| Sale: | Private Collection Thursday March 18th at 6:00 p.m. IMPORTANT AUCTION OF HISTORIC ARMS, MILITARIA, AMERICANA AND ARTWORK FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF JAMES L, KOCHAN The Lukens-Lenox Papers, c. 1740-c. 1870 |
| Sale Items | ||
 1 Eugene Leliepvre (1906-present), c. 1980 French Carignan-Salieres Regiment in Canada, 1665-1668 Signed gouache on artist’s board, 17 x 14 in.* The Carignan-Salieres Regiment sailed for French Canada in April 1665, arriving in Quebec in mid-June. Their “uniforms” were coat and breeches of brown, lined and faced with gray and white. Considered to be the first large regular unit of any army to be sent to North America, they are also the second French regiment to have been equipped with flintlock muskets and plug bayonets, although some of them may have retained their matchlock arms. Note the similarity between the musket carried by the second figure from the left and the early example discussed below. The late Eugene Leliepvre was military painter to the Musee de l’Armee and a recognized expert on French military dress. $500/600 Provenance: deaccessioned from the Company of Military Historians Museum, May 2001 | ||
 2 Rare French Flintlock Musket of the Magasin Royal, c. 1690-1710 Length: 63 ¼ in. Barrel: 46 ½ in. x 0.74 bore Lockplate: 8 3/8 x 1 ¾ in. Weight: 14.8 lbs. An extremely fine and rare example of an early French military musket produced in St. Etienne under contract for the Magasin Royal in the Bastille. The lockplate bears the maker’s mark ‘LOUIS/CARRIER’ (Jean Louis Carrier, 1654-1741) behind the cock and ‘MAGASIN/ROYAL’ before, in addition to the royal sun inspection stamp attributed to the arsenal’s director, Maximilien Titon. The barrel bears the stamp ‘M:DUTREVILLE’ (a Parisian gunmaker working at the close of the 17th century) above the vent and a proof mark: crown/L. On the thumbpiece of the wrist are engraved the French royal arms, flanked by crossed palms. The Royal Magazine was first established in 1665 to procure and store proper military arms for the royal household troops and regiments of the army, for which the colonels would then apply for issue. The Magasin Royal and its procurement programs were superceded with the establishment of the royal manufactories at St. Etienne and Charleville and the standardization of French arms (beginning with the 1717 fusil and rampart musket). This is the only known, surviving example of a Magasin Royal flintlock musket of this pattern, although a near-identical c. 1690 matchlock version, also by Carrier, is in the Brunon collection at the Musee l’Emperi. The substantial lockplate and weight suggests that this may have been a rampart musket of the pre-1717 configuration, although the Brunon example is furnished with a plug bayonet. In the 1697 and 1741 editions of St. Remy can be seen a plate showing a matchlock rampart musket similar to the Brunon example; there is also a plate for the flintlock fusil ordinaire or light musket (showing forestock configurations for both socket and plug bayonets), but with identical form of lock, engraved thumbpiece, and iron mountings as found on this extant heavy or rampart musket. $15,000/18,000 Provenance: arms collection of the former Counts (later Princes) Salm-Reifferscheidt. Literature: Max von Ehrenthal. Die Waffensammlung des Fursten Salm-Reifferscheidt zu Schloss Dyck, no. 273, 22085; Musee de l’Emperi staff. Armes a Feu Francaises de l’Armee et de la Marine de 1650 a 1918 (1972), no. 2; Saint-Remy. Memoires d’Artillerie...Mousquets, Fusils... 2 vols. (2nd ed; La Haye: 1741) I: 319-330. | ||
 3 Unpublished Journal of Marylander John Lloyd during the 1741 Siege of Cartagena. Probably hand-made by the author from loose sheets of writing paper; folded in half vertically to form a small, oblong (6 ¾ x 3 1/8 in.) journal of 20 leaves and sewn in two signatures using a heavy, natural linen thread.. The covers and endpapers (if there ever were any) are now missing. The linen thread or cord and pages are partially loose and there are some small areas missing on a few pages--apparently from rodent gnawing. There is light age toning to the paper, but the iron gall ink is still dark and the text quite legible. Original documents relating to this famous, but unsuccessful amphibious expedition are extremely rare and only a few journals are known. This is the only extant account of the campaign by a member of the American Regiment, originally raised in 1740 by Governor Alexander Spottswood of Virginia to consist of four battalions totaling more than 3000 troops (largely recruited in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware). Upon Spottswood’s death, Lieutenant Governor William Gooch of Virginia succeeded to its command. The regiment shared the heavy combat casualties of the other land forces in combat against the Spanish during the siege, but most of its appalling 90 percent casualty rate were due to dysentery, tropical fevers and scurvy (Lawrence Washington, eldest half-brother of George Washington, served as a captain in this ill-fated regiment and never fully recovered his health from fever contracted incident to this failed expedition). This journal’s author, Captain John Lloyd “Lived in Maryland upon his own Fortune, where he Raised his Company at his own Expence, was wounded upon the Attack of Fort Lazare” and was described as “of good character” by General Wentworth, the commander of the British land forces during the siege. Lloyd’s narrative consists of 26 pages of written text, with the first entry beginning on 16 FEB 1740/41 (old calendar), when Captain Lloyd’s certificate for his company is presented to Colonel Gooch. The journal resumes 9 March 1741 with the investment of the city and concludes on 16 April 1741 with Lloyd’s laconic remark, “so heres an End to ye: Bush fight at Cathergena” upon Admiral Vernon’s abandonment of the siege. Unlike most of the American officers on the expedition, Lloyd was held in high esteem by the senior British officers and was given command of a detachment (that may have included Captain Washington) that served in the van of the army, skirmishing with Spanish troops and also taking part in the various sorties against the entrenched garrison. He and his command took part in the disastrous frontal assault on heavily-fortified and -defended St. Lazar, described in his own words as follows: ye: Enemie kept an Incessant fire on us while we advanced, & at 4 wee got under ye: Walls, & began our ffire which we Contined till 8 of ye: Clock, when wee found it Impracticable to Continue any longer & was Obliged to Retreat with great Preciptation while our Enemie kept ffireing on us, Wee had Killd or Wounded near 700 Men, but ye: greatest part Kill’d Dead on ye: Spott, wee was so Near ye: Walls, that wee Coud here our Enemies say in English Words, God Dam You why dont you lower ye: Muzells of ye: Guns, lower ye: Muzells, & fire away. I am sorry that some of our Subjects Eys are not as yet Open. His account of the siege is both compelling and refreshingly honest, with no sign of the partisanship found in the few other surviving journals or memoirs of the campaign (which were nearly all written by senior British Army and Royal Navy officers and published shortly after the failed campaign to exonerate themselves and lay blame on the other service respectively). The journal comes with supplementary, primary source documentation on Captain Lloyd and the service of Gooch’s American Regiment, discovered by this writer while researching the journal. 20,000/25,000 Literature: Admiralty Office, Class 106/99 and Class 36/2238; Colonial Office, Class 318/3; Treasury Office, Class 1/311--all in the British National Archives at Kew; Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1735-53 (Baltimore: MHS, 1908), 226. |
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 4 British Sergeant’s Halberd, 1740-1780 Overall L: 65 in.; Shaft: 53 ¾ in. L x 1 in. dia.; Head (incl. straps): 18 in. The classic example of the sergeant’s polearm as it had evolved by the 2nd half of the 18th century. The original haft is still affixed to the head, although is has been shortened and there is a period repair to a crack approximately mid-way down. The flat combination axe-blade/beak is a sheet of iron that passes through a slot cut in the shaft of the spear-head; the 6 ¼ in. L point of the latter unscrews. $1400/1600 | ||
 5 A Private of the 4th, or King’s Own Regt., in 1742 Watercolor on paper, laid down on board, 7x 4 7/8 in. (view)* Early 19th century watercolor taken from the 1742 “Clothing Book”: A Representation of the Clothing of His Majesty’s Household, and of all the Forces Upon the Establishment of Great Britain and Ireland. $100/200 Provenance: “belonged to General Breton who joined the Regiment in August 1815, and served with it in the West Indies, Australia and Madras...”[inscription on the 19th century mat]. | ||
 6 Hogarth’s The Invasion: France and England (2) Third states; plate-marks: 11 3/8 x 14 ¾ in. and 11 7/16 x 14 5/8 in., respectively, with wide margins; engraved and published by the artist, London, 1756. Published at the beginning of the Seven Year’s War, when a French invasion of Britain was feared, Hogarth rushed out this companion pair of prints. Billed as “Proper to be Stuck up in publick Places”, they are considered to be early examples of wartime propaganda posters; Hogarth’s cruder style of execution with heavier gravure (in contrast to the March of the Guards above) support the intent of multiple impressions. They contrast half-starved, unwilling French soldiers behind forced to board transports (while their officer roasts frogs for a meal) against well-fed, motivated British troops waiting to receive them (with a patriotic, undersized lad standing on tip-toes to meet the minimal height requirements for enlisting). $800/1200 Provenance: acquired from William Synnamon, 1999 | ||
 7 John Radborn (fl. 1745 -1776) [radborn2, ralbor1 Military or Naval Officer’s Silver-Hilt Smallsword Overall length: 39 in. Blade: 32 ¼ x 1 1/8 in. This fine, martial smallsword was illustrated and discussed in J. D. Aylward’s seminal work, The Small-Sword in England, in which it was then incorrectly identified as the craftsmanship of John Rowe. However, the hilt bears London hallmarks for 1752/53 and the JR maker’s mark of John Radborn, arguably one of the finest English silver-hilt makers and sword cutlers of the 18th century. The guard is of double-shell form and it, the ricasso, and pommel are finely pierced and chased with rococo military and naval motifs--clearly intended to appeal to an officer in either service. The wooden grip is wrapped with silver wire roping and ribbon; and the colichemard blade retains traces of its original etched decoration. The original scabbard is vellum-covered wood with silver mountings and cloth liner; the locket bearing in pricked letters: Bennett/Royal Exchange, a well-known merchant-cutler in London. $2800/3200 Provenance: collection of J. D. Aylward Literature: J.D. Aylward. The Small-Sword in England (London: 1960), plate 36A; Southwick (2001), 202, 284-90. |
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 8 Regimentally-Marked Dog-Head Hanger Length: 32 ½ in. Blade: 27 x 1 ¼ in. Weight: 1.8 lbs. Hangers, or short swords, were carried by enlisted ranks in British infantry regiments until they were abolished for all but sergeants, grenadiers and musicians by the 1768 royal warrant. The 27-inch blade on this example (with the running fox mark associated with cutler Samuel Harvey and a crown/6 Ordnance inspection stamp), suggests that this sword was likely a sergeant’s model. This is further supported by the ‘D/4’ engraved on the right lobe of the guard (re-engraved from ‘D/1’); this would signify that the hanger was turned over to the armourer for repairs or possibly placed in store, before being re-issued to another non-commissioned officer--as such low numbers would indicate. Use of the “dog headed hangers” has generally been documented to regular British infantry regiments, but the ‘M=NORTHAMPTON’ on the left lobe indicates a later Ordnance issuance of old stocks, as hangers were authorized for all enlisted militiamen until nearly the close of the century. At least six different variants of the now-rare, dog-head-pommel hangers are currently known. $1900/2200 Provenance: Charles Czap Collection; sold Butterfields, 8 Nov. 2001, lot 5873 Literature: Don Troiani, “British Infantry Swords of the American Revolution”, Man at Arms (DEC 1996), 34-43, 46-48. | ||
 9 British Hanger with Scabbard, 1730-1770 Overall length: 29 in Blade: 23 ¾ x 1 ¼ in. Weight: 1.4 lbs. (w/o scabbard): This fine specimen of the classic, brass-hilted hanger that saw use by British foot troops through much of the 18th century has come to be incorrectly known among collectors today as the “1742 infantry hanger.” This is due to the depiction of hangers similar to this form in the 1742 Clothing Book, although the pattern was clearly in use both prior to-, and following this period. Principally thought of as an infantry weapon, it was widely used by artillery and other specialist foot troops, as well. This particular example was discussed and illustrated by the late Tony Darling in his article on the subject. It still retains its original scabbard and the blade is stamped with its maker’s name, HARVEY, while ‘C/33’ is engraved on inside of the heart-shaped crossguard. $1900/2200 Provenance: Anthony J. Darling Collection | ||
 10 Iron-Hilt Hanger with Side-Branch, c. 1750 Length: 31 in. Blade: 24 ¼ x 1 1/8 in. Weight: 1.8 lbs. To this writer’s knowledge, this sword has never been illustrated or discussed in any work published dealing with Colonial-Revolutionary War period edged weapons, yet its use as a standard pattern among some British regiments of the mid-18th century is indisputable. It is a form rarely encountered in British collections and while not common, a few examples have been noted in important, private collections in America. The blade and guard were heavily-pitted and subsequently cleaned and no markings are readily discernable, but others have blades marked to Samuel Harvey and at least one is known with regimental markings. The single side-branch is commonly ascribed for grenadier usage, yet the shorter blade found on all specimens with this hilt would suggest a more likely use by battalion companies. While the guard and pommel are iron, the grip is cast-brass in imitation of a wire- or cord-wrapped wooden grip (similar to that on the dog-head hanger above, but more rounded) and unique to this pattern. Iron-hilted hangers seem to have been preferred for active service over brass-mounted ones, especially in America, possibly due to their more rugged construction and cheaper cost; indeed, complete new sets of such hangers were issued to Braddock’s two regiments in 1755. This campaign- vs. parade-use may account for the relative scarcity of such arms today. 900/1200 | ||
 11 French Grenade-Launcher/Hand-Mortar, c. 1754 Length: 24 ½ in. Barrel: 8 ¼ in. x 3 ¼ in. bore Lockplate: 6 ½ x 1 3/8 in. Weight: 14.8 lbs. The French employed hand-held grenade-launchers (also known as hand-mortars) during the 18th century, yet due to their scarcity today (and paucity of surviving records, it is supposed) little has been found in published works. This fine example and another of the same pattern are known to this writer (there is a possible third illustrated in Gilkerson); both have French 1754 locks, identical cast-brass barrels, and brass hardware. The “Roman-nose” butt configuration of the arm is very much in keeping with the M1754 musket, although the shape of the brass buttplate is more reminiscent of the M1733 carbine. A similar example, but with a Model 1763 plate and a slightly-longer barrel, has also been examined. All share another feature: the use of what appear to be rounded British Land Pattern sideplates. The lockplate on this example bears a faint, engraved CARRIER (?) and the crown/SE inspection stamp of St. Etienne arsenal below the pan. It is believed that these were standard arms (of at least two production periods--1754 and 1763) produced under contract with the Ministry de la Marine, as with the St. Etienne-made Marine muskets. The use of brass hardware, as opposed to iron, found on the rare 1766 and later 1777 Marine muskets tends to support this contention. Whether intended solely for shipboard use or also for issue to the land-based Troupes de la Marine is currently unknown. Note the extant short branch and buckle of the original musket sling mounted to the lower sling-swivel; buckles of this pattern have been recovered from French & Indian War sites. $8000/12,000 Literature: William Gilkerson. Boarders Away. II (Lincoln, RI: Mowbray Publishing, 1993), 36-37. |
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 12 John Kay (2) Shon Dow [John Dow, 1784] Drawn and etched in 1784, 2 7/8 x 2 5/8 in. (plate) with full margins, struck from original plate and published posthumously by Hugh Paton, Edinburgh, 1837.* John Kay (1742-1826) was an engraver and painter of miniatures, who spent most of his life in Edinburgh. This caricature-portrait is of the beloved Highlander John Dow, as he appeared later in life as a member of the Civic Guard of Edinburgh--the armed police or civic militia of the city. He wears the uniform of that body and is armed with a lochaber axe. However, he had previously served with great merit in the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment, in which he was right-hand man of the grenadiers. He fought at Ticonderoga and the regiment’s other actions during the French & Indian War, being discharged at war’s end. With another Kay etching of the Guard-House in Edinburgh. $40/50 | ||
 13 Other Rank’s Pattern Highland Backsword, c. 1755-1783. Overall length: 36 5/8 in. Blade: 30 x 1 ¼ in. Weight: 2.4 lbs. Rare and fine example of the standard pattern, Highland backsword issued to “other ranks” (enlisted men) of regular Highland regiments of infantry in the British Army from c. 1755 until 1783. Ironically, these pattern arms were not of Scottish manufacture, but made under contract by the Board of Ordnance with the prominent London cutlers Dru Drury and Nathaniel Jefferys. This fine specimen bears the stamp: ‘crown/GR/DRURY’ upon both faces of the blade. $3400/3600 Literature: Anthony D. Darling. Weapons of the Highland Regiments, 1740-1780 (Bloomington, ONT: Museum Restoration Service, 1995); Coates and Kochan (1998), 15-17. | ||
 14 After Mark Tiddeman A Draught of New York from the Hook to New York Town Engraved on laid paper with period linen backing, printed for W. Mount and T. Page, Tower Hill, London, nd. (c. 1755); 18 x 23 in., with minor loss in the lower left quadrant and on the two lower corners, not affecting geographical features of map. $300/400 | ||
 15 After the Chevalier de Marechais Plan of the Town of Cayenne and Fort St. Michael Engraved map-plan by Thomas Jefferys, np., nd., 13 x 14 ½ (plate) $250/350 |
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 16 Jean Baptiste LePaon (c. 1736-c. 1785) French Dragoons Attacking Prussian Hussars Brown and grey watercolor wash, heightened by white, over pencil, on laid paper (watermarked “BLAUW”) and signed ‘LePaon’ at center bottom; 13 7/8 x 9 7/8 in. Known as a painter of battles scenes and as an engraver, LePaon was born on the outskirts of Paris in either 1736 or 1738. At the beginning of the Seven Year=s War he enlisted in the French dragoons and was served in the Hanover campaign, during which he was wounded and obtained a discharge in 1756. After recovery, he went to Paris and submitted drawings made during the war to Boucher and Carl Van Loo, who encouraged perseverance in his artistic endeavors; he thereafter became a pupil of Casanova. Le Paon first exhibited at the Salon in 1779. He soon obtained a reputation as a painter of military scenes and was nominated principal painter to the Prince of Conde. LePaon drew on his own firsthand military service and perhaps his wartime sketchbook for the theme of this fine drawing, a skirmish between French dragoons and Prussian hussars at a crossroads. The French dragoons seemingly have the upper hand over the famous Death’s Head troopers (so known for the device worn on their mirliton or cylindrical caps) in this chance encounter while scouting or foraging in front of their armies. $3000/4500 | ||
 17 Jean Baptiste LePaon (French c. 1736-c. 1785) French Grenadiers at Rest Brown and grey wash, heightened by white, over pencil on laid paper (watermarked “BLAUW); 13 7/8 x 9 7/8 in. The Seven Years’ War, like most conflicts, consisted largely of marches, encampments, and counter-marches, interspersed with a few skirmishes and pitched battles. In this scene, LePaon shows a party of French grenadiers in their bearskin caps enjoying a smoke and drink--the latter served by a local femme--with a church steeple of a nearby village dominating the skyline behind them. All of the grenadiers, however, are under arms but without knapsacks and two are posted as sentries, scanning the countryside around them. As such, this view probably represents a picket or advanced guard post for an army encampment, rather than soldier resting from a recent march. $3000/4500 | ||
 18 Joshua Holt’s Wilson Musket Length: 61 ½ in. Barrel: 45 ¾ in. x 0.76 bore Lockplate: 6 5/8 x 1 ¼ in. Weight: 8.4 lbs Andover, Massachusetts native Joshua Holt (1730-1810) began a record of military service spanning nearly 25 years when he enlisted in Captain John Wright’s company of Dwight’s Massachusetts Provincial Regiment at the beginning of the French & Indian War. He served as sergeant during the campaign of 1755-56 and was later promoted to ensign in Osgood’s Regiment, serving with the companies of Captains Samuel Phelps and Benjamin Ames through 1762. When the first shots were fired at Lexington-Concord on 19 April 1775, Holt was a member of the Committee of Safety and commander of the fourth Andover “minute” company. Holt responded to the alarm that day, marching his company 46 miles armed and accoutered “from their Alarm post to Cambridge” and returning the following day. Holt continued in service as captain in the 4th Essex Regiment until 19 July 1779, when he petitioned the Massachusetts Council, noting that in “the Term of Seventeen Years past [he] received Several Commissions....Before the present war Commenced he was determined to resign...but when the difficulties arose among us: [his] Company...showed their desire that he would Continue with them...but by reason of some infirmity and fatigue of Mind as well as body” now wished to resign (approved on 8 September). Holt as later chosen as a member of the Constitutional Convention and was a representative to the General Court of Massachusetts from 17880-1800. Holt’s musket is one of two patterns of light muskets produced by Richard Wilson that are known to have been purchased for various American colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. This example is the rare, early pattern used in the French & Indian War by provincial troops. A near-identical example with known French & Indian War usage is in a Massachusetts historical society, in addition to a “NEW JERSEY” marked specimen in the Robert Nettolo collection (the remains of identical New Jersey-marked muskets were recovered from Sabbath Day Point--where the “Jersey Blues” were ambushed in 1758--and other Lake George sites). The unusual, cross-shaped thumbpiece on the wrist of the butt is an American modification--the Wilson muskets of this pattern had no thumbpieces. The buttplate tang of Holt’s musket is engraved with his name and the date 1756--coinciding with his first enlistment in the Massachusetts Provincials, although it is believed that he also carried this arm on the Lexington alarm. Similar markings are noted on other documented New England pieces and verified in militia arms returns. The musket was converted to percussion by a simple cone-in-barrel alteration sometime in the 19th century, although the original pan and much of the lock configuration was retained. It was reconverted in the early 1960s by Charles Stearns, who also made the reproduction wooden ramrod. $9000/12,000 Provenance: Paul E. Hansell Collection; the late John J. (“Jack”) Callan Collection Literature: Paul E. Hansell, “Captain Holt’s Musket”, The Gun Report (NOV 1967), 28-30. | ||
 19 After Benjamin West The Death of General Wolfe Mixed method engraving by Augustin Le Grand, early state with unfinished dedication and no publication date (c. 1776?); 18 1/8 x 23 ¾ in. with wide margins.* The famous scene of Wolfe’s death in 1759 on the Plains of Abraham, at the point in the battle when a British victory has become certain. His opponent, the Marquis de Montcalm fell in the same action and Quebec surrendered shortly thereafter. The painting catapulted West to the forefront of the British artistic community and helped achieved lasting immortality to the victorious general. $900/1200 |
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 20 Jonathan Carver. Travels Through the Interior Parts of North-America, in the Years 1766, 1767, and 1768. London: Printed for the Author [by] J. Walter, MDCCLXXVIII. [end papers, title page and plates missing, but photocopies provided], iii-iv, 360 pp., [14 pp. list of subscribers]; in original 18th century leather binding with maroon label on spine (chipped). Rare, first edition of Carver’s account of explorations in the upper Great Lakes-Mississippi River conducted while serving under Major Robert Rogers, then-commandant at Fort Michilimackinac. After a brief discussion of his travels, Carver (a former Provincial officer), devotes most of the work to a detailed discussion of the Indians of the region, including dress, warfare methods, and lifeways, plus a Chippewa vocabulary. $150/200 | ||
 21 After Elkanah Tisdale (1771-?) The Battle of Lexington (2) Engraved and published by Cornelius Tiebout, New York, 1798; 16 x 20 ¼ in., within early 19th century eglomise mat and frame. Tisdale was a Connecticut-born, miniature painter and engraver who worked in New York City from 1794-1798. Born in that city, Tiebout (c. 1773-1832) went to London in 1793 to study engraving from James Heath, returning three years later. The Tisdale-Tiebout collaboration led to this rare print, one of the few engravings produced by the latter in his native city, as he moved to Philadelphia in 1799. It depicts the 19 April 1775 clash on Lexington Green--“the shot heard round the World”--that signalized the beginning of eight years of armed conflict. When acquired, the map was laid-down to a period wooden stretcher; it has been removed by a paper conservator and reinstalled in its original frame in a conservation mount; the original stretcher also accompanies this piece. $2200/2500 Provenance: Appell Family Collection Literature: Stauffer 3213; Stokes & Haskell 1775-B-90 | ||
 22 [Congressman Ward and Future Hero McLane:] Allan McLane 1 page octavo ADS, np. (Philadelphia), 13 January 1775 Samuel Ward (1725-1776), Newport merchant and former governor of Rhode Island, became a delegate to the 1st Continental Congress in 1774. During the 2nd Continental Congress, Ward often presided over the Committee of the Whole and he is credited with proposing and helping secure the appointment of George Washington as commander-in-chief. He died of smallpox in Philadelphia on 26 March 1776 and thereby, was not a “signer”. This document is Ward’s bill from Allan McLane & Son, merchant-leather breeches makers of Philadelphia and Wilmington, for “1 pair Breeches & waistcott, of Leather...a pr of neatest Gloves....” and similar items to the for his servant, for which McLane acknowledged payment on the reverse. Allan McLane (1746-1829), famed partisan leader, was born in Philadelphia, the son of a Scottish merchant. McLane followed in his father’s footsteps, establishing himself as a purveyor of leather breeches in Philadelphia and Delaware. In July 1775, his father died, leaving him a goodly estate. Months later, McLane began his distinguished military career fighting as a volunteer at the battle of Great Bridge. He later served with great merit in the 1776 campaign and was promoted for gallantry at Princeton. As captain in a Continental Regiment, he expended most of his fortune equipping and paying his company, which operated as an independent corps through 1779. His command became well-known for their daring raids and reconnaissance work and were merged into Lee’s Legion in July 1779. It was now-Major McLane who entered Stony Point in disguise in advance of Wayne’s attack to provide critical, last minute intelligence. Sadly, he and the young, aristocratic “Light Horse Harry” Lee clashed and McLane spent the remainder of the war on special duties, eventually resigning his commission at the close of 1781. He later became collector for the port of Wilmington, Delaware, a post kept for his final 33 years, commanding its defense during the War of 1812. Very little of this Revolutionary War hero’s papers have survived, especially for the wartime period, and examples are highly sought-after. $500/800 Provenance: Sale of the Ward Family Papers, 1664-1855, in Charlotte and Edgar Sittig Collection Sale, Horst Auctions, 22 May 1999. | ||
 23 After Gilbert Stuart Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland Mezzotint engraving by Charles Turner, published London, 18 Nov. 1804; 19 ¾ x 13 ¾ (plate), 21 x 15 ½ in. (margins)* Hugh, Earl Percy (Duke of Northumberland in 1786) was the colonel of the 5th Regiment of Foot from 1768-1784 and a Member of Parliament, who although opposed to the Crown’s policies towards her American colonies, went to Boston in 1774 as a brigadier general. During the Lexington-Concord battles, he commanded the relief column that saved advance column from possible annihilation. Given the rank of major general, he led a division at the battle of Long Island and is said to have been the first British officer inside the American lines at the taking of Fort Washington. Percy’s disagreements with Sir William Howe over the conduct of military operations led to his request to be relieved of command and he returned to England in June 1777. This mezzotint was taken from the Stuart’s 1785 portrait of this exceptional officer, who is shown wearing his general’s uniform with the Order of the Bath embroidered on the left breast. $500/600 |
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 24 Virginia 1775 Convention Note for 5 pounds DS, Philip Johnson and John Tazewell, 17 July 1775 This note, No. 20/1984, has suffered some loss to its center from having been once folded into quarters; the document has been professionally conserved, the separations along fold lines mended and the entire note laid-down with wheat paste on Japanese tissue. Toned. $150/200 | ||
 25 James Mitchell Varnum, Continental Army General, Congressman, Lawyer, Judge ADS, octavo: Invoice for legal services rendered in “Jona. Greene vs. Wm. Hubbart”, octavo, np (RI?), nd Varnum (1748-1789) was expelled from Harvard in 1768 for participating in student disorders and subsequently graduated with honors the following year as part of the first class of Rhode Island College (now Brown University). He responded to the Lexington Alarm and served throughout the siege of Boston. May-December 1775, he served as colonel of the Rhode Island Regiment and in 1776, the 9th Continental. He was appointed brigadier general on 27 February 1777 and commanded a brigade of Rhode Island and Massachusetts troops, resigning his commission in March 1779 to attend to attend to critical, neglected business (during which he also served as a brigadier general, Rhode Island militia). He was elected to the Continental Congress (serving two terms: 1780-82 and 1786-87) and afterwards appointed judge of the Northwest Territory in August 1787, serving in that capacity until his death. $200/400 | ||
 26 Two Connecticut Signers ADS, 1 page, Norwich, September 1782 This document is “The Debenture of the Judges of the Superior Court for the August & September circuit 1782”, in which two Declaration signer’s (Roger Sherman and Samuel Huntington) signatures are affixed. Huntington (1731-1796) was elected president of Congress in 1779, but took a leave of absence for poor health on 6 July 1781, returning in 1783 for a final year. Sherman (1722-1793) is the “Quadruple Signer”--the only man to sign to four most important Congressional documents: The 1774 Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States. Like Huntington, he served as delegate from 1774-81 and again during 1783-84, in addition to rendering important service to his state. $1200/1500 | ||
 27 Drummer’s Belt of the Royal Welsh Fuzileers, c. 1775 Belt: buff leather, 2 ¾ in. wide x 49 in. long overall; drumstick: 15 ¾ in. long This rare example of a British drummer’s belt is of a form worn during the 18th century. It consists of a piece of belting, one end lapped over the other and sewn-down to form a frog. The frog is pierced by three holes, which would accommodate the cord or thong used to tie the snare drum to the belt (this method would be replaced by a metal hook system in the 19th century). It is possible that the drummer’s belt may have been created from a British cartridge pouch belt, as the width is the same as that prescribed during 1768-1784. The belt has been shortened at least one time in its history; this alteration is evident from the empty stitch- and rivet holes left behind when the brass-reinforced keeper for the drumsticks was reattached further up the belt. Only one of the two drumsticks survive; it has a head or tip made of horn and the other end is encased with a brass ferrule or cap, on which is engraved the regimental badge. For the Royal Welsh Fuzileers, this badge or device consisted of the Prince of Wales feathers over a scroll, bearing the motto ‘Ich Dien’ (I Serve). The 23rd or Royal Welsh Fuzileers was one of fifteen “ancient” infantry regiments authorized to wear their regimental badge on their drums, grenadier caps, colours and other appointments. $2500/3500 |
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 28 Rhode Island Regiment, 1779 David Johnson, ADS (5), all small octavo, various dates (1779) Five promissory notes and receipts signed by Lieutenant David Johnson and endorsed by other parties for traveling expenses to Hartford and supplies (East Greenwich) during 1779. Johnson was commissioned ensign in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment on 1 January 1777 and promoted to lieutenant the following month, serving until 1780. $50/75 | ||
 29 Frederick E. Ray, Jr. (American, fl. 1940-1960s, d. 2000) The Night March to Trenton Pen and ink on illustration board, 11 ½ x 14 ½ in.* The original artwork for a booklet on Washington’s Crossing and the battles for Trenton and Princeton. Pennsylvania-native Ray was an illustrator of note, principally known for his historical illustrations and series of historical booklets. $100/150 Provenance: Frederick E. Ray estate, 2001 | ||
 30 [Edward Antill] Printed document, 12 mo. Rare blank Continental Army printed “Morning Report” for a company, docketed on verso “Specie Certificate taken of Col. Antill for a Cow.” Edward Antill was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the famous 2nd Canadian or “Congress’s Own” Regiment on 22 January 1776. He was taken prisoner during a raid on Staten Island 22 August 1777, exchanged the following year and served for the remainder of the war, including commanding the regiment at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. $175/225 | ||
 31 R. Wilkinson after Pierre-Eugene du Simitiere General Horatio Gates Mixed method engraving on paper, 4 3/8 x 3 5/8 in. (image area), published London 1783. After serving with distinction during the French & Indian War, Gates resigned his commission in the British Army and settled in (West) Virginia in 1772. He was the first adjutant general of the Continental Army and was promoted to major general in 1777, serving as field commander of the Northern Army. In this capacity, he presided over the defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga and drafted the controversial terms of capitulation. This engraving was pirated from the 1781 Parisian engraving, made from an original profile drawing of General Gates taken by du Simitiere in Philadelphia, sometime during 1778-80. $250/350 |
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 32 After John Graham The Burial of General Fraser Stipple engraving by W. Nutter, published by John Jefferys, 1 Nov. 1794; 19 x 24 in. (plate) Brigadier General Simon Fraser commanded the Advance Corps of Burgoyne’s army and distinguished himself at the battle of Hubbardton (VT) on 7 JUL 1777. While leading his troops during the “2nd battle of Saratoga” on 7 October 1777, he became a conspicuous target for American riflemen and was mortally wounded. Attending his funeral were his key officers and military family, as shown here. The attending party underwent a heavy fire from patriot troops (unaware of the reason for such activity) while interring his body in one of the redoubts of the British camp near Stillwater, New York. 1200/1500 | ||
 33 Hessian ‘Erb Prinz’ Regiment Hanger Length: 28 7/8 in. Blade: 22 ¾ x 1 ¼ in. Weight: 1.6 lbs. Although similar in appearance to the so-called “1742 pattern” British hangers, mid-18th century German hangers tend to have more globular pommels and their heart-shaped, bilobate guards are slightly flatter and featured a more-pronounced, raised border of squarish profile. This example is engraved in typical Gothic German style on the outside face of the anterior lobe: EP:C:27 (issue sword 27 of ‘C’ Company, Erb Prinz Regiment). It is believed that this sword was from either the Hesse-Hanau Erb Prinz Regiment, or that of Hesse-Cassel, the former was part of Burgoyne’s Convention Army and the latter surrendered at Yorktown with Cornwallis. On the outer face of the interior lobe is engraved ‘H*P’ in the lighter style that typified Anglo-American engraving of this period, the two letters probably being the initials of the American soldier who “liberated” the sword from its original wearer. $2000/2500 Provenance: William Henderson Collection | ||
 34 Relic Revolutionary War Brunswick Musket Overall length: 23 ¾ in. Barrel: 13 ¾ in. L x 0.80 bore: Lock: 6 3/8 x 1 1/8 in. Weight: 4 lbs. This rather intriguing arm appears to be a “coach gun” or pistol (reminiscent in form to early 17th century dragoon pistols) and was made by cutting down the barrel and forestock of a musket and removing all of the butt--with the exception of its wrist. It was made from a Germanic musket of the mid-18th century, which appears to be one of a pattern known to have been carried by Brunswick troops during the Revolutionary War; although unmarked, the flat lockplate (without exterior bridle) and distinctive brass hardware is identical to excavated examples from Saratoga campaign sites, as well as documented, complete examples in museum and private collections. $400/500 Literature: Neumann (1998); personal examination of captured Brunswick arms with provenance in various museums, including the Old State House (Boston) and Historic Deerfield. | ||
 35 John Hill, RA (fl. 1775-1791), c. 1777 British Light Infantry Officer in American Campaign Uniform Watercolor on ivory, 1 ½ in. oval, signed ‘Hill’, inside original gilt, wrist locket with mother of pearl face on recto. This unidentified light infantry officer is probably a member of the 15th Regiment of Foot, based on his distinctive uniform, with yellow facings and silver-laced, paired button-holes. He wears the narrow-brimmed “round hat” adopted for service by the 15th Foot and other corps while serving in America during the American campaigns, yet rarely depicted in period iconography. This is one of only two known British officer portraits from the Revolutionary War era showing this distinct headdress, the other being Thomas Dowdeswell of the 1st Guards, painted by Joseph Blackburn in 1778, now at Mount Vernon. Hill worked in London and exhibited at the Society of Artists, 1775 and the Royal Academy, 1777-1791. His miniatures are beautifully rendered and signed examples are scarce. $3,200/35000 |
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 36 After Anthony Poggi Lieut. Colonel [John] Biddulph of the 3rd Regiment Mezzotint by Thomas Watson, c. 1775; 16 7/8 x 12 3/8 in. (plate), with margins. Exquisitely rendered portrait of the field commander of the “Buffs” or 3rd Regiment of Foot, perhaps the finest view of a British infantry officer engraved during the period. Biddulph’s portrait and mezzotint were probably commissioned by Lord Jeffrey Amherst, colonel-commandant of the Buffs and long-time friend of the grizzled, veteran officer. Biddulph is shown wearing a greatcoat over his uniform, with cane and gloves in hand. On his swordbelt can be seen a dragon, which was the “ancient device” of this famous regiment. The Buffs were later sent to America, fighting in the Southern campaigns of 1781-1782 and enlisted pattern belt plates of this form have been recovered from battle sites in South Carolina. $375/475 | ||
 37 Private Yankee Doodle’s Narrative: [Joseph Plumb Martin]. A Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Soldier. Hallowell, Maine: privately printed, 1830. 8 vo. 213 pp.; original binding (wooden boards) and rear end paper missing. This work, the most important and rarest (only six copies listed in RLIN) of all Revolutionary War accounts by a private Continental soldier, was published anonymously in Hallowell, Maine in 1830 with little notice. It was written by Joseph Plumb Martin, who enlisted in the Connecticut Line in 1776 and served through the entire war. The memoirs emerged from obscurity in 1962 , when an edited version was published as Private Yankee Doodle. Martin’s narrative is now recognized as “far and away the best of all surviving first-person accounts” and “a thoroughly entertaining, robust autobiography, studded with memorable scenes....” $5000/7000 | ||
 38 After Sir Thomas Lawrence Sir Charles Grey, K. B. Stipple engraving by John. Collyer, published 29 May 1797 by William Austin, Turnham Green; 18 x 14 in. with margins* Charles Grey (1729-1807) began his long and distinguished military career at the age of 19, as an ensign in an infantry regiment. During the Seven Years War, he was wounded at Minden while ADC to Prince Ferdinand and later, commanding the 98th Foot, he fought with merit at the sieges of Belle Isle and Havana. In 1776 he came to America with “local rank” of major general under Howe. “No Flint” Grey earned his immortal nickname for the surprise night attack on Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvanians at Paoli on 21 September 1777, prior to which he had ordered flints removed from all muskets to prevent accidental discharge (and thereby alert the American sentries of their advance). He repeated this success again a year later at Tappan (28 September) with another night march with fixed bayonets and no flints; both actions, while deemed “massacres” by the Americans, were examples of Grey’s brilliant leadership and combat skills, especially in the petit guerre. Grey later served with great distinction in the West Indies during the French Revolutionary Wars and was promoted to full general in 1794 and advanced to Earl Grey (1806) shortly before his death. He is shown wearing the undress uniform of a lieutenant general, with Order of the Bath on left breast. $400/600 | ||
 39 Charles Bushnell, editor. Journal of Solomon Nash, A Soldier of the Revolution. New York: Privately printed, 1861. 8 vo. iv, 65 pp., 3 pl. ¾ maroon leather and marbleized boards and endsheets. Fine copy of this scarce work, from the library of antiquarian Frank Cutter Deering Cutter. Nash enlisted 1 January 1776 in Drury’s company of Henry Knox’s Artillery Regiment and served with it from the siege of Boston through the close of the 1776 campaign, including seeing action at the battle of White Plains. $175/200 |
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 40 Richard Livesay (1753-1823) A British Grenadier Officer, c. 1780 Oil on panel, 11 ¼ x 9 ¼ in., in original oval, gilt frame A painter and engraver, Livesay painted portraits, miniatures, genre and marine subjects. In 1774, he entered the Royal Academy schools as a draughtsman and exhibited paintings from 1776-1821. He lived in London from 1777 until 1785, lodging with William Hogarth’s widow, during which he made copies and engravings after Hogarth. He later became a pupil of Benjamin West and, as his assistant, painted copies at Windsor (including West’s now-lost work, Review of Troops by King George III). Livesay was patronized by George III, to whose children he taught drawing, and was appointed drawing master to the Royal Naval College in 1796. This unidentified sitter is dressed in a flank company officer’s uniform (denoted by the use of epaulettes on both shoulders) and the white swordbelt would suggest a grenadier, rather than a light infantryman. Note the slotted-hilt, short saber with scrolled side-guard in his right hand. $6000/7000 | ||
 41 British Officer’s Lion-Pommel Short Saber w/Scabbard, c. 1770 Length: 31 5/8 in. Blade: 26 x 1 in. Weight: 0.8 lbs. (w/o scabbard) One of the more popular sword forms to find favor with Royal Navy and British Army officers during the 1760s-1770s was the short saber or hanger. This example has slotted, D-guard of gilded brass, the knuckle-bow terminating at the lion-head pommel, while its grip is wrapped with twisted wire strands interleaved with copper ribbon. The curved blade has a wide and narrow fuller and spear-point tip. The original, tooled leather scabbard is also brass-mounted, and furnished with a hanging rings for waistbelt suspension, as well as a “button” or stud for securing to the frog of a shoulder-belt; it is prick-engraved ‘BIBB/Newport Street’ on the reverse of the throat. Noted cutler Charles Bibb is listed as working at this address from 1735 until his death in 1777. $950/1250 | ||
 42 British Lionhead-Pommel Spadroon, 1775-1785 Length: 36 in. Blade: 30 x 7/8 in. Weight: 1.2 lbs. The single-edged, spadroon or light, backsword blade gained in popularity among British foot officers and sergeants during the 1770s. In 1786, it was officially prescribed for both by Royal warrant, although with a beaded, stirrup hilt with pillow-pommel, rather than the slotted-guard popular during the 1770s. This Revolutionary War-period example has a cast-brass, lionhead-pommel and shagreen-wrapped grip with twisted, wire binding. $850/950 | ||
 43 John Bland (fl. 1768-1791; d. 1791) Steel-mounted, Slot-Hilt Spadroon, c. 1780 Overall length: 37 ¼ in. Blade: 31 x 7/8 in. Weight: 1 lb. (w/o scabbard) This iron-mounted sword is clearly intended as a military arm and is devoid of any ornamentation, other than fluting on the slotted guard. The grip is of reeded bone, terminating in an ovoid pommel. While the iron scabbard mountings are original, the leather is a modern replacement. It is very likely that this is a British infantry sergeant’s sword, who often wore silver- or white metal-mounted swords of a similar, but plainer fashion as their commissioned officers, in lieu of issue hangers. It is marked stamped with a crown/GR cypher on the right blade face and the maker’s name: BLAND on the left. $850/950 |
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 44 Samuel Smith, Hero of the Battle of “Mud Fort” ADS, 10 June 1777, ink on laid paper, 5 ½ x 7 3/8, within matted frame with reproduction of Smith’s portrait by Charles Willson Peale. Marylander Samuel Smith had a distinguished career as a Revolutionary War officer, Baltimore merchant, politician, and militia general. Although more famous as the “Defender of Baltimore” during the War of 1812, Smith had previously signalized himself during the Revolutionary War, as the commander of Fort Mifflin or “Mud Fort”, for which the Continental Congress resolved “that an elegant sword be provided...and presented to Lieutenant-Colonel Smith” in recognition of his gallant defense of that post in October 1777 (during which he was seriously wounded). Wartime documents signed by Smith are extremely rare and this signed 10 June 1777 example, written completely in his hand, is his receipt for pay (while major of the 3rd Maryland Regiment from 10 Dec. 1776 to 10 April 1777 and as lieutenant colonel of the 4th Maryland Regiment from that date until 10 June 1777). For this period, Smith acknowledged the receipt of “Three Hundred and twenty Dollars which will be in full of my pay till this Day, if the Honble. the Congress does not think proper to date my Commission as Lieut. Colonell earlier than ye 10th. AD (Congress later back-dated the commission to 22 February 1777). $1000/1500 | ||
 45 German Horseman Pistol L: 19 in. Barrel: 11 5/8 in. L x 0.71 bore Lockplate: 5 ¾ x 1 1/16 in. Wt.: 3.2 lbs. This German-made pistol, probably of Suhl manufacture, is a close copy of the Prussian Model 1731. Note that the barrel and forestock were cut-back later in the 18th century (probably done at arsenal to lighten the pieces for a light cavalry service) and most surviving examples are so configured. The Hessian and Brunswick forces were closely modeled on the Prussian and not surprisingly, their firearms were copies of the Potzdam-made, Prussian models, but largely produced under contract in Suhl (and unmarked, as in this example). Although only one corps of German dragoons, the Brunswick Prinz Frederick Regiment, fought during the Revolutionary War, the Hessian and other German jaeger (rifle) corps in America all had troops of mounted jaegers--all of these mounted troops were issued with pistols, in addition to longarms and sabers. $3000/3400 | ||
 46 French Cavalry Pistol, Model 1763/1776 L: 16 in. Barrel: 9 in. L x 0.71 bore Lockplate: 5 x 1 in. Weight: 2.6 lbs. The principal firearm of the Continental Light Dragoons and other American light horse was the horse pistol (carbines being always in short supply and actually withdrawn from the Light Dragoons by late-war), each trooper being armed with at least one. Almost from the beginning, the predominant pistol carried by the Continental horse was the brass-mounted, French Model 1763/76 (the iron-mounted examples being of French Revolutionary manufacture), which were being imported to the infant United States in large quantities from 1777 through the close of the war. $1700/2000 | ||
 47 The American General Lee taken Prisoner by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt of the English Army, in Morris County, New Jersey [1776] Line engraving by Hawkins after Hamilton, London, 1783; 8 x 5 ½ in., trimmed to image and remargined. Charles Lee, major general in the Continental Army and next-in-rank to Washington, was surprised in his quarters at Basking Ridge, NJ on 13 December 1776 by a detachment of 30-odd troopers from the 16th or Queen’s Light Dragoons. Led by the regimental commander, William Harcourt, and a young cornet by the name of Banastre Tarleton, they routed Lee’s small guard and captured Lee (still abed when they first appeared undetected, after a daring forced march that took them behind American lines). Ironically, Lee had served with this same regiment during the Seven Year’s War. This print originally appeared in Barnard’s History of England. $175/200 |
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 48 After Sir Joshua Reynolds Lt. Col. Tarleton Colored mezzotint by John Raphael Smith, published 4 Oct. 1782, London; 24 x 14 ½ in. (view) Flamboyant, aggressive and often reckless, Banastre Tarleton was the son of and took leave from his regiment in order to serve in the American conflict. As a young cornet in the 16th Light Dragoons, he came to notice for his role in the capture of Major General Lee in December 1776 and soon established a reputation for his skill in raiding and skirmishing during the 1777 campaign. With the establishment of the British Legion in 1778, Tarleton entered Provincial service as second-in command under Lord Cathcart with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, later assuming overall command. During the Southern Campaigns of 1780-1781, Tarleton and his Legion gained notoriety for ruthlessness and earning from his opponents a new epithet, “Bloody Ban”. Arriving in London shortly after his capture and parole following the Yorktown surrender, the handsome young cavalryman was an immediate celebrity and was painted in his green Legion uniform by the leading society artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Tarleton had earlier lost two of his fingers in combat during the battle of Cowpens, which may account for his pose in this portrait. Shortly after its completion, John Raphael Smith produced this famous mezzotint from it, in partnership with the artist; both works were an immediate success and are considered the epitome of both artists’ skill in their respective medium. $2000/2500 | ||
 49 After Sir Joshua Reynolds Banastre Tarleton Proof of color mezzotint by Henry Macbeth-Reaburn, published London 1927; signed by artist in pencil in llc and bearing his studio stamp, 27 3/8 x 16 1/4 in. (plate) with full margins. MacBeth-Reaburn was an Associate of the Royal Society of Painters and Etchers and first received noticeable in 1881, when he exhibited some genre scenes at the Royal Academy in London. Although an accomplished Edinburgh painter and watercolorist, he is, however, most noted for his engraving work. MacBeth-Reaburn’s resurrection of the lost art of the mezzotint is evident in this stunning example, purposely taken from the original Reynolds portrait to show his gravure skill in comparison with the famous Smith version of 1782. $750/850 | ||
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