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Historical Memorabilia For Sale
Huge 18th C. Venetian Larger Then California King Bed Crest Finials Panel Board
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Huge 18th C. Venetian Larger Then California King Bed Crest Finials Panel Board. Imposing circa 1700’s Venetian bed detailed with cartouches. Composed of two smaller frames. Exquisit...
Category
18th Century Italian Classical Greek Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Architectural Gold Leaf Sign Letter "W" Large-Scale
Located in Fulton, CA
A large-Scale gold leaf sign letter measuring 46.75 inches wide. Made of cast metal with gold leaf finish. Nice patina.
46.75 inches wide.
20.25 inches high.
1.75 inches deep.
Category
20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Grandfather Clock Radio by Silvertone, Circa 1931
By Silvertone
Located in Fulton, CA
Scarce, Silvertone clock radio. Made by the Colonial Radio Company in 1931 and retailed under the Silvertone name by Sears Roebuck Company. Exceptional con...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Old Large 5 Gallon Gas Station Oil Can Vintage Industrial Style Decoration Item
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Petroliana find 5 gallon zinc galvanized metal gas and oil can. Condition shows some dents and dings present. Vintage patina with rusty finish. A great piece for your garage,...
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Two Sided Carnival Fun House Glass Mirror
Located in San Mateo, CA
This two sided fun house mirror likely came from a carnival. There are small wheels under the base so it can be moved easily. It also had plywood covers than enclosed the mirrors for...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Plywood
19th Century Carved Wooden Figural Nutcracker of Otto Von Bismarck
Located in Delft, NL
19th century carved wooden figural nutcracker of Otto Von Bismarck
A wooden nutcracker with figural scene of Otto Von Bismarck
In working condition,...
Category
19th Century European Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment
Later Black Lacquer Frame 63 w x 45" h
Poster 60 w x 42" h
A striking and cinematic survivor from the silent film era, this monum...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Paper
German Karl Zeiss Periscope Binoculars, 10 x 50, Deep Magnification, Cold War..
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Canterbury, England
German cold war era periscope binoculars, 10x 50: These Carl Zeiss binoculars offer a deep magnification of 10x with optics of 50mm, providing detailed observation across a wide angl...
Category
1960s Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Russian Silver 1913 Commemorative Icon / Portrait Czar Nicholas II, Inscribed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Objet'd'Art, a Russian Silver 1913 Commemorative Travel Icon, is a poignant tribute to the reign of Czar Nicholas II. Made in 1913 to commemorate the Great Pilgrimage of Emperor...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
"Men Wanted For the Army" Vintage WWI Recruitment Poster
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage U.S. Army recruitment poster, dating to World War I. The poster depicts an Army officer conferring with a soldier. They stand next to an artillery battery, manned by two soldiers. Their fort looks over a cliff, with water and clouds completing the background. The text "Men Wanted for the Army" is printed in bold red letters at the top of the poster. The bottom margin of the poster includes a cartouche where the name of the recruiting station can be filled in.
The color lithograph was illustrated by Michael P...
Category
1910s American Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Dutch Je Maintiendrai World War Two Peace Biscuit Tin
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A scarce vintage Dutch ‘Je Maintiendrai’ ( I will maintain) WWII peace commemorative large biscuit tin dating from around 1945. The tin of large, tall cylindrical shape has its origi...
Category
1940s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Tin
1971 Folies Bergère Starring Hélène Martini Vintage Cabaret Pamphlet by Erté
Located in Van Nuys, CA
French artist Erté (Romain de Tirtoff, 1892-1990) created this poster for the latest stage production presented by Helene Martini, the owner of Folies Bergère. This iconic French cab...
Category
1970s European Art Deco Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vintage Doll Head / Face Molds Steampunk
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of three vintage metal doll head / face molds, circa 1930s. The Industrial looking pieces are quite unique and make a great "Steampunk" decor item. Wonderful natural patina ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Steampunk Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century English bronze letters
Located in London, GB
“SUMMER”
A cool collection of early 20th Century English bronze letters that spell “SUMMER”. Still in place these letters have their original support screws which have bent over ti...
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Highly Important Theodore Roosevelt Collection of 6 Items
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A HUGELY IMPORTANT, EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC COLLECTION of 6 Items pertaining to President Theodore Roosevelt, that have never been outside family ownership, namely:
(1) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 14th August 1918 to Eliza Calvert Hall,
(2) Original Envelope – Aug 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc.
(3) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 8th November 1918 to Mrs Obenchain
(4) Original Envelope – Nov 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc.
(5) HUGELY IMPORTANT handwritten ‘Poem’ on an Index Card by Eliza Calvert Hall which was sent by her to Theodore, after the death of Quentin in July 1918 and is referenced to by him, in the letter of August 1918, and
(6) Original letter dated 12 September 2018 to Maj LC Obenchain, which completes provenance/background.
(1) & (2) – PRESENTING AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC Theodore Roosevelt Letter from August 1918 with original envelope.
On ‘Sagamore Hill’ letterhead. Fully handwritten and personally signed by President...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Empire Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Period Renaissance Early 16th Century Processional Cross, France
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Exceptional Period Renaissance processional cross early 16th century, France
Extremely rare and beautiful processional cross from the early period of the French Renaissance. This ...
Category
16th Century French Renaissance Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Fine Presentation Sword Given to Lieutenant Charles Peake
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine presentation sword given to Lieutenant Charles Peake as a token of gratitude by the Men of His Ship when recommissioned for Foreign Service i...
Category
1820s English Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Native American Beadwork Gauntlets with an Chief, ca 1880-90
Located in York County, PA
Native American beadwork gauntlets with Indian Chiefs in feathered headdresses, probably souix, Ca 1880-90
Native American beadwork gauntlet...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
1960s Robert Berks Sculpture Bust John F Kennedy JFK Miami Beach Mid-Century Art
By Robert Berks
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is a rare 1965 presentation award bust of JFK. A wonderful piece of mid-century historical decor from an important American sculptor, Robert Berks. Hi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Resin, Wood
Cx-52 Model Swiss Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
A triumph of ingenuity and craftsmanship, this Swiss cipher machine is a fabulous example of mechanical precision. Cipher machines are used to encrypt a...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Jean-Gabriel Domergue's French Academician Sword
By Odette Domergue
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important and unique sword was presented to the famed French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue to commemorate the painter's election to the illustrious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1950. One of the highest honors bestowed on a French artist, the ceremonial induction into the French Academy has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the age of Napoléon. Rather than a weapon, the sword became part of the Academician's uniform, and, over time, its design came to represent the interests and aspirations of its recipient. This example was designed entirely by Domergue's wife Odette, a great sculptor in her own right, and thus it represents both a highly personal gift and an important art historical relic.
The design of the sword is simply magnificent. Odette Domergue found her inspiration in antiquity, a theme that is also seen in the neoclassical sculptures that occupy the gardens of the couple's famous home, Villa Fiesole - also known as Villa Domergue - in Cannes. The impressive weapon boasts a solid gold handle that takes the form of a sinuous caryatid, who is nude save for a single swath of drapery. While the female figure recalls the sculpted supports prevalent in ancient Greek architecture, she also calls to mind the subjects for which Domergue was renowned - languorous, slightly risqué women with a seductive air.
Other decorative elements such as fauna, cypresses, and grotesque heads enhance the whimsy and imagination of the incredible neoclassical design. Furthermore, the scabbard that contains the finely etched blade is also an impeccable work of art. Crafted of black Moroccan leather in imitation of the snake skin, it displays intricately engraved foliage patterns with a lion's head and Domergue's coat of arms.
Though imagined by his wife, the sword was expertly chiseled by the celebrated goldsmith R. Delsinne and assembled by the atelier of the famed sculptor and medalist Raymond Delamarre...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Distressed Caucasian Rug With A Tribal Design In Rust, Dark Blue, And Cream
Located in New York, NY
An antique Caucasian Kazak rug from the early 20th century. The warm madder red field is divided into four rectangular panels, each with a central motif radiating four serrated leave...
Category
Early 20th Century Caucasian Tribal Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wool
Berkel 330M Flywheel Prosciutto Slicer With Pedestal
By Berkel 2
Located in Mexico City, MX
An important Italian-made Berkel prosciutto slicer model 330M. The slicer has two parts: the pedestal with 4 castors and the machine itself.
The iconic flywheel mechanism helps the ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Industrial Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Brother Webster XL-747 Portable Typewriter Baby Blue with Metal Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brother Webster XL-747 Portable Typewriter Baby Blue with Metal Case, Made in Japan. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Case; 3" H x 12" W x 12" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Swiss Nema Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
'Batman' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
Fabulously kitsch and colourful, this rare Japanese B2 poster advertised the first full length feature film of the DC Comics character Batman. Released by 20th century Fox in 1966 as...
Category
1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
19th Century Italian Sedan Chair
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Italian Sedan Chair
This is a mid 19th Century piece, it is the Rococo style, in Green and Gold and upholstered inside in a heavy gold brocade, complete with cushion ...
Category
1850s Baroque Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Pine
19th C. Bohemian Persian Enameled Portrait of Decanter Naser al-Din Shah Qajar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-century Bohemian Persian Enameled Portrait of Decanter Naser al-Din Shah Qajar
This exquisite 19th-century Bohemian Persian decanter features a ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Islamic Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Crystal
English Titled 18th c Lady with Coat of Arms Portrait Oil Painting Gilt Frame
Located in Savannah, GA
18th century English noblewoman in a gold gilt ornate period frame. Lovely detail and color, coat of arms in corner. Unsigned.
Without the frame the painting itself measures 29 inche...
Category
1790s English George III Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Giltwood, Canvas
Rare Set of Six Mercury Glass & Cotton Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, one of pressed cotton, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wire
19th Century Victorian Freight Carriage with Oak Top, circa.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century Victorian freight truck used to transport feed to local dairies, this metal carriage has a solid oak top, original wheels and tilt lever, later sign written for ...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
39-Star Antique American Flag with 'Whimsical' Star Pattern, 1889
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a 39-star unofficial American flag, handmade and printed on cotton. The flag dates to 1889 and has a unique history, thanks to its rare star-count.
The flag’s canton is prin...
Category
1880s American Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Antique Collection of Italian Grand Tour Plaster Intaglios
Located in London, GB
Antique collection of Italian Grand Tour plaster intaglios
Italian, Early 19th Century
Height 39.5cm, width 27cm, depth 5cm
Consisting o...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Classical Greek Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plaster
Blackfoot Native American Dress
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Blackfoot dress of red Stroud. Estimated 1920s. Beads on panels both sides carried over from 19th century.
Period: 1920s
Origin: Blackfoot
Size: 40" x 40".
Family Owned & Operate...
Category
1920s American Native American Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Beads
Large Medieval inscription
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large Medieval German Inscription
stone
Germany, 14th century
46 x 83 x 13 cm
Category
15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Stone
Staffordshire Portrait Figure of Standing Franklin, Circa 1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Staffordshire portrait figure of standing Franklin, Circa 1850
Depicting Ben Franklin before a tree-stump, holding a tricorne hat against his left hip, a document in his right hand,...
Category
Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Pottery
Captain Sir George Collier’s Presentation Silver Entree Dishes by Richard Cooke
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Captain Sir George Collier’s presentation silver entree dishes and covers by Richard Cooke, London 1803, each plain rectangular with gadroon borders, covers with detachable vine twist handles, the covers engraved: ‘Presented by the Old Madras Insurance Company to Captn. Collier, Commander of His Majestys Sloop ‘Victor’, for his persevering & gallant conduct in chasing for two days, partially engaging & ultimately sinking the French National Corvette ‘La Fleche’ of superior force while advantageously anchored at the Mahé Islands.’
Dimensions approx.: 150 x 290 x 200mm / 6 x 11 ½ x 8 inches
Total weight approx.: 3513 grams / 112 oz. troy.
Footnotes: These silver dishes were presented to Captain Sir George Collier KCB (1774-1824) for destroying the 22-gun French corvette La Flèche whilst commanding Victor, 18 guns, in the Seychelles on 5 September 1801. After escorting troop transports into the Red Sea ahead of the British invasion of Egypt, Victor fell in with La Flèche off Diego Garcia. After an initial engagement, the corvette escaped to windward only to be found again four days later. A short but fierce action ensued during which the corvette caught fire, grounded on a coral reef and sank before a prize crew could secure the ship. As reward, the Admiralty made Collier post captain and gave him command of Leopard, 50 guns.
Born in London, Collier entered the Royal Navy in 1784. As a midshipman, he was wrecked off Madagascar in 1792 surviving among the natives of that island for six months before being rescued by a passing Portuguese brig. Unfortunately, the brig was immediately captured by a French privateer and for two more years, Collier was confined as a prisoner of war on Mauritius. Returning to service in 1795, he was given his first command in Suffolk Tender.
Following the Peace of Amiens, Collier commanded the Sea Fencibles at Liverpool. After accompanying the expedition to Copenhagen in 1808, for which he was knighted for delivering the admiral’s dispatches, he saw action, and was wounded, supporting the military Campaign in Spain.
After the war, Collier was made commodore on the African station where he was employed suppressing the slave trade with such rigour that he was elected an honorary member of the African Institution, founded by William Wilberforce...
Category
19th Century British Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
Vintage Texas Cowboy Hand Wrought Cattle Branding Iron
Located in Stamford, CT
Here it is, that unique gift you have been looking for for the cowboy or cowgirl in your life. A genuine vintage Texan wrought iron cattle branding iron. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Primitive Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wrought Iron
6 Le Cirque N.Y. Villeroy & Boch 10 12" Dinner Plates Designed Adam D. Tihany
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
Barbie Pink Bell System type 500 Rotary Desk Telephone Western Electric 1981
Located in Miami, FL
Western Electric had been producing telephones for the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (ATT) and the Bell System since 1927.
During the 50's, new line of type 500 sets were int...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Set of Fourteen Jasperware Cameo Medallions by Wedgwood
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool set of fourteen jasperware cameo medallions by Wedgwood, circa 1900s. The set includes:
-Pair of Abraham Lincoln including a rare black background.
-Pair of horse hea...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
Miniature Antique English Apprentice Model Salesman Sample Drop-Front Bureau
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and handsome English Arts & Crafts period miniature oak bureau from the early 20th century with nicely aged patina.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in England over a century ago, e...
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Fireman's Life Saving Machine, 1907 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Although it may resemble a trampoline, this is an extremely rare fire safety net designed to catch those leaping from burning buildings. The net was patented in 1887 by Thomas F. Bro...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Lord Mountbatten by Greta Berlin, 1989
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This bronze is the maquette for a sculpture of Lord Louis Mountbatten wearing a naval duffel coat, peaked cap and sea boots and holding a pair of binoculars. It is set on a highly polished black stone base and inscribed on the back ‘Mountbatten Study, G. Berlin no. 3 of 3’. English, 1989.
We are indebted to Ms Berlin for her kind help in supplying the following information. “I made this piece as a working model, maquette, to show, along with another image, to the clients who were offering the commission for the nine-foot bronze of Lord Mountbatten...
Category
1980s English Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Rare Important Statues Signed Faberge 1912 Russian Kamer Kazak Bodyguard
By Fabergé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, very rare and highly collectible pair of Faberge signed cast and cold painted bronze statues of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov, personal Kamer-Kazak bodyguards of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
A little history, the original sold at auction in 2013 for $5,200,000, I’ll include further information below which came from Sotheby’s
These expertly made statues are as mentioned of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov in dress parade uniforms with badges and medals, the coats trimmed with Imperial eagles, the cockaded fleece hats with gold braid, inscribed in Russian on the heels and soles of the boots 'Kamer-Kazak since 1894/A.A. Kudinov/Fabergé/1912'
History
The precise origin of these figures, which appear to be copies of – or models for – the well-known Fabergé hardstone...
Category
1910s European Edwardian Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Three Queen Victoria Silver Jubilee Gilded Boxed Medallions
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A charming set of three boxed coin shaped medallions celebrating the silver jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. The medallions of rounded shape are each contained in a turned boxwood ...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
George III Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A George III gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a mahogany frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim, the handle with a brass collar. Engli...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Mahogany
1700s Colonial Hand-Forged Strongbox Verdigris Green Jewelry Table Chest Safe
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hand Wrought Lock Box. Beautiful patina. Painted inside with date, which is after the original creation date.
Box W 13.25 x D 10 x H 10 in.
Key L 4 in.
Category
1770s American American Colonial Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Antique Print of a Scene in American Revolution, The Spirit of '76. '1862'
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique print titled 'The Spirit of - 76'.
Original engraving showing a scene of the American Revolution. Made after a painting by Tompkins Harrison Matteson.
Ar...
Category
1860s Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with Civil War Provenance
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a FANTASTIC and HISTORIC Early 19C American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with OUTSTANDING Provenance.
This Secretary Chest was made in Virginia in the Early 19th Century, circa 1810.
It is made of cherry, walnut and maple and is most definitely in the Hepplewhite Style of the period, with it’s original Hepplewhite brass drawer pulls.
IT IS A REALLY INTRIGUING AND HISTORIC PIECE, ESPECIALLY, WHEN VIEWED IN CONTEXT WITH IT”S AMAZING PROVENANCE!
This piece was originally owned by Major William Alexander Obenchain who ‘hailed’ from the State of Virginia.
He was an engineer and was in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Robert E. Lee’s staff. It was acquired by him before the Civil War and we believe that this piece was on campaign with him during the War. We know for a fact that he fought at the Richmond Campaign in 1864, as we have, in our Collection, his original Field Map for that Campaign which ended the War.
It has remained in family ownership ever since.
It has come directly from the Family Estate, together with other VERY IMPORTANT items belonging to Major Obenchain and other IMPORTANT items that belonged to his wife, Eliza Calvert Hall-Obenchain. ALL these items contained in the Collection, are listed/posted individually on our Website.
The top drawer is on retractable curved side hinge supports and pulls outwards and drops to reveal a secretary and writing area.
The Bureau/Secretary Gallery has 6 drawers and 6 cubbies, a central tabernacle door with another drawer and 2 cubbies and this is flanked by 2 secret pull out compartments.
The central tabernacle door has it’s original key and working lock.
Closed, it is almost ‘flush’ like the rest of the drawers, with some very minor bowing through age.
The 3 drawers underneath are graduated in size and it ends with a serpentine shaped base and sits on four hand carved legs with original metal casters, marked ‘Universal 3’.
It has it’s original brasses and hardware throughout, save the addition to 2 contemporary replacement brass hinges to the drop down desk front, as the original hinges were broken, could not be repaired and were not supporting the weight of the drop down leaf.
Some minor repairs but not noticeable.
Otherwise, the piece is in it’s entirely, ORIGINAL condition!
What makes this piece even MORE INTRIGUING and APPEALING HISTORICALLY, are the 2 ‘historic’ circular holes on the piece:-
(1) in the back of the piece as seen in the photos. This hole is not symmetrical or fully round and appears to serve no purpose to the piece whatsoever. Sometimes, pieces have holes for wiring for lighting, put in them over the years, but this one never had such lighting or, indeed, any such explanation for this hole, AND
(2) the rear hole is replicated, in the corner portion of the bottom drawer and someone (a very long time ago) has used a tin can top, to cover the hole in the back of the drawer. The tin can top is period to the Civil War Era and is embossed “Minimum Volume 1 Pint”.
Our conclusion, is that (whilst we are, by no means ballistic experts) that these holes were created by musket balls, fired during one of the Major’s campaigns in the Civil War. It is entirely conceivable that this piece, being strapped into a covered wagon for carriage, would have been on it’s side. We are of the opinion that both holes, were caused or created by a musket ball entered the chest trough the base and back. We also believe that ‘the Major’, used what he had at his disposal on the battlefield, namely, a tin can lid to repair the hole in the drawer.
SO THIS PIECE IS A VERY SPECIAL PIECE OF US HISTORY, INDEED!
NOT ONLY IS IT AN EARLY 19th CENTURY AMERICAN PIECE, WITH A CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THE CIVIL WAR, HISTORIC & IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THAT WAR AND IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE AND HISTORY!
IT IS TRULY UNIQUE!
William Alexander Obenchain. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia.
Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland.
Entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the VMI (Virginia Military Institute...
Category
Early 19th Century American American Classical Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
1940s Vornado Vintage Electric Metal Table Fan Restored
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Large size Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful performance
Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design.
One speed operation.
18.75 H x 16 W x 8...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Large English 19th Century Armorial Coat of Arms
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional large carved wood crest representing the British Royal family. Beautiful patina, original painted finish.
Category
19th Century English Antique Historical Memorabilia
Traditional Vintage Metal Jug, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional vintage metal jug. By unknown manufacturer, made in Spain circa 1970. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age a...
Category
1970s Spanish Rustic Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Meat Slicer, Made By Berkel
By Berkel 2
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare meat slicer made by one of the most famous manufacturers: Berkel, Holland. This model is an H9 and comes in two parts, the base which can be removed from the main machine and ...
Category
20th Century Dutch Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Souvenir of the War 1914-15-16-17-18 Banner
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a stunning textile banner from the first World War, dating to 1918. The square tan cotton cloth is embroidered with two crossed flags, the ...
Category
1910s Australian Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Original Coronation Souvenir Book of King George VI – London 1937
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original edition of the Coronation Souvenir Book of King Gorge VI 1937 by Gordon Beckles, Published by Daily Express Publication, London, 1937
This edition was published to mark ...
Category
1930s English Georgian Vintage Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Antique National Cash Register on Custom Antique Industrial Standing Cash Drawer
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique National Cash Register on Custom Antique Industrial Self Standing Cash Drawer Tower
Made by National, this commercial cash register is beautifully decorated with flower and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown American Colonial Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Lafontaine Theatre Binoculars in Mother-of-Pearl
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Lafontaine theatre binoculars in mother-of-pearl. They are small, light and designed to provide an enlarged view at events such as operas, theatres and concerts. The frame is made of...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Baroque Antique Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal