Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9

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Military Memorabilia

Lot 1046
American Revolutionary War Army Pay Vouchers. A group of documents relating to the payment of Army Pay Vouchers to four named Revolutionary War soldiers. This collection includes three printed forms to which the men have signed in receipt of their wages as well as four additional documents that attest to the participation of these men in battle. Named soldiers are David Johnson, Elijah White, Amos Avery, and Jehiel Chapin. All sheets are lightly toned, yet in overall fine condition.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 1047 Click on photo for enlarged version
Civil War Era Masonic Pendant. Masonic pendant in 18 karat gold. Crafted in the shape of a keystone, the pendant is decorated with images of typical Masonic symbolism. On one side, a compass and Bible appear on either side of an archway supported by a keystone. The verso illustrates a sundial with a cartouche inscribed with the name "Rhienard K. Vaughan". The date "Nov. 21, 1864" also appears on the charm, which hails from the Keystone Chapter / Girard Chapter of Philadelphia.

Though the date of early Masonic activity is widely disputed, by the time of the Civil War, 38 independent Grand Lodges existed in the United States. Here we offer a quaint memento from the elusive club. We can only imagine the wartime memories associated with this token -- possibly left with a loved one while a soldier bravely fought the divisive strife of the early nation.
Estimated Value $350-500.

Lot 1048 Click on photo for enlarged version
Patriotic Embroidered Silk. Circa 1880. Painstakingly embroidered in China, this large commemorative silk depicts the strength and power of traditional American imagery featuring a bald eagle with wings extended in full flight and a grouping of the stars and stripes of "Old Glory". Below this image, the motto "E. Pluribus Unum" appears on a decorative banner. Crafted entirely of silk, a creamy white background provides a neutral canvas for the blue, gold and red hues of this patriotic image. Likely, this commemorative silk served as a memento for an American naval officer. Reinforced by a paper backing which has been inscribed with Chinese characters meaning "America -- Four Flags". With backing, the piece measures 29½ x 26". Three vertical and three horizontal folds, three splits along folds, light foxing. Overall, in very good condition.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 1049
Spanish American War Buttons. Twenty-three American Naval Officer's buttons, each picturing an eagle perched atop an anchor. This lot, featuring buttons in three sizes, includes some gilt pieces. Modest wear to some. Overall, the group is in fine condition.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1050 Click on photo for enlarged version
Spanish American War Buttons. Group of seventeen Spanish American War Veteran dress buttons featuring a cruciform motif and listing each theater of action. With an additional marine emblem, and a service badge. Also accompanied by two spent shots and casings. In fine condition overall.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1051 Click on photo for enlarged version
Spanish American War Certificate. Designed by artist Harry R. Hopps, this decorative certificate acknowledges the brave service of a California soldier, Thomas W. Costello, during the Spanish-American War. This patriotic presentation piece features vignettes of Lady Liberty alongside battle scenes both on land and at sea. The seal of California appears atop an archway which features the printed certificate. Framed to an overall size of 25½ x 19½". With creasing at edges, a few stains along margins and several pinholes at right margin. In fair condition overall.
Estimated Value $125-250.

Lot 1052 Click on photo for enlarged version
Spanish American War Material. This lot of Spanish American War memorabilia includes a 4 x 5¾" cabinet card featuring the images of four sailors aboard the USS Isla de Luzon mounted on a board that reads: "Pun Lun, Hong Kong". Accompanied by two full "Isla de Luzon" Navy cap head bands, a machinist mate arm patch, as well as a piece of one of the oil pans recovered from the engine of the Battleship Maine. Cabinet card is stained at right edge. This rare relic of the Spanish American War is in fine condition.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 1053 Click on photo for enlarged version
Spanish American War Photos. Here we offer three, 10¾ x 8" photos memorializing the burial services of a sailor, named Emil Brincker, who was accidentally killed in 1899 while serving in Hong Kong. One image features Brickner's elaborate headstone, while the others show his crew mates surrounding his tomb. Backings are chipped at corners. Otherwise the photos are fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1054 Click on photo for enlarged version
World War I Patriotic Poster. Printed patriotic poster, copyright 1918 by E.G. Grenesch of Chicago. Proclaiming "A Junker Victory Means Slavery", this piece of propaganda features the images of American General Pershing, French General Joffre, and the British General Haig. Below, an encampment is pictured with a caption that reads, "The Kaiser's Finish" as Uncle Sam protects the waterways above. Size: 11¾ x 16". Two corners are worn, with a few small splits and chips along edges. Still, in very good condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 1055 Click on photo for enlarged version
World War I Patriotic Poster. Patriotic poster, copyright 1917 by E.G. Renesch of Chicago. Eliciting loyal feelings for the soldiers of World War I, this poster illustrates three cartouches with images of presidents Washington, Lincoln and Wilson, each with the corresponding slogan: "Washington gave us freedom", "Lincoln kept us united", and "Wilson fights for America and all humanity". Below, a ribbon reads: "America we love you / the brave boys of 1918 / will fight and die for you". Size: 11¾ x 15¾". Edges are lightly worn. Otherwise, in fine condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 1056
World War I Pershing Poster. Patriotic poster, copyright 1918 by E.G. Renesch. Proudly picturing the army commander, this poster shows General John J. Pershing in full uniform set before the American flag. Size: 16 x 20". In fine condition.
Estimated Value $125-175.

Lot 1057 Click on photo for enlarged version
World War II German Soldiers' Postcards. Two postcards sent by German soldiers via "Feldpost." 1. In German. One page, oblong octavo, Poland, October 14, 1939. In pencil on pre-printed postcard. Cancelled as "Feldpost b 14.10.39" (meaning no postage necessary). Minor surface soiling, but this piece is in very good condition.The text, in pencil, is somewhat difficult to decipher. Written just days after the invasion of Poland, the fact of the writer is a disturbing juxtaposition with the picture on the front -- a Jewish father and his three sons with the caption, "Warsaw, A Happy Father." 2. In German. One page, oblong octavo, Krakow, January 26, 1940. In black ink on pre-printed postcard. Cancelled as Feldpost. In very good condition. Letter from a Nazi serving in the Krakow ghetto, as indicated by "Im Dienst Ghetto Krakow" stamp and the "Briefstempel SS-Totenkopfstandarte." Sending greetings to various friends and family members.
Estimated Value $150-200.

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