LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Feb Americana Grand Format Auction #659  / 

25650

Civil War Sword and Archive

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Civil War Sword and Archive
<B>Rear Admiral George W. Beaman Civil War Sword and Archive.</B></I> This substantial collection follows the career of George William Beaman (1837 - 1917), a distinguished U. S. Naval officer whose professional life began, oddly enough, as a journalist. A Vermont native and Massachusetts resident, Beaman went to Missouri as a very young man and worked for a newspaper in Hannibal, becoming friends with Mark Twain in the process. Beaman's Civil War service commenced in May, 1861 when he enlisted in a three-month reserve infantry regiment. The following year he joined the Navy as an Assistant Acting Paymaster and continued to serve faithfully until retiring in 1899. Beaman's primary Civil War assignments were with the South Atlantic Squadron until he was transferred to the Mississippi Flotilla in February, 1865. Post-war activities took Beaman around the world, with much of his work being conducted in the Pacific. This grouping is as follows:<BR>-<B>M1852 U. S. Navy Officer's Sword,</B></I> 35" overall length, 27.25" blade etched with patriotic naval motifs and maker's name on ricasso, stamped "Ames Mfg. Co. Chicopee Mass" on brass scabbard throat, wirebound ray-skin grip, brass guard with quillon terminating in dolphin's head, two brass rings on painted metal scabbard with brass drag fashioned as a dolphin. Original "attic" condition with deeply toned brass elements and bright, fresh blade. The scabbard's paint is scratched and chipped as to be expected. Very fine condition. This is the quintessential Civil War navy sword and was likely carried throughout Beaman's long career.<BR>-<B>12 CDVs showing Beaman in both civilian and military dress,</B></I> various locations, 1860 - early 1870s. A photographic timeline in which Beaman transforms from a rookie newspaperman into a seasoned young naval officer. Many of these images have penciled dates and locations. Some stains and normal aging, very good condition.<BR>-<B>Four CDVs of unidentified Union officers.</B></I> Two of these have Boston backmarks. They are likely Beaman's friends or relations. Very good condition.<BR>-<B>Three cabinet cards of a young cadet,</B></I> Boston, Massachusetts, ca. 1880s. The subject wears a double-breasted dress uniform with two rows of what appear to be Boston School staff buttons (Albert SU 43). Very fine condition.<BR>-<B>Three portraits of a retired Beaman,</B></I> Boston, Massachusetts, ca. 1900.<BR>-<B>Photograph of the U. S. S. <I>New York</B></I>,</B></I> 14" x 10.5", New York, 1893. Some chipping to mat and 2" split. Very good condition. Beaman served on this flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron near the end of his career.<BR>-<B>Albumen print,</B></I> 16.5" x 12.75", inscribed "<I>Picnic on a RR (near San Bartholomy) 1871</B></I>". A large group shot. Beaman appears to be one of the gentlemen in the back row. Splits and chipping on mat, none of which touches upon the actual print. Very good condition.<BR>-<B>18 Navy Department letters to Beaman,</B></I> approximately 20 pages, averaging 8" x 10", many on official letterheads, various locations, 1860s - 1899. These letters assign Beaman's postings with the last one pertaining to his retirement. Normal light aging, very fine condition.<BR>-<B>Two partially printed tea invitations from Queen Victoria,</B></I> addressed to Mrs. Beaman, 1892. With original envelopes. Fine condition.<BR>-<B>Two miscellaneous letters with ephemera.</B></I> Beaman's clipped obituary is included. Good condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>) <BR><BR><B>Important notice
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