[MILITIA]. Ordnance Shako, possibly 9th New York Militia, identified to Welles. Manufactured by James S. Smith, New York.
Sale 1046 - American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann
Lots 1-296
Jun 21, 2022
10:00AM ET
Lots 297-560
Jun 22, 2022
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$800 -
$1,200
Sold for $1,375
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[MILITIA]. Ordnance Shako, possibly 9th New York Militia, identified to Welles. Manufactured by James S. Smith, New York.
Visor to crown 5 7/8 in. dark blue-black wool felt and patent leather shako with bonded leather visor and chinstrap with 17mm regimental brass buttons featuring the number "9" on a lined field, leather sweatband with grommets (expected wear to visor and chinstrap, no lacing present to interior grommets); overall length 7 3/4 in., visible 4 5/8 in. red worsted wool plume with gilt flame-motif plume base and brass holder (minor staining to wool); approx. 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 in. die-struck brass pompon ornament featuring crossed cannons superimposed on flaming bomb device; 3 3/4 x 3 1/8 in. gilt die-struck cap plate. Illustrated printed label to crown interior: "James S. Smith / 15 Dutch St. N.Y." Made out in manuscript: "Welles / Sergt. A Gd. 9th."
The cap plate features a variant New York State Seal surrounded by a laurel wreath and a riband reading "Ratione Aut Vi." [By Reason or By Force]. The pompon ornament features artillery crossed cannons superimposed on ordnance insignia of a bomb with flame. A very similar cap is in the collection of the National Museum of American History (AF.61063M) identified to the 1st Regiment of Artillery, Pennsylvania Militia. The same cap is illustrated on p. 302 of Campbell and O'Donnell where they note the "rare regimental insignia. In the absence of a state uniform, each independent unit purchased and retained its own distinctive uniform." Continuing in a discussion of the pompon ornament: "There were no state regulations regarding insignia. This device was part of a standardized uniform adopted by a single regiment in the late 1850s."
The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann
Condition Report
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.