Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 24

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

U.S. Revolutionary War

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 160		Oil on Canvas Of An American Revolutionary War Officer. Oil on canvas, c.1850, of an American Revolutionary War officer, 29½ x 24½ inches and framed to 42 x 37½ inches. A handsome gentleman, possibly Alexander Hamilton, in full uniform and wearing the insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati. The artist is unidentified. Set in an ornate vintage frame, the edges riotous with floral arabesques. A quality painting with an imposing air, it has been carefully cleaned and varnished at some time in the past. A superb display piece. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,680
Lot 161		Oil Painting Of A French Nobleman Who Fought In The American Revolution. Late eighteenth century oil on canvas of an unidentified French officer, 23 x 19 inches, wearing the insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati, indicating that he fought and was an officer in the American Revolution. He also wears the French Croix de St. Louis, which was established in 1683 by Louis XIV and given to French Catholic officers "in recognition of long and faithful service or extraordinary merit." The officer is of the nobility; his coat of arms is at lower left. The artist is unidentified. The original frame is incorporated into a newer frame, with an overall size of 27 x 22¾ inches. A quality painting of its time. It has been cleaned and revarnished sometime in the past decade, but restoration seems to be minor. Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,645
Lot 162		Sword Carried By Capt. Michael Whitley. Sword that belonged to Captain Michael Whitley, company commander in the Fourth Battalion of Lancaster County militia. An American hunting sword or cuttoe, 34½ in. in length, with a blade of 29 in., c. 1770-80. The hilt and silver work were crafted by Charles Hall of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, according to the so-called "Philadelphia pattern," wherein the eagle has a long head with full beak and a rear tuft of feathers. American folk art is etched into the silver. The handle is of bone (with a hairline crack); the blade is probably of European manufacture. The scabbard boasts silver mounts and ring. Mounted in a custom-made display case, 9½ x 42¼ x 3 inches, with a plaque that says, "This sword was carried by Captain Michael Whitley, great great grandfather of William Fahnestock. Captain Michael Whitley, Seventh Company, Col Robert Elders' Fourth Battalion, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Militia, was wounded and taken prisoner by the British at Chestnut Hill, Battle of Germantown, December 6th, 1777. Died several days later in Philadelphia, aged 47 years. His daughter Martha married Isaac McKinley; his son, Isaac C. McKinley, was father of Margaret A. McKinley, who was mother of William Fahnestock." A book titled The Fahnestock Genealogy, published in 1945, also belonged to the part of the family that inherited the sword. In early December 1777, General Washington's army was preparing to leave its camp at Whitemarsh in order to take up a new position farther from Philadelphia and the British army. In an effort to attack the Americans while they were on the march, Howe moved forward, his advance guard reaching Chestnut Hill four miles southeast of Whitemarsh on the 5th. There the British came into contact with an American militia force under Brigadier General James Irvine. After desultory fighting, Irvine and sixteen other Americans were captured, among them, Captain Michael Whitley, 47 years old, company commander in the 4th Battalion. Wounded in the action, Whitley was moved to Philadelphia by his captors, where he died shortly thereafter, as evidenced by a strength report of the Fourth Battalion and a petition by Whitley's widow for a pension (located in the Pennsylvania Archives). For an account of the action, see Boatner's Encyclopedia of the American Revolution under Whitemarsh, Pa. Whitley's family recovered the sword, which they preserved in the family for two hundred years. Estimated Value $10,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $7,475
Lot 163		Society of the Cincinnati - The Andrews-Berrien Eagle. Gold eagle designed by Jeremiah Andrews, c. 1788-91, 40 x 30 mm. It is No. 11 in the Minor Myers' book, The Insignia of The Society of the Cincinnati and is likely to be one of the eagles advertised and sold in Savannah, Georgia by Andrews, who was a Philadelphia jeweler. On the obverse, the head is left, with a distinctive beak and eye. The head, claws, and tail are white. The tail seems quilted rather than divided into distinct feathers. Unlike the typical Andrews eagle which shows three senators handing a sword to Cincinnatus, this eagle has larger figures and only one senator. The motto is in small black letter on white: OMNIA RELINQUIT SERVAR REMPUBLICAN. On the reverse is a large Cincinnatus with plow, house and sun behind. The motto is in small letters on a white thin border: VIRTUS PROEMIUM S.TAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA A.D. 1783. The abreviation of societas is a distinguishing trait. The eagle is attached to a faded blue and white ribbon and is kept in a worn red box, 3¼ in. square, with clasp, and handwitten on bottom, "Elizabeth Duyckinck / March 15 - 1831." The Society of the Cincinnati has seen only one other example of this Andrews eagle type; it was owned by original member Major John Berrien and is in a private collection. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $55,200
Lot 164		Society of the Cincinnati Silver Eagle. Silver eagle of French manufacture, c. 1920, 46 x 25 mm. On the obverse, the head is left. The head and tail are white, with green leaves crossing tail;; the neck is long and thin. Three senators hand a sword to Cincinnatus; the sky is deep blue. The motto is in silver letters on white: OMNIA RELINQUIT SERVAR REMPUBLICAN. On the reverse is a large Cincinnatus with plow and fame above; pale blue sky. The motto is in silver letters on a white border: SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA A.D. 1783. The eagle is suspended from a faded blue and white ribbon with a rosette by an oblong attached to a smaller circular loop. The Society of the Cincinnati knows of no published examples of this eagle. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,565
Lot 165		Cross of the Order of St. Louis. Gold and enamel badge worn by French Catholic officers "in recognition of long and faithful service or extraordinary merit" (normally 25 years). The order was established by King Louis XIV in 1693. The inscription on the reverse, VIRTUTIS PRAEMIUM BELLICAE (gold letters against deep blue enamel background) may have been the inspiration for the motto on the Society of the Cincinnati insignia, and the jewelers' methods of producing the Cross were similar to those used in make the early Society eagles. The white enamel cross has gold inlays; gold fleurs de lis are between each arm of the cross and at the top. The cross hangs from a red ribbon with a bow, attached to a gold loop. The obverse inscription is in gold letters against deep blue enamel and says, LUG. M. INST. 1693. The figure is a gold king in blue and white cape against a red background; the figure on the reverse is a sword through a wreath, in green, gold, and white. This cross is likely early 20th century. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 166		Journal Of A Massachusetts Militia Quartermaster Sergeant. The journal of James Humphrey, quartermaster sergeant in Col. Solomon Lovell's regiment of Massachusetts militia, raised to reinforce the Continental Army, 78 written pages with stitched binding, 6¼ x 8 in., covering Dec. 17, 1776-Mar. 27, 1777. Humphrey records the foot march from Dorchester, where he was mustered in, to Scituate, and Danbury, then through New York to Morristown, New Jersey to join General George Washington. The first 24 pages have daily entries of the the troops' activities. The remainder of the pages contain detailed information about the regiment, such as names and ranks of officers; rations and pay information for the companies of Captains Clap, Mann, Badcock, Belcher, Cushing, Everett, and Fairbanks; true copies of General Orders issued by General Benjamin Lincoln (who became Maj. Gen. on Feb. 19, 1777), including the orders "to march with the most of the Militia from the Massachusetts to join General Washington" and to "join his Excelency Genl. Washington at Morris town as Soon as possible." On March 1, 1777, he notes the order: "…Alexander Hamelton Esqr. is appointed aid De Camp to the Commander in Chief and is to be respected and obeyed as Such…" The journal is toned overall with some light soiling; a couple of pages have ragged edges and heavier soiling, but it is very easy to read, being boldly penned by a literate man. Following are some excerpts from the daily entries: (Dec 24,'76) "we hear that General [Charles] Lee is taken by the enemy (Jan 7 '77) "Interesting Inteligence. Early on the 26th of Decr. his Excellency Genl. Washington with about 3000 men crossed the Deleware and at 8 o'clock in the morning engaged the enemy at Trenton who were about 1600 in number and in 35 minutes routed the whole taking 919 prisoners exclusive of killed and wounded [he details the ranks of those captured and the weapons and equipment taken] (Jan 13) "went to Genl Lincolns Quarters;…(Jan14) "the Genls. & Cols march'd forward to Tarrytown with all the troops (Jan. 18) "Genl. Heathe came up…with about 700 men and Col. Lovell with about 300…about a thousand under…Genl. Lincoln was to parade at Daubs [Dobbs] ferry…we took one of Rogers' men" (Jan. 26) "…our troops went to Valentines we have a 24 pounder there and in firing they broke the carriage…" (Jan 29) "…receiv'd orders to march immediately and to parade at Brigadier Moultons Head Quarters…order'd to retreat to Tarrytown…" (Feb 1) "I drew provisions for three Days for five Companies…all the regiments in this place march'd to White Plains" (Feb 3) "…to Day the Artillery men march…to White plains" ((Feb 4) "many cannon heard on the jerseys" (Feb 6) "…we hear of a skirmish with Genl. Washington and the enemy on the Jerseys Shore we have not heard the particular circumstances thereof." (Feb 8) "…to Day we have orders to march…to join his Excellency Genl. Washington…" (Feb 17) "..we hear of innoculating the standing army…" (Feb 24) "…we hear of France together with Prussia has determin'd to proclaim war with great Britain" (Feb 26) "…the Col went to Genl. St. Clair…" (Mar 1) "to Day his Excellency Genl. Washington din'd at Genl. Moultons…" (Mar 2) "..I went to Berskinridge…near where Genl. Lee was taken…Some of our scouts went towards the enemy…two killed and five wounded…" (Mar 7) "…The Soldiers die fast at Morris town there was 6 Coffins made yesterday and there is twenty wanted to Day…" (Mar 8) "I…drew nine Days provision for our regiment viz. 325 men. 3656 ¼ lb of beef 3656¼ lb flour 26½ Candles 35 lb Soap…I hear to Day of Genl Washington being Sick" (Mar 9) "…We hear of Genl. Putnam giving Chase to Genl. How & his Aid De Camps with fifty of the light infantry and took the light infantry and the horses none escaped but Gl. How and his Aid De Camps…" (Mar 13) "…The Capt. presented his Pay roll to the Col. the Sum total is 449:15:6" (Mar 14) "…I broke out with the measles" (Mar 17) "The Col. receiv'd the wages for the regiment and Capt. Clap paid off his men and about 2 o'clock we set out on our march homeward." Humphrey recounts the march home to Dorchester, where he arrives March 27. In addition to detailed information about the regiment, Humphrey included prayers, some tombstone legends he found interesting, lines of some kind of code here and there, and even a couple of poems he wrote--one about George Washington and the Continental Congress ("I love & ever will obey Whate'er the Congress do or Say….") and one about George III ("What George the 3d. by law commands To Certain swiftest ruin tends….") Rarely does such a journal become available. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the serious Revolutionary War collector. Estimated Value $25,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $19,550
Lot 167		Valley Forge Muster Roll of Captain Hugh Maxwell's Company. "A Roll of Capt. Maxwell's Company in Collo. John Bailey's Regt. from the Massachusetts State in the Continental Army in Camp Near Valey Forge, January ye 24th 1778," 12¼ x 14 in (visible), matted with an image from Valley Forge and framed to an overall size of 17¾ x 27½ in. Overall toning; verso is not visible in frame. Together with a copy of The Christian Patriot: Some Recollections of the Late Col. Hugh Maxwell, of Massachusetts, "Collected and Preserved By A Daughter" (New York: S.W. Benedict & Co., 1833), 2nd edition, No. 33 of 50, 146 pp., 5½ x 4 inches, marbled boards, leather spine and gold lettering. Valley Forge, more than any other place associated with the American Revolution, has come to epitomize the suffering and sacrifice, as well as the perseverance and fortitude, of the American Army led by George Washington. Of the 10,000 men stationed at Valley Forge, over 2,500 died, most of them from disease and exposure. Valley Forge also represents the metamorphosis of the American army from ragged, undisciplined troops into a unified fighting force. Hugh Maxwell was lieutenant of a company of minute men who joined Col. Prescott's regiment after Lexington. He was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was commissioned captain May 10, 1775 under Prescott and major July 7, 1777 under Col. John Bailey, with whom he entered Valley Forge in December 1777; they remained there until June 1778. Maxwell was commissioned lieutenant colonel of M. Jackson's regiment August 1, 1782. He was present at the siege of Boston, the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Monmouth, and in the January 1781 attack on De Lancey's Loyalists at Morrisania. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,888
Lot 168		Huntington, Samuel (1731-96) Signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress, and Governor of Connecticut. Partly-printed Document Signed ("Saml: Huntington President") as President of the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, February 24, 1781, 1 pg. oblong folio. Appointing Isaac Bronson "Surgeons Mate in Col. Sheldons Regiment of Light Dragoons…." Countersigned by Joseph Carleton as Secretary of the Board of War. Overall toning and one small fold hole, else Fine condition. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,370
Lot 169		Trumbull, Jonathan (1740-1809) Son of Connecticut's Revolutionary War governor; served as General George Washington's secretary during the Revolution; governor of Connecticut from 1797-1809. Three Documents Signed ("Jona Trumbull") as Governor of Connecticut, all being military commissions for Abel lRossetter. The first is signed at New Haven, October 12, 1799, 1pg. folio, appointing "Abel Rossetter…Lieutenant of the fifth Coimpany in the 27th Regiment of Militia…"; the second is signed at New Haven, October 17, 1804, 1 pg. folio, appointing Rossetter "Captain of the 6th Company in the 27th Regiment of Militia…"; the third is signed at Hartford, May 23, 1809, 1 pg. large folio, appointing major in the 27th regiment. Documents have toning and a few; the third one has a couple of splits and tears. All three large paper seals are present. Overall Very Good. Accompanied by some research on the Rossetter family (3 items). Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $546
Lot 170		1777 Journal With Assessments On Residents Of Chelsea, Mass. A 16-page journal giving "The County & Town Rate for the year 1777." Listed in columns on each page are the men's names, the polls, the rents, and the personal estate income. Titles such as Deacon, Widow, Capt., etc. are given. A note on the 2nd page states that Richard Shutes has an abatement of "½ his minister Rate & non Resident poll taken out…by reason of his being Baptist." Together with a document signed by the selectment of Chelsea, Suffolk County, Mass., dated June 12, 1777, to John Tucksbury, "Surveyor of Highways," giving him a list of the roads he is to "mend" and the amounts he will be paid; paper loss at lower left does not affect main text. Very Good. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $253
Lot 171		Collection of Documents Related to Captain Jonathan Gillet and Family. Over twenty documents and a household account book belonging to Captain Jonathan Gillet and his family, from Lyme, Connecticut, dating from 1742-86. Capt. Gillet served in the 3rd militia company of foot of Lyme, during the Revolutionary War. The documents include a 1775 list of the officers and soldiers required to served in the 3rd Military Company of Lyme, and a 1778 pay order signed by Oliver Ellsworth ("O. Ellsworth") ordering 8 shillings payment to Jonathan Gillet "for Effects taken by the Enemy." Other items include land deeds, receipts, a household account book of some 70 pages, with entries from 1767-1787, and incidental papers. Documents are worn, with toning and some staining; account book has some varmint damage at lower left edge. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,783
Lot 172		Revolutionary War Journal. A 32-page journal, 6½ x 4 inches, the first seven pages being in code, recording official information such as an encouragement to continue in the service of the state of Massachusetts until March 1, 1777 and "to regain the army at or near New York…."; a provision return datelined Camp Fairfield, Oct. 18, 1776, "for 2 Days of Capt Gores company in Coll. McIntosh's Regt. & weekly allowance for 68 men"; a list of the men in Capt. Gore's company; the rations allowed each man; the pay scale of a battalion; a copy of regimental orders; eleven pages listing the names of the men on guard duty from October 12 though November 15, 1776, etc. This journal probably belonged to James Humphrey, who used the same code in another journal. Together with an additional 20 pages, soiled and chipped, containing numerous tables such the diameter of guns and balls, the "composition for Fuzes of Shells of all Natures"; "Weight of powder for Proof Service & Scaling of Brass Ordnance" and another table for iron ordnance; how to figure the time of flight of a cannon ball, and all sorts of intriguing items. A separate page lists marching orders, as if practicing. All toned and soiled but very interesting. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,760
Lot 173		Frederick Chapman. Eli Whitney. Painted, full-length, left-profile silhouette of Revolutionary War officer Elijah Taylor, whose name and "West Borough / 1776" is at bottom center. Whitney holds his rifle in front of him. At lower right is the artist's name, "F. Chapman." Beautifully executed on 11½ x 9½ in. paper. Housed in the original, gilt-painted wooden frame, with several nicks, not affecting the image. Overall size is 13½ x 11¼ in. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $357
Lot 174		Frederick Chapman. Elijah Taylor. Painted, full-length, left-profile silhouette of Revolutionary War officer Elijah Taylor, whose name and "Northhampton / 1780" is in the upper left corner. Taylor holds his rifle in front of him. At lower right are the artist's initials, "F[rederick] C[hapman] / 1880." Beautifully executed on 11 x 9 in. paper. Housed in the original, gilt-painted wooden frame, with several nicks, not affecting the image. Overall size is 14½ x 12¾ in. Taylor was a private in Col. S. Murray's regiment; he enlisted July 13, 1780 and was discharged Oct. 10, 1780. His regiment was raised in Hampshire County (Mass.) to reinforce the Continental Army for three months. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $414
Lot 175		Chapman, Frederick. John Montgomery. Painted, full-length, right-profile silhouette on horseback of Revolutionary War officer John Montgomery, whose name is in the upper left corner. At lower right is the artist's signature, "Frederick Chapman / Philadelphia / 1778." Beautifully executed on a 9¾ x 11¾ in. sheet of paper. Housed in the original, gilt-painted wooden frame, with numerous nicks, not affecting the image. Overall size is 14½ x 16½ in. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,610
Lot 176		Frederick Chapman. Silhouette Of A Young Girl. Painted, full-length, left-profile silhouette of a young girl reaching out to a bird in a bush. At upper left is "Salem / 1779." Beautifully executed on 5½ x 4½ paper. There is some fading to the girl's skirt and writing at lower right is too faded to read; also, a thin tear in paper at lower right. A polaroid of the back of the silhouette, not visible in the frame, says that Frederick Chapman was the artist and that it was taken from life. Housed in the original, gilt-painted wooden frame, with minor nicks. Overall size is 7¼ x 6½ in. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 177		Lossing, Benson J. The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution. First edition of this important Revolutionary War reference work in two volumes. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1851, 576 and 880 pages, plus indices. Marbled boards, end pages, and page edges, with tan leather spines and corners; spines have gold lettering against black backgrounds. Some wear to edges of covers and leather spines, but the interior is tight, clean, and complete. The secondary title is Illustrations, By Pen and Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence. The volumes contain literally hundreds of illustrations. A "must" for the serious Revolutionary War collector. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $460