SOLD
17,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2005 Oct 05 @ 16:32UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT
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HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT PRESENTATION SWORD AND MEMORABILIA OF COLONEL HENRY WILSON, 22ND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, FRIEND OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, UNITED STATES SENATOR, AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. This lot represents one of the most important groupings of military and political material related to one of the most influential and well-known politicians in United States history. The lot consists of Wilson's high-grade presentation sword, dated 1861, enameled corps badge for the Wilson Regiment," images, political memorabilia, regimental history for the 22nd Infantry, 2nd Sharpshooters, and 3rd Light Artillery Battery Massachusetts Volunteers, and an important book of the life of Henry Wilson. 1) The sword is a high-grade US regulation Model 1850 Staff and Field officer's sword made by the "Ames Mfg. Co./Chicopee/Mass." and so marked near the ricasso of the blade, both in etched form on one side and stamped on the ricasso on the opposing side. This exact sword is illus. on pg. 168 of the book The Ames Sword Company by John Hamilton 1893. The blade is 32" long and is etched with an American eagle, "U.S.", scrolls of floral engraving, stands of arms and military trophies, and terminating in rays of a sunburst. The hilt is of cast brass, gold-plated, and is of standard regulation form, having three branches filled with finely cast floral decoration and "U.S.". The half-basket guard forms a sgl knuckle bow, terminating at the cast brass pommel cap with laurel leaf decoration. The grip is of wood covered in sharkskin and wound with dbl strand twisted brass wire. The ornate scabbard is of brass, gold-plated, and signed by the maker on the reverse side between the throat and the top mount. The separately applied throat is plain; the two carrying ring bands are cast with acanthus leaf decoration in relief, and the body of the scabbard is heavily engraved with incised lines and scrollwork radiating above and below each of the carrying rings and forming a 4-1/2" long x 1-1/4" wide cartouche, which has the ornate presentation engraved within. The remainder of the scabbard body is decorated with a very detailed stand of flags, battle axes, drums, a knapsack, bugle, and American shield surmounted by a liberty cap perched atop a pole. Ornate scrollwork radiates from below these figures. The applied drag is plain, however the body of the scabbard repeats the scrollwork on its face near the drag topped by a large flame-like engraved decoration. The reverse side of the scabbard is plain. Within the cartouche, between the top and middle mounts, is the following inscription: "Col. Henry Wilson. (Old English Script)/22nd Reg. M.V./from the/Inspectors at the BOSTON CUSTOM HOUSE/Sept 27th 1861." CONDITION: Fine. Blade exhibits most of its orig factory finish, including its frosty etching. At the end of the etching, on one side, is an area of light surface pitting about 3" long. On the opposite side, near the end of the etching, are about five small patches of dark staining and a couple of other areas of light pitting and/or staining, not severely affecting the etched panels. Hilt retains about 80% of its gilt luster. Grip wrap of sharkskin has separated slightly at the seam and shows light wear on the high spots. Scabbard is superb with only some darkening and light oxidation where the carrying ring mounts and drag were soldered to the body. One minor dent on the edge of the scabbard near the lower right hand corner of the presentation. 2) Accompanying the sword is a corps badge, being made of German silver with a top pin bar enameled in blue and reading "Wilson Regiment". Hanging below the bar with one ring is a silver and enameled Maltese cross filled with red enamel, which in the center, has a large "22d" on either side reading "Mass./Inf.," the top arm of the cross reads "2d. S.S.", and the bottom arm "3d. Batt". This badge is framed with a postal cover measuring 7-1/4" x 3-3/4" addressed to "Hon. John Chapman/Salem/M" from H Wilson". It is postmarked and dated June 1864. CONDITION: Corps badge appears to be about fine but I was unable to remove it from the frame. It is pinned on a card handwritten "Civil War/2nd Sharpshooters/3rd Batt./22 Inf. Mass". One or two minor chips missing from the face of the pin bar, otherwise the badge appears fine. 3) There is an oval engraving, illustrating Henry Wilson in Civil War uniform with a printed signature below published by "J.C. Buttre, 48 Franklin Street, New York". CONDITION: Image and background is foxed. Frame is plastic. 4) There is a framed group portrait of President Andrew Johnson and his cabinet members of which Henry Wilson appears in an oval portrait at the lower right hand corner as Chief of the Military Commission for the United States Senate. The print was engraved by G.R. Hall and is dated 1866. The frame is contemporary of gilt decorated wood. There is also an engraving of General Ulysses S. Grant in uniform in a manila folder. CONDITION: Both prints are good. Grant print is foxed at the edges and has a dog-eared edge. 5) A copy of the book Henry Wilson's Regiment; Twenty-Second Infantry/Second Sharpshooters/Third Light Battery/Massachusetts Vols. by John L. Parker, Corporal Co. F, 22nd, and 1st Lt. 11th Mass. Vols., assisted by Robert G. Carter, Pvt Co. H, 22nd, 1st Lt., 4th U.S. Cav, and the Historical Committee (Boston, 1887). The book is ex libris Winthrop Public Library, Massachusetts. The 591-pg work details the history of this regiment from its formation and throughout the end of the war and has period engravings of staff and company officers throughout. The book is wrapped in cloth covered boards, the front cover being blue, the rear cover being red, and the spine being dark green. CONDITION: Fair. Bindings are split, wraps are loose, and the book is complete, however the page edges are tattered. 6) Included is The Life and Public Services of Hon. Henry Wilson by Hon. Thomas Russell, Collector of the Port of Boston; and Rev. Elias Nason, for many years the Pastor of Mr. Wilson (Boston, 1872), dedicated to "The working-man of America. The 419-pg work is a biography of Henry Wilson. CONDITION: Good. Wraps are green cloth covered boards with gold embossed title on the spine and a gold embossed facsimile of Wilson's signature on the front. 7) All framed together is a lot of political memorabilia, including the following items: an orig 1872 election ticket for the state of Maryland, listing for president "Ulysses S. Grant" and for Vice President "Henry Wilson" having an oval portrait of Abraham Lincoln at the top; a northern patriotic postal cover titled "Jeff Davis 'going in'/Jeff Davis 'coming out'," which is a cartoon like character of the Confederate President, when turned sideways appears to be a mule; there is a wonderful printed political cap in printed fabric of orange, blue, black, and cream with one band woven to read "GRANTANDWILSONGRANTANDWILSON…," another band printed "LETUSHAVEPEACE," and another band with Wilson's initials repeated "HWHW…", and a final band printed in larger letters "USGUSG…". One of the finest and most important pcs of political memorabilia I have seen in many years. Also framed is a post war carte-de-visite photograph of Wilson as Vice President, a quarter dollar sized coin with a spread-winged American eagle, and around the rim "For Vice President/H. Wilson/1872". Finally, there is a pin back tin embossed shield that reads "Grant Club," and suspended from it is a circular coin with a relief of U.S. Grant and reading "President U.S. Grant". CONDITION: Election ticket is very good but has been glued to the frame's backing. Campaign cap is in superb condition and may have been glued to the backing of the frame. Postal cover, also glued, is bright and clear. Photograph has some losses to the image around Wilson's shoulders and in the background. Coin is encased in a protector, and the Grant Club pin appears to be fine. All mounted in a contemporary frame measuring 25" x 24". Also included is a certificate of marriage of Mr. Orson Candeshoef and Ms. Fanny Wilson on March 2, 1868. Certificate has some foxing and staininig and minor tears to the edges. Henry Wilson was one of America's foremost anti-slavery advocates. He was a personal friend of President Abraham Lincoln and served as the United States Senate's Chairman of the powerful Military Commission during the Civil War. He raised the 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Vol. in 1861 and served with them while on recess from his duties as a senator. He was elected as Vice President of the United States under U.S. Grant in 1872. Wilson was born in Farmington, New Hampshire on February 16, 1812 and died in Washington, D.C. on November 22, 1875. He was the son of a farm laborer and due to their severe poverty, was apprenticed to a neighboring farmer at the age of 10. Upon the end of his 11-year apprenticeship, he found work at a shoemaker's and upon becoming 18 years old, he had his name, which was originally Jeremiah Jones Colbaith, legally changed to Henry Wilson. He earned enough money to be able to return to New Hampshire and study at Stafford, Wolfborough, and Concord. During his studies, he made his first appearance in public life as an ardent Abolitionist. In 1840, he appeared on the public scene as a supporter of Henry Harrison, making public speaking appearances at more than 60 Whig meetings. At age 28, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, serving for one year and then three years in the Massachusetts State Senate. Throughout his political career, he was a fiery anti-slavery leader and in 1848, attended the National Whig Convention in Philadelphia. He edited the Boston "Republican Newspaper", was chairman of the Free-Soil state committee, and in 1815, was elected President of the Massachusetts State Senate. Later, as a member of the State Constitutional Convention, he proposed a provision to permit black men into the state militia organization. Following several failed attempts, he was elected to succeed Edward Everett in the United States Senate. He withdrew from the American National Convention in Philadelphia when it adopted a platform with a neutral position on slavery. He took an active part in the formation of Lincoln's Republican party. The Congressional record during his long term of service in the US Senate shows that he was one of the most industrious, active, and outspoken members of that body and his name is connected with nearly all of the important acts leading up to and during the American Civil War. In March 1861, he was made Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, of which he had been a member for the preceding four years. He induced Congress to authorize the enlistment of 500,000 volunteers at the beginning of the hostilities and remaining as the chairman of the committee from 1861-186, he devised and carried the most important measures with regard to the organization of the Union Army and the raising and equipping of troops. Prior to the war, Wilson held the rank of Brigadier General in the Massachusetts State Militia and in 1861, he organized and raised the 22nd Regiment of Massachusetts Vol, which included the 2nd Regiment Sharpshooters, the 3rd Light Artillery Battery, and a Regiment of Inf. He marched off to the field as the regiment's Col. and served as an aide to General George McClellan until Congress reassembled. During the first session of Congress, 1861-1862, he introduced laws that abolished slavery in the District of Columbia, allowed blacks to enroll in the militia, and granted freedom to slaves and their families who entered the military service of the United States. Following the war, he continued his term in the Senate and joined with measures of conciliation toward the south. He was nominated for the office of Vice President of the United States in June 1872 to serve on the election ticket with Ulysses S. Grant and was elected the following November, receiving 286 out of 354 electoral votes. He resigned the US Senate on March 3, 1873 to serve as Vice President. Within that year, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he died two years later. He authored the following books: History of the Anti-Slavery Measures of the Thirty-Seventh, Thirty-Eight United States Congresses (Boston, 1865), Military Measures of the United States Congress (1866), Testimonies of American Statesmen and Jurists to the Truths of Christianity (1867), History of the Reconstruction Measures of the Thirty-Ninth and Fortieth Congresses, 1865-8, (1868), along with a number of articles and speeches, which were published. During its term of service, Wilson's 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Vol. served distinguishably at most of the major engagements including Gettysburg, in the Eastern Theater of War. 4-57392, 4-57393, 4-57410 CW104 (20,000-25,000)"
Auction Location:
12 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, United States
Previewing Details:
Monday, October 3, 2005: 10:00am-5:30pm EST
Tuesday, October 4, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Wednesday, October 5, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Thursday, October 6, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
See terms and conditions
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
SHIPPING:
If you are the successful bidder and are unable to attend the auction in person or pick up your item, we will pack and ship your item for you. The costs for shipping include labor at $22 per hour, packing material and cartons, insurance at $0.55 per $99 valuation, and actual invoiced shipping charges.
AFTER THE SALE:
An invoice will be sent in the mail within 5-7 business days. Included will be a form for shipping instructions and a form for payment method.
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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 44 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 44 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 44 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 with 44 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 full money back refund or 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.
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 - There is no sales tax in the State of New Hampshire, thus anything bought and paid for and removed the days of the auction in New Hampshire are non-taxable. However, if yours is an absentee bid and you later have it shipped from our Fairfield offices, again there is no sales tax. But, if you are an absentee bidder and elect to pick up and pay for your things in Maine, the things will then be subject to tax unless you have a sales tax certificate.
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.
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 20% 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 22% 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: ME License #AR83; NH License #2511: Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.