360

MARCUS A. RENO`S EPAULETS

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
MARCUS A. RENO`S EPAULETS
<b>360. MARCUS A. RENO'S EPAULETS </b>(1835 - 1889)<b> </b>Union brigadier general and Indian fighter with Custer at Little Big Horn, accused of cowardice and failure to support Custer during the massacre. A historic relic, Marcus A. Reno's gold epaulets worn by him during the Civil War and undoubtedly afterward, very likely during his service under George A. Custer and at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The epaulets are contained within a regulation japanned tin container with white lettering at top: "<i>MARCUS A. RENO<b> </b>U. S. ARMY</i>". During the Civil War, Reno's greatest rank achieved was Colonel of the 12th Pa., and at war's end he was breveted Brigadier General of Volunteers and brevet colonel in the army, with the rank of captain. These epaulets are of a design worn only by those with a rank of major or higher, therefore could only have been issued to Reno during the course of the war. The gold bullion hangs at a length of 3 1/2" indicating a rank of major or above, further corroborating his rank. The epaulets bear marks of having unit and rank insignia attached at top, but which are now lacking. This is consistent with Reno's post-war rank of captain in the regular army as he no longer held the rank of general or colonel. Before Little Big Horn, Reno was advanced to the rank of Major of the 7th Cavalry on December 26, 1868 and was therefore once again allowed to wear this style of epaulet. Following the Custer massacre on June 25, 1876 Reno faced a number of courts martial and was finally dismissed on trumped-up charges, on April 1, 1880, and returned home with these epaulets. Officer's epaulets were required to be worn whenever one was to meet the enemy or on duty; it is therefore entirely conceivable that these relics rode atop Reno's shoulders as he held-out against the attack of the Sioux at Little Big Horn. The epaulets bear signs of a great deal of use, having been crudely stitched at the sides of the bottom leather backing, a piece of copper wire replaces one hasp at bottom, and the brass attachments show signs of consistent use. The bottom of the bullion on one of the epaulets is crumpled, not noticeable when the epaulet sits as normal. Provenance: Butterfield Arms and Armor Sale, July, 2000, to our consignor.<b>$5,000-8,000</b>