American Classical Historical Memorabilia

This a large and heavy Landers, Frary & Clark cast iron coffee grinder#20 1/2. It has a bell shaped nickel hopper with a flat wood lid and two...

An incredible vintage Monumental American flag. A chic vintage 48 star version in great vintage condition. The 48 star flag was last used in 1959. Professionally mounted and framed. ...

Harvard Fraternal Medallion - Delta Kappa Epsilon DKE 1877 Robert P. Hastings Silver Medallion by the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity to Robert P. Hastings Harvard College 1873-1877 The Hastings College of Law was founded by Serranus Clinton Hastings, a man of diverse and magnificent accomplishments. Schoolmaster, lawyer, legislator, member of Congress, Chief Justice...

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...

PRESENTING A UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT Original Scrap Book and Photograph of Major WA Obenchain, pertaining to Ogden College, Bowling Green, KY. The photograph is ‘new’ to the market and has never left family ownership until NOW! It is a previously, unseen image, of a significant historical figure, Major William Alexander Obenchain, who served on General Robert E. Lee’s Staff during the Civil War and was President of Ogden College in Bowling Green, Kentucky between 1883 – 1906. We are of the opinion that the photo was taken, whilst, Major Obenchain was President of Ogden College, and circa 1890-1900. It bears the stamp on the bottom right for “McClure of Lexington, KY”. Framed and under glass. The Scrap Book is his personal Collection of numerous and various newspaper article cuttings, letters, speeches and other historical items of memorabilia, MAINLY, relating to Ogden College (now part of Western Kentucky University), from the 1870’s up to 1918. Signed in ink, by the Major, on the inside of the front cover and hand-written annotations by him, throughout. It also includes newspaper article cuttings and other historical items of memorabilia personally relating to Major Obenchain and his family, including: Articles relating to the ‘Stone’ Criminal Trial in Dallas, TX in 1876 for the almost fatal shooting of his brother, James T Obenchain , Merit Certificate for distinguished academic achievement by Major Obenchain, from the Buchanan Collegiate Institute dated July 6th 1849, et al. Over 53 Pages of content! An EXCEPTIONAL and UNIQUE Collection that is ‘new’ to the market, has never been seen by the public before and has never left family ownership until NOW! A UNIQUE HISTORICAL RECORD OF OGDEN COLLEGE/WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY and BOWLING GREEN! 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...

PRESENTING A FABULOUS Original hand-written Letter from Theodore Dreiser dated 19 Dec 1916 to Eliza Calvert Hall. The letter is entirely hand written with pen and signed by the re...

PRESENTING A RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC General William Tecumseh Sherman Autograph. Last page of a hand written letter, circa 1885-1890. P...

PRESENTING AN HISTORIC AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND IMPORTANT American Civil War Collection consisting of: (1) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Confederate Field Map of Richmond, VA 1864 belonging to Capt W.A. Obenchain C.S. Engineers, (2) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Surrender/Parole Paper for Capt. W.A. Obenchain dated 1st May 1865 at Greensboro, NC (3) ORIGINAL and FULLY AUTHENTIC Pamphlet for Hillsborough Military Academy, NC with Major W.M. A. Obenchain listed as 'Military Staff'. These ALL belonged to Captain (later promoted to rank of Major) William Alexander Obenchain and the battlefield map was his 'personal' field map for the Battle of the Richmond Peninsula in 1864, at the end of the US Civil War...

Antique forty six star large wool American flag by Horstmann Company, circa 1908-1912. Horstmann firm was founded by William H. Horstmann (1785-1850), who had immigrated to Philadelphia from Germany. Horstmann bought out a local swordmaker in 1828 and thereafter entered the military goods field. The firm benefitted from the Civil War, becoming the largest military goods supplier in the nation by 1864. WILLIAM H. HORSTMANN & SONS, Manufacturers of Dress Trimmings and Military Goods. 5th & Cherry Streets, Philadelphia, PA. This house was founded, in 1815, by William H. Horstmann, a native of Cassel, in Germany. He had learned the trade of silk-weaving in France, and, emigrating to the United States in the above-mentioned year, established himself in Philadelphia as a manufacturer of fringe, laces and trimmings of various kinds. He married the daughter of Frederick Hoeckly, a German settler in Philadelphia, and also a manufacturer of fringe, coach-lace and tassels. He devised several improvements in this trade, especially by introducing varieties in the styles and patterns of this class of goods, there being at that time only two patterns used in the trade, which were known as the Jefferson pattern and the Monroe pattern. In 1824, he introduced into this country from Germany the use of plaiting or braiding machines, and about the same time he was the first to introduce into this country the use of the Jacquard loom, for weaving patterns in textile fabrics. His location was in the first instance at No. 50 North Third street, but within a short time he removed to a store next to the Harp and Crown tavern, afterwards known as the City hotel, and continued his business within a short distance of this point for many years. In 1828, he commenced the manufacture of military trimmings as a special department, and this branch has grown to most important proportions, Horstmann's military goods being in demand throughout time country. The firm have also executed large Government contracts in this line for the War and Navy Departments. In 1831, he established a branch house in New York city, and about the same time erected a factory at the corner of Germantown road and Columbia avenue. The factory was continued here until time erection of the extensive building at Fifth and Cherry streets, where the works, salesrooms and offices of time firm now are. This massive structure is six stories high, and extends 140 feet on Fifth street and 200 on Cherry street, and reaches back to Race street. The separate departments into which the business is divided are thirty in number. More than 1000 distinct looms and machines are in use in the building, many of them very costly and some invented and used exclusively by this firm, the motive power being supplied by a steam engine of fifty horse power. The area covered by the works is about 11,000 square feet. Time number of hands employed is very large, about 500. When the erection of a vast factory at this point was first proposed, a strong opposition was made by time holders of the neighboring property. The ancient German Lutheran Church and burying ground, since removed, stood opposite the site, and a bill was introduced into the Legislature to forbid the use of a steam engine within 100 yards of any place of worship. The interests which such a bill would have affected injuriously, especially those of several newspapers, roused a strong opposition to it, and it failed to become a law. In 1845, William H. Horstmann, the founder of the house, retired from the business, and his two sons, William and Sigmund, assumed the management and it was under their direction that the new building, above described, was erected. The goods produced by this house are of almost endless extent and variety. They include goods woven from all the various textile fibres—cotton, wool, silk, etc.—in every style, color and pattern, and are used for an infinite number of purposes. Narrow woven goods are time staple production, made up into material for dresses for both sexes, for use in daily life, and for regalia for ""societies;"" for the costumes of the stage, the upholstering of houses and of carriages, the uniforms of soldiers, together with equipments for the same, and for funeral purposes. The raw material used in the manufacture is to a great extent very costly, and their store rooms often hold as much as $200,000 worth of goods in an unworked state. There are two rooms devoted to power looms in the factory, one for coach lace and one for other styles of weaving, in which about 250 of these machines are constantly running. The braiding machines in the coach lace room are very noteworthy. The cord to be covered with braid is drawn through an opening in time middle of a flat, circular, metallic plate, about 15 inches across. Up to a point on this cord, about a foot above the plate, the threads of the braiding material converge, like the ribs of a tent-roof, and there weave in and out and out and in, as the coating of braid grows, and time covered cord rises and is wound away above. The weaving is accomplished by the motion of the spools below that carry the different threads of the braid. These spools stand in uprights, which are carried round and amongst each other in curved slots in the above-mentioned broad metallic plate. All but two of these spools run in and out among each other, with a swift, easy and intricate motion, mind so rapid that time eye can hardly follow it, while one or two special spools run steadily round and round among time twisting spools with the most extreme swiftness. Many other machines, displaying equally ingenious mechanism, are used in the factory. The various details of equipment manufactured and supplied by this house are also important, both for their number and the superior quality of the manufacture. The one article of swords may be taken as an instance. This trade grew naturally and immediately out of the established army and navy goods department of the works, it being necessary that the sword itself should be furnished together with the sword-belt and other trappings all complete. Every part of the sword and trappings, with the exception of the blade, is made on the premises. The blades are almost all imported from the ancient German sword-blade emporium of Solingen, where, it is said, swords have been made ever since the year 1147, when Count Adolphus of Berg brought home from the East and established there the business of forging Damascus blades. There is in this department a stock of some thousands of blades, of many different patterns and sizes, ready to be set and finished. Any style or sword can be had from this warehouse, from the plainest kind up to a presentation sword...

Monumental fifteen foot 42 star American flag, circa 1889-1890. The 42-star flag is rare because only a limited number of 42-star flags were produced after Washington became a state on Nov. 11, 1889. But it takes a more intimate knowledge of flag trivia to know just why it happened this way. White stars are added to the blue field of the star-spangled banner on the Fourth of July after a state is admitted to the union. In the fall of 1889, several western territories became states. Dakota was admitted, and then split into North and South Dakota, on Nov. 2, 1889, which made them state and star numbers 39 and 40. Montana was named the 41st state on Nov. 8, followed by Washington, on Nov. 11. Only a few flag manufacturers began producing 42-star flags before the official addition of the 42nd star on July 4, 1890. Those who tried to jump the gun by being the first to produce an up-to-date flag were surprised when Idaho was admitted to the United States on July 3...

Rare 19th C handheld muffin bell town crier fire alarm bell. The bell features two Brass domes mounted back to back with iron, a turned wood handle, and a b...

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (France, 1824-1887) A rare seated bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin holding his walking stick and hat, with a book in his ri...

A set of three framed original Race Horse Chromolithographs originally published in the “Illustrated Stock Doctor and Livestock Encyclopedia” in 1882. In hand-painted wood frames secured with small nails, with metal hanging rings. Captioned as follows: “Black’s Hambletonian” One of the finest and best blooded trotting stallions of the day. Property of S. Baxter Black, Compassville, Pa. Cost when a weanling colt $3500. Sired by “Rysdyk’s Hambletonion”; dam “Long Island Black Hawk” “Maud S." The Queen of the Turf. Record 2.10 1/4. The fastest trotter the world has yet known. Owned by William H. Vanderbilt Esq. who has refused a cash offer of $100.000 for her. Foaled at Woodburn Farm, Ky. March 28, 1874. Trainer and driver W.W. Bair. “Iroquois” Winner of the Derby. (Epsom Derby...

A rare American gold mounted intaglio seal of a bust-length portrait of the first President in uniform enclosed by the inscription "George Washington", early 19th century. In a fitted green leather box retailed by: D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England; Provenance: D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England Anita and Irvin Schorsch Collection Exhibited: Museum of Mourning Art...

A delicate pair of handmade magnifying wire rim eye glasses from the American Civil War era, circa 1860. A great looking historical conversation p...

A Large and Rare Patinated Bronze Bust of George Washington, after Houdon by F. Barbedienne Foundry, circa 1870. Very nice quality green patinated bronze bust of President...

Presenting a very important Teddy Roosevelt letter of January 1918. On ‘Sagamore Hill’ letterhead. Fully handwritten and personally signed by President...

Presenting a very important Teddy Roosevelt Letter of June 1911 . On ‘The Outlook’ letterhead. Typed and personally signed and amended by President Theodore Roosevelt. Dated June 20th 1911. What makes this letter so important is the author, the office and the content. It refers to the beliefs and opinions of the then President and First Lady (Edith) towards the women’s sufferage and empowerment movement that was the ‘hot topic’ of the time. It is addressed to Eliza Calvert Hall/Obenchain who was a well known author at the end of the 19th Century and Early 20th Century. In 1905, Teddy referred to her book “Aunt Jane of Kentucky’ in a speech and recommended that every man in America should read it to understand ‘the plight of their womenfolk’. He regularly corresponded with her and we have a number of those letters in our collection. It appears that both he and Edith became big fans of Mrs Hall/Obenchain who was also heavily involved in the Suffragist movement. The letters also provide a fascinating and historic record of Roosevelt’s personal beliefs and feelings on female empowerment. The Letter Reads: The Outlook 287 Fourth Avenue New York Office of Theodore Roosevelt June 20th, 1911 “My dear Miss Hall: I am touched by your sending me “To Love and To Cherish”. But then, I am one of those included in the dedication, for I well know and dearly love ” Aunt Jane of Kentucky”. Mrs. Roosevelt and I do not feel that the hero ought to have yielded to his wife’s feelings ! Ultimately it was doing an injustice to her and to his children, as well as to the State. It is a good thing to have a Governor’s wife a woman who can be as gracious a hostess, and of as fine a type, as Dolly Madison...

Presenting A Very Important Teddy Roosevelt Letter from White House June 1907. On ‘The White House’ letterhead. Typed and personally signed and amended by President Theodore Roosevelt. With it’s original White House envelope, stamp and postage marks. Dated June 14th 1907. What makes this letter so important is the author, the office and the content. It refers to the beliefs and opinions of the then President and First Lady (Edith) towards the women’s sufferage and empowerment movement that was the ‘hot topic’ of the time. It is addressed to Eliza Calvert Obenchain who was a well known author at the end of the 19th Century and Early 20th Century. In 1905, Teddy referred to her book “Aunt Jane of Kentucky’ in a speech and recommended that every man in America should read it to understand ‘the plight of their womenfolk’. He regularly corresponded with her and we have a number of those letters in our collection. It appears that both he and Edith became big fans of Mrs Obenchain who was also heavily involved in the Suffragist movement. The letters also provide a fascinating and historic record of Roosevelt’s personal beliefs and feelings on female empowerment. The Letter Reads: The White House Washington Oyster Bay, N.Y., June 14, 1907 Personal “Dear Mrs. Obenchain: I gladly accept the autographed copy of “Aunt Jane” which you have been so kind to send me. But Aunt Jane is so good and so wise that she must not (amount “race (illegible)) fall into the terrible mistake of the self-indulgent, selfish, shortsighted women, cold in heart and in temper, who shirk the duties of mother-hood and then try to cover up to themselves and to others their cowardice or self-indulgence by making believe they are actuated by wise or lofty motives. * With great regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt *And she must not give aid and comfort to unsexed or sexless creatures by a jest which they may take for earnest ! Mrs. Eliza Calvert Obenchain, Bowling Green, Kentucky.“ The envelope is From: The White House. Addressed to: Mrs. Eliza Calvert Obenchain, Bowling Green, Kentucky and marked ‘Personal’. It is stamped on the front as posted from Oyster Bay, New York Post Office on June 16 1907. It has a red 2 Cent...

Fine American 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman, of a distinguished gentleman in a blue coat, with white silk scarf, measures 2" wide x 2.5" high. Framed in a later (19th Century) elaborate carved giltwood oval frame...

This wall plaque is unsigned with respect to the maker, but it is presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1950 in a traditional style. The plaque is composed of a very ...

An original lithographed childrens’ game board, titled ‘Go On or the Run for the Stakes,’ by The McLoughlin Brothers., NY, NY, copyright Jan. 1884....

A circular cream round commemorative plate of President Nixon. Reads Richard M. Nixon 37th President. Gold detail around the edges, with the image of P...

A charming pre midcentury ice bucket or ice bowl, American clear glass, circa late 1930s-early 1940s. The Scotty dog glass collectible craze began when President Franklin D. Roosevel...

A round ceramic commemorative plate of President Dwight Eisenhower. The plate is circular, with gold detail around the edges, and a portrait of Presi...

A charming Pre midcentury pitcher, American clear glass, circa late 1930s-early 1940s. The Scotty dog glass collectible craze began when President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish Te...

Presenting a fabulous historic treasure of times past, namely, a 19th century large Civil War Era bronze and tin pitcher. From circa 1850, this is an American frontier piece. I...

Oil on canvas portrait entitled:Mr. Bowles of Kentucky, painted by Benoni Irwin (1840-1896) an American portraitist born in new market, Ontario, Canada. He moved to New York as a you...

"Very rare antique 18th century wood walking stick, staff or cane once owned by General Joe Hooker. Engraved silver band reads Gen. Joe Hooker. Measure: 35". A history of the cane is included which reads: “This cane was given to Chaplain Earnshaw by the family of General Joseph Hooker, who commanded the English Forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville (which he lost.) The shaft of the cane was made from the “poop” of the vessel of John Paul Jones. The handle was made from the horn of a buffalo that General Grant shot. General Hooker died with the cane in his hands as he walked down stairs. Two battles later which ended in Gettysburg, the Norths cause was settled. General grant was put in command.” Province Estate of J. Frederic Gagel, owner of multiple Thoroughbred race horses that competed in the Narragansett Special and Kentucky Derby. Their family heritage was strongly intertwined with the military having officers in battles dating back to the American Revolution. John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 – July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-American naval captain who was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends among U.S political elites (including John Hancock[1] and Benjamin Franklin[2]) as well as enemies (who accused him of piracy), and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation that persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the ""Father of the American Navy"" (a nickname he shares with John Barry and John Adams[3]). Jones Jones was born and raised in Scotland, became a sailor at the age of thirteen, and served as commander of several merchantmen. After having killed one of his mutinous crew members with a sword, he fled to the Colony of Virginia and around 1775 joined the newly founded Continental Navy in their fight against the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded U.S. Navy ships stationed in France, led one failed assault on Britain, and several attacks on British merchant ships. Left without a command in 1787, he joined the Imperial Russian Navy and obtained the rank of rear admiral. Hooker “Joseph Hooker (November 13, 1814 – October 31, 1879) was an American Civil War officer / general for the Union, chiefly remembered for his decisive defeat by Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. Hooker had served in the Seminole Wars and the Mexican–American War, receiving three brevet promotions, before resigning from the Army. At the start of the Civil War, he joined the Union side as a brigadier general, distinguishing himself at Williamsburg, Antietam and Fredericksburg, after which he was given command of the Army of the Potomac...

A Rare and Important American White Marble Sculpture of Thomas Jefferson Holding The Declaration of Independence. Circa 1870, in the Manner of Horatio Stone (1808 –1875). Inscribed on scroll: 'The Declaration of Independence, It becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. etc. etc. T. Jefferson. The present work is unsigned but is reminiscent of Horatio Stone's life-size marble figure of John Hancock...