LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72185

U.S. Grant's Lt. General Shoulder Insignia

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:62,500.00 USD Estimated At:250,000.00 - 350,000.00 USD
U.S. Grant's Lt. General Shoulder Insignia
<B>Ulysses S. Grant's Boxed Set of Lieutenant General's Shoulder Insignia ca. 1864</B></I> Each strap measures 4” x 1.5” and rests in a custom dovetailed cherry wood box with an arched lid that has two hinges, 5.5” x 2.25” x 5”. The shoulder straps each consist of a metal frame that gives shape to a black felt matrix upon which are sewn three silver bullion stars within a rectangular gold bullion border. The box's interior is lined with white silk while the lid's underside is covered with red fabric.<BR><BR>Overall, the insignia and the box are quite presentable. The straps' bullion elements are lightly soiled and tarnished from usage on his uniform. The stitching remains tight on both straps; however, the black silk undersides show evidence of use. A nice glossy finish with normal light scratches and scuffing. Both interior lining fabrics are worn with some fraying, yet completely cover wooden surfaces as intended.<BR><BR>The historical importance of this insignia cannot be overstated. Grant became the nation's very first “three-star” lieutenant general in March 1864 after Abraham Lincoln appointed him General-in-Chief of the U.S. Army. These are the only known Civil War period insignia for Grant while he was Lieutenant General. It was while holding this rank that U.S.Grant defeated Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, thus ensuring the Union's survival. These shoulder straps, then, date to those crucial months in which Grant's abilities and determination brought him everlasting fame as he saved the nation.<BR><BR><B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>Wolf Auctions (Cleveland, Ohio); Grant family; The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR><BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I>*****<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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