SOLD
160,000.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2013 Mar 11 @ 16:19UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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Please Note (3/1/13): New Provenance including: Cemetary photos (note: cemetary photo depicts Briggs grave monument next to Custer grave monument), Colonel Briggs gallery article, obituaries for Col. Briggs, Col. Briggs account in detail of the surrender at Appomattox by Joe Williams. This extraordinary grouping descended in the family of Col. George G. Briggs the last commander of the 7th Michigan Cavalry. It was Briggs who first saw the flag of truce being offered by Maj. R.M. Simms of General Longstreet's staff at Appomattox. It was Briggs who conducted him to General Custer. For this reason Libby Custer sent Col. Briggs a piece of this Confederate "flag of truce" that was given to Custer after Appomattox. This grouping also contains several pieces of reunion memorabilia, several photographs of Briggs and some war time documents concerning Briggs. All these items are photographed in detail on our website. The more significant items that are part of this group include 1)a framed letter from Libby Custer written to Col Briggs in 1908 that features a 2" X 1" souvenired sample of the Confederate "flag of truce" from Appomattox Courthouse, a 2" X 1" souvenired piece of the desk that Gen. Lee and Gen. Grant signed the surrender document that ended the war. Also there is a 2" X 1" piece of one of the red Bandana Custer famously wore during the war. Libby's handwritten letter that is framed with these souvenir pieces reads as follows; "New York, March 1908- My Dear Col. Briggs, It is a pleasure to present to you these souvenirs of the Civil War. Gen. Sheridan gave me the table on which the terms of the surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant were written. I replaced the lower panel of the drawer and had cut the original into mementos of the day at Appomattox. The scrap of linen is from the towel which Maj. Simms of the Confederate Army used as the first flag of truce where he entered our lines, the day of the surrender. The fragment of red is from one of the Generals neckties. Sincerely yours, Elizabeth B. Custer". 2)Two cabinet photographs of Briggs, both being a copies of 1st Lt. Briggs in uniform 1861-1862 in the 7th Michigan Cavalry. 3)Cabinet photograph, circa 1880, of Briggs wearing his gold Custer Valor Medal, Sheridan Corp. Badge and his numbered MOLLUS Medal. 4)Gold Tiffany made Custer Valor Medal,inscribed "Geo. G. Briggs 7th Regt. Michigan Cavalry" consisting of a pair of 1-5/16" gold crossed sabers on gold/orange ribbon supporting a 1" wide by 1-9/16" high Maltese Cross utilizing top quadrant as a 5 pointed star. Badge is decorated with engraved floral designs and blue enamel inlay with the words "CUSTER" in the middle and "TUEBOR" on the bottom cross which is part of the Michigan State Seal, meaning "I will defend". According to several wonderful articles written by John P. Beckendorf there are very few of these badges known. There are probably no more than 4 or 5 gold medals known, though there are at least this same number shown in war time photographs of soldiers wearing these, but their whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Beckendorf shows a nearly identical medal though with a longer ribbon that was given to Maj. Robert Wallace of the 5th Michigan Cavalry. In Mr. Beckendorf's article, published in 2005 North-South Traders Civil War magazine, he shows the original George Custer signed letter to Tiffany dated October 15, 1864. It is interesting that Tiffany lost the order and did not find it again until 1884 and filled the order January 31st of that year and delivered the medal to Maj. Wallace. The whereabouts of the medal that Gen. Custer himself wore is unknown, though it is seen in photographs. A smaller medal with pearls was made for Libby Custer that just recently sold at Spinx in New York in 2012 for $46,000. This is the first gold medal presented to an officer of this type to ever come to auction. The few officers who were recipients of Gen. Custers favor and had the honor to wear this medal, thought quite highly of it, as can be seen in a letter written to the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune June 17, 1865 by Col. James H. Kidd of the 6th Michigan Cavalry "the gold in this badge is not more precious, it is not rarer, than the frankness, the generosity, the want this trust which has always characterized your intercourse with me...the associations-Michigan Brigade Cavalry, its leader, Custer, his deeds and theirs are enough to make your gift one of inestimable value always". The original sketches of this medal, designed by Custer, can be found on a loose sheet, inserted in Custer's journal, which is presently at the Little Big Horn Battlefield Museum. 5)Sheridan Cavalry Corp badge made of gold and silver with red enameled background and T-bar pin much like the Custer Valor Medal described above; this badge too has the quality and workmanship that could also be Tiffany. 6)Col. Briggs MOLLUS (Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States)Membership Badge SN 4004. 7)Fabulous reunion era souvenir presentation polychrome cane to Col. Briggs by a master carver of great skill showing many interesting figures as can be seen in photographs on our website. Other items included in this group include a souvenir gavel made from a piece of wood with an embedded minie ball inscribed "Culp's Hill Gettysburg". About a 6 foot section of Col. Briggs silk sash is also part of this group, along with a photograph of a fabulous oil on canvas escutcheon showing Col. Briggs military service during the Civil War and showing images of the badges offered in this grouping. The family is retaining the original escutcheon along with many of his war time letters. PROVENANCE: George G. Briggs direct descent. CONDITION: Medals and photographs described are all in very good to very fine condition. The medals have excellent enamel and good patinas as can be seen in photographs. The framed Libby Custer letter along with framed souvenirs are very good overall, however each souvenir and the letter are dry mounted to cardboard that has caused considerable acid burn to paper Libby wrote her letter on. There is no real discernible damage noted to textile or wood souvenirs. A conservator stated Libby's letter should be easily conserved and removed from cardboard mount and greatly improved as the brown ink is quite dark and very discernible. The cane is very good overall, retaining good colors as can be seen in photo. The fragment of silk sash is heavily damaged missing ends with shredding with numerous small holes. Reunion memorabilia is very good overall as can be seen in photographs on website. 4-47744 JS19
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 8-10, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., March 11 & 12, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
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| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE: We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person, since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 45 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 45 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 45 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us within 45 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in a refund in sale price, adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS: All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser, unless the items are to be shipped.
3. PROTESTED BIDS: In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX: State of Maine sales tax is 5% and will be collected at time of payment unless a current sales tax certificate is on file or if shipped anywhere except Maine and Massachusetts. If purchases are shipped to a Maine address, sales tax of 5% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file. If purchases are shipped or delivered to a Massachusetts address, sales tax of 6.25% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file.
5. NOMINAL BIDS: The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS: Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa or MasterCard number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS: All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest. For bidders located outside of the United States we only accept payment by checks drawn on U.S. banks or wire transfer.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT: Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES: Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL: We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE: A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS: At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY: If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM: Shall be reduced to 18% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 21% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE: Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE: The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS: Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: Auctioneer: James D. Julia ME License #AR83; NH License #2511 Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.