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UNUSUAL CASED MUSIC BOX WITH CIVIL WAR CONNECTION

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
UNUSUAL CASED MUSIC BOX WITH CIVIL WAR CONNECTION
UNUSUAL CASED MUSIC BOX WITH CIVIL WAR CONNECTION. This fine music box is housed in a small walnut box 12" x 5-1/4" x 4-1/2" with hinged lid top and the left end hinged for access to the winding & operating mechanism and with a small compartment at the right end for the winding key. It has a glass interior lid for display of the music box mechanism. The music drum is about 6" long with a commensurate length soundboard with a spring drum on the left end. The lid is affixed with a 4-3/8" x 7/8" brass plaque inscribed "CARRIED DURING THE CIVIL WAR BY / GENERAL FELIX AGNUS / AND DURING WORLD WARS 1 & 2 BY / CAPTAIN FELIX AGNUS LESER". Felix Agnus was born in Lyon, France in 1839 and apparently had immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry in 1861. In May he became a Sergeant, in September a 2nd Lieutenant, July 1862 a 1st Lieutenant, November 1862 a Captain and in September 1863 a Major. He was brevetted a Lt. Col. in March 1865 for gallant and meritorious service at the Battle of Gaines Mill, VA, June of 1862. He was further brevetted Col. March 1865 for gallant & meritorious service at the Battle of Port Hudson, LA and brevetted Brig. Gen. of Volunteers March 1865 for gallant and meritorious service during the war. He resigned 26 July 1865 at the end of the war. He applied for and received a pension and had two daughters. A Google search disclosed that Gen. Agnus moved to Baltimore and owned the Baltimore American Newspaper. He died October 1925 in Baltimore, MD. There is a copy of a photograph accompanying this lot of a man in officer's uniform wearing what appears to be the Medal of Honor but may be a G.A.R. medal. This photo is a copy from the Carlisle Military Barracks. No mention is made of Capt. Felix Agnus Leser. CONDITION: Music box is fine and functions well. Box is sound, missing one small hook eye. Numerous small nicks, dings & scratches but is completely sound with a lovely patina. 4-54857 JR695 (3,000-4,000)