Lot 516
[Battle of Bennington] Historic Partial Door and Lock, 1777. A relic, 6½" x 12" x 2" from the Battle of Bennington, which took place on Aug. 16, 1777 and was part of the Saratoga campaign. General John Stark, reinforced by men led by Colonel Seth Warner and members of the Green Mountain Boys, defeated a detachment of Burgoyne's army, led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, which had been sent to raid Bennington for horses, draft animals, and other supplies. Some of those supplies were secured by this partial door and lock, which definitely exhibits its age with wood square nail holes in evidence. It was later used in a cabin in Pownal, Vermont. Its story is spelled out on the back of the piece.
The American victory at Bennington was a decisive one, reducing Burgoyne's army in size by almost 1,000 men, and depriving him of much-needed supplies; additionally, his Indian support largely abandoned him. Burgoyne's eventual surrender at Saratoga was a huge psychological victory as well, galvanizing colonial support for independence and bringing France into the war on the American side.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex. The Claude Harkins Collection of Americana.
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| Realized $258 |
