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1852 First Year Virginia Military Institute DS Rare 1852 First-Year Virginia Military Institute Doc

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
1852 First Year Virginia Military Institute DS  Rare 1852 First-Year Virginia Military Institute Doc
<B> Rare 1852 First-Year Virginia Military Institute Document Signed by the entire graduating class including the grandfather of famed WWII General George S. Patton</B></I> <BR> Measures 15" x 21.5", 22" x 26" as nicely custom-framed. Extra fine condition, with tremendous display appeal, featuring a tipped-on engraving of the obviously-new college buildings, by P.S. Duval & Co., Philadelphia. <BR> Interestingly written in French, it is a Certificate of Merit signed by the 22 members of VMI's 1st graduating class, as well as College President Thomas Munford. In the center, above the blue silk ribbon, has been hand-printed: "The autograph of the First Class, Signed July 4, 1852." The autograph of George Patton, grandfather of the WWII figure, is perhaps the rarest, one of only several known. Patton was killed in action leading the men of the 22nd Virginia in 1864. Other prominent signers include William Peterson, who became one of "Stonewall" Jackson's generals, and the famed Turner Ashby, Commander of the 7th Va. Cavalry, who was killed in 1862. EVERY SIGNING MEMBER OF THIS CLASS WENT ON TO SERVE AS FIELD GRADE OFFICERS OR HIGHER IN THE CONFEDERATE SERVICE. Three were wounded at Gettysburg, three at Antietam, and three more at Winchester Simeon. Gibbons commanded the 10th Virginia and was killed at the Battle of Port Republic, Joseph Mayo, Jr. commanded the 3rd Virginia in Pickett's Charge, and James A. Walker commanded the legendary Stonewall Brigade from Gettysburg through Appomattox. A tremendously unique and important Confederate artifact.