Lot 272
Lincoln, Abraham. Partly-printed Document Signed as President, 1p, vellum, 19"x14½", Washington, 1862 May 30. Very fine. Appointing John M. Huntingdon "Assistant Quartermaster of Volunteers, with the rank of Captain in the service of the United States…." Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and docketed at upper left by Adj. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas. The blue War Office seal is intact. At top is an engraving of a Federal Eagle flying amid the thunderbolts of war, while still clutching the olive branch of peace. At bottom is a large engraving of military paraphernalia. Matted and framed to an overall size of 24"x19¾". Included with the document is a 14" high bronzed head of Linclom on a 13"x17" piece of marble.
This piece is a favorite of consignor Jim Ruddy because it was the first item he bought for his Presidential collection in 1970 or 1971. At that time, he was a partner in Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, Inc, then the country's largest numismatic house, and was attending a convention of coin dealers and collectors. Someone came to their bourse table and showed Dave Bowers, who was a Presidential collector, this Lincoln military commission. Dave already had a Lincoln commission but suggested to Jim that he buy it. Jim bought it and hung it where he could see it constantly; every day he walked by it and thought, "Lincoln actually touched that."
In 1996, The Manuscript Society News wrote, "If ever there was a true collector it is James F. Ruddy…A life member who put life back into The Manuscript Society….The author of our economic miracle of the 1980's and very early 90's, Ruddy's service as Auction Chairman…brought our treasury into the stratosphere. He enabled the creation or enhancement of publications programs, scholarships, other awards, the database of manuscripts, expanded annual meetings and replevin battles….A former Society vice president, Ruddy holds our two highest awards--the Fellow and Award of Distinction--and the bulk of the Society's database of autograph catalogues at Temple University is from his own massive holdings now called in his honor, the James F. Ruddy Catalogue Collection…."
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500.
Ex: James Ruddy Collection.
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| Realized $7,475 |
