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This 1863 14-page General Order offers a record of desertion charges, court martial, sentencing of a number of enlisted men found guilty and sentenced to be <I>‘shot to death by musketry’</I>. Include Albert Persons- <B>94th NY Vols.</B>, James A. Philips <B>44th NY Vols.</B>, Robert Myers <B>90th Pa. Vols</B>, Joseph Wolf  <B>1st Pa. Lt. Art.</B> and Jacob Watson <B>4th NJ Vols.</B>  An addendum included in the general order offers a record <U>clemency extended by</U> <B> President Abraham Lincoln</B>.  Also included are the court martial records of Patrick Welch  <B>28th Mass. Vols.</B> Who is found guilty of thievery and ordered to wear a <I>THIEF</I>  placard,  Lt. James Clark <B> 71st Pa. Vols </B> cashiered for drunkenness  and Capt. Geo. B. Chalmers <B>63rd Pa. Vols</B>  cashiered for Disobedience.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 This nice cup remains in wonderful condition retaining much of the as new and unused sheen of its’ old, tinned surface while offering good evidence of age and originality.  Clearly intended for heavy use with the classic die struck construction of tinned iron and riveted handle,  this is the popular type so frequently seen in period images slung on canteen or haversack strap. All original and in exceptional condition after decades of storage, this mess cup measures a full 4 ½ inches across the mouth and approximately 2 inches in depth. 

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 Best described here by our illustrations is this  rarely found composite fishhook.  Designed to turn <I>’bites’</I> into well hooked catches Pardon stated in his patent application that the object of his invention <I>’is to produce a composite fish-hook consisting of a plurality of hooks, one of which is adapted to hang pendent, in the ordinary manner, and another under tension of a pull upon the first named hook to close with force toward the same and gaff the fish.’</I>  These hooks did not find sustaining commercial success thus are seldom found on the modern market.  Important to the <I>’deep-dish’</I> antique fishing gear collector, this as new period example will make a nice addition to any quality period collection. <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  An especially desirable offering for the knowledgeable Confederate collector, this screw top drum canteen is well documented by a like example of the type to include the screw cap housed in the old <B>Museum of the Confederacy</B> collection.  (see: p.57 Sylvia & O’Donnell first volume  <I>‘Civil War Canteens’</I>)  Measuring approximately 8 ¼ inches in  diameter by 2 5/8 inches thick rim to rim, this original, untouched example remains in desirable as carried condition with unquestionable age and construction.  Frequently cast aside by miss identity of the period, this classic Confederate style drum canteen offers the rarity utilized and frequently overlooked 10/27/1858  John K. Chase patent for <I>Improvement in Manufacturing Screws of Thin Metal</I>.  (see illustration) Please note that manufacturer markings on the early screw caps are key to dating.  Post war examples offer the original 1858 patent date along with the 1872 patent extension date while the earlier caps are unmarked. (see:  Sylvia & O’Donnell <I>‘Civil War Canteens’ </I> second volume  p 72)  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!

1863 14-page Civil War General Order – e $45.00

 

Civil War era TINNED IRON CUP $65.00

 

Rare! Pardon’s Pat. Composite – FISHHOO $65.00

 

Confederate Screw Cap DRUM CANTEEN (see:

Best described here by our illustrations as to eye appeal and variety, this offering consists of 87 Pat. 1851 marked hard rubber buttons collector mounted on a vintage pasteboard card measuring 9 X12 inches.  Untouched from decades of Maine attic storage, this neat old button board offers a wide range of size and design of the popularly used Civil War era buttons.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>  This double sided temperance handbill measures 8 by 4 7/8 inches and remains in pleasing all original condition with no tears or repairs while offering good evidence of age, careful period handling and originality.  All presented in a desirable railroad theme, this <B>BLACK VALLEY RAILROAD</B> handbill offers all manner of reference to the evils of alcohol.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 Offered here is the memorial leather  Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket of Vietnam, 82nd Airborne veteran Sgt. Martin J. Mason.   Maintained by Mason descendants as a family service memorial worn by Sgt. Mason.    Heavily patch decorated to include Special Forces Lt. Col Leslie Mason’s Ranger Insignia, his Lt. Colonel and airborne insignias are augmented by his ‘Green Berete’ Special Forces Ranger patches.  After serving as a teenager in Korea as an enlisted Airman in the Air Force, Mason entered the US Army graduating from West Point in 1960.  Commissioned to the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, Mason went on to earn a master's degree in psychology, becoming an instructor and course director in the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership at West Point.  He served in the 5th, 7th and 10th Special Forces Groups (Airborne) and Special Forces (Vietnam).  On the breast is a memorial patch to Lt. Colonel Mason with additional stitched on remembrance to include an 82nd Airborne patch and a Sgt. Martin J Mason ‘DOG FACE SOLDIER patch with a myriad of additional patches to include Harley Davidson motorcycle patches.  This medium sized leather jacket  shows period ware and appropriate age while remaining pliable and even wearable with two minor seam repairs and stitching to the original liner.     


<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!



 A bit of a reach from our usual time frame we could not pass on an effort to preserve this offering intact.   Offered here as a group to preserve its historical integrity are the personal items and US Navy memorabilia of  Annapolis graduate Lt. Commander Wilbur J. Mason.  The executive officer of the US Gato class submarine Herring, Lt. Cdr. Mason was lost with all eighty-three aboard when the hard fought, five battle star, U-boat was sunk on June 1, 1944.  Included in the group is Lt. Cdr. Masons inscribed officer’s sword complete with sword case and sword belt, his uniform submariner device framed for preservation by the family, a period photograph of the USS Herring with attached time appropriate campaign ribbons and the family framed  portrait with military record.   Best described as to condition by our illustrations, suffice it to say the sword is in exceptional shape.  As with the sword we have made every effort to illustrate each component for your inspection and evaluation.  All are original and as preserved by the family.   A quick Google will offer an account of the extensive WWII history of the Herring and her crew.  All acquired directly from the descendants, a family related Harley Davidson military service memorial leather jacket is offered elsewhere as item # 634104. 

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!

vintage Goodyear Pat. 1851 - Hard Rubbe $125.00

 

Civil War era – Railroad theme - TEMPERA $35.00

 

USMA Vietnam Green Berete Lt. Col memori $325.00

 

USN Academy - WWII Submariner - Killed I $595.00

Best described by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, suffice it to say this exceptionally nice quality cap of coon skin and rabbit fur measures approximately 24 inches in diameter and remains in exquisite condition while offering desirable evidence of age and limited period use.  A higher quality in material, construction and condition than usually encountered, this classic will do well in any vintage Americana display while remaining in wearable condition.    <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  Best described here by our photo illustration as to condition and eye appeal, this antique clay ink remains in most pleasing condition bearing the label of P. Grinnell & Sons, a notable Providence, Rhode Island a business active from around 1810 to 1835.  A common form of the 18th century seldom found retaining a period label, this ink will fit well in any period writing device or personal item grouping.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>  Marked <I>J. H. BUNNELL & Co.  NEW YORK</I> this telegraph key with sounder remains in pleasing all original, untouched and functioning condition.  Of particular interest to the collector / historian will be that it was manufactured under the auspices of the  February 15,1881 patent awarded to <B>Jesse H. Bunnell</B> a notable telegrapher who served with the Army of the Potomac as General McClellan's personal telegrapher and with Sherman's Army of the Cumberland.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 Best described here by our photos as to condition and content, this Civil War vintage advertising card measures 4 1/8 X 2 ½ inches and remains in fine original conditions.  The card touts O. B. North & Co., a saddlery and carriage hardware firm.  Known for serving as a contractor to the Union Army during the Civil War, the Connecticut based firm had contracts to supply 29,000 carbine sling swivels between May of 1864 and June of 1865.  A nice relic for the cavalry collector without breaking the bank.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

Vintage Coon Skin & Rabbit Fur - Cap $235.00

 

STONEWARE INK with label - circa 1810 - $70.00

 

Pat. 1881 J H Bunnell Telegraph Key & So

 

Civil War – Cavalry Carbine Sling Swivel $45.00

      Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, this all original ‘J Brown’ branded pike measures 7 feet ½ inch in total length, is maker marked <B>COLLINS CO  HARTFORD</B> and will be of particular interest to pre-Civil War, <B>Harpers Ferry, John Brown Raid</B> historians as the <I>Bloody Kansas</I> abolitionist was known to have met with the Collins Co. forge-master in1857 ultimately placing an order for 1,000 pikes at a cost of $1.00 a pike.  Later as the economic distress of the panic of 1857 grew, Brown’s reduced fundraising ability resulted in an inability to pay for the order and production was ended after approximately 500 pikes were completed.  Collins fully expecting this to be the end of their business with Brown, the pikes were undelivered however, the determined abolitionist reappeared in 1859 flush with cash from wealthy benefactors.  Brown paid for the existing 500 pikes still in stores from the1857 production along with pikes from a second production run to complete the earlier order.  Per Brown’s instruction the pikes were shipped to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania where supporters secretly forwarded them to rural Maryland near Harpers Ferry.  Joined by an estimated 25 to 50 slaves, the Collins pikes were used in the Harper’s Ferry raid to guard hostages who were in some instances the masters of the same revolting slaves.

      Quickly becoming prized relics of both the pro- and anti-slavery leaders, it is no surprise that examples might bare period markings as preservation.  As this marked example is built on the early 1797 American <I>’leaf’</I> pattern rather than the classic <I>John Brown Pike</I> configuration we are most familiar with, we surmise that the variation may well emanate from the first production run of Brown’s order.    

      A remnant of our years of aggressively seeking out and acquiring historic Americana, we <I>’picked’</I> this fascinating old pike from a 1980s Brimfield sale where it was attributed to a Vermont GAR hall cleanout with no special significance attached to the <B>J Brown</B> brand.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal, is the Civil War patriotically embossed leather wallet and identified 2nd Army Corps hair memorial of Chancellorsville wounded then Gettysburg killed in action, Pvt. James Trickey of Co. D <B>5th New Hampshire Infantry</B>.  Acquired from a New Hampshire family sale some years ago, the period ink identified <B><I> Joseph Trickey 5th N.H. Vols.</I></B> wallet had been preserved with its content of a hair memorial faintly but discernably pencil identifier, <I>Joseph Tricky 1863</I>.  Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, we assume by the 1863 notation on the memorial that the clip of hair and wallet had been returned to the family after Pvt. Trickey’s death at Gettysburg.  The preservation of a passed loved one’s lock of hair was a most usual practice in the period and enhancement by decorative braiding was frequent.  In this example we have the advantage of identification, date and the formation the <U>2nd Army Corps</U> device worn by the 5th New Hampshire.  Period records tell us that Joseph Trickey was a 41 year old resident of Rochester N.H. when he enlisted in the 5th New Hampshire Infantry.  Ultimately wounded at Chancellorsville then killed at Gettysburg,  Pvt. Trickey’s hard fought 5th NH Vols saw action to include <B>Rappahannock Station  - Fair Oaks - Savage Station, White Oak Swamp - Malvern Hill – Antietam - Harper's Ferry – Fredericksburg – Chancellorsville </B> and <B> Gettysburg </B> during his tenure. All in pleasing condition with good evidence of age and originality, this Civil War personal treasure is offered  from our downsizing of a lifetime accumulation. ( see Mainelegacy.com for a sample) Please Note: The photo of Pvt. Trickey is complements of the www.findagrave.com site.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  This neat Civil War mess pan measures 6 3/8 inches across the mouth, tapering to a 4 1/2 inch diameter base and stands approximately 2 5/8 inches high.  It is constructed of tinned sheet iron in the classic three section fashion (two side panels & a bottom sheet) with hand soldered joints.  The piece was acquired some years ago in a small grouping from the inventory of period military equipage from  early war surplus dealer Francis Bannerman.  The type is well illustrated in <B> BANNERMAN’S MILLITARY GOODS Catalog</B> of 1903 where these <B> ARMY mess pans </B> were offered from his government purchases after the Civil War.  A rare opportunity  to acquire an example of the type in something more than excavated condition, this one remains in excellent as issue condition with the exception of a pleasing age patina as good evidence of age and originality.   

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!

 Not for everyone but a real find for the deep dish Civil War collector with a quartermaster interest and the vital role of the draft horse as it provided the necessary power and mobility of military operations.  Crucial to every aspect of supply from feeding and caring for vast numbers of troops to moving military equipment, both the Union and  Confederate armies relied heavily on the stout draft horse to sustain their operations.  Used up during the war or when pressed into civilian use as war surplus after the war, few examples of the hard and long utilized military horse collar have survived.  This rarely found example is lightly but discernably marked <B>U.S.</B> in two places and measures approximately 32 inches from top to bottom, is 20 inches wide and is just over 6 inches in thickness.  Best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal suffice it to say it remains in exceptional all original condition while offering good evidence of age and decades of storage.  Whether simply placed with period relics, hung on a wall as is or as a mirror frame this vintage collar will make a nice companion piece in any quality collection.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!

rare early pre–Civil War - COLLINS CO ma

 

Gettysburg KIA Soldier’s - PATRIOTIC WA $495.00

 

Civil War issue - tinned sheet-iron AR $125.00

 

U. S. marked Civil War vintage draft HORS $494.00

We acquired this several years ago  when we were fortunate enough to purchase several groupings from the personal collection of our longtime friend Dr. Francis Lord, our photos will speak best for this later 19th century, post-Civil War <I>clipped corner</I> waist belt plate except to advise that it measures 2 3/16 X 2 ½ inches and will come with our letter as preservation of its origin from the personal collection of Dr. Francis Lord.  A pioneer Civil War collector from a day when nearly no one else paid much attention to the details of many now valued Civil War collectable categories, Francis authored the  widely known, multi volume, pioneer reference,  <I>Lord’s CIVIL WAR COLLECTORS ENCYCLOPEDIA</I>.  While a lot of detailed knowledge has been gained as the interest and <U>value</U> of Civil War collectables increased so dramatically over the years, Dr. Lord’s first and second volumes in particular and his <I>Civil War Sutlers & Their Wares</I> continue to offer valuable and reliable reference to Civil War collectors.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  This rare original, 1st edition of <B><I>The Loyalist’s Ammunition </B></I> by Isaac Funk  was  published in wraps in 1863 by the Union League of Philadelphia.  ( Widely republished even today as an important but infrequently discussed Civil War political commentary, we suggest that full appreciation of the content will best be appreciated with a Google search and a read of the original text.)   Remaining complete and solid with no condition issues, while offering good evidence of period originality, the 16 page political pamphlet offers some <I>fiery</I> commentary on what aggressive <I>loyalists</I> saw as a challenge to the Union cause, even traitorous interference, emanating from factions within the Union this pamphlet  offers seven individual works including a speech given at the Illinois Legislature, resolutions from a meeting of the <U>150th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers</I>, and several newspaper excerpts. The topics include traitors in the Illinois legislature, protest against foreign interference, and opposition to the government .


<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

 


<b>Signed twice by Lieutenant Colonel George E. Gourand, MEDAL OF HONOR recipient for the battle at Honey Hill, South Carolina 


and,


Lieutenant Colonel John Mix, 3rd New York Cavalry, 2nd U.S. Cavalry and Indian fighter with the 9th U.S. Cavalry


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>  


8 x 10, imprinted form, signed out in ink. 


SPECIAL REQUISITION. For Non. Comm. Staff of 1st Batln. 3 N.Y. Cavalry.


2 Two Pair Boots

2 Two Pair Pants


I certify that the above requisition is correct; and that the articles specified are absolutely requisite for the public service, rendered so by the following circumstances: That the Sergt. Major and Chief Bugler are in need of these articles above specified. 


J. Mix

Lt. Col. Comdg. Det. 


Geo. E. Gourand

1st Lt. & Adjt., 1st Battln., 3rd N.Y.C.


Quartermaster U.S. Army, will issue the articles specified in the above requisition.


Received at Newbern, N.C., the 13th of May 1862, of Lt. Chamberlain, Asst Regt. Quartermaster U.S. Army, Two Pair Pants and Two Pair Boots.


Geo. E. Gourand

Qr. Mr. 1st Battln.


<b><i>Very fine and desirable document signed twice by a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient.</b></i>


George E. Gourand (1840-1912) He was born in New York City, and at 21 years old he enlisted on August 12, 1861, at New York City, and was mustered into Co. E, 3rd New York Cavalry as a private. His promotions were as followed: sergeant major, Sept. 16, 1861; 1st lieutenant, Sept. 28, 1861; adjutant, Sept. 28, 1861; captain, Sept. 16, 1862; major, Jan. 12, 1865 by brevet, and lieutenant colonel, Oct. 14, 1865, by brevet.  Medal of Honor information: He was awarded the medal for action on Nov. 30, 1864, at Honey Hill, South Carolina. He rendered valuable service in rallying his men. He was a post war Edison Phonograph Recording Pioneer in 1888. He died in England in 1912.


John Mix (1834-81) He served before the war in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons, from 1852-57. He enlisted on Sept. 21, 1861, as a major, and was commissioned into the field and staff of the 3rd New York Cavalry. He resigned his commission in the 3rd N.Y. Cav., on Dec. 27, 1862, and was commissioned into the 2nd U.S. Cavalry of the Regular U.S. Army. His promotions were: lieutenant colonel, April 26, 1862, 3rd New York Cavalry; 1st lieutenant, July 17, 1862, 2nd U.S. Cavalry; captain, Oct. 19, 1865, He had subsequent service in the 9th U.S. Cavalry, 1865-81,until his death on Oct. 26, 1881. During this period he saw fighting in the Indian Wars.

    




 


 


<b>Commanded the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., in  December 1862


United States Congressman and Senator from Rhode Island


Governor of Rhode Island


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1824-1881) Graduated in the West Point class of 1847, and he fought in the Mexican War. Serving on the western frontier, he was wounded in a skirmish with Apache Indians in 1849. He resigned his commission in 1853, invented a breech loading rifle, was appointed a Major General of the Rhode Island State Militia and was elected to Congress as a Democrat. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he organized the 1st Rhode Island Infantry, becoming their Colonel. He was in command of a brigade at 1st Bull Run. Having become a Lincoln favorite, he was given command of the expedition against the coast of North Carolina, he fought at Antietam, and in December of 1862, he commanded the Army of the Potomac during their bitter defeat at Fredericksburg, Va. Burnside also saw action at Knoxville, the Overland Campaign, and Petersburg, Va. In his post war career he was elected Governor of Rhode Island three times, and later served as a United States Senator.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view wearing a double breasted frock coat with epaulets and the rank of brigadier general. His rectangular eagle belt plate and sash are clearly visible as his left hand wearing a gauntlet is holding his sword. He strikes a Napoleonic pose. Back mark: Published by E. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. There is an oval sticker affixed to the reverse of McAllister & Brother, 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. McAllister was the agent who sold this very fine image of "Old Sideburns."

Francis Lord collection – MILITIA BELT P $85.00

 

rare original! 1863 Civil War Union Lea $65.00

 

1862 Special Requisition, 3rd New York C $125.00

 

CDV, General Ambrose E. Burnside $125.00




<b>United States Civil War Congressman from New York</b>


(1809-65) Born in Elizabethtown, Essex County, N.Y. He was engaged in the carpenter's trade in his early youth; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1838, and commenced practice in Elizabethtown, where he served as  surrogate of Essex County, from 1840-1844. He was elected as a Whig to the Thirtieth U.S. Congress serving from 1847-49. Served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860; was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth U.S. Congresses and served from 1863, until his death in Elizabethtown, N.Y., August 24, 1865. He was interred in Riverside Cemetery. 


<u>Signature with place</u>: 5 3/4 x 1 1/2, in ink, Orlando Kellogg, Elizabeth Town, N. York.    


<b>He commanded the Union army at the 1st battle of Bull Run, Virginia in July 1861


1862 Mathew Brady imprint on the front mount


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1818-1885) He  was born in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated in the West Point class of 1838 where one of his classmates was future Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, his future adversary at the Battle of First Bull Run, Va. He was later assigned to the 1st U.S. Artillery. From 1841 to 1845 he taught tactics at the United States Military Academy, and many of the students he taught went on to become Confederate generals who haunted him on the battlefields of the Civil War. He was awarded the rank of brevet captain for gallantry at the battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican War. Between 1848 and 1861, McDowell served as a staff officer to high ranking military leaders, and developed experience in logistics and supply. He developed a close friendship with General Winfield Scott, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army, while serving on his staff. He also served under future Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. He was promoted to brigadier general in the Regular U.S. Army on May 14, 1861, and was given command of the Army of Northeastern Virginia. By July, political pressure demanded an advance by his half trained mainly volunteer army on the Rebels under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard, at Manassas Junction, Va., where the railroad from Richmond to Alexandria, Va., met the line from the Shenandoah Valley. The resulting Union disaster at the 1st battle of Bull Run stemmed as much from misfortune as ineptitude although on paper General McDowell had a good and ambitious plan, but wasn't able to inspire his inexperienced officers and troops to execute it properly. He later commanded a corps of the Army of the Potomac which was detached to protect Washington, and in the 2nd battle of Bull Run he commanded the 3rd Corps. On July 1, 1864, he was assigned to command the Department of the Pacific, and in 1865 he was appointed commander of the Department of California. He then was appointed to be the commander of the Department of the East, from 1868-72, and he was promoted to major general, U.S. Army, on November 25, 1872. McDowell succeeded General George G. Meade as commander of the Military Division of the South, on December 16, 1872, and remained in command until June 30, 1876. On July 1, 1876, he served as commander of the Division of the Pacific, and in 1882, Congress imposed a mandatory retirement age of 64 for military officers, and McDowell retired on October 14th of that year. After his retirement from the army, General McDowell exercised his fondness for landscape gardening, serving as Park Commissioner of San Francisco, California, until his death from a heart attack, on May 4, 1885. In this capacity he constructed a park in the neglected reservation of the Presidio, laying out drives that commanded views of the Golden Gate. He is buried in San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio of San Francisco, Ca.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph mounted to 2 1/2 x 4 card. Vignetted bust view of McDowell in uniform with rank of major general. Imprint on the front mount, Major Gen. I. McDowell. Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1862, by M.B. Brady, in the Clerk's Office in the District Court of the District of Columbia. Brady-Washington is imprinted on the reverse. Excellent and desirable early war image of General McDowell.     


<b>Mortally wounded in the battle of Antietam, Maryland on September 17, 1862


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $295.00</b>


(1815-62) Born in Fairfax, Vermont, he graduated in the celebrated West Point class of 1841 which produced 23 generals that fought in the Civil War. Richardson served as a second lieutenant in the Second Seminole Indian War in Florida, and he was promoted to first lieutenant on September 21, 1846. He distinguished himself during the Mexican War fighting under General Winfield Scott and earned the brevets of captain and major at Contreras, Churubusco and Chapultepec and the nickname of, "Fighting Dick," which would stick with him throughout the rest of his military career. Living in Michigan when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Union Army, and recruited and organized the 2nd Michigan Infantry, and on May 25, 1861, Richardson was commissioned their colonel. When he reported with his regiment to Washington, D.C., General-in-Chief Winfield Scott greeted him with "I'm glad to have my "Fighting Dick" with me again." He was assigned command of the 4th Brigade, 1st Division, in the newly organized army of General Irvin McDowell, taking part in the 1st Bull Run campaign. He was promoted to brigadier general, to rank from May 17, 1861. He held brigade command in the Army of the Potomac, and then the 1st Division of the II Corps during the 1862 Virginia Peninsula Campaign fighting at the battles of Yorktown, Seven Pines, and the Seven Days. He was particularly distinguished in sharp fighting near the Chickahominy River, and was promoted to major general after the Seven Days Battles. General Richardson's 1st Division played a key role during the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, attacking the Confederate positions in the center of the Sunken Road in support of the 3rd Division of General William H. French. After stubborn fighting, by 1:00 pm, Richardson had gained control of the high ground in front of the apex of the defensive line, and his men enfiladed the remaining defenders in the road, which would gain the nickname "Bloody Lane" for the carnage. Richardson pushed forward beyond the road and was directing the fire of his artillery and organizing another attack when he was struck by a shell fragment. Carried to the rear, Richardson was treated at a field hospital. His wound was not considered life-threatening, and he was given a room in General George B. McClellan's headquarters, the Pry House. President Abraham Lincoln paid his respects to the wounded Richardson during a visit to the battlefield in October. However, infection set in, and then pneumonia, which claimed the life of the popular general on November 3, 1862. He was among six generals to be killed or mortally wounded at Antietam. His body was escorted to Detroit where large crowds lined the streets during his funeral procession to nearby Pontiac, where he was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. The corners of the mount are very slightly trimmed. Standing view of Richardson wearing his double breasted frock coat with shoulder strap visible and rank of colonel. He also wears an eagle sword belt plate with sash and is holding his sword in one hand and his slouch hat in the other. He poses in front of a large studio column. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, made from a photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Maj. Gen. I.B. Richardson, U.S.A., is written in period red ink on the front mount, and Irwin ID in period red and brown ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. I.B. Richardson, U.S.A., Killed at Antietam, Md., May 6, 1864, at 47. Irwin specifically used red ink to identify all those generals in his collection who were killed during the war! This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 69. Excellent view. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!

   


<b>United States Congressman from New York


Fought in the War of 1812</b>


(1788-1859) Born in New York City, he attended the area's common schools, and then became engaged in mercantile pursuits. During the War of 1812 with the British, he served in the Fourth Regiment, New York State Artillery. He later moved to Cayuga County, N.Y., in 1823, and engaged in farming. He served as Justice of the Peace in 1838. He was  elected as a Whig to the Thirtieth U.S. Congress serving 1847-49. He died at his country home near Cayutaville, N.Y., October 25, 1859; and was buried in the family cemetery on Shore Road, in the Borough of Queens, New York City.


<u>Signature with place</u>: 6 x 1, in ink, William T. Lawrence, Cayutaville, New York. Very fine.

Autograph, Orlando Kellogg $15.00

 

CDV, General Irvin McDowell $125.00

 

CDV, General Israel B. Richardson $250.00

 

Autograph, William T. Lawrence $10.00




<b>United States Congressman from New York</b>


(1812-79) Born in New York City, he graduated from Columbia College in 1830, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1835, and opened up a law practice in New York City. He served as a delegate to the New York State constitutional convention in 1847. He was elected as a Democrat to the Thirtieth U.S. Congress and served from 1847-49. After his time in politics ended, he resumed the practice of law, and died in New York City on November 28, 1879. He was buried in the family burial ground, at Mastic, Long Island, N.Y.


<u>Signature with place</u>: 4 3/4 x 3/4, in ink, Henry Nicoll, New York City. Very fine.  


  


<b>The first Regular U.S. Army officer to be wounded in action during the Civil War, on June 10, 1861, at the battle of Big Bethel, Virginia


He was wounded again in the 1864 Atlanta, Georgia campaign


United States Minister to Chile


RETAIL PRICE $65.00</b>


(1836-81) Born near Deckertown, New Jersey, he graduated in the West Point class of May 1861, and only a month after graduating from the academy he had the distinction of being the first Regular U.S. Army officer to be wounded in action during the Civil War, this coming at the battle of Big Bethel, Va., which took place on June 10, 1861, on the Virginia Peninsula, near Newport News. In September 1861, he became the lieutenant colonel, and in December, colonel of the 2nd New York Cavalry. He successively commanded his regiment, a brigade, and later a division of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac, playing a creditable role in virtually every important cavalry action in the eastern theater of war, including Beverly Ford, Stoneman's raid, and Gettysburg. He was promoted to brigadier general, June 14, 1863. In February 1864, he commanded the celebrated Richmond raid which was to free the Union prisoners there, but instead resulted in a fiasco and the death of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, the son of Admiral John A. Dahlgren. Sent south by General U.S. Grant, he was wounded in the early part of the Atlanta campaign, at Resaca, Ga. He returned to duty in late July 1864 to finish that campaign which included several raids and skirmishes against his old classmate, General Joseph Wheeler. He then took part in Sherman's March to the Sea, and the 1865 Carolina's campaign. General William T. Sherman was quoted as saying, "I want just that sort of man to command my cavalry in this expedition!" Kilpatrick was an early member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, a military society composed of officers who had served in the Union armed forces. He was appointed United States Minister to Chile, by President Andrew Johnson, and served from 1866-70. He became active in politics as a Republican, and in 1880, was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Congress from his home state of New Jersey. In March 1881, in recognition of Kilpatrick's service to the Republican Party, in New Jersey, as well as a consolation prize for his defeat for a House seat, President James A. Garfield appointed Kilpatrick once again to the post of Minister to Chile. Kilpatrick died, on December 4, 1881, shortly after his arrival in the Chilean capital of Santiago. He was only 45 years old. His remains were returned to the United States in 1887, and were interred at the West Point Cemetery, United States Military Academy.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 1/2 x 4 card. Large bust view in uniform. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick is imprinted on the front mount. Back mark: The New York Photographic Co., No. 453 Broadway, New York, with an American shield logo. Light age toning and wear. Very fine.    


<b>1862 Civil War dated image


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1815-81) The son of a 5 term United States Congressman, he was Born in Sandy Hill (now Hudson Falls) New York. He graduated with honors being #3 in his West Point class of 1835. He later studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1838 commencing his practice in Batavia, N.Y. where he served two terms as the district attorney. On August 9, 1861, he was commissioned brigadier general of volunteers and fought throughout the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign in command of a brigade of General Heintzelman's 3rd Corps. He served as military governor of Washington, D.C. until the spring of 1864, when he commanded a division of General "Baldy" Smith's 18th Corps at the battles of Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred and Petersburg, Va., subsequently commanding the corps itself until health problems forced him to resign. He was brevetted major general for his gallantry at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va. After the war he returned to his law practice in Rochester, N.Y., prominently handling many cases against the New York Central Railroad. He was elected Attorney General of New York serving from 1867-1869. He also was the Vice President of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers for eleven years. He died in Nice, France on December 13, 1881, and was buried in Batavia, N.Y. 


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform. 1862, J.E. McClees and R.W. Addis imprint on the front mount. Back mark: J.E. McClee's, 910 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Bottom 2 corners of the mount are very slightly trimmed. An excellent war dated carte de visite.   


<b>United States Congressman from New York


Attorney for the Oneida Indians of New York


RETAIL PRICE $25.00</b>


(1799-1859) Born in Barre, Massachusetts, he moved to Washington County, New York in 1817. He attended academies in Salem and White Creek, and then taught school while studying law with Samuel Beardsley and William H. Maynard in Utica, and Lauren Ford in Herkimer, N.Y. Jenkins was admitted to the bar in 1824, and resided in Vernon and Oneida Castle, where he practiced.  In Oneida Castle he also served in local offices including that of postmaster, and fire warden. He was the attorney for the "Oneida Indians" from 1838 to 1845, and he negotiated with the state of New York to resolve land claims and create reservations for them. He served as district attorney for Oneida County from 1840 to 1845. He served in the U.S. Congress from 1845-49, and 1851-53 when he served as chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims. During his time in Congress, Jenkins was a prominent opponent of slavery, and he supported the Wilmot Proviso, which he was thought to be the author of, and he was in extremely firm opposition to the Kansas–Nebraska Act. As a result of his anti-slavery views Jenkins became a Republican when the party was founded, and in 1856 he served as delegate to the first Republican National Convention.  In 1858, he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of New York, and lost to Edwin D. Morgan, who went on to win the general election. Jenkins died on December 24, 1859, while attending a session of the New York Supreme Court in Martinsburg. He was interred at City Cemetery in Oneida Castle. 


<u>Signature With Place</u>: 5 1/4 x 1 1 /4 in ink, Timothy Jenkins, Oneida Castle, N.Y. Light age toning.

Autograph, Henry Nicoll $10.00

 

CDV, General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick $50.00

 

CDV, General John H. Martindale $125.00

 

Autograph, Timothy Jenkins $15.00




<b>Mortally wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, Virginia in May 1864


His division fought like heroes to fight off disaster on July 1, 1863, at Gettysburg


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $250.00</b>


(1807-64) He was born to wealthy parents in Geneseo, Livingston County, in western New York State. His father, James Wadsworth, was the owner of one of the largest portfolios of cultivated land in the state, and young Wadsworth was groomed to fulfill the responsibilities he would inherit. He attended both Harvard University and Yale University, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. He was president of the New York State Agricultural Society in 1842-43. Joining the Republican Party in 1856, he was an 1860 presidential elector for Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin. In 1861, he was a member of the Washington peace conference, a gathering of Northern and Southern moderates who attempted to avert war. Despite his lack of military experience Wadsworth was commissioned a major general in the New York state militia in May 1861. He served as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General Irvin McDowell at the First Battle of Bull Run, Va. General McDowell recommended him for command and, he was commissioned a brigadier general, and on October 3, 1861, he was appointed to command the 2nd Brigade in McDowell's Division of the Army of the Potomac. He then led the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, of the I Corps of the army until March 17, 1862. He commanded the 1st Division of General John F. Reynold's 1st Corps at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His division fought like heroes to fight off disaster on July 1, 1863, at Gettysburg, while the rest of the Union army was being brought into action by General George G. Meade, the newly appointed commander of the Army of the Potomac. He was later assigned to the command of a division of General G.K. Warren's 5th Corps in 1864. At the battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864, while leading his men in an attempt to repel an assault, he was shot off his horse, a bullet entering the back of his head and lodging in his brain. He was taken to a Confederate field hospital where he died two days later without ever regaining consciousness. His body was later recovered under a flag of truce. His remains were brought back to Geneseo, New York, and buried there in Temple Hill Cemetery.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Corners of the mount are very slightly trimmed. Seated view wearing his double breasted frock coat with rank of brigadier general, with sash and rectangular eagle belt plate. A glove held in Wadsworth's left hand can be clearly seen in the view as he cradles his sword across his lap. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, made from a photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Maj. Gen. Jas. S. Wadsworth, U.S.A., is written in period red ink on the front mount, and Irwin ID in period red ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. J.S. Wadsworth,  U.S.A., killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. Irwin specifically used red ink to identify all those generals in his collection who were killed during the war! This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 76. Excellent view. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!

  


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin


Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861.</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!   H 33in. x W 38in. x 10in.  H 21in. x D 16in.  H 30in. x D 18in.

CDV, General James S. Wadsworth $200.00

 

H 33in. x W 38in. x 10in. $2400.00

 

H 21in. x D 16in. $2400.00

 

H 30in. x D 18in. $1200.00

H 24in. x D 24in.  


<b>United States Congressman from Massachusetts


Member of the President Andrew Johnson Impeachment Congress


United States Speaker of the House


Governor of Massachusetts


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1816-1894) Born at Waltham, Massachusetts. He was Speaker of the Massachusetts House, presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1853, and the same year was elected to the U.S. Congress, the first of ten terms. Elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1856, Banks showed moderation in deciding among factions during the bitter slavery debates. In 1858 he was elected Governor of Massachusetts, serving until January 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln appointed him a Major General of Volunteers after Banks offered his services. Many West Point officers could not understand this appointment considering that Banks had substandard military qualifications for the job of a field commander. He did contribute immeasurably in recruits, morale, money and propaganda to the Federal cause however. He was defeated by General Stonewall Jackson in the celebrated 1862 Shenandoah Valley campaign with the loss of 30% of his force, and again by Jackson at Cedar Mountain, Va. Banks saw  service during the Vicksburg campaign, and commanded the siege and capture of Port Hudson, La., and also commanded the Red River campaign. General Banks undertook a number of steps intended to facilitate the Reconstruction plans of President Lincoln in Louisiana. When Banks arrived in New Orleans, the atmosphere was somewhat hostile to the Union owing to some of General Benjamin F. Butler's actions. Banks moderated some of Butler's policies, freeing civilians that Butler had detained and reopening churches whose ministers refused to support the Union. He recruited large numbers of African Americans for the military, and instituted formal works and education programs to organize the many slaves who had left their plantations. After the war Banks returned to his political career. He died on September 1, 1894, at Waltham, Mass., at the age of 84. Fort Banks in Winthrop, Massachusetts, built in the late 1890s, was named for him. A statue of him stands in Waltham's Central Square, and Banks Street in New Orleans is named after him.


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Standing view wearing a double breasted frock coat with rank of major general, epaulets, sash, eagle sword belt and plate and holding his sword at his hip. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, from a Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Maj. Genl. N.P. Banks, U.S.A. is written in period ink on the front mount, and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. N.P. Banks, U.S.A., Port Hudson. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 114. Excellent view. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!  


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin


Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!  


<b>Accompanied President Abraham Lincoln's body on the Lincoln Funeral train from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois.


Buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois, which is where President Lincoln is buried. 


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $195.00</b>


(1812-1890) Born near Hardinsburg, Kentucky, he moved with his family to illinois in 1816, and was self educated, and admitted to the bar in 1832, took part in the Black Hawk Indian War, was an Illinois assemblyman, and served a number of terms in the U.S. Congress from Illinois where he became known for his bombastic oratory firmly dedicated to the principles of Jacksonian democracy and supported the Compromise of 1850. He was an important ally to Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas who played a crucial role in formulating the Compromise of 1850, and McClernand served as a liaison for him in the House of Representatives during the debate over the proposed compromise. McClernand also served as Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands from 1845 to 1847 and on the Committee on Foreign Affairs from 1849 to 1851. McClernand supported Douglas in the 1860 presidential election. He was appointed brigadier general of volunteers, on May 17, 1861, and major general March 21, 1862. During the Civil War he saw action at Forts Henry and Donelson, Belmont, Shiloh, commanded an expedition to capture Arkansas Post, and commanded the 13th Corps under General U.S. Grant during the Vicksburg. He commanded a detachment of two divisions from the XIII Corps in the Red River Campaign. McClernand rode on the funeral train of President Abraham Lincoln from Washington to Springfield, Illinois, which departed from Washington on April 23, 1865, and arrived in Springfield on May 3, 1865. There were eight divisions in Lincoln's funeral procession with General McClernand at the front of the second division which preceded the hearse. McClernand served as district judge of the Sangamon (Illinois) District from 1870 to 1873, and was chairman of the 1876 Democratic National Convention, which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for President of the United States. His last public service was on a federal advisory commission overseeing the Utah Territory, beginning in 1886. Having been in ill health for several years, McClernand died in Springfield, Illinois on September 20, 1900. He is interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. 


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 7/8 card. Standing view in uniform with rank of major general. His slouch hat is just visible on the table at his side. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, made from a photographic negative from Brady's National Portrait Gallery. The mount is slightly trimmed. Very sharp image. Maj. Genl. J.A. McClernand, U.S.A. is written in period ink on the front mount, and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. J.A. McClernand, U.S.A., Comdg. 13rh Corps d' Armee. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 154. Excellent view. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!  


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!  Best described by our photo illustrations, this vintage wooden mouse trap measures approximately 5 1/8 inches in diameter and is designed to <I>’accommodate’</I> as many as five mice. Though, unmarked as to manufacturer relative age is easily discerned by its construction and the utilization of the <B>O. S. Watrous Patent August 25, 1874</B> design spring loaded trap mechanism.  Watrous’s patent description describes a design intended to be more effective and humane compared to existing traps at the time. (see photos)  A once common necessity, now a relic of a time when country homes and farms were inundated by small mice, this      seldom surviving example remains in untouched working order.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

H 24in. x D 24in. $1600.00

 

CDV, General Nathaniel P. Banks $125.00

 

CDV, General John A. McClernand $150.00

 

Pat. 1874 - multiple MOUSE TRAP $95.00

This <I>Capital of New Hampshire, Abraham Lincoln, Order of Services</I>  measures 9 ½ X 5 inches and remains untouched original condition with good evidence of age and originality while remaining in pleasing condition with no tears, folds or repairs.  Issued to attendees of the June 1,1865 Abraham Lincoln funeral memorial, the handbill offers the complete memorial service with participants. A rarely surviving relic of a national mourning for the assassinated president.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000F  Especially desirable as a fully matching set, our photos will speak best for the condition and eye appeal except to advise that the set of eight individual pieces remains in excellent even unused condition apart from good evidence of age and originality.  Seldom surviving in matching sets, this offering will make a welcome addition to any Civil War vintage mess grouping.

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 Best described here by our photos as to eye appeal and condition, this burl wood pendant measures approximately 2 ½ inches by 2 ¼ inches wide and is ½ inch thick.  Displayed on one face is a large 5th Corps device surrounded by 12th Corps, 24th Corps and 17th  Corps devices, a fouled anchor with <I>JULY 4 1863</I> across the lower edge.  The opposite face sports a large 2nd Corps device surrounded by 1st , 3rd , 17th , 11th and 6th Corps badges.   Each device is hand cut into the burl and filled with sealing wax to create a most colorful patriotic hand crafted, folk art  pendant.   <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>


 H 48in. x D 18in.

original! June 1, 1865 - Lincoln funeral $145.00

 

Civil War vintage - matching four place $65.00

 

desirable Civil War folk-art - MULTI $295.00

 

H 48in. x D 18in. $3800.00

H 22in. x D 12in.  H 33in. x D 9in.  H 28in. x D 26in.  As found after decades of Maine attic storage, this Civil War military tintype is housed in its period thermoplastic pocket case will be best described by our photos as to condition, content and eye appeal.  Measuring approximately 1 ¾ inch in diameter the photo case remains in pleasing condition with no chips or cracks offering a nice example of the period travel / pocket case now most frequently  referred to by collectors as an <I>Oreo Cookie</I> case.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF

H 22in. x D 12in. $550.00

 

H 33in. x D 9in. $1450.00

 

H 28in. x D 26in. $4500.00

 

Civil War Military Troop / Thermoplastic $125.00

Best described here by our photo illustrations, this CDV offers a Civil War era occupational view of two horse harness makers complete with harness and harness vice.  Back marked by J. S. Schooley of Watsontown., Pa.  The reverse also bears the name of <U>Daniel B. Yoast</U> who enlisted and mustered in on 11/5/1862 as a Private of Co. C <B>179 Pennsylvania Infantry</B> and mustered out with the regiment on 7/22/1863.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!  H 35in. x D 20in.  H 42in. x D 20in.  H 24in. x D 18in.

179th Penn. Inf. – Harness Maker - Occup $195.00

 

H 35in. x D 20in. $650.00

 

H 42in. x D 20in. $850.00

 

H 24in. x D 18in. $650.00




<b>United States Congressman from New York</b>


(1807-66) Born in Fletcher, Vermont, he attended St. Albans Academy where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1830, and practiced in Brockport, New York. He ws engaged in agricultural, transportation and ran canal packets between Rochester and Buffalo, N.Y. He later became a promoter and a director of the Rochester and Niagra Falls Railroad. Served as a Whig U.S. Congressman from New York, 1845-49. He died at Brockport on July 31, 1866, and is buried in the City Cemetery.


<u>Signature with Place</u>: 6 1/4 x 2, in ink, E.B. Holmes, Brockport, N.Y. Very fine.  H 16in. x D 16in.  H 40in. x D 22in.  


<b>Acting Mayor of the captured city of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1862


He commanded the 25th Corps, Army of the Potomac, in 1864, which was composed entirely of negro troops.


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $100.00</b>


(1835-84) Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated #2 in the West Point class of 1855. Commissioned into the elite Engineer Corps his first assignment was the construction and repair of the fortifications guarding New Orleans, La. He served as an assistant professor of engineering at the U.S. Military Academy from 1859 until 1861. In the spring of 1862, he was appointed as the chief engineer of General Benjamin F. Butler's expedition against New Orleans. After the occupation, Weitzel became 2nd in command and was appointed acting mayor of the captured city, and was promoted to brigadier general on August 29, 1862. He commanded a division under General Nathaniel P. Banks during the siege of  Port Hudson, La., and then returned east to become chief engineer of General Butler's Army of the James operating against Petersburg, Va. In 1864, now promoted to major general, he successively commanded the 18th and 25th Corps, the latter composed entirely of negro troops. In early 1865, he served under Butler in the attacks on Fort Fisher, N.C., and in April he commanded all of the Union troops north of the Appomattox River duting the Appomattox campaign, and on April 3rd, he electrified the nation with his telegram, "We entered Richmond at eight o'clock this morning." After the Civil War, Weitzel served in the Engineers of the U.S. Army for an additional 16 years, with his most notable accomplishments being the construction of the ship canal at the Falls of the Ohio, the great lock at Sault Sainte Marie, and the lighthouse on Stannard's Rock in Lake Superior 30 miles off the Michigan shore. He died in Philadelphia on March 19, 1884, and was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, in Cincinnati.      


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Chest up view in uniform with rank of brigadier general. Corners of the mount are very slightly trimmed. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. Period ink inscription on the front mount, Maj. Genl. Godfrey Weitzel, U.S.A., and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. Weitzel, U.S.A., Died March 19/84, at 49. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 186. Very fine. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin


Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!

Autograph, Elias B. Holmes $15.00

 

H 16in. x D 16in. $3500.00

 

H 40in. x D 22in. $3600.00

 

CDV, General Godfrey Weitzel $75.00




<b>Severely wounded twice during the Civil War, first at Corinth, Mississippi, in 1862, and secondly in the attack on Fort Harrison, Virginia in 1864


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $100.00</b>


(1818-1883) Born in Cumberland, Maryland, he graduated in the West Point class of 1839. His first field service was against the Florida Seminoles. During the Mexican War he was on duty in California, and afterwards he participated in Indian action in the Pacific Northwest. In 1859, he participated in the expedition which suppressed the famous John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. He was promoted to rank of brigadier general on September 14, 1861. Then ordered East he commanded a brigade of the Washington defenses, and saw his first Civil War action at Drainsville, Va., against the legendary Confederate cavalry commander General J.E.B. Stuart. On May 8, 1862, Ord was promoted to major general and ordered to the western theater of the war where he earned a brevet for gallantry for services at Iuka, Mississippi. He performed gallantly a few days later when he roughed up General Earl Van Dorn's Confederate troops as they were falling back after their aborted attack on Corinth, Miss., where General Ord was seriously wounded. He returned in time to participate in the Vicksburg campaign in command of the 13th Army Corps. Afterwards Ord held commands in Louisiana and in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where he commanded the 8th Army Corps, and subsequently the 18th Army Corps in the operations before the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Va. Ord was again severely wounded this time during the attack on Fort Harrison, Va. in September 1864. He returned to active duty in January 1865, in time to accompany General U.S. Grant in the Appomattox campaign and he was present at the Wilmer McLean House at the official surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. He he was appointed commander of the Army of the James, and the Department of North Carolina, and 

commanded various military departments in the area, being commissioned a brigadier general in the Regular U.S. Army. He retired from the army in 1881 with rank of major general. Ord was stricken with yellow fever while en-route to Vera Cruz, Mexico, and died in Havana. He was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. 


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of major general. Period ink inscription on the front mount, Maj. Genl. E.O.C. Ord, U.S.A., and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. E.O.C. Ord, U.S.A., Died. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 130. No back mark. Excellent. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album! 


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin


Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!     


 


<b>Two Time World Heavyweight Boxing Champ  


1968 Olympic Gold Medalist


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1949-2025) Known as "Big George," he was born in Marshall, Texas. Foreman won a gold medal in the heavyweight boxing division at the 1968 Olympic Games held at Mexico City. In the finals, he whipped the Soviet Union's Jonas Cepulis when the referee stopped the fight in the second round after Foreman gave him a complete pummeling. Having turned professional the next year, he won the world heavyweight boxing title with a stunning second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973. He defended the belt twice before suffering his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali in the famous fight nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. Unable to get another title opportunity, Foreman retired after a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977. Following what he referred to as a born again experience, Foreman became an ordained Christian minister. After a ten year hiatus he later announced a comeback, and in 1994 at the age of 45 won the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer. He dropped the WBA belt rather than face his mandatory title defense soon after, and following a single successful title defense against Axel Schulz, Foreman relinquished his IBF title as well on June 28, 1995. At 46 years and 169 days old, he was the oldest world heavyweight champion in professional boxing history. He retired in 1997 at the age of 48, with a final record of 76 wins, 68 of them by knockout, and 5 losses. One of the most famous losses came at the hands of legendary Muhammad Ali who hit him with a lightning fast 1–2 combination which were considered "the fastest punches" Foreman had ever seen! He was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The International Boxing Organization rates George Foreman as the eighth-greatest heavyweight of all time. He was a ringside analyst for HBO's boxing coverage for 12 years until 2004. Outside of boxing, the very amiable Foreman was a successful entrepreneur and became well known for his promotion of the "George Foreman Grill," which sold more than 100 million units worldwide by 2011. He sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million dollars. Foreman had 12 children, five sons and seven daughters. His five sons are all named George; George Jr.; George III ("Monk"); George IV ("Big Wheel"); George V ("Red"); and George VI ("Little Joey"). Foreman explained, "I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I said to them, 'If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!" In recognition of Foreman's patriotism and community service, the American Legion honored him with its James V. Day "Good Guy" Award during its 95th National Convention in 2013. Foreman died at a hospital in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76, and will go down in history as one of the greats of all time! 


<u>Card Signature</u>: 5 x 3 unlined card beautifully signed in ink, Best Wishes, George Foreman. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity by James S. Spence Authentication with a matching serial number on the COA and its matching numbered JSA sticker on the reverse of the autographed card. This wonderful piece comes with a second COA card that was issued by Global Authentication Inc., with their matching certificate number on the COA as well as on the autographed Foreman autographed 5 x 3 card. Superb large and bold signature that is in choice condition. This would make a great addition to any professional boxing or George Foreman collection. Extremely desirable!           


<b>Commander of the 4th Corps, Army of the Potomac during the Civil War  


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $150.00</b>


(1810-1895) Born in Brimfield, Mass., he was the son of a well known doctor and graduated in the West Point class of 1832, and later served very creditably as an instructor at the U.S. Military Academy. He was a favorite of General Winfield Scott and served as his aide and military secretary. He saw action at 1st Bull Run where he commanded a brigade of General Daniel Tyler's division. He also saw action in command of the 4th Corps, Army of the Potomac, during the 1862 Virginia Peninsula campaign, at Yorktown, Savage Station, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, and Harrison's Landing. He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1862, placing him 3rd on the army's ranking list. Afterwards he was assigned to General John A. Dix's Department of Virginia. During the 1863 Gettysburg campaign, Keyes, now a major general, was ordered to demonstrate heavily against Richmond in order to divert Confederate reinforcements from being sent to General Robert E. Lee's invading Army of Northern Virginia in Pennsylvania. After a bitter dispute with General Dix, Keyes resigned from his command in May 1864, and moved to San Francisco where he soon became financially successful and prominent in the mining, grape farming, and the savings and loan business. He is buried at West Point Cemetery, U.S. Military Academy, N.Y. 


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Superb 3/4 standing view sporting a Napoleonic pose wearing his double breasted frock coat with rank of major general. Maj. Gen. E. Keyes, U.S.A. is written in period ink on the front mount and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. Erasmus Keyes, U.S.A., Comd. 4th Corps de Armie, Army Potomac. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 40. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, From Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Very sharp view. Excellent. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!  


<b>Wounded 4 times as an artillery commander at the 1st Battle of Bull Run. 


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $250.00</b> 


(1817-87) Born in New York City, he graduated in the West Point class of 1839. Fought in the Mexican War in the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista. At the 1st Battle of Bull Run, on July 21, 1861, he commanded a battery attached to General William B. Franklin's brigade, of General Samuel P. Heintzelman's division, and during this battle he was shot four times and captured, and not exchanged until January 1862. He was promoted to brigadier general on April 30, 1862, for gallantry, and he later fought at Cedar Mountain, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam where he had two horses killed out from under him, and was badly injured when the second one fell on top of him. He returned to action in the field in command of a division of General John Sedgwick's 6th Corps which he led throughout General U.S. Grant's 1864 Overland campaign against Richmond. In July 1864, Rickett's command was sent North to oppose the raid of Confederate General Jubal A. Early on Washington. Ricketts arrived at the Monocacy River in time to bear the brunt of the Confederate assault and he delayed Early's men for a very vital 24 hour period. General Lew Wallace, Rickett's superior on the field, stated in his report that Rickett's men "fought magnificently," and of the total 677 Union casualties, 595 were from Rickett's command. He later fought in General Phil Sheridan's 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaqign, and at Cedar Creek, Va., where he was seriously wounded by a bullet through his chest that disabled him for the rest of his life. Nevertheless he returned to duty in time for General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Va. He received promotion to brevet major general on August 1, 1864, and major general in the Regular U.S. Army on March 13, 1865. He was retired from active duty as a major general for disability for his Civil War wounds. He lived in Washington, D.C. until his death on September 22, 1887, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Corners of the mount are very slightly trimmed. Superb seated pose wearing a double breasted frock coat with tank of brigadier general. Period ink inscription on the front mount, and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. Genl. J.B. Ricketts, U.S.A., Died 1887. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 90. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, From Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Very sharp view. Excellent. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album!


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!

CDV, General Edward O. C. Ord $75.00

 

Autograph, George Foreman $125.00

 

CDV, General Erasmus D. Keyes $125.00

 

CDV, General James B. Ricketts $200.00




<b>Commanded the 3rd Coprs, Army of the Potomac during the Civil War


From the personal collection of Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin. Irwin has the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in U.S. military history by date of action, February 13, 1861


RETAIL PRICE $175.00</b>


(1815-81) Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he graduated in the West Point class of 1837 which included fellow Union Civil War generals John Sedwick, and Joseph Hooker, and Confederate generals Braxton Bragg, Jubal Early and John Pemberton. he fought in the Creek-Seminole Wars in Florida, and the Mexican War, where he earned the brevets of captain and major for gallantry. At the outbreak of the Civil War French moved his garrison at Eagle Pass, Texas, to the mouth of the Rio Grande and embarked for Key West. Promoted to brigadier general of volunteers to rank from September 28, 1861, he commanded a brigade of the 2nd Corps during the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign, and a division of the corps at Antietam. He was promoted to major general to rank from November 29, 1862, fighting in the battles of Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, Va., and commanded the District of Harpers Ferry during the Gettysburg campaign. Shortly after the wounding of General Daniel E. Sickles at Gettysburg, he was appointed commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. French commanded his corps during the Mine Run, Virginia campaign. Until the end of the war General French served on various military boards. He died in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 1881, and was buried at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.  


Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Superb half view in uniform with rank of major general. Period ink inscription on the front mount and Irwin ID in period ink on the reverse, Maj. W.H. French, U.S.A., Died 1881 at 67. This image came from the famous General B.J.D. Irwin album. Written at the bottom of the reverse is, Genl. B.J.D. Irwin album No. 43. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, From Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Very sharp view. Excellent. Rare "one of a kind image" having come from the General Irwin album! 


<b>History of United States Surgeon & General Bernard John Dowling Irwin</b>


<b>Surgeon & General Irwin was the first United States Medal of Honor Recipient by date of action, February 13, 1861</b>


(1830-1917) Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, he immigrated with his parents to the United States in the 1840s. He attended New York University from 1848 to 1849, and then served as a private in the New York Militia. In 1850, he entered Castleton Medical College, and he later transferred to New York Medical College, where he graduated in 1852.


He served as a surgeon and physician at the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, NYC, until his appointment as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army in 1856. He was an assistant army surgeon during the Apache Wars, and was the first Medal of Honor recipient chronologically by date of action. His actions on February 13, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded! The citation on his medal of honor reads; "Voluntarily took command of troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way. Surgeon Irwin volunteered to go to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. Infantry, who, with 60 men, was trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians, recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege."


Cochise, the Apache Indian chief, and a group of Apache warriors were accused of kidnapping a boy and a small group of U.S. soldiers in the Arizona Territory after the Army had captured Cochise's brother and nephews. When the Army refused to make a prisoner exchange, Cochise killed his prisoners. Soldiers then killed Cochise's brother and nephews. 2nd Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom led a group of 60 men from the 7th U.S. Infantry after Cochise but was soon besieged, prompting a rescue mission by the army. In response to the siege of Bascom and his men, Irwin set out on a rescue mission with 14 men of the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He was able to catch up with the Apaches at Apache Pass in present day Arizona. He strategically placed his small unit around Cochise and his men, tricking the Apache leader into thinking that he had a much larger army with him. The Apaches fled and Bascom and his men were saved. Bascom and his men joined Irwin and together they were able to track Cochise into the mountains & rescued the young boy that Cochise had captured.


The Medal of Honor did not exist during the time of the "Bascom Incident," and would not be established until a year later in 1862. However, the actions of Irwin were well remembered, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor just prior to his retirement. Irwin's actions were the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, predating the outbreak of the American Civil War.


Irwin subsequently served with the Union army during the Civil War, and was promoted to captain in August 1861, and the next year was appointed medical director under Major General William "Bull" Nelson. He improvised one of the first field hospitals used by the U.S. Army at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He was captured during the Battle of Richmond, Ky., while attempting to save the wounded General Nelson. He was promoted to major in September 1862, and after his release from a Rebel prison he became medical director in the Army of the Southwest. From 1863 to 1865, he was superintendent of the military hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and in March of 1865, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel. He was a companion of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States. After the Civil War, Irwin served as a senior medical officer at several U.S. army posts, including West Point from 1873 to 1878. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1885, to colonel in August 1890, and to brigadier general in April 1904. He died in Ontario, Canada, on December 15, 1917, and is buried in the West Point Cemetery, at the U.S. Military Academy, New York.


His son George LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1889, and served in World War I, becoming a Major General in the U.S. Army.


His grandson Stafford LeRoy Irwin, graduated from West Point in 1915, and served in World War II, and became a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army.


His daughter, Amy Irwin Addams McCormick, was a nurse with the American Red Cross and served during World War I.


General Irwin was an admirer and collector of photographs, and he put together a very large, and superb collection of Union and Confederate images. Interestingly, he collected photographs of both Rebels and Yankees alike. I have owned several famous military photograph albums before and never came across one that collected images from both sides of the rebellion. He numbered each individual image, and wrote a brief historical notation on each one. His was a superb Civil War image collection. Each image is rare because it is "one of a kind" having come from the Irwin collection!  Just the thing for the Indian Wars era and American Frontier West enthusiast, this nice old travel size skillet remains in nice solid, even usable, original condition down to a bit of open fire residue on its base. Measuring just over 6 inches in diameter tapering to about a 4 ½ inch cook surface, this light weight sheet iron fry pan would fit nicely into most period saddle bags, haversack or would strap conveniently to a well-equipped back pack.   Made for travel, this original old pan was die struck of a single piece of medium gauge sheet iron with a patent crimped on tinned grip boldly impressed  ACME Pat. Nov.76 referencing  the November 14, 1876 patent.  <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>



 Definitely a specialty item for the <I>deep dish</I> mess enthusiast or tableware collector, this Meriden Britannia Company spoon remains in excellent condition and though unmarked as to maker is clearly identifiable as a <I>’M.B.Co’</I> patented Feb. 26 1861  spoon by design and the mark of a wire end in the handle edge indicative to the patented application of a cast in internal wire reinforcement. The most significant of several improvement  patents utilized by the Connecticut manufacturer, upon close inspection by the educated eye, the clip of the wire end on the side of the spoon handle (see patent drawing) identifies spoons made by M.B. Co. in the period, with or without the {PAT'D FEB.26.61} or maker’s marking.  ( A Google search for  artdesigncafe.com/g-i-mix-co-designs-history  will offer the original parent drawing and description.)  

<B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!


 Best described here by our photo illustrations this <B><I>WADHAMS Manufacturing Co.</B></I>  gutta-percha / thermoplastic, 9th plate photo case with its <I><B> Kinsley & Parker’s HINGE  Patented June 1st, 1858</I></B>, remains in untouched and as found condition with a small tear to the velvet liner and a minor <I>scuff</I> to the original label but importantly, with <U>no imperfections</U> to the case itself.  A rare photo case (see: Rinehart case No. 15) tight at the hinges and with no cracks, chips, blemishes or other condition issues.    <B>Buy with confidence! </B><I>  We are pleased to offer a <B><U>no questions asked</U> three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales!</B> <I>Just send us a courtesy  e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly.</I>  <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! </FONT COLOR=#0000FF>

CDV, General William H. French $150.00

 

light weight / travel size - Pat. Nov. 1 $45.00

 

Civil War vintage - Meriden Britannia Co $50.00

 

rare! Wadhams / Kinsley & Parker’s Pat $110.00




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