1475
REVOLUTIONARY WAR IRON FIFE OF ABNER HOSMER WHO WAS KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF CONCORD, APRIL 19, 1775
Currency:USD
Category:Firearms & Military
Start Price:1,000.00 USD
Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
SOLD
2,500.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2013 Mar 11 @ 16:14UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
We are offering an iron fife which measures 11-3/4" long and a diameter of about 1" with a circa 1900 tag which reads "ONE OF ABNER HOSMER FIFE CONTRIBUTED BY REBECCA J. (HOSMER) BELKNAP". We have never seen a solid iron fife like this before and cannot vouch for its age or authenticity, however it does appear to be quite old with aged patina, rust & pitting & old filed tool marks. Finger holes are haphazardly cut as can be seen in pictures. There is a cork plugging the one hole end and a concretion of dirt "insect debris" near other end. The tag, as can be seen in pictures, is old and broken & apparently this was on display somewhere. It is interesting to note that Private Abner Hosmer was born August 21, 1754 and is listed on a muster role in Capt. Isaac Davis's Acton Minutemen & was present & killed in the first volley fired by the British Regulars at the North Bridge in Concord on April 19, 1775. Hosmer is listed as a "drummer boy" in several Revolutionary War histories though he was 21 years old on the day he was killed. Abner Hosmer's epitaph reads: "MEMENTO MORI: HERE LIES THE BODY OF MR ABNER HOSMER, SON OF DEA JONA HOSMER AND MRS MARTHA HIS WIFE WHO WAS KILLED IN CONCORD FIGHT APRIL 19TH, 1775, IN YE DEFENSE OF YE JUST RIGHTS OF HIS COUNTRY, BEING IN THE 21ST YEAR OF HIS AGE". More research needs to be done but if there were iron fifes like this in the American Revolution, this could be one. CONDITION: Very good overall with heavy patina as described above. Tag has losses. Ink is dark & discernible. There are scotch tape repairs & name on verso reads "COMER A. BELKNAP/FRAMINGHAM, MA." 4-47065 JS70
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 8-10, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., March 11 & 12, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
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Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- Wire Transfer
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 45 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 45 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 45 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 within 45 days after the auction.
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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.
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