Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
including a 14k gold pocket watch with presentation inscription, his appointment as Brigadier General in the United States Army, signed by President William McKinley, five photographs of Colby, a patriotic kerchief, a uniform button, and associated archival materials.
Colby (1846-1924), had a long military career, beginning with the Civil War where he served even though underage, and ending with his commission as a Brigadier General in the Regular Army during the Spanish American War. Colby is best remembered, however, for his actions in 1890-91 that culminated in the Wounded Knee Massacre at Pine Ridge Agency, South Dakota. Serving as a Brigadier General in the Nebraska National Guard, Colby commanded the state troops positioned between the reservation and nearby Nebraska towns; the Nebraska troops did not see action, but Colby nonetheless received a commendation from Miles for his actions. After a visit to the Agency in January, 1891, Colby returned to his home in Beatrice, Nebraska, with a prize: a nine month old Sioux girl whom he named Margaret Elizabeth, but whom the world would know as Lost Bird.
Lost Bird was supposedly found in the aftermath of the battle of Wounded Knee. In reality, the child's mother, believing her killed during the battle, had left her on the field. Found on the battlefield, the child was taken in by a Pine Ridge storekeeper, and ultimately, reunited with her mother. Colby heard of the story, expressed a desire to adopt the child, and paid her biological mother $50. He went home with his "prize." After Colby left his wife when Lost Bird was three years old, she led a life of poverty and abuse. She died when she was 29.
Included in the archive is a stem-wind, lever set pocket watch manufactured by the American Watch Company (serial no. 2354151, manufactured in early 1885), housed in swing-out 14kt gold case, with the reverse inscribed Presented to L.W. Colby by his friends June 23, 1886, encircled by the names of 13 names of friends. Colby was elected to the state senate of Nebraska in 1886, and this presentation probably memorializes this event. The lot further includes Colby's vellum, folio-sized appointment to Brigadier General in the United States Army, dated June 3, 1898, signed by President William McKinley. Photographic highlights include a fine cabinet card of Colby and Lost Bird inscribed in ink on verso Zinetka Lanuni Compliments of L.W. Colby with a Beatrice, NE imprint; a Beatrice, NE cabinet card of Colby in his state militia General's uniform; two card mounted photographs of Colby as a Brigadier General in the regular army, one showing him mounted; and finally, a boudoir image by the Northwestern Photographic Co. titled in the negative Gen. Carr with 6th cav. staff PR Agen. The lot further includes a small silk Cuban flag or kerchief, probably collected while Colby served on that island, a U.S. military button, and several pieces of stationary from Colby's law office and the Paddock Block Hotel, owned by his ex-wife.
Condition: Watch with second hand replaced, case with moderate wear. Dial with small hairline crack at the 30 second mark.
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
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Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
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Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial.
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