Militaria, Weapons, and Civil War

Tennessee prize medal, 14K (xrf tested), cross shaped with engraved inscription KINGS PRIZE MEDAL / JOHN G. KING TO D.W. CARTER, JR. DEC. 21, 1869. Engraved en verso is BRISTOL TENN with Latin motto CORONAT VIRTUS CULTORES SUOS ("Virtue crowns her followers"). 1 1/2" square; .39 oz troy (12 grams). Note: This medal represents a connection between two of East Tennessee's founding families, the Carter and King families. D.W. Carter likely refers to David Wendell Carter, Circuit Court Clerk of Carter County, or his son of the same name, Rev. David W Carter, all of Elizabethton, TN. Carter County was named for this family. Col. John G. King was a son of Rev. James King, founder of Bristol, TN and King College. Kingsport was named for Rev. King's father, Revolutionary War veteran Col. James King (1752-1825) who established the first iron furnace in TN.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection, acquired from an East Tennessee family.

CONDITION: Excellent condition. [See more photos →]

Civil War era Autograph Album containing signatures of approximately 97 members of the First Confederate States Congress, which met from Feb. 18, 1862 to Feb. 17, 1864, the first two years of Jefferson Davis's presidency, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The signatures include President Pro Tempore R.M.T. Hunter and speaker Thomas S. Bocock but lack Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens. All states are represented including both of the Senators from Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee and every representative from Arkansas, South Carolina and Texas, plus Cherokee Nation delegate Elias Cornelius Boudinot and Choctaw Nation delegate Robert McDonald Jones. Leather boards with gilt lettering and gilt edged pages. 6 3/4" x 4 1/8".

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection, acquired from Memphis collector John Montague circa 1990. By oral history the signatures were collected by an Alabama Confederate congressman's daughter who visited Richmond.

CONDITION: Foxing and toning to pages, partial cracking to spine along front cover, some signatures faded, stain across G.A Henry of Tennessee's name, overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Journal or diary of an unknown Union infantryman in the 2nd Regiment North Carolina Mounted Infantry, Company F, which was organized at Knoxville, TN in October 1863 and mustered out August 1865. The diary dates are from November 30, 1863 – October 10, 1864 with some pages containing dates that are not sequential. Most of the entries are from the East TN or Cumberland Gap areas and begin with a comment on the weather and the general events of each day, and camp life. Most of his entries end with the word "sufficit". A couple of poems are also recorded. The writer begins service at 19 years of age and celebrates his 20th birthday while enlisted. Although the journal owner is unknown, some names mentioned are Charles P Wilson, Capt. Andrew J Bohney, William Gillespie, Capt. Haffs, Capt. Johnson, Col. Smith, Wilson Gilles, and Yeke Kuykendall among others. Entries of note include: 1) Eve of Dec. 25, 1863, finds us at near Blains(sic) X Roads All Right Enroute for Strawberry Plains hope to be at home in a short time Christmas morning we had beef corn bread and coffee for breakfast Pa(?) bought 8 pies so we can get along for Christmas… 2) Dec. 26 1863- …. 19 yrs 6 months and 21 days finds me afar off in the field endeavoring or contributing my mite(sic) to put down this Accursed Rebellion far away from home on the tented field this infamous outrageous abominable detestable Rebellion which has devastated our once happy Country and destroyed our happinefs(sic) with it has it no end. 3) Capt. A J Bohney (Andrew J Bohney) of the 104 A.V.L. commands the 2nd NC for the present Sunday Dec 27 1863. 4) A handwritten copy of the poem "Three Hundred Thousand More" by James Sloan Gibbons with the note "Written Cumberland Gap May 15,1864 by Candlelight Dedicated to Mifs(sic) Bettie" (Note: This poem was written in response to Abraham Lincoln's call for a draft). 5) May 10th, 1864….glorious news from Richmond Burnside and Grant Both these city surround killed and wounded 13000 Rebs…. 6 – May 13th, 1864…..good news from Richmond 20,000 men & generals capture Buergaed(sic) cut off Lee asks for a cesation of hostilities….. Hardcover, 7 3/4" H x 6 1/4" W. History: Men for the 2nd North Carolina Mounted Infantry were recruited from Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and some of its ranks were filled with Confederate deserters. Recruitment of these regiments epitomized the Brother's War, and the men serving in these two Union units were commonly referred to as Home Yankees and Tories (http://www.thomaslegion.net/).

CONDITION: Wear, losses, and chipping to leather, board, spine, and pages of book. Some pages are partially intact or detached. [See more photos →]

Diary of William W. Goodwin of Tennessee, who participated in the Confederate Cavalry under Nathan Bedford Forrest and Gen. William Hicks Jackson (owner of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation) during the Civil War. William Washington Goodwin was born in Nashville in 1847 to attorney George Goodwin and Louisa Goodwin, making him about 17 years old at the time this account of the war was written. The diary, commercially printed for 1864, contains Goodwin's entries starting Oct. 14, 1864 and continuing through May 26, 1865. Among these references are several mentions of "Jackson's Escort", the Battle of Spring Hill, action in Alabama, and finally, the South's surrender. According to the book "I Remember Raleigh [TN]", self published by Goodwin's granddaughter Mary Winslow Chapman in 1977, Goodwin "ran away from school to join Forrest's Cavalry" (Note: Nathan Bedford Forrest is not mentioned by name in the diary, and we have yet to find Goodwin's name in the official rosters of the 1st Tennessee Cavalry). A copy of this book, which transcribes most of the diary, accompanies this lot. Some notable references include: Oct. 27, 1864: "Found skirmishers, saw a flag and some Yankees. Came near being shot by stray shell." Nov. 22, 1864: "Mac Halfacre killed." Nov. 23: "Fought all day yesterday and sat up all night with Mac's body. Went out foraging in the morning and found the regiment gone. Went out on the Pulaski Road and camped." (Note:Joseph McBride "Mac” Halfacre, age 25, on November 22, 1864 was shot and killed by a Union soldier when he was serving as a courier… in Martin's High Cavalry, Co. B. Rock City Guards, Field's 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment, when he was halted at a roadblock near Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. -Halfacre Reams Fleming Family Cemetery Historical marker). Nov. 24: Caught up with the regiment this morning and started towards Lynnville." Goodwin's diary references "marching this morning for Spring Hill.. and found them fighting at town" on Nov. 29 (the day of the Battle of Spring Hill) but notes that he was "not engaged." On Nov. 30 he notes that he "started early for Franklin and got into a mess." By Dec. 1 he is "staying with John Dismukes who was wounded in yesterday's fight in the leg" and was later moved to "Dr. Henderson's". Goodwin's pencil entries for the dates of the infamous Battle of Franklin are worn to the point of being illegible and are marred by a dark brown stain, possibly blood. Goodwin was apparently unable to obtain a new diary for 1865, and begins his notes for the new year at the spaces for January 1, 1864 (scratching through the printed 4s so that the date reads 1865). The 1865 entries follow the Cavalry's movements through Alabama, including Tuscaloosa and Selma. April 2, 1865: "Moved out towards Scottsville and Met Yankees on about 4 miles. Wilson's had a squall fight with them." April 30, 1865: "News of the surrender of General Lee confirmed today… many men are disposed to be despondent. I have not felt the least downspirited myself." May 1: "Division assembled this morning to hear Gen. Jackson speak. The Gen. confirmed in a few words the report of Gen. Lee's surrender but contradicted the report of the surrender of this department." May 2: "The probable downfall of our government seems to depress many of the men very much… Gov. Harris has arrived." May 3: "Gov. H is despondent but told the soldiers to stand to their arms to the last. There seems no disposition to run away among the boys." Goodwin's final entries record his return to his hometown, where the presence of Federal troops continued despite the cessation of military actions. May 23, 1865: "Arrived in Nashville late yesterday evening. Was glad to see them all again. Found the city altered a great deal since I left it… the girls have all changed a great deal." May 25, 1865: "Feel like I want to be free again just about this time. Can't bear to mingle with these Yankees." Also includes a clipping of a poem from a newspaper titled "High Tide at Gettysburg." Note: His last entry mentions mailing a letter to Overton Lea, likely John Overton Lea, who eventually gave William W. Goodwin his first job, looking after his real estate interests in Memphis. Goodwin went on to also become a prosperous land owner in the Memphis area. He married Mary Blythe and constructed a mansion at 4066 James Road called "Goodwinslow", which was inherited by his daughter, Anne, and still stands. Anne Goodwin married Brig. General Eben Eveleth Winslow, the grandson of Union Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, commander of the USS Kearsarge. Goodwinslow remained in the possession of William Goodwin's descendants until being sold earlier this year, along with many of its contents including this diary and relics of the USS Kearsarge, and objects relating to E.E. Winslow (also being sold in this auction).

CONDITION: Overall good condition. The majority of the entries are written in pencil and a few have virtually disappeared, while others remain easy to read. Scratches, abrasions and 2" tear to cover at spine, but spine is mostly intact. Pages toned with some scattered foxing. [See more photos →]

Abstract Log of the U.S. Steamer Kearsarge, Captain John A. Winslow Commanding, recording the ship's engagement and sinking of the CSS Alabama, commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes. The epic naval engagement between the USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama, the most famous of the Confederate Navy cruisers, off the coast of Cherbourg France on June 19, 1864, is one of the two most famous single ship versus single ship actions of the American Civil War (the other being the duel of the ironclads CSS Virginia versus the USS Monitor). Both had significant effects on the naval actions of the Civil War and beyond. This book has descended in Winslow's family, having never before been offered at auction, and is one of several important battle related objects being offered in this auction from the Kearsarge, a 1550-ton Mohican class steam sloop of war named for Mt. Kearsarge in New Hampshire, and constructed at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, under the 1861 Civil War emergency shipbuilding program. US Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles had placed Wilmington, North Carolina-born Captain John Ancrum Winslow in command of the Kearsarge in December, 1862 with a direct imperative: to find and destroy the CSS Alabama. The most feared and successful raider of the Confederacy had been attacking Union merchant ships since her launch on May 15,1862, significantly cutting off international commerce and income for the Union. Her commander, Semmes, was Winslow's former friend and one-time roommate on the USS Raritan (some historians have speculated that Winslow's familiarity with Semmes was among the reasons Welles selected him for this specific command). The log's hand-written entries commence April 27, 1864, as the Kearsarge "got underway and steamed out of Dover roads", and end at 12:05 AM on Nov. 8, 1864, when Winslow and his crew returned as American heroes, anchoring at the Charleston Navy Yard. Winslow received intelligence on June 12, 1864 that the Alabama was docked at Cherbourg, France for repairs and immediately ordered the Kearsarge in that direction. The entry on June 14, 1864 reads: "Steering in for Cherbourg Breakwater. Stopped the engines off the eastern entrance and sent a boat ashore to communicate with the Am. Consul. Found the rebel privateer "Alabama" lying at anchor in the Roads." Winslow held off on an attack, however, as Semmes was in a neutral port, and the log book records Winslow making several boat trips between the Kearsarge and shore to "communicate" and plan his attack, while his crew prepared the ship for action and waited tensely for the battle to begin. Admiral Semmes knew the Kearsarge had him essentially boxed in, but had no intention of surrender, sending a message to Winslow asking the Kearsarge not to depart, as he intended to fight her. On June 19, with a large crowd of spectators watching from shore, the Alabama steamed out of port and the Kearsarge made her move, with Winslow hoping to draw Semmes far enough from shore that if disabled, the Alabama could not return to port. "We altered our course and approached the Alabama," the log book reports in its entry for the day. "…At 10:57 the Alabama commenced the action with her starboard broadside at 1000 yards range. At 11 we returned her fire and came fairly into action… When observing signs of distress in the enemy together with a cessation of her fire, our fire was withheld. At 12:10 a boat with an officer from the Alabama came alongside and surrendered his vessel with the information that she was rapidly sinking and a request for assistance. Sent the launch and 2nd cutter, the other boats having been disabled during the engagement. The English yacht [Deerhound] before-mentioned coming within hail was requested by the Captain to render assistance in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the surrendered vessel." The entry goes on to record the dramatic rescue of some of the Alabama's crew. Ironically, instead of delivering the Alabama's officers to Winslow as requested, "the English yacht steamed rapidly away…" allowing Semmes and several of his Confederate officers to escape and avoid imprisonment. The log goes on to report the aftermath of the battle, including damage and repairs to the ship, injuries, burials, and treatment of prisoners. The crew numbered approximately 150 on the Kearsarge (including 15 Black crewmen); the Alabama's crew at one time had numbered 170 but was said to have been recently reduced due to desertions. 3 Kearsarge sailors were injured in the battle (with one dying later), compared to 40 sailors of the Alabama killed in the conflict. Approximately 70 surviving sailors were picked up by Kearsarge boats, while Semmes escaped with 30 or so others. 17 of Kearsarge's crew received the Medal of Honor for their actions. This log book provides a rare and fascinating glimpse of life at sea for Winslow and his crew, even in the less dramatic pre-battle months and days: various crewmen being disciplined, for example, and an incident May 6 of 1862, when the ship incurred damage from striking a dolphin or a group of protective pilings near a dock, at Vlissingen (Flushing), Netherlands. (Repairs were completed on May 9th and the Kearsarge departed the following day). Vellum and paper wrapped boards, marbled fore edges and endpapers. Measures overall 12 1/2" x 8 1/2". Note: this book descended in Winslow's family through his only surviving grandson, U.S. Army Brig. Genl. E.E. Winslow, who settled in Memphis, Tennessee, and is being offered along with numerous other items from the family including at least one Kearsarge related battle flag and a watercolor painting of the ship in the following lots.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Binding remains largely intact despite wear and deterioration to spine. Grime, losses, wear and some tape residue to covers. Interior pages in excellent condition with minor toning and foxing, handwriting remains bright and legible. [See more photos →]

35 star flag of the USS Kearsarge, used during battle with the CSS Alabama June,1864 and descended in the family of Kearsarge Captain John Ancrum Winslow, plus Commendation and photograph (3 items).

The epic naval engagement between the CSS Alabama, the most famous of the Confederate Navy cruisers, and the USS Kearsarge off the coast of Cherbourg, France on June 19, 1864, is one of the two most famous single ship versus single ship actions of the American Civil War, the other being the duel of the ironclads CSS Virginia versus the USS Monitor. Both had significant affects on the naval actions of the Civil War and beyond.

The CSS Alabama was built in Birkenhead, England (opposite Liverpool) by John Laird & Sons ship builders under the secret name of Hull 290. She was a three masted screw powered sloop of war completed in May 1862 taking to the seas in late July. Her future captain, Raphael Semmes, a veteran Confederate naval raider, sailed on a different ship and met up with her in the Terciera Islands where she received her crew, armament and tons of coal for her engines. After outfitting, she was commissioned into the Confederate Navy and took to the seas. Throughout her career, the CSS Alabama conducted seven raids around the world against American shipping taking or destroying 65 Union vessels while boarding over 400 others. She put into Cherbourg, France on June 11, 1864 for repairs, a decision which would ultimately decide her fate.

Hunting her was the USS Kearsarge, also a sloop of war that was steam powered, launched in September 1861 and by February 1862 had set sail for Spain. She was under the command of Captain John A. Winslow, also a veteran naval officer, and Semmes’ former roommate on the USS Raritan more than a decade earlier. Upon arrival at Gibraltar, the Kearsarge assisted in forcing the Confederates to abandon the raider CSS Sumter, commanded by Raphael Semmes. Once the CSS Alabama had taken to sea, the USS Kearsarge was tasked with searching for her and bringing her to heel, something that took Winslow and his crew across expanses of ocean off of Europe and Africa. Finally, on June 14, 1864, Winslow had found his prey in the French harbor setting the stage for the epic naval battle that would end with the demise of the Confederate raider.

Semmes and the Alabama took to sea to fight her way out of port. Winslow, spying his foe sailing towards him, ordered all his flags to fly. According to an 1868 letter, Winslow, cleared his ship for action and, “set the colors at the gaff and round up to the mastheads without breaking stops.” This placed his main ensign at the stern and the smaller boat and storm flags on top of his three masts which were hoisted unfurled so they would not need to be broken out. Winslow reported that this would give him spare colors for battle in case one or more were shot away. He continued, “the action commenced and continued until the last gun of the “Alabama” was fired, and but one flag (which was at the gaff) flying on board the Kearsarge.” The last shot from the Alabama broke the stop of a flag hoisted to one of his masts and unfurled it meaning that at least one flag was hoisted without “breaking stops.”

The flag being offered for auction was on board the USS Kearsarge that fateful day and it was undoubtedly one of those hoisted to one of her masts for the battle.

Professionally made, using period sewing techniques, of imported English wool bunting for her canton and striped field and bearing thirty-five white cotton stars, the banner measures 40 1/2 inches on the hoist by 79 1/2 inches on the fly. Based on the size, this flag is rated a Number 12 Boat Flag according to the 1863 U.S. Navy flag regulations. Boat flags were issued for each of the launches of larger warships, of which the Kearsarge had four. The cotton or linen canvas hoist edge is a hollow sleeve to allow the passing of the knotted rope used to attach the flag to a ship’s halyard for hoisting. The hoist edge bears two markings, one indiscernible and the other bearing the initials “K W” More details on this flag and more will be found in the accompanying letter written by noted Civil War flag historian Greg Biggs which will transfer to the flag’s new owner.

This flag is exceedingly rare and it is one of only four known surviving flags from the USS Kearsarge. Three of these are in museums today: the flag which flew at the gaff, which has been at the Smithsonian since the Winslow family placed it there in 1870s, and two of which are in the U.S. Navy system. It comes with solid provenance, descending from the Winslow family through his grandson, Eben Eveleth Winslow, an Army Brigadier General. The flag is framed, sewn to a backing and mounted under plexiglass in a 42 1/2″ x 81″ ebonized frame with brass commemorative plaque. This is the first time any flag from the Kearsarge has ever been offered at auction. We wish to thank Greg Biggs for his assistance in examining and cataloging this flag.

Note: The 35 Star Flag became the official United States Flag on July 4, 1863 with the addition of West Virginia; it is the only US flag representing a state admitted during the Civil War, and was only official for two years.

2nd item: Commendation from the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, to Admiral John Winslow. The hand-drawn and lettered vellum document offers Winslow and the officers and crew of the USS Kearsarge “the congratulations and thanks of the Chamber for the destruction of the steamer Alabama” and praises “the skill, coolness and intrepidity with which the Kearsarge was maneuvered in the combat with her formidable foe.” Signed by John Austin Stevens, Jr., secretary, and Abiel Abbott Low, president and dated Oct. 6, 1864. 19″ x 21″. Housed in the original gilt-lettered leather tube case. 3rd item: framed reproduction photograph of Admiral Winslow and officers on the deck of the USS Kearsarge after sinking the CSS Alabama, 24″ x 30″.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Flag: Conserved mid 20th century and stitch mounted to a plain white linen backing. Repairs, patches and losses up to 2″ x 3″; 2″ square repair on stripe adjacent to header, two 1″ losses to top stripe. Scattered areas of fraying. Grime, discoloration consistent with age. Note basting stitches left in one star. Commendation: Overall good condition with light toning, scattered minor foxing and creasing. Ends of tube case are missing, case has moderate wear. Reproduction photograph and frame: Excellent condition. [See more photos →]

Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow's U.S. Navy 13 Star Boat Flag, possibly used during the historic Civil War naval victory of the USS Kearsarge over the CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864 off the coast of Cherbourg, France, and descended in his family along with several other Kearsarge/Winslow family objects in this auction. The entirely hand stitched flag features thirteen slightly irregular double-appliqued stars arranged horizontally in three rows of four-five-and-four on a blue canton, and thirteen red and white stripes. The bunting is made of sheep's wool, dyed with madder (confirmed by microanalysis) with cotton apparently used for the stars. The header is pierced with four hand-fashioned whip-stitched grommets. The flag measures 70" x 36" overall and is stitch mounted under plexiglass in an ebonized custom frame. The framing includes a mid 20th century brass plaque which incorrectly identifies the flag's composition as linen and misattributes it to 1784. Rather, it is more likely that the flag dates from the mid 19th century, raising the likelihood that, like the 35-star flag in the preceding lot (#562), it may have been used on the USS Kearsarge, which Winslow commanded.<br/><br/>We wish to thank flag historian James Ferrigan for his assistance in researching and cataloging this flag. A copy of his full, 9-page report on this flag is available on request and will be provided to the winning bidder. In it, Mr. Ferrigan notes, "During the period of the U.S. sailing navy and the early steam powered navy, nearly all ships possessed small boats, propelled by oars or small sails. These smaller craft permitted the transfer of personnel of small cargoes from ship to shore or ship to ship on open sea. Like their mother ships, these gigs or small boats carried a stern staff for a small ensign. The small ensigns flown on these gigs were called Boat Flags by the U.S. Navy. These flags are highly prized because of their size. Most 19th century Naval Flags were quite large [but] the smaller boat flags provide a convenient alternative for both collectors and scholars alike. This example bears similarities to other U.S. Navy boat flags, in particular the reported size of 36" x 70". A review of U.S. Navy 'Tables of Allowances' reveals that this is very similar to the Size 13 in use during the Civil War… additionally, this flag is finished with four whipped stitched eyelets on the heading, and these are often found on naval boat flags which were affixed to a stern staff for use in small boats. It was quite common for 19th century American Naval officers to retain flags from their various commands and similar Navy boat flags from other famous American Civil War naval families – Decatur, Farragut and Porter – are documented in museum collections. It is not known when this boat flag was framed, but its similarity [to] the frame of another 35 star flag from the USS Kearsarge [lot 562] makes it highly likely that both Winslow family flags were from the Kearsarge."<br/><br/>Boat flags were issued for each of the launches of larger warships, of which the Kearsarge had four; the Kearsarge's abstract log, also offered in this auction [lot 561], records several instances of its launches being use to transport Captain Winslow between ship and shore to plan the battle and for use in rescuing survivors of the Alabama as it sank. It was not uncommon for ships to use flags of varying designs, and the traditional 13 star flag design of this flag – which the U.S. Navy has used throughout its history – would likely have appealed to Ancrum, a lifelong patriot and Mayflower descendant. Only four known surviving flags from the USS Kearsarge are known; three of these are in museums today (the one in the Smithsonian donated by the Winslow family, and two in the U.S. Navy system), and the one in lot #562 of this auction.(For a full discussion of that flag, framed the same as this one, and the use of flags on board the Kearsage, see the catalog entry for lot #562). <br/><br/>Note: The CSS Alabama, the most feared and successful raider of the Confederacy, had been attacking Union merchant ships since her launch on May 15,1862, significantly cutting off international commerce and income for the Union. John Ancrum Winslow and the crew of the USS Kearsarge earned international recognition by ending the Alabama's seige in one of the two most famous single ship versus single ship actions of the American Civil War (the other being the duel of the ironclads CSS Virginia versus the USS Monitor). Both had significant affects on the naval actions of the Civil War and beyond.<br/><br/>Winslow was a Southerner himself by birth, born 1811 in Wilmington, North Carolina. But his father, a descendant of Mayflower passengers Mary Chilton and John Winslow, insisted he attend school in New England. Politically powerful family friend Daniel Webster helped young Winslow secure a job as midshipman in 1827. He went on to earn distinction for his efforts during the capture of Tobasco in the Mexican War. However, Winslow experienced his first significant failure two years later when he lost his first command (of the USS Morris) in a gale. It was around this time that he first met Raphael Semmes, who had suffered the same embarrassment; the two were roommates on the USS Raritan. They would serve on opposite sides, however, of the Civil War. Winslow began the War commanding the gunboat Benton under Andrew Foote, but he was unable to participate in the important Fort Henry, Island No. 10 and Memphis operations due to a freak accident that injured his arm in December 1861. A combination of other health setbacks (including the loss of an eye) and political missteps within the Navy threatened to relegate Winslow to low profile assignments. In 1862, he was given what may have seemed to some an impossible task: to hunt down Confederate raiders, specifically the notorious Alabama. On April 6, 1863, he formally assumed charge of the USS Kearsarge, a 1550-ton Mohican class steam sloop of war named for Mt. Kearsarge in New Hampshire. In June, 1864, Winslow and his crew discovered the Alabama in the port of Cherbourg, France, undergoing repairs. The action commenced on June 19, and following a brief but intense battle, the Kearsarge sank the feared raider to the bottom of the sea while remaining relatively unscathed. Captain John Winslow became a Union hero. The Kearsarge victory won him a promotion to Commodore and he was voted the thanks of Congress. He was advanced to Rear Admiral in 1870 and commanded the Pacific Squadron until 1872, a year before his death of natural causes. Multiple United States Navy ships have been named in honor of both the Kearsarge and of Winslow himself.<br/><br/>Biography Sources: USS Kearsarge Ship's Log; John Morris Ellicott: The Live of John Ancrum Winslow, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1902; Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, 6 volumes, edited by William S. Powell. Copyright 1979-1996 by the University of North Carolina Press.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Conserved in the mid-20th century. Stitch mounted and adhered to a linen red white and blue backing (corresponding to flag pattern). Varnish has been applied over the blue canton and stars. The weight of the glued and varnished canton appears to have caused stress on the white stripe below. Red threads have thicker spun fibers than the white and have held up better. Several stitched repairs to the stripes, and a few areas of reinforcement to thread. Conservation appears older than the frame. Flag does not appear cut down. 4 Grommets and header stitching appear original. Expected grime. For an in-depth condition report and further conservation recommendations, refer to the accompanying flag report by James Ferrigan. [See more photos →]

Dollond maritime telescope or spyglass of US Navy Rear Admiral John Winslow, likely used during the USS Kearsarge's epic battle with the CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 1864, and descended in his family. The 3-draw telescope has a wooden barrel, brass fittings and three brass draw tubes, and is signed "Dollond, London" in flowing script on the first draw tube. It retains its original hand dovetailed wooden box with mounts and additional lenses. The telescope measures 10" closed and 20" extended. It features a 2" diameter main objective lens with green tint for reduced glare at sea and the original brass end cap. English, early to mid 19th century. Note: English-made Dollond telescopes were prized for their optical quality and depended upon by some of the world's most important historical figures. George Washington's Dolland telescope, essential to his tactical decisions during the American Revolution, is in the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC, and a Dolland telescope owned by Thomas Jefferson is at Monticello. 19th century Naval heroes Lord Nelson and Captain Cook also took Dolland telescopes to sea. History: English born Royal Society Fellow John Dolland (1706-1761) joined his son Peter's business of making optical instruments about 1752, and patented the achromatic lens a few years later, earning him the Copley Medal from the Royal Society. Shortly before his death, Dolland was made Optician to the King. After John Dolland's death, Peter and his company continued to make optical advancements and produce high quality telescopes and equipment through the 19th century. In 1927, Dolland & Co. merged with Aitchison & Co. to form Dolland & Aitchison, the well known British high street chain of opticians.<br/><br/>The epic naval engagement between the CSS Alabama, the most famous of the Confederate Navy cruisers, and the USS Kearsarge off the coast of France on June 19, 1864, is one of the two most famous single ship versus single ship actions of the American Civil War, the other being the duel of the ironclads CSS Virginia versus the USS Monitor. Both had significant affects on the naval actions of the Civil War and beyond. Throughout her career, the CSS Alabama, under the command of Raphael Semmes, conducted seven raids around the world against American shipping taking or destroying 65 Union vessels while boarding over 400 others. She put into Cherbourg, France on June 11, 1864 for repairs. Hunting her was the USS Kearsarge, also a sloop of war that was steam powered, launched in September 1861 and by February 1862 had set sail for Spain. She was under the command of Captain Winslow, also a veteran naval officer, Mayflower descendant, and a past friend and roommate of Semmes. Finally, on June 14, 1864, Winslow found his prey in the French harbor and the battle occurred on June 19 (details are found in the Kearsarge's abstract log, also offered in this auction). Winslow's crew had draped heavy chains over the side of the wooden ship, creating in effect chain mail armor, then planked over the chains to make them invisible, providing greater protection from Alabama’s fire, which came with great intensity. Several rounds that hit the Kearsarge failed to explode however, and ultimately it was the Alabama that began taking on water and sank. About 40 Confederates were killed; one Kearsarge sailor later died of his injuries, and Raphael Semmes escaped. Captain John Winslow became a household name; the Kearsarge victory won him a promotion to Commodore and he was voted the thanks of Congress. He was advanced to Rear Admiral in 1870 and commanded the Pacific Squadron until 1872, a year before his death of natural causes. Note: for more information on Winslow and the victory of the USS Kearsarge, including other objects related to the ship, see lots #561-567 in this auction).

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Telescope exterior in overall good condition with wear to wooden elements and expected oxidation to brass elements. Originality and functionality of lenses not guaranteed. The wooden original case is extremely worn, with losses, dampstaining, and shrinkage crack to top. [See more photos →]

Two (2) USS Kearsarge items originally owned by its commander, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow. 1st item: CDV-sized picture frame made of 4 intersecting wooden sticks, along with a piece of wood inscribed, "This frame made of the stern post of the Kearsarge where shell from the Alabama lodged". Accompanied by a handwritten note with similar inscription. (The original photograph housed in this frame is not present). Frame overall: 7" x 5". Opening – 3 1/2" x 2 1/2". Note: In his report to U.S. Navy Secretary Gideon Welles the day after the USS Kearsarge sank the CSS raider Alabama, then-Captain Winslow reported that his ship was in relatively unscathed condition. "Although we received some twenty-five or thirty shots, twelve or thirteen taking effect in the hull, by the mercy of God we have been spared… the only shot which I fear will give us any trouble is one 100-pound rifle, which entered our stern post and remains at present unexploded." (Had that shell fired by the Alabama exploded, the consequences could have been catastrophic for the Kearsarge). Worldwide admiration for the famous ship in the wake of its victory spread all the way to the White House. On Jan. 28, 1865, Commandant S.H. Stringham notified Gideon Welles, Secretary of the U.S. Navy on behalf of Abraham Lincoln, "Sir: Understanding from Captain Winslow that the President desired the shell from the sternpost of the Kearsarge, I have had the sternpost sawed off and the piece containing the shell has been boxed up and sent by the Supply to Norfolk, with a request to the commandant of the station that he would forward the box to you at the earliest opportunity." While it is unknown what Lincoln ultimately did with the shell, this small surviving wood frame and its note suggest that Winslow, also, kept a souvenir from the ship itself as a reminder of its good luck during battle.<br/><br/>2nd item: Ink wash/watercolor detailed painting depicting the USS Kearsarge, with figures on board, in a harbor with a city (likely Boston) in the background. The unsigned maritime painting appears to be executed on paper which has then been adhered over a photograph or print of a photograph by important Boston photographer John A. Whipple, 1864 (the year the Kearsarge achieved international fame by sinking the CSS Alabama in battle). Framed under glass. Painting: 14 1/2" x 10". Print: 12" x 15". Frame – 20" x 24". Note: The victory of the USS Kearsarge over the Alabama captured the imagination of numerous artists, starting with French artists present among the crowds watching the action from the shores of France, and continuing through the ship's American homecoming. Impressionist painter Edouard Manet famously painted the Kearsarge (Ref. "Manet and the Civil War: the Battle of USS Kearsarge and CSS Alabama," Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003), as did Xanthus Smith and Theodore Antoine Gudin ("There is a great rush to see the Kearsarge. M. Gudin, the famous marine painter, has gone to take designs for a picture of the combat." – The Louisville Courier Journal, July 14, 1864). This small painting is likely pasted over the photograph or print that inspired it, now in the collection of the Library of Congress (Ref. "USS Kearsarge vs. CSS Alabama: Personal Accounts and Official Reports, Anthology by Maxim Ferapontov, p. 59).<br/><br/>Note: "The Mohican-class steam sloop-of-war, USS Kearsarge, was commissioned on January 24, 1862, at Portsmouth Navy Yard. Deployed to European waters during the Civil War, she searched for Confederate raiders. On June 19, 1864, in the Battle of Cherbourg, Kearsarge, commanded by Captain John A. Winslow, sank CSS Alabama, commanded by Raphael Semmes, ending the career of the South's most famous commerce raider. The engagement lasted an hour and ten minutes. Seventeen of Kearsarge's crew received the Medal of Honor for their actions. Decommissioned after the war, Kearsarge was in and out of commissioned for nearly the next thirty years serving in the Pacific, the Atlantic, Central American waters, and in the Caribbean. On February 2, 1894, while en-route from Haiti to Nicaragua, she wrecked on Roncador Reef. Efforts to salvage her proved fruitless, and Kearsarge was stricken from the Navy List later that year. A model of Kearsarge is in the Civil War section of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy." (Source: National Museum of the U.S. Navy). For more information on Winslow and the victory of the USS Kearsarge, including other objects related to the ship including flags and the ship's abstract log, see lots #561-567 in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: 1st item: Heavy toning and foxing. Not examined out of frame. Late 20th century frame. 2nd item: Frame is disassembled, with some of the original tiny pins that held it together now missing; full separation to the piece of wood describing the history of the frame. 3rd item: Overall very good with light toning, scattered minor foxing and creasing. Ends of tube case are missing, case has moderate wear. [See more photos →]

Sterling and Coin Silver Tea Service and S/P Tray presented to Civil War Navy Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, commander of the USS Kearsarge in honor of the ship's sinking of the CSS raider Alabama, one of the great Union Naval conquests of the Civil War. This set is documented as being presented to Winslow on Nov. 22, 1864 by the admiring citizens of Roxbury, Massachusetts in honor of his victory at sea five months earlier on June 19, 1864 (ref. "Death of Admiral Winslow," The Pittston Gazette, Oct. 16, 1873). The tray features an elaborately engraved inscription, "Presented to Captain John Ancrum Winslow/Commander of the U.S. Steamer/Kearsarge/By the Citizens of Roxbury/As a testimonial of their appreciation of the service he has rendered his Country/In the Destruction of the 'Alabama' [on] June 19-1864," enclosed within an engraved foliate scroll border, and is further decorated with two bead course handles and beaded and ovolo rim. The back is marked for James Dixon & Sons, London. The silver tea set accompanying the tray includes a coffee pot, two smaller tea and/or coffee pots, a sugar bowl, creamer, and waste bowl, all of Neoclassical oval design with beaded upper rims, featuring distinctive nautical wheel finials to the lids and ram head masks at the handles. All are monogrammed on one side with Winslow's monogram, JWA. All except the coffee pot are stamped SHREVE STANWOOD & CO. BOSTON STERLING to the undersides; the coffee pot is stamped with Gorham's lion-anchor-G mark and COIN with retailer mark CROSBY, HUNNEWELL & MORSE and 321. Coffee pot height: 10 1/2". Sterling items: 106.52 oz troy. Coin silver coffee pot: 30.31 oz troy. Combined weight: 136.83 oz troy. Note: Crosby, Hunnewell & Morse were in business in Boston from 1861-1863, while Shreve, Stanwood & Co were in business in Boston from 1860-1868. The design of this set was apparently popular with Bostonians in the maritime field, possibly owing to its finials. A Shreve, Stanwood & Co. sterling tea set of identical design is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; it was presented to Margaret Gardner of Nantucket and Harrison Loring of Duxbury as a marriage gift in 1867 by the employees of Loring's steamship works in South Boston. The Kearsarge presentation tea service has descended through the family of Admiral John Winslow and was acquired from a direct descendant in March of 2023, along with many of related items in this auction.<br/><br/>Note: The USS Kearsarge, commissioned in 1862, was deployed to European waters during the Civil War to search for Confederate raiders disrupting the flow of goods between the US and its European trading partners. On June 19, 1864, in the Battle of Cherbourg, the Kearsarge, commanded by Captain John A. Winslow sank the CSS Alabama, commanded by Raphael Semmes, ending the career of the South's most famous commerce raider. Seventeen of Kearsarge's crew received the Medal of Honor for their actions, and Winslow and his crew were regarded as Union heroes. For more information on Winslow and the victory of the USS Kearsarge, including other objects related to the ship including flags and the ship's abstract log, see lots #561-567 in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition. Handles are slightly loose; ferrules with age related cracking. Poorly repaired pin to handle on coffee pot. The silver items are accompanied by what is believed to be their original pine box, which has wear and remnant of later owners' (Winslow family descendants) paper label to exterior. [See more photos →]

Gorham sterling silver centerpiece, likely a presentation piece, owned by Civil War Navy Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873), commander of the USS Kearsage. The body is engraved on one side with his monogram and "1864," the year the Kearsarge sank the CSS Alabama off the coast of Cherbourg, France, in one of the Union's most exciting and significant Naval victories. The American Classical Revival centerpiece features an oval gilt-washed bowl centered on each side by masks, with dart banding at edges and stylized anthemion handles terminating in rosettes, and is supported on a trumpet-shaped pedestal flanked by two figural cherub caryatids holding floral swags, atop a plinth base. Marked on underside for Gorham (lion, anchor, G) and stamped 200. Circa 1864. 17"W x 10"H x 9"D. 53.03 oz troy. Note: the monogram is the exact same used on the silver tea service presented to Admiral Winslow in 1864 by the citizens of Roxbury, Mass. (see lot 566; ref. "Death of Admiral Winslow," The Pittston Gazette, Oct. 16, 1873), raising the possibility this piece may have been part of that presentation gift.

PROVENANCE: Private TN collection, acquired March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his only surviving grandson Brig. Genl. Eben Eveleth Winslow, along with other items in this auction.

CONDITION: Excellent condition. [See more photos →]

Rare surviving group of eighteen (18) pieces of ship's china, descended in the family of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow to his grandson, Brig. Genl. E.E. Winslow. We have not been able to confirm that this dinnerware was used on board the Kearsarge, but the material from which it was made indicates it was intended for use on a ship and it pre-dates the period when the Navy began using nautical insignia on its ship's dinnerware. Consisting of nine (9) cups and nine (9) matching saucers, all of thick vitreous porcelain with pink and gilt bands to rims and hand painted pink sprigs to handles. Cups – 3" H, saucers – 4 3/4" dia.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired in March, 2023 from direct descendant of USS Kearsarge commander Admiral John Ancrum Winslow (1811-1873) through his son William R. Winslow and grandson, Brig. Genl. E.E. Winslow along with other items in this sale.

CONDITION: Overall good condition; 3 cups with hairlines/crazing, some scattered small chips to underside rims of a few saucers. [See more photos →]

Six (6) framed Civil War carte-de-visite (CDV), including Union 1st Lieutenant Andrew Campbell of the 13th TN Volunteer Cavalry, known for his role in the death of Confederate General John H. Morgan. In order from left to right by row, including: one (1) identified en verso as Corporal Hundley Sevier Maloney, 4th Regiment TN Infantry, later called 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment; one (1) identified en verso as Captain Christopher C. Kenner, 8th TN US Cavalry; one (1) identified on the CDV as Private Samuel B. Rushbrook, 8th TN US Cavalry; one (1) identified on the CDV as Private Levi C. Shouse, 8th TN US Cavalry; one (1) unknown lower left, last row and one (1) depicting 1st Lieutenant Andrew Campbell of the 13th TN Volunteer Cavalry, known for his roll in the death of General John H. Morgan (CSA), period pen inscription en verso identifying the sitter and his role in General Morgan's death together with the photographer's studio stamp FROM T. M. SCHLEIER'S FINE ART GALLERY, KNOXVILLE, EAST TENN. Each CDV measures 2 1/2" H x 4" W. Framed: 21 1/2" H x 14 1/4" W. Note: On September 4, 1864, General John Hunt Morgan was surprised by a Union raid while staying in Greeneville, Tennessee. While attempting to retreat, he was shot in the back and killed by Union cavalrymen Andrew Campbell, who had once served under him.

PROVENANCE: A Knoxville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: All with toning. 1st & 6th CDV with fading and wear. [See more photos →]

Civil War-era quarter-plate ambrotype, possibly Confederate William Franklin Hart (1846-1879), depicted standing with a long rifle in his right hand and attired in a long-sleeved shirt with red-tinted necktie, plaid pants, and belt with a gilt buckle that holds a revolver and knife. Pencil inscription on the interior of the partial leather case reads "Presented to Lizzie Hart by her brother Frank. Sent from Pensacola while at 'war'. /61". Note: Ancestry.com records a Civil War pension record for William Franklin Hart, who served with the 13th Tennessee Cavalry, Company K, filed on September 8, 1876. War records show that he enlisted on October 1, 1864 as a private and mustered in September 1, 1865. Hart was born in Greene County, Tennessee and died in Rogersville (Hawkins County), TN. It is possible that he was involved in the 1861 Battle of Pensacola, among the earliest conflicts in the Civil War. In response to the succession of southern states during the winter of 1860-1861 Federal troops were stationed at forts along the Gulf Coast. In January of 1861, fighting broke out between these troops and local militias in Florida, many members of which would eventually be mustered into the Confederate military. The lack of a uniform in this photograph (along with the use of scare quotes around the word "war" in the inscription) suggests that the sitter was perhaps a militia member involved in one of the initial conflicts of the war. However, uniforms were often scarce, especially during the early days of the war.

PROVENANCE: A Knoxville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Some craquelure noted to back of image and extending through to the image, primarily to the background. Some minor spotting to image, also primarily to the background. One-half of the case is missing, remaining case with surface wear. Minor oxidation to upper-right edge of gilt frame. [See more photos →]

Group of 3 Civil War Related CDVs, incl. TN William Milburn, & Union officer ambrotype, 4 items.1st-3rd items: Three (3) Civil War era carte de visite (CDV) including: one (1) depicting William Elbert Milburn (1844-1925), Chaplain 8th Tennessee Cavalry, United States Army, taken at Smiley's Photograph Gallery, in Knoxville, TN; one (1) depicting a young, dark-haired woman standing in period clothing in an interior setting, taken at Y. Day, Photographer in Memphis, TN; and one (1) depicting a Union soldier attired in his uniform and standing with one hand resting on a chair, taken at Shorey's Gallery in Baltimore, MD. All measure 4" H x 2 3/8" W and are housed in protective plastic sleeves. 4th item: Cased Civil War quarter-plate ambrotype depicting a seated Union officer attired in his military uniform complete with a hand-colored bright red sash and holding his sword in his right hand while he rests his left arm on a draped table, with gilt highlights to buttons, sword and wedding ring. Inscription en verso of plate reads P. P. Ellis, likely the sitter. Housed in a carved gutta percha Littlefield, Parsons & Co. case with two interior gilt frames. Case measures 4 7/8" H x 4" W. Note: William E. Milburn was a notable East Tennessee Unionist, abolitionist, women's suffragist and, during the 1880s and 1890s, a TN State Representative from Greene County. He wrote a defense of women's suffrage that was published statewide. His daughter was Lula Belle Milburn Divine (1881-1955), a prominent Johnson City suffragist and founding member of the Johnson City Equal Suffrage League. In 1922 she became postmaster of Johnson City, the first woman to hold that post in the city and one of the first anywhere in Tennessee. (Source: Johnson City Suffragists, Johnson City Public Art)

PROVENANCE: A Knoxville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: 1st-3rd items: All with toning and spotting, the female CDV with prominent spotting. 4th item: Ambrotype in overall very good condition. some minor oxidation to one gilt frame. Case with slight wear and losses to perimeter, primarily to the corners. Case retains the original paper label which has some moisture damage. [See more photos →]

Civil War Ambrotype portrait of a soldier, identified on small accompanying piece of paper as "John Dandridge Richardson, Captain, Confederate States Medical Corps, Killed while on duty in field hospital, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 / My Mother's Youngest Brother". Illegible pencil inscription to interior of case. Sixth plate size, 3 1/4" x 2 3/4", in union case.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: Separation to case; a hanger has been taped to the back of the case. Image: A few tiny spots to upper left edge, overall very good condition. [See more photos →]

Two (2) Civil War period photographs. 1st item: A Confederate ninth plate ambrotype identified as that of John H. Meadows, Private, 37th Tennessee Infantry, Company C. Note: Meadows, a native of Gallatin, Tennessee, was approximately 20 years old at the time of this image. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Nashville. 2nd item: A sixth plate image of an unidentified young man with dark hair and facial hair, with his hand inside his shirt at chest level.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: Meadows ambrotype has scratching across face and halo at edges. Name of subject is scratched into paper inside case, with a more contemporary label pasted in. 2nd ambrotype has halo around edges, light emulsion line to background, overall good condition, not examined out of case. Missing top half of case; considerable wear to exterior of case. [See more photos →]

Cased Civil War quarter-plate ambrotype depicting a seated soldier, possibly Confederate, attired in partial military uniform with a letter or folded paper in his shirt pocket and with his left arm on a draped table. Housed in a carved gutta percha Washington Monument, Richmond case having an interior red velvet liner and foliate engraved gilt frame. Case measures 4 7/8" H x 4" W.

PROVENANCE: A Knoxville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Ambrotype with faint ghosting around the inner frame perimeter, otherwise overall good condition. Case in overall good condition with losses to front left corner and scattered light wear, mostly to the back. [See more photos →]

1st item: Ambrotype of man in Confederate reunion garb, seated next to a teenage civilian, with landscape backdrop. Sixth plate size, in union case. Includes a small Home for Confederate Women button. 2nd item: Daguerreotype of unidentified Confederate soldier, seated with hands in lap. Sixth plate size, in union case.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: 1st item: Slight halo to outer edges, scratching to image. Wear to exterior of case. 2nd item: Scratching to image, a couple of small areas of spotting. Daguerreotype has been placed in front of a sheet of dark paper (not adhered) inside the case to enhance visibility. Oxidation to gilt mat. Case in very good condition. [See more photos →]

1st item: Tintype of a dark haired gentleman resembling CSA president Jefferson Davis, in black coat and tie, in sixth plate size union case with gilt mat. 2nd item: Tintype of a soldier with mustache in uniform with cloak, seated in near full length view. Sixth plate size union case with gilt mat. 3rd item: Albumen studio portrait of a middle-aged woman with dark ringlets, believed to be Confederate spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow, oval, mounted to a rectangular cardstock sheet. Photographer's stamp, C. R. Rees of Richmond, Virginia, on front below image. Image: 8" H x 6" W. Sheet: 8" H x 10" W.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: 1st item: Tintype has been fitted into a union case with gilt mat, but there are gaps at the size indicating it may have been cut down or that the case is not original. 2nd item: Image with light background spotting, some light creasing, overall good condition. Wear/fraying to silk inside case, and wear to exterior of case. 3rd item: Scattered dampstaining to sheet and image, a couple of spots of foxing, 1" tear to right side, center. Loss to lower left corner. [See more photos →]

Ames Presentation Grade Model 1850 Staff and Field Officers sword presented to Tennessee Colonel Samuel Kelsey Nelson Patton (1816-1886, TN) by Company D 8th East Tennessee Cavalry. 32" length partially engraved blade with floral military trophy designs, large script US and "Ames Mfg Co/Chicopee/Mass" to one side and scrolled foliate decoration together with a spread wing eagle on the reverse. Gilt wire wrapped shagreen grip and gilt brass half basket guard with open work and "US". Patinated copper scabbard with engraved foliate and American shield decoration and presentation inscription reading "Presented to Col. S. K. N. Patton by Comp D. 8th East Tenn Cav". One suspension band with raised Federal Eagle design and laurel cartouche engraved U. S. and the central suspension band with incised and laurel cartouche decoration. Chape with engraved foliate designs and raised Federal Eagle design. 41" total length. Note: Samuel Kelsey Nelson Patton was born in Jonesborough, TN, and was educated in the Martin Academy in Jonesborough. He studied law but became a well-known Presbyterian Minister in Sullivan County (Kingsport). He married Catherine Jane Wall, the daughter of the first governor of Kentucky Armistead Wall, and together they had 12 children. In addition to serving the United States in the Civil War and reaching the rank of Colonel, he was a member of the Tennessee State Senate during the 38th Tennessee General Assembly from 1873 – 1875.

PROVENANCE: Property from the Collection of Jo Ann Cline Yates, Lookout Mountain Tennessee.

CONDITION: Light patination and wear to blade wtih engraving evenly worn retaining nice detail, no rusting or pitting noted. Grip with minor wear to gilt and is moderately loose at the base. Scabbard is in good condition with light scattered wear and some minor losses, a few areas of shallow denting to upper scabbord and chape. [See more photos →]

Civil War epaulets originally owned by Major Noah R. Chambliss, CSA, staff officer 1st Kentucky Cavalry under General Ben Helm. Gold bullion, with applied lettering F.K.M. between two bars; the undersides of yellow silk. 6 1/2" W. Note: These are 1st. Lieutenant epaulets, worn by Chambliss in Company F in the Kentucky Militia Cavalry before joining with the 1st Ky. Cavalry and his promotion to Major. They were donated by his family to the Museum of Southern History in Jacksonville, Florida and deaccessioned in 1998 (receipt from Museum to past owner available to the winning bidder). "The 1st Cavalry Regiment was organized during the late summer of 1861 and its companies were mustered into Confederate service in October. It served in the Central Army of Kentucky and the Department of East Tennessee and fought in various engagements in Kentucky and Tennessee. Because of its difficult service in Kentucky during September and October, 1862, it was reduced to a battalion and assigned to the 3rd Kentucky Cavalry. The field officers were Colonel Benjamin H. Helm; Lieutenant Colonels J.W. Griffith, H.C. Leavell, and Thomas G. Woodward; and Majors John W. Caldwell and N.R. Chambliss." (Source: https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=CKY0001RC02).

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection; collection of Jeffery Goerot; ex-Museum of Southern History, Jackson, Florida; by descent in the family of Major N.R. Chambliss.

CONDITION: Light oxidation, staining and use wear; some tassels twisted, minor fraying; overall good condition. [See more photos →]

Map, 5 rare books and steam gauge belonging to Army Corps of Engineers Brigadier General Eben Eveleth Winslow. 1st item: E.H. Ashcroft Steam pressure gauge, pat. date 1878, face engraved with the name Daniel O'Donnell, in original 9" x 6" x 2" wooden case. 2nd item: Large folding U.S. Geological Survey topographical map of Washington, DC and Vicinity, c. 1915. The map was developed based on surveys controlled by the US Geologic Survey, the US Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. 50" x 44". 3rd item: U.S. BRIDGE EQUIPAGE AND DRILL / ORGANIZATION OF THE BRIDGE EQUIPAGE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY, with directions for the construction of military bridges, Washington, DC, 1870. Quarter binding with marbled boards and end sheets, stamped EVELETH WINSLOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS with pencil inscription "Winslow", 1873 errata pasted to front endsheet. Includes pull-out plans and diagrams numbered 11-15. 9" x 6 1/2". 4th item: NOTES ON MITERING LOCK GATES, by 1st Lieutenant Harry F. Hodges, Corps of Engineers, USA, Washington Printing Office, 1892. Several pull out diagrams, appears complete. 9" x 11". 5th item: A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION IN ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY by Brevet Col. J.G. Benton. New York: D. Van Nostrand, 3rd ed, 1883. Green cloth covers, 583 pp plus errata: Hotchkiss B.L. Mountain Rifle and Electric Primers for Cannon. "EVELETH WINSLOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS STAMP" to front endpaper. 9" x 6". 6th item: POCKET COMPANION FOR ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS. Carnegie Steel Company, 19th edition, 1917. 7th item: MISSISSIPPI FROM A PICTURE WINDOW by Neely Grant II, Dorrance & Co, 1956 1st Edition. The 54 page book of poetry is signed by the author and inscribed "To Mrs. Winslow…" Rose colored cloth boards. Note: These items have descended in the family of Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928), who continued his family's tradition of patriotic service through his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike his famous grandfather, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, and his father who died young, Paymaster William R. Winslow (1844-1869), E.E. Winslow was an army man. He graduated first in his class from The United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1889 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of engineers. He served with Company B of the Battalion of Army Engineers stationed at Ft. Totten, NY, constructed harbor defenses in the Port of Mobile in Alabama and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1894. He served on the West Point faculty as assistant instructor of practical military engineering prior to joining Company E, Battalion of Engineers for service in the Spanish American War. He took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and was afterward promoted to Captain in 1898. Winslow's work with river and harbor fortifications took him to Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Memphis, Tennessee, where he met and married the novelist and poet Anne Goodwin Winslow. In 1906 he was assigned to the Washington Barracks as commandant of the United States Army Engineer School and commander of the post. He received a promotion to major in 1906 and to assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 1907. He went on to command harbor and river fortifications in Oahu, Hawaii and the Panama Canal zone, was promoted to Colonel in 1917 and to temporary Brigadier General in 1917. His service during World War I earned him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Following the end of the war, Winslow returned to his permanent rank of colonel. After working for awhile on the coastal fortifications of San Francisco Bay, he retired to Memphis, where he and his wife had taken residence at her ancestral home, which came to be known as Goodwinslow. He died there in 1928 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank and Winslow was posthumously promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. Goodwinslow remained in the family of E.E. and Anne Winslow's direct descendants until it was sold earlier this year. Many of the family's historic possessions were also dispersed, including this lot, which is one of several related items in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired from Winslow family descendant in March, 2023.

CONDITION: Map: Laid down on fabric backing to join separations at all fold lines. Heavy use wear with toning and discoloration to multiple areas. Steam gauge: heavy oxidation to gauge, functionality not tested or guaranteed. Case has significant wear and one section of the side is loose. 3rd item: Wear to exterior of book, some dampstaining, tear to errata. 4th item: Heavy wear to covers, spine deteriorating and flaking. 5th item: Wear and chipping to spine, toning and foxing. 6th and 7th items: Wear to spine and covers. [See more photos →]

U.S. Brigadier General Eben Eveleth Winslow's US Army Corps of Engineers Flag, late 19th or early 20th century, stenciled and hand painted ivory castle motif on red ground, two-part machine sewn construction. Ivory header with metal grommets and printed with size (3 x 4 ft). Framed under plexiglass in a black molded frame, 53" x 37 1/2". Note: This flag descended in the family of Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928), who continued his family's tradition of patriotic service through his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike his famous grandfather, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, and his short-lived father, Paymaster William R. Winslow (1844-1869), E.E. Winslow was an army man. He graduated first in his class from The United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1889 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of engineers. He served with Company B of the Battalion of Army Engineers stationed at Ft. Totten, NY, constructed harbor defenses in the Port of Mobile in Alabama and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1894. He served on the West Point faculty as assistant instructor of practical military engineering prior to joining Company E, Battalion of Engineers for service in the Spanish American War. He took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and was afterward promoted to Captain in 1898. Winslow's work with river and harbor fortifications took him to Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Memphis, Tennessee, where he met and married the novelist and poet Anne Goodwin Winslow. In 1906 he was assigned to the Washington Barracks as commandant of the United States Army Engineer School and commander of the post. He received a promotion to major in 1906 and to assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 1907. He went on to command harbor and river fortifications in Oahu, Hawaii and the Panama Canal zone, was promoted to Colonel in 1917 and to temporary Brigadier General in 1917. His service during World War I earned him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Following the end of the war, Winslow returned to his permanent rank of colonel. After working for awhile on the coastal fortifications of San Francisco Bay, he retired to Memphis, where he and his wife had taken residence at her ancestral home, which came to be known as Goodwinslow. He died there in 1928 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank and Winslow was posthumously promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. Goodwinslow remained in the family of E.E. and Anne Winslow's direct descendants until it was sold earlier this year. Many of the family's historic possessions were also dispersed, including this lot, which is one of several related items in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired from Winslow family descendant in March, 2023.

CONDITION: Scattered small holes up to 1/2" diameter and light staining. [See more photos →]

Group of 7 American military uniform items (12 pieces), including epaulettes, shoulder straps, belt, sword hanger and hat cord, belonging to U.S. Army Brig. General Eben Eveleth Winslow and to his father, Paymaster William Randolph Winslow, U.S. Navy. Includes four (4) pairs of epaulettes and shoulder straps: one pair of two (2) Navy paymaster shoulder straps with anchor insignia, Hillborn Hamburger maker's mark printed in gilt to undersides; one pair of two (2) Army Corps of Engineer braided cord and black fabric epaulettes with pierced metal ornament depicting a castle facade and bouillon loops encircling a button with Seal of the United States; one pair of two (2) braided cord epaulettes with bouillon loops and applied leaf; and one pair of two (2) black fabric shoulder boards with cord leaf forms and border. Epaulettes/shoulder straps range in size from 4 1/4" H x 1 5/8" W to 7 3/8" H x 4 1/4" W. Also includes one (1) metal epaulettes box with slide lock (2 5/8" H x 6 3/4" W x 2 3/4" D), along with one (1) leather and brass belt (19" L), one (1) gold braid sword hanger cord (approx. 11" L), and one (1) gold braid hat cord (approx. 15" L); all Army Corps of Engineers. All items late 19th century. All items are believed to have belonged to U.S. Army Brig. General Eben Eveleth Winslow except for the Navy Paymaster shoulder straps, believed to have belonged to William Randolph Winslow (1844-1869), who died of scarlet fever at the age of 25 when his son E.E. Winslow was only 3 years old. Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928) grew up to continue his family's tradition of patriotic service through his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike his father and famous grandfather, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, commander of the USS Kearsarge, E.E. Winslow was an army man. He graduated first in his class from The United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1889 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of engineers. He served with Company B of the Battalion of Army Engineers stationed at Ft. Totten, NY, constructed harbor defenses in the Port of Mobile in Alabama and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1894. He served on the West Point faculty as assistant instructor of practical military engineering prior to joining Company E, Battalion of Engineers for service in the Spanish American War. He took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and was afterward promoted to Captain in 1898. Winslow's work with river and harbor fortifications took him to Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Memphis, Tennessee, where he met and married the novelist and poet Anne Goodwin Winslow. In 1906 he was assigned to the Washington Barracks as commandant of the United States Army Engineer School and commander of the post. He received a promotion to major in 1906 and to assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 1907. He went on to command harbor and river fortifications in Oahu, Hawaii and the Panama Canal zone, was promoted to Colonel in 1917 and to temporary Brigadier General in 1917. His service during World War I earned him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Following the end of the war, Winslow returned to his permanent rank of colonel. After working for awhile on the coastal fortifications of San Francisco Bay, he retired to Memphis, where he and his wife had taken residence at her ancestral home, which came to be known as Goodwinslow. He died there in 1928 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank and Winslow was posthumously promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. Goodwinslow remained in the family of E.E. and Anne Winslow's direct descendants until it was sold in the Spring of 2023, along with many of the items in this auction, including this lot.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired from Winslow family descendant in March, 2023.

CONDITION: All epaulettes with scattered discoloration, surface grime, and minute fraying commensurate with age. Epaulettes with castle insignia have loss of black fabric en verso measuring 2 3/8" x 1 1/8". Epaulettes box with oxidation and wear throughout, commensurate with age. Belt and cords with minute scattered verdigris and wear commensurate with age. [See more photos →]

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chapeau du Bras hat in original Horstmann Brothers tin storage box, the headgear fashioned from black silk with gold wire bullion fringe with feather trim and applied brass Federal eagle insignia and E.S. Saylor Army Corps of Engineer button. Hat approx. 17" wide. Box – 19" x 6" x 3 1/2". 19th century. Note: This hat and case have descended in the family of Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928), who continued his family's tradition of patriotic service through his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike his famous grandfather, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, and his short-lived father, Paymaster William R. Winslow (1844-1869), E.E. Winslow was an army man. He graduated first in his class from The United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1889 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of engineers. He served with Company B of the Battalion of Army Engineers stationed at Ft. Totten, NY, constructed harbor defenses in the Port of Mobile in Alabama and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1894. He served on the West Point faculty as assistant instructor of practical military engineering prior to joining Company E, Battalion of Engineers for service in the Spanish American War. He took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and was afterward promoted to Captain in 1898. Winslow's work with river and harbor fortifications took him to Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Memphis, Tennessee, where he met and married the novelist and poet Anne Goodwin Winslow. In 1906 he was assigned to the Washington Barracks as commandant of the United States Army Engineer School and commander of the post. He received a promotion to major in 1906 and to assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 1907. He went on to command harbor and river fortifications in Oahu, Hawaii and the Panama Canal zone, was promoted to Colonel in 1917 and to temporary Brigadier General in 1917. His service during World War I earned him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Following the end of the war, Winslow returned to his permanent rank of colonel. After working for awhile on the coastal fortifications of San Francisco Bay, he retired to Memphis, where he and his wife had taken residence at her ancestral home, which came to be known as Goodwinslow. He died there in 1928 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank and Winslow was posthumously promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. Goodwinslow remained in the family of E.E. and Anne Winslow's direct descendants until it was sold earlier this year. Many of the family's historic possessions were also dispersed, including this lot, which is one of several related items in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired from Winslow family descendant in March, 2023.

CONDITION: Both hat and box exhibit considerable wear. The hat is in fragile condition with losses to black silk and to feathers. [See more photos →]

U.S. Army Engineers Officer's Field Grade Dress Cap or Visor belonging to Brigadier General Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928). Circa 1910. Dark blue wool hat with gold chin strap, gold strap buttons, and leather visor adorned with gold leaves. Cap insignia is a gold U.S. Seal and gold leaves indicating the cap is for field-grade officers. Cap braid is bordered on both sides with gold and a thick red stripe flanked by thin white stripes; indicating a U.S. Army Engineers cap. Interior applied initials E.E.W (part of W is missing) and stamp for S.M. Meyer suppliers, Washington, D.C. 10" Diameter. Note: This hat descended in the family of Eben Eveleth Winslow (1866-1928), who continued his family's tradition of patriotic service through his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike his famous grandfather, Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, and his short-lived father, Paymaster William R. Winslow (1844-1869), E.E. Winslow was an army man. He graduated first in his class from The United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1889 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of engineers. He served with Company B of the Battalion of Army Engineers stationed at Ft. Totten, NY, constructed harbor defenses in the Port of Mobile in Alabama and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1894. He served on the West Point faculty as assistant instructor of practical military engineering prior to joining Company E, Battalion of Engineers for service in the Spanish American War. He took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and was afterward promoted to Captain in 1898. Winslow's work with river and harbor fortifications took him to Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Memphis, Tennessee, where he met and married the novelist and poet Anne Goodwin Winslow. In 1906 he was assigned to the Washington Barracks as commandant of the United States Army Engineer School and commander of the post. He received a promotion to major in 1906 and to assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 1907. He went on to command harbor and river fortifications in Oahu, Hawaii and the Panama Canal zone, was promoted to Colonel in 1917 and to temporary Brigadier General in 1917. His service during World War I earned him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Following the end of the war, Winslow returned to his permanent rank of colonel. After working for awhile on the coastal fortifications of San Francisco Bay, he retired to Memphis, where he and his wife had taken residence at her ancestral home, which came to be known as Goodwinslow. He died there in 1928 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank and Winslow was posthumously promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. Goodwinslow remained in the family of E.E. and Anne Winslow's direct descendants until it was sold earlier this year. Many of the family's historic possessions were also dispersed, including this lot, which is one of several related items in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired from Winslow family descendant in March, 2023.

CONDITION: Cap with overall use wear, some light staining to top, small losses to inner rim and leather visor. [See more photos →]

WRECK OF THE BATTLESHIP MAINE, 1911 Message from the President and report to the U.S. House of Representatives by the Board of Engineers appointed to raise the wreck of the ship in Habana Harbor. The 17 page bound report includes 7 black and white photos of the wreckage. Brown paper covers, 12" x 9". Rare. Note: This report was owned by Brig. Genl. E.E. Winslow (1866-1928) of the Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with supervising the salvage of the famous battleship. This item descended in Winslow's family along with a number of other related items in this auction.

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee collection, acquired in March, 2023 from direct descendant of Brig. Genl. E.E. Winslow.

CONDITION: Dampstaining and small tears at spine, toning, light foxing, light dampstaining affecting upper margins of the photographs. [See more photos →]

British Royal Navy coat of arms, hand-embroidered silk needlework patriotic image depicting a central shield surmounted by the English crown with the crowned lion and red rose of England on the left side, and Scottish Unicorn and thistles on the right, with British Admiralty flags and ship's sails visible in the background, and a scrolled banner below having the motto of the British monarch "DIEU ET MON DROIT". Housed and matted under glass in a gilt wormy wood frame. Sight: 18" H x 24" W. Framed: 24 1/2" H x 30 1/2" W. Likely a Japanese export for the European market. Late 19th century.

PROVENANCE: The estate of McAlister W. Anderson, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Some losses to embroidery causing fraying to silk in lower margin, and some light scattered areas of fraying throughout. Some toning to center. Otherwise in very good condition. [See more photos →]

French Napoleonic Klingenthal 1814 model cavalry troopers' saber with curved blade, leather grip, and gilt loop or knuckle guard. Inscribed "Mfture Rle du Klingenthal Juillet 1814" to back of blade by hilt. Inspection stamps to ricasso, including wreathed "B" for controller J.G. Bick (1812-1815), "K" with star for inspector/director J.I. Krantz (1812-1814), and "L" for revisor F. Lobstein (1804-1820). Inspection stamps to knuckle guard, including wreathed "B" and "K" with star as well as "76". Includes iron scabbard with two carrying rings. Blade length: 35" L. Overall length with scabbard: 41 1/2" L.

CONDITION: Overall fair condition. Patination to hilt commensurate with age. Heavy pitting to blade and scabbard. Wear to edge, including minute losses and dents, measuring 15 3/4" L. Partial loss of leather cord to grip. Scabbard with tear measuring 2" L with corresponding minor dent; denting to tip. [See more photos →]

Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver, .38 caliber, serial number 127990, all visible serial numbers matching. Barrel marked "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD.CT. U.S.A," left side of barrel marked "COLT. D. A. 38," left side of frame under cylinder marked "PAT. SEPT 19 1871 " " .5 "74 " JAN.19."75." with Colt rampant horse logo. Hard brown checkered rubber stocks, each with Colt rampant horse logos, round barrel, fluted cylinder, checkered hammer, half moon front sight, loading lever. Barrel length: 4 1/2". Overall length: 9". Serial number corresponds to year 1901. NOTE: Most firearms made after 1898 require passing an FFL background check prior to transfer. The date of production for this gun makes it subject to FFL rules. Please be prepared with proper identification and information. If you do not reside in Tennessee, an FFL dealer in your state is required to complete the transfer.

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Trigger return malfunction, likely the result of worn or broken return spring in need of repair. Gun is otherwise fully operational, manually resetting the trigger between pulls. Gun retains 98% of the original factory-applied blue finish, with some wear to bluing on loading lever and cylinder. 100% case color remaining. Action holds at full and half cock. Bore is slightly dirty with visible rifling. [See more photos →]

Colt 1911-A1 Super Match .38 automatic, SN#23159, manufactured in 1936. The slide is gold plated, the left side holding Colt's patent mark COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. PAT'D APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19.1913 together with an engraved landscape scene with multiple animals, including deer, birds, moose, bear, tiger, retriever, and two airplanes. The right side of the slide is marked SUPER MATCH COLT SUPER .38 AUTOMATIC together with the engraved Rampant Colt logo, masted ship, and engraved duck. The left front of the trigger guard is marked P together with VP within a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked 38. The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked with the serial number 23159. 5" barrel, fitted with stag grips. The base of the clip is marked COLT SUPER .38 AUTO. Retains a Bucheimer leather holster numbered B142. NOTE: Most firearms made after 1898 require passing an FFL background check prior to transfer. The date of production for this gun makes it subject to FFL rules. Please be prepared with proper identification and information. If you do not reside in Tennessee, an FFL dealer in your state is required to complete the transfer.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Dr. Martin Perez, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Custom post production finish including gold plating and engraving. Gun has been refinished, polished, re-blued, and possibly remarked on one side of the slide . Bore is clean. Magazine appears to be a replacement and the main spring housing appears to be a replacement. [See more photos →]

Oak and leather gun case #734 by Huey originally fitted for two (2) Westley Richards firearms, but able to accept takedown rifles or shotguns of similar size. The case features a leather exterior with a top handle, reinforced corners and brass hardware. Case with four ball feet, an unengraved nameplate to top, and plate marked "Huey Gun Cases / no 734 / Kansas City, MO." to edge. With two (2) brass push-lock closures and two (2) belted closing straps opening to reveal a fitted multi-compartmented suede-lined interior with accessories including a loading and cleaning rod, English pewter oil jar, and two (2) screwdrivers. This high quality case was originally made to house two large bore Westley Richards Nitro Express Best Quality rifles, as evidenced by the tag affixed to handle describing the guns: "Westley Richards/ .450 NE B 35640 / .577 NE B 40946". 30 1/2" W x 19" H x 4" D. Late 20th century.

CONDITION: In overall very good condition with slight scuffing to the exterior, some creasing to leather straps, and wear to underside of straps near the bottom edge. Patination and slight creasing to top handle. Possibly missing some cleaning accessories. [See more photos →]

Huey oak and leather gun case # 262 originally fitted for a Holland & Holland .450/.400 double rifle, but because of a loose fitting technique can accept firearms of similar size, i.e. side by side shotgun or rifle. The case features a leather exterior with a top handle, reinforced corners and brass hardware. Case with four ball feet, an unengraved nameplate to top, and plate marked "Huey Gun Cases / no 262 / Reeds Spring, MO." to edge. With two (2) brass push-lock closures and two (2) belted closing straps opening to reveal a fitted multi-compartmented suede-lined interior. Interior top affixed with armorial label for "Holland & Holland". Maintains accessories including a cleaning rod with replaceable tips, a key, a brass oil jar, and .400 and .450 snap caps. Tag affixed to handle describes the gun for which the case was fitted, Holland & Holland .450 / .400 . Barrel compartment measures 26 1/2" L. Stock compartment measures 20 1/2" L x 5 1/4" W. Overall: 38 3/4" W x 11 1/2" H x 4 1/2" D. 20th century.

CONDITION: With moderate use wear including scuffing, creasing, and patination to leather exterior. Tarnish to hardware. Some interior compartments may be missing lids. [See more photos →]

1st item: Wood and leather gun case originally fitted for a Joseph Lang .470 caliber rifle, with engraved brass nameplate to the top identifying the owner as "MAHARANEE / HOLKAR / of / INDORE/ 1921", likely a wife of Tukojirao Holkar III, who was the Maharaja of Indore State in central India from 1903 to 1926. The case has reinforced brass corners, push-lock enclosure, and double closing straps with brass buckles and opens to reveal a felt-lined multi-compartmented interior with an affixed gun manufacturer label reading "Land & Hussey Ltd/ Late Joseph Lang & Son/ Gun and Rifle Manufacturers, 102 New Bond Street London, W" and an additional label describing the firearm for which the case was fitted for. Maintain accessories including a cleaning rod with replaceable tips, a screwdriver, a stainless steel oil bottle, leather straps, an additional oil can, and polishing cloths. Barrel compartment measures 26 1/2" L. Stock compartment measures 20 1/2" L x 5 1/2" W. Overall: 12" H x 30 1/4" W x 3 1/2" D. 2nd item: Leather gun case fitted for a Manton and Company .400 caliber BP B firearm. Has a leather exterior with top handle, brass hardware, reinforced brass corners, a push-lock enclosure, and double-closing straps with brass buckles. opens to reveal a green felt-lined multi-compartmented interior with an affixed gun manufacturer label to top reading "Manton and Company/ Gun, Rifle, and Pistol Manufacturers. 13, Old Court House Street, Calcutta/ Established 1825". Maintains accessories including a cleaning rod with replaceable tips and leather strap. Affixed tag to handle describes the firearm for which the case was fitted for. Barrel compartment measures 27" L, stock compartment measures 20 1/2" L x 5 1/4" W. Overall: 10" H x 29" W x 3 1/2" D. Likely English, both early 20th century.

CONDITION: 1st item: Light wear to exterior including scuffs, creasing, and patination, especially to underside of straps. Tarnish to gold hardware and light green oxidation to belt buckles. 2nd item: With moderate wear to exterior including scuffs, creases, and patination. Tarnish and wear to hardware. [See more photos →]

1st item: G. Bascalia, Buenos Aires sword cane with concealed blade housed in a wooden scabbard with a leather drag, having a metal pommel with a foliate engraving and a leather strap, a wooden handle, and a brass collar. Ricasso marked "G. Bascalia/Buenos Aires". Blade: 13 3/4" L. Scabbard: 29" L. 2nd-4th items: Three (3) daggers or knives, likely Middle Eastern, with damascus steel blades, including two (2) jambiya daggers, one (1) with a decorative embossed silver-tone metal handle and sheath and one (1) with a hardstone and mother-of-pearl handle and a grey velvet sheath with brass mounts, and one (1) kris knife with an ebony handle in form of a stylized bird and a scrolling foliate embossed silver-tone metal dagger. Ranging in size from 13 1/2" to 19 1/4" L. 5th item: Iron staff with brass dog head handle and mounts, possibly an African Benin or Fon Ceremonial Prestige Staff. 19 5/8" L. 6th item: Wooden cane or walking stick, likely European, comprised of wood with brass tips. 27 1/4" L. Late 19th-early 20th century.

PROVENANCE: The estate of Pia Stratton, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: All items in overall good condition with general wear to be expected from age and manner of use. Some pitting to cane sword and dagger or knife blades. Bird handle with areas of natural age shrinkage, largest 2 1/2". [See more photos →]

Sixteen (16) T-72 Confederate fifty-cent fractional notes, first series, issued in Richmond, VA, dated February 17, 1864. Bust profile vignette of Jefferson Davis, CSA President, top center. Engraved by Archer and Halpin, Richmond, VA.

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Stanley Horn, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: All bills in uncirculated/about uncirculated condition except serial number 80249 which is in very good circulated condition with negligible creases. Some with negligible foxing and creasing. [See more photos →]

Grouping of twenty-one (25) Civil War-era Confederate currency notes and bonds. Items 1-21: One (1) rare T-41 1862 $100 slaves working in the field note, one (1) T-65 1862 $100 Lucy Pickens note, four (4) T-39 1862 $100 train notes, one (1) T-40 $100 train note, one (1) T-16 1861 $50 Jefferson Davis note, thirteen (13) T-66 1864 $50 Jefferson Davis notes. Items 22-25: One (1) 1865 $500 Confederate States bond (dated May 9, the same day that President Andrew Johnson officially called an end to the armed resistance in the South), one (1) 1864 $100 Confederate States bond, and one (1) 1864 $100 Confederate States bond. Also includes one (1) 1838 2000 pounds sterling United States bond.

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Stanley Horn, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: All items in circulated condition, with staining, creases, tears, stamping, and areas of loss. T-65 and T-16 missing lower right corners. United States bond has been canceled, with some losses to center and a removed signature, lower right. [See more photos →]

Grouping of 24 Civil War-era Confederate currency notes including one (1) T-43 1862 $2 Judah P. Benjamin note, two (2) T-36 1861 $5 notes with an allegorical figure of Commerce and sailor, one (1) T-33 1861 $5 Memminger note, three (3) T-69 1864 $5 Virginia State Capitol notes, one (1) T-60 1862 $5 Virginia State Capitol note, eight (8) T-68 1864 horse pulling cannon $10 notes, three (3) T-59 1862 $10 proposed Columbia, S.C. State Capitol notes, one (1) T-59 1863 $10 proposed Columbia, S.C. State Capitol note, one (1) T-51 1863 $20 Tennessee State Capitol note, one (1) T-67 1864 $20 Tennessee State Capitol note, one (1) T-9 1861 $20 sailing ship note, and one (1) T-18 1861 $20 sailing ship note.

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Stanley Horn, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: All items in circulated condition, with staining, creases, tears, stamping, and areas of loss. T-33 with significant wear. [See more photos →]

Kentucky Military Institute 10K (xrf tested) gold academic medal, engraved NETHERLAND MEDAL FOR PHYSIOLOGY, circular form surrounded by laurel leaves with shield drop engraved KMI, no recipient named. 1 7/8" x 1 1/8". Weight: .435 oz troy (13.5 grams). Note: the Kentucky Military Institute was founded in Lyndon, KY, by Colonel Robert Thomas Pritchard Allen (1813-1888) and chartered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1847. It had a summer campus in Florida, and remained in operation until 1971 with the exception of the Civil War Years, during which it was closed.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: Excellent condition with light surface wear to backside. [See more photos →]