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Modoc Polychrome Bow,

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Modoc Polychrome Bow,
last quarter 19th-century. An hour-glass shaped hardwood bow, the front side decorated with gemeotric motifs of red and black polychrome paint; 39.0" long x 2.75" at widest point. The back is undecorated. Retains on older typed gum label with "Modoc" and a later circular label with the Museum Accession number and "Bow-Modoc War Berger" in ball point ink. Western Reserve Accession Records from 1941 indicate the bow was donated by H.E. Berger of Akron, Ohio, whose father was a cousin of a "Lt. Schwatke" and that the bow was "direct from one of many skirmishes with the Indians." We believe the original collector to be Lt. Frederick Schwatka (1849-1892), an Illinoisan who had a long career in the military with lengthy western postings. Schwatka graduated from West Point in 1871 and was immediately posted to Arizona where he took part in actions against the Apache and Yavapai. In May of 1872 he was transferred to Ft. McPherson, Nebraska, taking part in the Yellowstone Expedition, serving in both Nebraska and Wyoming. Joining George Crook's forces in May, 1876, as a member of M Company of the 3rd Cavalry, he took part in the battle against Crazy Horse's forces on the Rosebud on June 17,1876 and after Custer's defeat was a member of both Crook's Big Horn and Yellowstone expeditions and was along for the infamous "horse-meat march." Later, at the Battle of Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory (September 8-9)he was a key figure, leading a stampede of horses through the enemy camp. Schwatka is best known, however, for Arctic explorations he conducted between 1878 and 1880, and his discovery of the remains of the Sir John Franklin Expedition. His later years were spent in exploration in both the Arctic, Alaska and northern Mexico. He was a prolific author, publishing about his explorations Schwatka died from an overdose of laudanum at the age of 43 in Portland, Oregon. (Thrapp 1988:1279-80). (SEE ALSO CATALOG NUMBERS 310 and 312). Deaccessioned from the Western Reserve Historical Society of Cleveland, Ohio. Fine patina, retains india ink accession number on back side of bow.