and gold frame with the initials "R.R.D." that contains a modern copy of an image of Donovan in uniform as a major with the Fighting 69th in France, 1918. (Does not include a pane of glass.) Also included is a printing block bearing the same image as the framed piece and measuring 2.25" x 3.25". Lastly is a beautiful O.S.S silver plated platter with feet and handles. What appears to be a family crest is engraved on the front side. The back of the piece reads, "To/ General Donovan/ From/ Some Of His Boys In The O.S.S./ 30 September 1945." Surrounded by the stamped inscription are engraved names, each reflecting the different handwriting of O.S.S. members' signatures. Names include Pauline C. Hollingsworth, William H. Vanderbilt, John Fordy, David K.E. Bruce, and many more. The platter measures 26.5" x 17.25".William "Wild Bill" Donovan received his nickname during WWI due to his bravery while under fire. He began the war as a major in the 165th (formerly 69th) New York Infantry Regiment but rose to the rank of colonel by the war's end. He would become the first American to earn all four of the country's highest awards, three of which were for his courage and leadership during WWI. These awards include the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Security Medal. Considered the "founding father of the CIA," Donovan was head of the Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) and, after the start of WWII, was chosen to lead the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) from 1942 to 1945.
Condition: Some light patina on the silver pieces, with minor scratching throughout. The printing block has expected wear and ink stains. Glass is missing from frame. Overall, these are in fine condition.
Auction Info
2023 February 25 - 26 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6269 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2023
25th-26th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 801
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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