Treasures of the Civil War
Treasures of the Civil War
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Firmin & Sons Confederate "Dolphin Head" Naval Officer's Sword
Lot # 802 (Sale Order: 301 of 335)
The Confederate "Dolphin Head" Naval Officer's Sword was based upon the English Pattern 1827 Lion's Head Naval Officer's Sword, and retained the solid guard with folding counter guard of the English sword pattern, but introduced new decorative motifs including the sea serpent pommel cap with scaled backstrap, as well as the Confederate naval blade and guard designs. The design of the sword has been attributed to George T. Sinclair of the Confederate Navy. The swords are encountered with two different retailer markings. For more on these variants, please go to cowans.com.
Very good. Blade with a medium pewter patina and deep etching that remains almost completely intact and fully visible. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and discoloration present on the blade, along with some tiny areas of very light pitting; primarily along the edge. Some small nicks are present along the edge of the blade as well, and the brass "PROVED" disk is missing from the obverse ricasso. The guard and hilt have a lovely, deep mustard patina, and retain only minute traces of gold gilt in the protected recesses of the casting. All hilt decorations remain crisp and clear with only the high edges around the sea serpent's bulbous eyes showing some light wear and loss of definition. The wrap remains in very good condition with light wear and the wire remains in place, with some small areas of minor looseness. The scabbard remains about very good with some finish loss, surface scuffing and scattered wear. The seam down the center of the back appears solid and essentially complete. The throat mount shows a small casting flaw below the knotted rope hanger mount. The mounts all have a nice, uncleaned patina and remain solidly attached to the scabbard. Overall a very nice and solid example of a very scarce Confederate Naval Officer's sword.
EST $15,000 - 25,000
Confederate Mitchell & Tyler Staff Officer's Sword
Lot # 803 (Sale Order: 302 of 335)
29.25" semi-curved, spear-point blade with single 20", unstopped median fuller. 5" gilt brass hilt with a star over CS cast into the guard, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Grooved wood grip with leather cover and 16 wraps of twisted wire. Obverse blade etched with panoplies of arms and simple foliate scrolls with the letters CS in the center. Reverse blade etched with panoplies of arms with the words LIBERTY on a flag, HOPE on a shield and VICTORY OR DEATH in a ribbon. Reverse ricasso etched in an arc: Boyle Gamble & Co over Mfg. For / Mitchell & Tyler / Richmond / VA . Black lacquered wood scabbard with high grade gold gilt brass mounts with decorative floral bands. A really spectacular condition Confederate staff officer's sword by Boyle & Gamble and retailed by Mitchell & Tyler.
Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Fine. Blade retains much of the frosty etching and bright polish with all of the etching remaining completely visible and all words completely legible. Blade with some scattered flecks of minute surface oxidation and a couple of tiny dings in the edge. Hilt and guard with strong traces of gold gilt in protected areas, wrap and wire fine with some light wear. Partial leather throat washer in place. Scabbard fine, with mounts retaining much of their gold gilt as well.
EST $ 15000 - 25000
Kraft Goldschmidt & Kraft Confederate Cavalry Officer's Sword
Lot # 804 (Sale Order: 303 of 335)
36" spear point blade with three narrow, central fullers, with the two outside fullers measuring 9.75" and the center fuller 10.5". Massive 6.25" hilt with heavy 3-branch guard and crudely cast pommel cap with acanthus leaf motif. Grooved wood grip with leather cover and 13 wraps of twisted iron wire and distinctive Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft brass ferrule behind the guard. Thick leather washers are present on both sides of the guard as well. Blade engraved with panoplies of arms on the reverse, surrounding the two-line Spanish motto: NO ME SAQUES SIN RASON / NO ME EMBAINES SIN HONOR , which translates: "Draw me not without reason, Sheath me not without honor" . The reverse ricasso is marked in script by the blade maker, Schimmelbusch & Joest (ca 1816-1839, Bezdek), with the obverse ricasso marked in script Solingen . Obverse of blade with floral motifs, panoplies of arms and a laurel wreath. Lap seamed metal scabbard with browned finish and brass mounts, including a screw secured brass throat, two brass hanging mounts with suspension rings and a brass, lyre-shaped drag. These massive cavalry officer's sabers were produced in limited quantities by Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft of Columia, SC and were based upon the French Model 1816 Cuirassier (Heavy Cavalry) Saber. It is generally believed that the sword design was inspired, if not specifically ordered, by South Carolina cavalry General Wade Hampton, who carried one of these massive sabers himself, as did a number of South Carolina cavalry officers. KG&K apparently imported the surplus cuirassier blades that were at least 25 years old at the time, and hilted them in the French style with the large, flowing 3-branch French heavy cavalry guard, but retained some distinctive KG&K touches like the crudely sand cast acanthus leaf pattern on the pommel cap with a clear mold seam line in the middle, the massive brass ferrule at the front of the grip and the use of very thin twisted wire on the wrap. At least one account referred to these long, straight-bladed sabers as "Crusader like." Only a handful of these massive Confederate cavalry officer's sabers are known to survive in collections today and this is a particularly nice example.
Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Very good. Blade with a mottled and oxidized dark gray over pewter patina, showing some light surface roughness and some very lightly scattered pinpricking. Blade shows some minor nicks along both edges near the tip, which may have been reprofiled during the period of use, possibly shortening the blade about .5". All engraved decoration remains clear and legible, with some light wear. Hilt with a lovely golden patina, showing the typical casting flaws and rough finishing of Confederate brass hilts. A small flawed crack is present on the reverse of the knuckle bow, about 1.25" below the pommel cap. Leather wrap with moderate wear and some minor leather loss, wire remains intact and tight. Scabbard very good as well, retaining traces of browned finish, mixed with a lightly oxidized brown patina, showing a clear lap seam braze line along the bottom reverse edge. Mounts solid and complete, showing casting flaws and some rough finishing, with the same lovely golden patina as the hilt. Middle mount has a wonderful period of use replaced suspension ring made from classic Confederate copper-rich "red brass." A really lovely example of a scarce Confederate cavalry officer's saber in a very nice state of preservation.
EST $ 10000 - 15000
Civil War Presentation Sword Presented to Confederate General Albert Pike
Lot # 805 (Sale Order: 304 of 335)
Albert Pike was born December 29, 1809 in Boston, MA and could trace his lineage in America back to the mid-1600s. Although he was accepted to Harvard University he opted to pursue a path of self-education, a trait that would be applied in his later life as he journeyed down the road of Freemasonry. He worked as a school teacher in Massachusetts for several years before leaving the state in 1831, initially relocating to Nashville, TN and then to St. Louis, MO. From St. Louis, Pike headed west to pursue hunting and trading in New Mexico, then moved on to similar pursuits in Texas. Ill luck during both expeditions resulted in Pike having to walk hundreds of miles to Taos after the loss of his horse and later travel some 1,300 miles, roughly half on foot, to Ft. Smith, AR. In Ft. Smith, Pike resumed teaching and started to write, both for newspapers and also authored his first book. Pike then started to study law and eventually practice law. At this time he began to take particular interest in the plight of Native Americans in the Fort Smith area and near-by "Indian Territory" and represented them in claims against the US government. Pike also continued writing, both on legal matters and also delved into poetry. His work resulted in him being awarded an honorary degree from Harvard, the very university that he had chosen not to attend.
During the 1840s Pike developed an interest in Freemasonry, a passion that would mold him and help direct the rest of his life. His participation in the fraternity, and passion for Masonic knowledge, lead to his eventual elevation to the rank of Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction in 1859, a position he would hold until his death in 1891. His passion for Freemasonry resulted in his authoring of Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in 1871, book that to this day remains one of the most relevant and important works in the field of Masonic education.
After the outbreak of the Civil War, Pike was commissioned as the Confederacy's representative to the Native Americans in Indian Territory, due to his previous experience and relationships with the peoples of that area. Pike was subsequently promoted to Brigadier General and given joint command of Indian Territory with General Ben McCulloch. At the Battle of Pea Ridge, the conduct of Pike and his native troops was brought under investigation, with reports of scalping and other atrocities by the native troops circulating. Additional charges were leveled against Pike regarding mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, resulting in his resignation from the Confederate Army and eventual arrest on charges that included treason. He was later released from prison and returned to Arkansas in late 1862. For more on Pike's career and that of Sir Benjamin Brown French, please go to cowans.com.
This presentation sword from one of the most important Masons in 19th century America to one of the most influential authors on Masonic theory in America during the same period is a perfect example of the brotherhood of Masonry that is recounted throughout the Civil War as battlefield enemies provided succor and charity to each other despite the conflict. French was an ardent abolitionist and Unionist and Pike held diametrically opposed political views. Despite this apparent conflict, the bonds of Masonry and the mutual respect the two men had for each other is clearly represented by this sword presented by a pro-Union northerner to a Confederate General at the height of the war in August of 1864. It is worth noting that the presentation date on the scabbard is roughly one week after Jubal Early's raid on Washington, DC and only days before the beginning of the Siege of Petersburg. In a single artifact from the Civil War the bonds of Freemasonry are clearly illustrated as two men who would have been battlefield enemies found common ground in Masonry.
EST $7500 - 15,000
Louis Haiman Confederate Staff Officer's Sword
Lot # 806 (Sale Order: 305 of 335)
29.75" slightly curved single-edged blade with 6" false edge and a 23" unstopped median fuller. 5" brass hilt with cast openwork clam shell counterguard with silver CSA on exterior and large bulbous forward-swept quillon. Leather-covered grooved wood grip with 13 wraps of twisted wire. Obverse blade etched with a large upside down C.S.A. with leaves between the letters and entwining geometric boarders surrounding the etched panels, including foliate scrolls. Reverse of blade with a spread-winged eagle and foliate scrolls with similar geometric intertwined borders. Browned metal scabbard with brass mounts and two suspension rings. An old gold sword knot is attached to the knuckle bow of the saber. This sword is originally from the William Albaugh III collection and is pictured on page 89 of his Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords . A rare, well documented and published Confederate sword.
Provenance: ex-Albaugh collection, pictured on page 89 of A Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords. From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Very good. Blade with a dull pewter patina and scattered light surface oxidation and discoloration with some lightly scattered pinpricking and couple of small nicks along the edge of the blade. Hilt very good as well with a rich, uncleaned patina on the brass, most of the leather wrap in place with only some minor loss and some minor damage and loss to the wire. Scabbard good with traces of finish and a mostly brownish oxidized patina. Scabbard shows wear and some minor damage, with a soldered repair at the throat and drag, which is worn through in a couple of small areas. Upper mount with loose band. Scabbard free of any major dents or creases.
EST $ 8000 - 12000
Boyle & Gamble Foot Officer's Sword
Lot # 807 (Sale Order: 306 of 335)
29" slightly curved single-edged blade with 4" false edge and 22" median fuller. 5.25" sand cast brass hilt with two-branch guard, face of which is cast with the markings: BOYLE, GAMBLE & MACFEE over RICHMOND . Lightly grooved wood grip with thin leather cover and 15 wraps of single-strand copper wire. Brass mounted, top-seamed leather scabbard with incised line decorations along edges. Upper and middle mounts with thin, crudely-made suspension rings that have approximate diameters of 1.125" on the exterior and .9" on the interior. Middle mount and drag decorated with two incised lines.
Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Very good. Blade lightly cleaned with a mottle grayish patina and some lightly scattered oxidation. Hilt with an uncleaned patina, grip with leather in fine condition. Remnants of leather sword knot in guard. Scabbard fine, with light wear and crazing, stitching tight and mounts with an lovely uncleaned patina. Upper suspension ring nearly worn through at one spot from carry wear. Throat is slightly loose.
EST $ 8000 - 15000
Boyle & Gamble Confederate Staff Officer's Sword
Lot # 808 (Sale Order: 307 of 335)
29.875" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade with 18.75" unstopped median fuller. 5.5" hilt with cast brass guard with the "CS and Star" motif, surround by a laurel wreath. Crudely sand cast guard, knuckle bow and pommel cap with floral motifs, acanthus leaves and flowing ribbons. Leather-covered wood grip with 7 wraps of single-strand brass wire. Roughly cast forward swept quillon. Blade etched with Confederate patriotic motifs on the obverse, including CSA in a shield surmounting a flag and canon and a flag with 12 "X"-shaped stars in a crude St. Andrews Cross configuration in the canton, along with a variety of flowing foliate themes. The obverse blade shows a clear forging flaw, about 1.75" from the hilt, with a similar, less obvious flaw about .5" from the hilt on the reverse. The reverse of the blade is etched with flowing foliate themes with the central panel showing a simple panoply of arms with a liberty cap suspended from a halberd, crosses flags, a canon and a bugle, all surmounted by a shield with three vertical stripes on the lower portion and 9 crude "+"-shaped stars on the upper portion. Brass mounted, top-seamed leather scabbard with ring mounts pinned to throat and middle mount. Scabbard body with incised lines at edges on both obverse and reverse and a simple flowing decorative pattern embossed along the edges of the seam. A truly spectacular condition example of a very desirable Boyle & Gamble staff officer's sword.
Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Very fine. Blade retains most of its bright polish its the large majority of the frosty etching, with the only real loss at the ricasso, where the frosting has thinned from contact with the scabbard throat. Blade is crisp, unsharpened and free of any significant nicks along the edge. Hilt with a medium ocher patina, leather wrap with light wear and some minor finish loss, but entirely intact, with all wire in place. Scabbard fine, complete and solid, with some minor crazing and some minor bend marks, mostly on the reverse, but one quite obvious about 5.5" from the top of the drag on the obverse. Seam remains tight along the top edge, embossed patterns and incised lines remain mostly visible. Mounts with a medium bronze patina, with both the mounts and rings showing some small casting flaws. A really stunning example in a fantastic state of preservation.
EST $ 7000 - 12000
Confederate Staff Officer's Sword by Kraft, Goldsmith & Kraft
Lot # 809 (Sale Order: 308 of 335)
32" single-edged spear-point blade with 5" false edge and 23" unstopped fuller. 6.75" gilt brass hilt with CS and floral motifs cast into the guard. Blade with 16.25" etched panel terminating in a spear point final. The obverse of the blade is etched K.G.&K. at the ricasso and with floral and martial motifs along the rest of the panel. The reverse is etched Columbia at the ricasso and with additional martial and floral themes, with the letters C.S. Grooved wood grip with thin leather covering and wrapped with 9 strands of plain brass wire. Metal scabbard with prominent lap seam along the bottom rear edge, black enamel painted finish and brass mountings with two suspension rings.
Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch
Condition: Fine. Blade retains most of the acid etched panel with some minor fading, thinning and dulling. Metal with slightly dulled steel patina with the edge showing some scattered nicks and minor marks. Hilt with traces of gilt in protected areas, with the brass showing an uncleaned patina and numerous minute casting flaws and the expected minor finishing imperfections of a Confederate sword. Grip with a nearly full-length crack on the reverse that has opened up the leather wrap along most of its length. Wire remains intact. Scabbard with most of the paint remaining with some thinning and loss, although the paint may have been reapplied at some point in time. Brass mounts with a deep, untouched patina retaining both original suspension rings.
EST $ 7000 - 10000
Nashville Plow Works Cavalry Saber
Lot # 810 (Sale Order: 309 of 335)
35.5" curved single-edged bade with 27" fuller. 5" gilt sand-cast brass hilt with CSA cast into the face of the guard under the blade and Nashville Plow Works cast into the face of the guard over the blade. Three-branch guard and knuckle bow, grooved wood grip with twisted wire wrap. Gold sword knot attached to knuckle blow. Sheet iron scabbard appears to be seamed along the upper edge and applied brass mounts and throat. Nominally 1" diameter split iron suspension rings. Upper ring with part of a buckled sword hanger.
Condition: Good. Blade with a thick, dark, untouched and heavily oxidized patina with scattered surface roughness and pitting. Hilt with a break between the end of the upper branch and the top of the guard. Wood grip with no leather and replaced wire. Brass with deep ocher color that is uncleaned and untouched. Scabbard heavily oxidized with scattered bumps and dings, mounts uncleaned with a dark patina.
EST $ 3000 - 6000
Confederate "Dog River" Cavalry Saber
Lot # 811 (Sale Order: 310 of 335)
34.5" single edged blade with 26" long, .75" wide fuller. Three-branch brass guard, leather grip wrapped in iron wire. Iron scabbard with brass ring mounts. Blade shows some imperfections, the most prevalent being a 1.25" and 1.5" hollow at ricasso. Scabbard has a visible lap-seam along its length. Guard is crudely fitted, with an imperfect form and a visible deviation from center for both guard and pommel.
Condition: Good. Blade has an overall pewter patina with some chips on blade. Guard has some moderate bronzing and what appears to be modern paint on the guard. Grip retains a moderate amount of its leather grip with complete, tight wire wrapping. Scabbard has a dark color with additional paint staining. Brass mounting has a caramel color.
EST $ 2000 - 3000
A Rare and Beautiful South Carolina Cartridge Box Plate
Lot # 812 (Sale Order: 311 of 335)
Die-stamped brass and solder cartridge box plate, 2.5 in. diameter, with two eyes on reverse. Bears state seal of South Carolina, with two ovals linked by branches of the palmetto tree and two state mottoes surrounding the two ovals. On the left is " Animis Opibusque Parati " (Prepared in Mind and Resources), while on the right is the more well-known motto " Dum Spiro Spero" (While I Breathe I Hope). " 1776" at base of tree.
This exact plate is pictured in Sydney Kerksix's Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795 - 1874 (Figure 409, page 415). The die and stamping of fine quality. Because of its remarkable appearance this plate has been used in a number of color photos in various books.
Provenance: Formerly in the Collection of Norm Flayderman
EST $ 5500 - 6500
A Fine, Rare Confederate Staff Officer's Button
Lot # 813 (Sale Order: 312 of 335)
Fine English import Confederate staff officer's button, approx. 1 in. coat size, with active eagle surrounded by 11 stars on obverse and " H T & B / Manchester " backmark (See Albert, CS4).
Condition: Button with very few condition issues including a few darkened spots on obverse.
EST $ 2000 - 2500
Vermont Infantry Officer's Coat with Belt and Sash
Lot # 815 (Sale Order: 313 of 335)
Dark blue broadcloth with quilted and padded body lining. 1.75" collar lined with velvet, 23.5" sleeves lined in white muslin, sleeves 10" wide. Front secured with nine Vermont state seal buttons with "* SCOVILL MNF'G Co.*WATERBURY " backmarks. Non-functioning cuffs fitted with four Vermont stag head buttons with " EXTRA QUALITY " backmarks. Tails have functional pockets, lined with brown polished cotton and fitted with Vermont state seal buttons. Skirt edge correctly left raw; skirt 20.25" long. 1st Lieutenant rank insignia is sewn directly to the coat, and features a single row of gold bullion with blue velvet backing. Includes officer's sword belt with correct crimson silk sash. Includes letter of provenance.
Condition: Very good overall. Body retains a deep blue color with minimal fading. Some minor thinning and insect damage in isolated areas which is barely noticeable. Buttons retain a bright color and are all firms attached to garment. Some thinning of velvet and dulling on bullion on shoulder boards. Raw edge shows minimal fraying. Lining is in good condition. Belt leather is flexible with a dull patina to brass fittings. Sash shows some pulling and fraying with some isolated stable rips.
EST $ 2000 - 4000
US Mounted Services Jacket for Cavalry
Lot # 816 (Sale Order: 314 of 335)
Dark blue wool with .125" worsted wool cavalry branch trim. Fully lined with body lining marked with stencil " 1763B/40 ". Right and left sleeve lining shows mark of the Miller Costume Company of Philadelphia, who likely purchased this jacket from surplus. Additional right sleeve markings illegible. Twelve Scovills & Co.-marked buttons on front, four Scovills & Co. marked buttons on 2" double-piped standing collar. Collar fitted with hook closure. Functional cuffs fitted with four Scovills & Co. buttons.
Condition: Good to very good overall. Some light moth holes and isolated thinning of wool throughout, but no major holes tears, or rips. Body still has a seep blue color with piping fading to a dark mustard to cream color. Some light repairs to linings and collar.
EST $ 2000 - 4000
Baker & McKenney Contract 1858 Dress Hat with Artillery Insignia
Lot # 817 (Sale Order: 315 of 335)
5.25" x 6.125". Black wool with red worsted wool cord, ostrich plume, and 3" wide double-stitched brim. Tan leather sweatband marked on interior " 21 ". Loop-backed brass branch and regimental designation with leather keys. Inside label reads " BAKER & McKENNEY / MILITARY GOODS / 141 / GRAND ST. / NEW YORK " with some additional illegible handwriting. Four .25" vent holes in a diamond pattern added to crown. Address indicates this cap was likely made in 1865, as the firm of Baker & McKenney did not move to the Grand Street address until December 1864.
Condition: Very good. Some small moth holes throughout. Brim stitching and ribbon are in good condition with only minor pulls and fraying. Sweatband is intact with some staining from wear.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
US "McDowell" Type Model 1858/61 Forage Cap
Lot # 818 (Sale Order: 316 of 335)
Dark blue broadcloth wool with 5.25" disk. Black cotton lining with hand-stitched leather sweatband and painted leather visor with green underside. Non-buckled functioning chinstrap attached with eagle and star "dome-top" buttons with " SUPERIOR QUALITY" back mark. No contractor or maker's mark visible.
Condition: Good overall. Body is overall flexible with minimal stiffness and retains a good color. Some scattered moth holes on body with some tearing of lining. Chinstrap is pliable and functional. Some crazing on visor, which is still tightly sewn to the body. Some pulling of stitches on sweatband present.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Commercial Federal Officer's Cap
Lot # 819 (Sale Order: 317 of 335)
Dark blue wool with 5" disk. Painted square leather visor bound with single row of stitching. 1.5" hand stitched Morocco leather sweatband with polished cotton lining. Leather chinstrap with silver buckle attached with two eagle-shield buttons with block "I" letter. Embroidered infantry badge with false embroidered regimental numeral.
Condition: Good to very good overall. Some thinning of wool with some minor moth holes in body. Interior lining has some separation from body. Some crazing on visor with some tearing of sweatband. Chinstrap is flexible but shows some dryness. Some minor pulling and breaking of stitching.
EST $ 600 - 800
L.J. & I Philips Contract Fatigue Cap with Insignia
Lot # 820 (Sale Order: 318 of 335)
Blue broadcloth wool, 5.25" disk with 3.5" rise at front and 5.75" rise at rear. 6.75" wide painted leather brim with functioning chinstrap affixed to body with two Scoville-marked cuff-size eagle buttons. Buckram inter band with visible single row of stitching. Hand-stitched leather sweatband with brown polished cotton lining and intact manufacturer label, with size "7" markings. Disk fitted with 3.5" loop-backed cavalry branch insignia and 1.25" wire-backed company letter.
Condition: Very good. Some light wear to body but no major insect damage or rips. Some areas of pulled stitching on body and sweatband. Some crazing of painting on brim, interior lining intact.
EST $ 1000 - 2000
I.J. & L. Philips Contract US Model 1858/61 Forage Cap
Lot # 821 (Sale Order: 319 of 335)
Blue broadcloth wool with 5.75" disk, 4" rise at front and 5.5" rise at rear. Painted leather visor with functioning buckled chinstrap fixed to body with two Horstmann-marked cuff buttons. Chinstap has been fitted with brass washers behind buttons. Hand-stitched black Morocco leather sweatband with buckram band stiffener and pasteboard disk. Brown polished cotton lining with size "7" manufacturer's label.
Condition: Poor to fair. Body has some insect damage to body, mostly along band. Interior lining has partially separated, with disk coming loose. Chinstrap has one end loose, additional repairs visible where sweatband meets body. A good candidate for research or restoration.
EST $ 300 - 500
Union Cavalry Lieutenant's Double Border Shoulder Straps
Lot # 822 (Sale Order: 320 of 335)
Lot of 2 matching 1st Lieutenant cavalry straps, each 4.25 x 1.5 in. Golden yellow velvet centers with double border, featuring alternating rows of bright and dead bullion wire. Wool backing.
Condition: Small moth holes on reverse wool, minor wear at velvet center of one strap.
EST $ 1200 - 1600
Rare Officer's Rank Insignia, 1864
Lot # 823 (Sale Order: 321 of 335)
Stamped brass pin with leather-like background, 2.75 in. diameter, with original pinback and marked " S.H.&G. " By 1864, Union officers avoided wearing obvious insignia identifying their importance to Confederate sharpshooters. Military outfitters such as Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, the retailers of this metal disk, began selling smaller, less conspicuous indicators of rank, designed to be worn on the breast of an officer's coat or jacket.
Accompanied by photocopy of corresponding catalogue entry in Troiani, Soldiers in America 1754-1865.
EST $ 900 - 1500
Insignia and Buttons Belonging to Francis H. Swan of the USS Ostego
Lot # 824 (Sale Order: 322 of 335)
Lot of 18, including 10 naval coat buttons, 0.75 in. each, featuring an active eagle perched on an anchor and surrounded by 11 stars on obverse, with " Josh Starkey / London / 23 Conduit St " stamped on verso; four naval cuff buttons, 0.5 in. each, featuring the same obverse design and stamped " Scovill Mf'g Co " on verso; two naval insignia, 2.25 x 1.5 in., featuring crossed anchors; one petty officer badge, 1 x 1.6 in.; and one silver star pin, 1.5 x 1.5 in., with pin back still intact.
Consignor note relates that these items belonged to Acting Assistant Paymaster Francis H. Swan of the USS Ostego , who accompanied Lieutenant Cushing on his mission to destroy the USS Albemarle , and was captured and held at Libby Prison.
Condition: Three coat buttons with significant darkening/discoloration on obverse; star pin with some discoloration on obverse.
EST $ 400 - 800
3rd Cavalry, New York State Militia "German Hussars" Flag with Regimental Bit
Lot # 825 (Sale Order: 323 of 335)
21" x 24", double-sided. Blue silk with highly detailed images heavily embroidered with silk thread and gold bullion. Border of flag adorned with 2" cream-white fringe. Flag depicts an armed hussar in full regalia astride a white horse with drawn saber, against an open sky with a border of oak leaves backed in green velvet and acorns. Opposite side reads " 3.d Reg't/1st TROOP/NY/GERMAN HUSSARS ", also surrounded by oak leaf motif. Both sides of the flag depict at the top portion of the fly an American ragle with flags on halberds, and the lower portion with a shield with German red-white-black tricolor. Lot also includes curb bit with 1.75" regimental insignia, consisting of " NYH " surrounded by a belt with thirteen stars.
Rallying to the Union cause in July 1861, The German Hussars, Company C of the Third New York Cavalry under the command of Captain George W. Sauer. A pre-war militia formed mostly by German immigrants, the regiment did not see active service, mustering out in November of that year.
Lot also includes letter of authenticity signed by Howard Michael Madaus.
Condition: Very good overall. Most of the flag retains a deep blue color with some fading of sky, turning a light blue and cream color. Some thinning present leading to small holes. Embroidery remains mostly fast to the flag with minimal fraying. A fine piece of early Civil War history that should be of great interest to any New York or Cavalry Collector.
EST $ 10000 - 15000
Pre-Civil War Wagon Driver's Saddle
Lot # 826 (Sale Order: 324 of 335)
15" seat, front and rear cantles decorated with round-head tacks. Unmarked wood stirrups with covers tooled in a star motif. Underside padded with stuffed blue and white-stripped ticking material. Includes blue wool girth.
Condition: Fair overall. Some cracking and crazing of leather with some loss of tacks. Padding shows some staining with use. Some fraying on girth.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Model 1858 McClellan Civil War Saddle
Lot # 827 (Sale Order: 325 of 335)
Leather covered wood saddle tree, with bridle leather skirts and leather covered stirrups. Three blanket straps.
Condition: Excellent overall. Would make a great display.
EST $ 1000 - 2000
