Lot 347
Pershing, John J. Photograph of the 13th machine gun troops, 8th brigade, serving under General Pershing in 1916 during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico in search of Pancho Villa, Signed ("John J. Pershing") in the lower right corner. 5 x 7 inches; signature is a little light. A somewhat faded manuscript inscription to Pershing from the troop is in the upper right corner: "For Reunion and Homag [sic] / Punishment not Intervention / Persuasion by Browning / 13th machine gun troop (s)." The photo is toned and foxed, with some old stains and closed tears; a sticker is in the upper left corner and some patriotic printing is affixed at lower edge. Among the troops can be seen at least two black soldiers. Pershing got his nickname "Black Jack" back in 1895 from his willingness to lead black soldiers into combat. The photo is mounted to the first end page of a worn, leather-bound album, 11 x 14 inches, entitled "Views of the Monuments and Characteristic Scenes Along the Boundary Between the United States and Mexico West of the Rio Grande. 1892-1895"; it holds 258 views "reproduced from photographs taken under the direction of the International Boundary Commission." The scenes have English and Spanish titles. Stamped on the lower edge of the album cover is "U.S. Army Southern Department / Presented By the Men of the 13th Machine Gun Troop to Brig. General John Pershing - 8th Brig. / Nogales, Mexico September 1916." An interesting item for students of military and/or black history.
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
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| Realized $575 |
