1148

Union Army Grouping For Major Isaac V. Mullen, Surgeon for Two New York Volunteer Regiments and Four

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Union Army Grouping For Major Isaac V. Mullen, Surgeon for Two New York Volunteer Regiments and Four
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $6500 - 9500
Manufacturer: None Model: None
1) Non-regulation medical staff sword, measuring 36 1/2 inches overall, with a 30 inch double edged diamond cross-section blade, with an etched scroll pattern on the left side of the blade, "U.S." among scroll and checkerboard patterns on the right, and "4" stamped on the trailing edge of the ricasso. Gilt brass hilt, with a folding counter-guard, a raised design of an eagle clenching a ribbon in it's beak, a flag in one claw and a large book in the other on the guard, floral pattern rear quillion, floral and lightning designs on the knuckle guard, starry shield and eagle designs on the pommel, and a smooth grip. With a gilt brass fitted iron sheath, showing floral engraving on the outer face, pierced-through vinework on the drag, a white paint label near the tip attributed to the Wayne County Historical Society, and "I.V. Mullen/Surgeon 14th N.Y.V. Art./May 23 1863." on the top band. Information on Doctor Isaac V. Mullen is limited; records indicate that he was born circa 1827, received his degree from the Vermont Medical College, 7th oldest in the U.S., and established a practice in rural New York in the 1850s. On the outbreak of the war he joined up with the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment for 2 years of service, and re-enlisted with the 14th New York Volunteer Artillery on a 3 year contract which was cut short by the War's end. Later, he settled in Alexander, New York, establishing a medical practice and raising two sons into the medical profession. The 13th N.Y.V. Infantry was assembled in 1861 and almost immediately called to Federal service, participating in the Battle of Bull Run before establishing defensive positions at Camp Corcoran outside Washington, D.C., and suffered through a winter which included an outbreak of Black Measles before being assigned to the Army of the Potomac, where they participated in the Peninsula Campaign, the Siege of Yorktown, Second Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg before mustering out on May 14th, 1863. The 14th New York was assembled in 1863, recruiting heavily from veterans fresh out of 2 year service agreements, including the 13th Infantry, spending it's formative period performing garrison duty in and around New York Harbor before joining up with the Army of the Potomac. With the Army of the Potomac the 14th participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and the Siege of Petersberg, with the record for Petersberg specifically calling out the "Mine Explosion", aka the Battle of the Crater, a botched attempt to breech Confederate lines with a massive underground bomb, and the siege, assault and occupation of Petersberg. The 14th later participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C. before mustering out on 26 August 1865. 2) Surgical sash, dark green with tassels, no makers marks visible. 3) Cased pair of medical officer's epaulettes, gold bullion construction on a padded red leather base, with Major-length wire tassels extending from a gilt brass plate, silver bullion "M.S." inside a gold bullion wreath and gilt American Eagle buttons. In a brown lacquered steel case. With a copy of a letter from Brendan Synnamon, of the Pennsylvania Antiques Appraisers Association and Appraisers Guild of America, who appraised the items in this lot.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition:
1) Very good, with some very shallow pitting and minor spotting and handling marks on the blade, which is bright overall with sharply defined etching. The hilt is very fine, with an attractively aged patina on the visible brass, strong original gold in the lower and protected areas, and a small amount of wear on the quillion. An antique, textured brown patina is present on the sheath body, with deep mixed color on the brass and some minor dents. 2) Fair, with some deterioration and signs of age. 3) Very fine. The bullion is very strong, showing only a small amount of fraying, with a fine aged patina on the high portions of the brass. A few of the pins securing the M.S. wreaths are starting to back out, and some minor stains are present. The case is very good, with some mild wear and bright spots. A collection of artifacts from a Union officer who saw the war from beginning to end, and participated in some of the most critical battles of the war.