One of six Union officers to become President!
1054. HARRISON, Benjamin. (1833-1901) In 1862, Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton asked Harrison to recruit and command the 70th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers in the Civil War. Col. Harrison molded his regiment into a well disciplined unit that fought in many battles. His soldiers called him “Little Ben” because he was only 5 feet 6 inches tall. A fearless commander, Harrison rose to the rank of brigadier general. And, by the way, he eventually became President! ADS, a check completely in the hand of Harrison for $14.22, January 12, 1880. Excellent condition, a fine specimen. (Est. $300-400)
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Uncle Joe sends them to
the Lincoln Memorial!
1055. CANNON, Joseph G. (1836-19-26) Cantankerous Illinois Congressman; Speaker of the House, 1903-1911. Typed Letter Signed (“J.G. Cannon”) on House letterhead, 1 page, oblong 8vo, Washington, 8 March 1921, to “the Custodian in Charge Lincoln Memorial”. Signing as a memorial commissioner, Cannon asks a favor for the wife of New York Congressman Dan Reed: “Please admit Mrs. Daniel A. Reed and children to the Memorial and unveil the statue for her.” The Memorial, with its superb statue by Daniel Chester French, did not open to the public for another year. Built under legislation steered through Congress by Cannon and Shelby Cullom (the sole commissioners who had known Lincoln), only Cannon was alive and present for the May 1922 dedication by President Harding and Robert Todd Lincoln. As a young prosecutor in Danville, Ill., Cannon is said to have “quietly disposed” of a trumped-up charge of theft brought for political reasons against Abraham Lincoln’s beloved stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln. He served in Congress for almost 50 years, chaired the 1904 Republican convention which nominated Teddy Roosevelt, and was himself a “favorite son” hopeful for the 1908 nomination. A fun association item! (Est. $80-100)
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1056. BLAINE AND LOGAN! A good pair of political textiles from the 1884 campaign including a portrait flag banner of Blaine (variant of #524 in Threads), 17 1/2 x 25″ together with a 40 x 7 1/2″ name banner “BLAINE AND LOGAN”. Blaine was one of the more powerful and centrist members of the Republican Party, while Logan was a distinguished Civil War veteran The Republican nominees lost to Democrats Cleveland and Hendricks. Portrait flag bears some minor tears which has been reinforced on verso, light dampstains, else very good. Name banner is overall fairly clean. Together, two (2) pieces. (Est. $400-600)
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1057. Civil War-related Samuel Tilden for President broadside. 20 x 29″ broadside titled “War Claims” promoting the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for president in 1876. In the reconstruction period, Republicans attempted to maintain power by insinuating that Democrats, if elected, would attempt to overturn the results of the war passing legislation favorable to the South. In this unique broadside, Tilden’s letter of October 24, 1876 is excerpted. He assures voters he will uphold the provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment dealing with the rights of citizens, not authorize the payment or assumption of the rebel debt, nor pay claims for the loss or emancipation of slaves, nor pay for any loss incurred by disloyal citizens during the war, nor authorize the refunding of the cotton tax. He further pledges to veto any bill that would have the effect of bringing about these results. Some minor chipping to edges, some minor loss to some letters and a tight internal tear. Generally in excellent condition – the only Tilden broadside we have ever seen, significant by virtue of the war-related issues. (Est. $1,800-2,200)
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1058. Celebrating the anniversary of Chickamauga at the battlefield! An interesting broadside, 5 1/2 x 8″ on green paper announcing several public speaking engagements by General Joseph K. Wheeler, likely given late in the century. Given in northern Alabama in the vicinity of Huntsville on the anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga (1863) where he commanded Bragg’s cavalry. The bill notes that “Ladies Specially invited to attend.” Light creases, fine condition. (Est. $80-120)
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1059. A printed broadside 6 3/4 x 11″ promoting an address by former Union General Americus V. Rice in Marion, Ohio on September 25, 1879 imploring fellow Democrats to “Rally to the call of our Standard Bearer. Come Soldiers!” with additional populist slogans, “Down With the National Banks.” and “A Free Ballot and Free Silver!” Very clean and in very fine condition. (Est. $200-300)
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1060. Fond recollections of Lincoln. A group of material from John Boos’s vast collection of Lincoln recollections. (See The Rail Splitter, Fall 2002, for the complete Boos story.) Ten page manuscript, 3p. typescript plus transmittal envelopes. Of interest here are the recollections of the Lamon family, including the recollections of Lucy A. Lamon, who writes in a pair of 1932 manuscript letters, in part: “…You know of course that Ward H. Lamon was my husbands cousin, and I have had many talks with him of Lincoln… Ward Lamon went to the White House before going away on government business and begged Mr Lincoln to not go to the theatre while he was away — but he thought that was foolishness, and would not promise– and was killed while Lamon was away… Mr Lincoln said [‘]I have never read fiction except Shakespear[e’]. In my cousins library Judge Oliver Davis is a copy of Shakespear[e] with words of parts of their copy marked by Lincoln. I have seen Mr Lincoln at my fathers residence. At the time I took my first steps I heard him in my uncle’s grove make a political speech in 1856– and again in 1858…/ I saw him after he became President at the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia when he and Edward Evant [sic Everett] spoke from the balcony of the Hotel…” Offered together with a letter, 194[?] from R. C. Keys together with Boos’s hand-written transcript of Keys’s recollections: “…he [Lincoln] & Father were fond of each other & Father would say Hi Abe & in return would say Hi Graham, Often I would meet Lincoln & Steve Douglas on the streets – side by side, and in the late 50’s saw Mr. Lincoln on the little stage in our first fair grounds…” More good content. Fine condition. (Est. $100-200)
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1061. MARKHAM, Edwin. (1852-1940) Markham was a well-loved poet and author. He penned what has been called one of the most popular poems of all time, “The Man with the Hoe.” He was a true admirer of Lincoln and composed numerous works to memorialize the President including this privately-printed copy of his work, “Lincoln, the Man of the People.” This poem was read by Chief Justice William Howard Taft before 100,000 people at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in 1922. Measures 8 x 10″, boldly signed “Your friend, Edwin Markham,” a lovely presentation piece. (OPEN)
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1062. An original “Lincoln Farm Association” certificate, 8 x 11″, January 20, 1909, for William S. McClellan (any relation?!?), who contributed to the purchase of the Lincoln birth site. (See Rail Splitter #1 for complete details.) Printed by the American Bank Note Company in New York, embossed red seal depicting Lincoln’s portrait, a very clean example. (Est. $100-150)
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1063. Frank McGlynn as Lincoln. Excellent signed photo, 7 x 8″, sepia, signed in pencil and dated New York, July 30, 1920. Signed by McGlynn (1866-1951) soon after the Broadway closing of his breakout performance in the title role of John Drinkwater’s Abraham Lincoln, which ran at the Cort Theatre 1919-20. Following his stage success he went on to play the same role on film in 1924 and he was soon typecast in the role playing Lincoln in numerous films through 1941. A few minor cracks at top, else near fine. (Est. $50-75)
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1064. Another wonderful photograph of a “professional” Lincoln. Signed in 1934, a printed 3 1/2 x 5 1/2″ photograph… this actor is someone we don’t recognize. (OPEN)
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1065. An interesting pair of photographic business cards, one from a District Manager with Lincoln National Life Insurance, the other details the history of the portrait overstamped by a Harry Balskey of Aurora, IL. Fun. (OPEN)
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1066. A pair of Chicago mourning cards both bearing advertisement for “E. H. Stein’s ‘Gold’ Gift Sale” on the verso. A somewhat crass way of advertising that “FOR TWO DOLLARS CAN BE BOUGHT One Sold Silver ring, Marked $5.00.” What a bargin! Light foxing, otherwise very good. (Est. $100-150)
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1067. A beautiful, high-relief shadow-box sculpture: “The Boyhood of Abraham Lincoln.” After the rendering of Eastman Johnson. 9.5 x 10.75″ with depth of almost two inches. By the Petrax Co. for the Annual Lincoln Dinner, National Republican Club, New York City, February 1912, with President Theodore Roosevelt as the guest of honor. The interior of Lincoln’s log cabin is depicted with exacting detail with the young scholar reading by the fireplace. Light brown, minor abrasions, overall fine. (Est. $100-300)
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1068. A gargantuan solid iron bas relief profile, 16 x 22″. An architectural element likely removed from a building, circa 1900. A most impressive, and heavy artifact. (Est. $300-500)
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1069. A wonderful cast bronze bas relief of a seated, reading Lincoln by Louis L. Leach. 14 x 14″ bearing Leach’s hallmark at bottom “LOUS L. LEACH SC. IL” Overall quite clean with some minor pitting, a few scuffs at bottom, overall quite clean. (Est. $400-800)
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1070. The Gettysburg Address Cast in Iron! A curious souvenir piece, a 13 x 19″ cast iron plaque replete with a bas-relief profile bust of Lincoln at top surrounded by laurels and flags, all hand painted above a transcript of “LINCOLN’S GETTYSBURG SPEECH” all in gilded text with a reproduction of his signature below. Light wear, else good. (OPEN)
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1071. A bronze bas relief profile portrait on a 10″ diameter cast bronze medallion. Designed to hang on a wall, the verso bears a small ring for that purpose. Also on verso is a curious wording (also part of the mold) “COMPLIMENTS OF” and thus ready for gift-giving. (Est. $75-100)
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1072. President Abraham Lincoln bronze bookends by the Jennings Brothers foundry. This 19th century casting measures 6″ tall and is quite substantial. (Est. $200-400)
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1073. Lincoln: “The Woodsman.” An idyllic set of painted tin bookends representing a younger Lincoln, 8 1/2″ tall, marked Jennings Brothers “J.B.”. Light wear, else fine. A fine, quite rare issue. (Est. $200-300)
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1074. Lincoln on the Half Shell. An unusual set of metal bookends, 4 1/2″ wide, 6 3/4″ tall, each bearing a bust sculpture of Lincoln before an open shell. Bears a “B & H” foundry mark on reverse. Light pitting and blemishes otherwise quite clean and fine. (Est. $100-150)
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1075. A fine pair of bookends in bronze[?] bearing Lincoln’s head on a pedestal with a wreath laid at the semicircular base. 4 1/2″ wide, 5″ tall. Each marked “WB” on back. One bookend is cracked at the base but is not clearly visible at front. Appear to be from two separate issues. (Est. $80-120)
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1076. “Lincoln at Gettysburg.” A dramatic pair of brass bookends, 8″ tall, titled on back of the base together with the hallmark “K & O Co.” (Est. $80-120)
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1077. Impressive works by the artist James Fraser. President Theodore Roosevelt bronze bookends. These finely cast bronze bookends shows a profile of TR wearing his pince nez glasses. Signed on the back, 5″ tall. Quite functional works of art.
(Est. $400-500)
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1078. Lincoln Sells! A special piece of tin advertising artwork. Created by the Lincoln Tea Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana, circa 1890, this display piece presents a warm, colorful bust on metal, 18 x 21 1/2″. A few scratches and surface abrasions do little to detract from this wonderful display piece. A much smaller version of this very sign was manufactured as the lid for each tin of tea! (We saw an example sell in an advertisement auction for $1,200!) (Est. $400-800)
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1079. A highly stylized portrait of Lincoln in red by R.F. Barlett used for a poster promoting Greater Boston’s Community Fund drive for 1940. 14 x 22″, printed on heavy stock. Light dampstain at top, else fine. (OPEN)
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1080. From the mills of Lawrence, MA! 8 x 15″ silk textile titled: Abraham Lincoln Designed and Woven by Henry Bauer Lawrence Mass. (OPEN)
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1081. 1930 lithograph reprints by A. Hoen & Co. of Baltimore of the 1864 L.H. Stephens cartoons. Six plates, 10 1/2 x 16, black on white, fine. (OPEN)
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1082. An advertisement for the re-release of D.W. Griffith’s Abraham Lincoln (1930) starring Walter Huston as Lincoln, Una Merkel as Ann Rutledge, Kay Hammond as Mary Todd Lincoln and interestingly, Jason Robards, Sr. as Herndon. Framed to 13 1/4 x 17″. (OPEN)
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1083. HUGE meerschaum pipe bowl – a centenial tribute to Abraham Lincoln! An incredibly large meerschaum pipe bowl, 4-5/8″ high, 7 3/4″ long, with the bowl almost 4″ in diameter. The front is carved with a raised wreath around the date “1909” in commemoration of the one-hundredth anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Undoubtedly unique… and quite special! (Est. $400-600)
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1084. Lincoln Commemorative Figural Pipe. An early meerschaum figurative pipe (6″ long) with a rich patina, heavily used. A lovely tribute in excellent condition… displays quite well. (Est. $200-300)
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1085. Lincoln Commemorative Figural Pipe. Another quite fine meerschaum pipe (5 1/2″ long), nice and clean with little evidence of use. (Est. $150-200)
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1086. Lovely Staffordshire gravyboat with mulberry transfer of Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address. Late nineteenth century. One insigificant chip at base, overall a bright example. (Est. $100-150)
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1087. Four (4) fruit berry bowls, 5.25″ in diameter, marked “Homer Laughlin China Co., ‘Historical China – Lincoln as a Rail Splitter, 1834.” Dating from just after the Second World War, these were part of the “Red Series” issued by this legendary company. (Est. $100-150)
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1088. Two Early Lincoln Souvenirs. A fine pair of very early souvenir items, including a molded bust of Lincoln (4″ tall ) produced for Peerless Leather Goods of Mayville, Wis. Together with a ceramic representation of Lincoln’s birthplace (2 1/2″ tall) made in Austria as a promotional item for Van Dyk Teas. (OPEN)
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1089. Mold your own Lincoln! A 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ ceramic (bisque?) mold bearing a profile portrait of Lincoln. We are uncertain as to the exact use, but we encourage creativity with this one folks! Perhaps soap, chocolate? Certainly old… likely late 19th century. (OPEN)
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1090. Making a “sweet” likeness
of Lincoln!
A heavy, pewter ice-cream (chocolate?) mold, two-sided and hinged, 4 1/2″ tall, marked as #597. Old, likely turn-of-the century, really a neat item!
(Est. $300-500)
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1091. A ceramic bas-relief bust 6 x 9″, small chips at edges, surface abrasions lend to the age and patina. (Est. $60-80)
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1092. Small medallion plaque with rather “spiritual” presentation and Lincoln quote. (Gazing up at the crescent moon no doubt provided inspiration to the Commander in Chief!) Bronze, small wall hanging. 2 1/2 x 4″ undated. (OPEN)
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1093. We don’t know! Marked on verso “C.N.R., Third Year, 1937.” Most likely a numismatic convention souvenir from a numismatic or civic society. offering. 1 1/2 x 2″, made of thick bisque or composition material, quite lovely. (OPEN)
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1094. A complete package… with original contents! A 2 x 4″ box of Lincoln Tea, touted as a “Famous Non-Secret Herb Remedy.” This 25-cent package, housed in a “New Style Wrapper Adopted August, 1897,” still includes the tea leaves! A fun item. (OPEN)
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1095. Mary Lincoln Candies! A wonderful mid-1920s store display sign for pharmacist H. Bergman advertising Mary Lincoln Candies for 70¢ per pound. Printed with embossed appliqué lettering in gold and black, the sign features vignette portraits of Mary and Abe. 15 x 12″ overall framed, light soiling, a few minor chips, else very good. (OPEN)
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1096. We don’t recall her ever being described as “sweet…” certainly her candy was! Two (2) Mary Lincoln Candies boxes from early in the century…circa 1920-30s. Made in Buffalo, NY, these treats no doubt delighted many a parlor. One measures approx. 6 x 4″, the other 7.5 x 4.5″, both show light, typical age, one includes red and blue details. (OPEN)
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NEWSPAPERS
The most comprehensive contempory coverage of the War and aftermath… profusely illustrated – a bound set of Harper’s.
1097. Harper’s Weekly. A complete bound run (in 5 volumes) from January 4, 1862 to December 29, 1866 covering all the seminal events of the Civil War and early Reconstruction. INCLUDES: Vol. VI January 4 to December 27, 1862; Vol. VII January 3 to December 26, 1863; Vol. VIII January 2, to December 31, 1864; Vol. IX [mis-titled Vol. IV on spine] January 7 to December 30, 1865; Vol X January 6 to December 29, 1866. Damage to binding including detached boards and missing spines. However overall condition of pages is quite good, very clean with minimal edge wear, quite worthy of being professionally rebound. The contents, quite fresh, include all the battle maps, illustrations, and cartoons that make these classics. A great opportunity! (Est. $3,000-5,000)
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1098. Harpers Weekly, 1862. A good run of 36 issues of the foremost illustrated journal of the mid-nineteenth century dating between January 25 to December 27, 1862. Includes numerous battlefield maps, and illustrations by artists such as Winslow Homer. Most uncut. Typical age soiling and some light mold stains as typical to loose newspapers of this vintage. (Est. $300-500)
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1099. Civil War Newspaper Group. A collection of 31 issues of the Cincinnati Daily Gazette (June 6 to August 14, 1862) and four issues of the Cincinnati Daily Commercial (April 11 to April 16, 1862). The run from the Daily Gazette chronicles the progress of the Peninsular Campaign including the Seven Days before Richmond including telegraph dispatches and letters from the various fronts. The smaller run of the Daily Commercial details the opening of the Peninsula campaign as well a detailed account of Shiloh. Light scattered foxing, creasing, marginal tears, overall very good. Together 35 pieces. (Est. $200-250)
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Everyone who’s ANYONE in Springfield… Even an ad for Lincoln’s law firm!
1100. Daily Illinois State Journal. Springfield, 1858. From Lincoln’s home town with a small, front-page ad for Lincoln & Herndon, Attorneys & Counselors at Law. Also found are ads for other Lincoln associates and colleagues: Moffett, Stuart & Edwards (Lincoln’s earlier partner), the Conklings, Matheny, as well as news on local campaigns and ads for everything… even ambrotype artists! A fun piece from before Lincoln gave up his practice for national office. (Est. $200-300)
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1101. Three issues (3) of the Boston Daily Advertiser, 4p. each, includes: December 21, 1860 detailing New England views on secession; May 16, 1861 on preparations for war; and August 6, 1861 with a good account of First Bull Run. Some weak folds, toning, light age, else very good. Together three pieces. (Est. $200-300)
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1102. Lincoln counters Hunter’s Emancipation Proclamation. A prelude to the Provisional Emancipation Proclamation as published in The Rhode Island Pendulum for May 23, 1862, 4p. Lincoln notes that Hunter’s General Orders of May 9 declaring free the slaves of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida “is producing come excitement and misunderstanding, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln… proclaim and declare that the government of the United States had no knowledge or belief of the intention on the part of Gen. Hunter to issue such a proclamation…” Lincoln however notes he had recommended to Congress that “the United States ought to co-operate with any State which may adopt the gradual abolishment of slavery…” Signed in type by Lincoln. Marginal tears, light foxing else near fine. (Est. $200-300)
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1103. The New York Herald for November 12, 1862, 8p., featuring the text of McClellan’s Farewell to the Army of the Potomac, as well as Lincoln’s order relieving McClellan of command. A very clean example with only minor toning at extreme margins. (Est. $200-300)
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1104. The Army Navy Journal, New York, September 24, 1864, small format (10 x 15″), 14p. Includes news from the Shenandoah, Sherman’s Georgia campaign soon after the fall of Atlanta, the Capture of Fort Morgan, the continuing siege of Petersburg and other news. Advertisements on the last page include many military necessities including artificial eyes and caskets. Binding remnants at right margin, light foxing, else very good. (Est. $200-300)
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1105. Lincoln’s Second Inaugural as printed in The Orange Journal, of Orange, N.J., March 11, 1865, 4p. Includes some terrific advertisements including “Distilled Dew. For the Complexion.” The manufacturer promises it to be “cool and soothing” and will remove “TAN, FRECKLES and DISCOLORATIONS, prevents Wrinkles, Rough and Sallow Cheeks…” and much, much more! Light toning along a couple of folds otherwise very good. (Est. $200-300)
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1106. The New York Times for April 28, 1865, 8p. bearing the breaking news: “BOOTH KILLED” with a full account of the pursuit. Light dampstains left margin a little ragged, else fine. (Est. $200-300)
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1107. The New York Herald Mourns Lincoln. A run of ten consecutive editions of The New York Herald, April 18 to 27, 1865 chronicling the events following Lincoln’s assassination. Includes reports on the conspiracy including the arrests of a variety of suspects, preparations for the funeral, and heavy coverage of the ceremonies surrounding the arrival of Lincoln’s body in New York. Condition varies from very good to fine with some fold separations with minor losses an some marginal chipping. (Est. $500-800)
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Return to 11th Annual Rail Splitter Lincolniana & Civil War Auction
