72153

Virginia Colonel's Epaulettes and Hat Insignia

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Virginia Colonel's Epaulettes and Hat Insignia
<B>Pair of Gold Epaulettes Identified to Colonel Jonathan Catlett Gibson, 49th Virginia Volunteers,</B></I> 5” x 7” These epaulettes have 2.5” tassels, heavy gold bullion with yellow silk underside, with original Mitchell & Tyler presentation box. The box, of sturdy board, carries two labels, one on the lid and another on its side. Mitchell & Tyler were well known military outfitters and are especially recognized among collectors for uniform buttons carrying their backmark. The upper label of the box gives the company's location as Richmond while the side label notes that these are lieutenant's epaulettes. The epaulettes are in excellent condition with the box having some chipping and a seam separation along the lid. Included are: insignia for the Gibson's M1858 "Hardee" Hat. This consists of a stamped brass "Jeff Davis" eagle pin, 2" x 2.5", and a stamped brass infantry bugle on a black velvet oval bordered in gold, 3.25" x 2.5". Both items are in pristine condition. Colonel Gibson, a native of Culpeper County, Virginia entered Confederate service in 1861. A participant in First Manassas, he rose to succeed “Extra Billy” Smith as colonel of the 49th Virginia. Gibson led the regiment at Gettysburg and was wounded three times before war's end. After the war, he practiced law and held a seat in Virginia's General Assembly. Gibson was part of the guard that escorted John Brown to the gallows in December, 1859.<BR><BR> <B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR> <BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)