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In his journal, French makes it clear he was a capable marksman and knowledgeable about rifles and other firearms
but regrettably does not discuss any of the specific firearms in detail. In his entry for April 4, 1838, regarding the famous Graves-
Cilley duel fought with rifles at 90-100 yards, he wrote in the margins that after examining the rifle used by Graves, he was confident he
could hit a 4 inch ring five out of six times at the duel’s distance. On May 15, 1838, he wrote of walking with Congressman John Crockett,
son of Davy Crockett, and how they “talked about rifle shooting nearly all the way. I found that he understood all about the science.” In
other entries he discusses hunting birds, his air rifle, and other firearms related topics.
CONDITION: Good with attractive aged patina and distinct engraving on the silver furniture and inlays, gray and brown patina on the
replacement lock and barrel, a hole from a prior front lock screw, tool marks towards the breech end, absent set trigger and front ramrod
ferrule, and moderate wear suggesting the rifle saw considerable period use. The stock is also good and has attractive figure and faded
finish, some chips absent, a few cracks, visible but smoothed checkering, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is a very
fascinating silver mounted American rifle believed to have been owned by one of the most significant figures in Washington, D.C., in
the period.
Estimate: 20,000 - 40,000
LOT 1201
Historic Civil War U.S. First
Lieutenant’s Commission
Certificate, as Signed by
President Abraham Lincoln
and Secretary of War Edwin M.
Stanton - Measuring 21 1/4 inches
tall and 17 1/2 inches wide in its
frame, this documented is dated July 1st, 1864 for the
commission of a Henry Balter as a First Lieutenant with the
5th Cavalry Regiment, with appropriate signatures from
President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin
M. Stanton. Established in 1855 as the 2nd Cavalry and
redesignated as the 5th in 1861, prior to the Civil War the
unit was chiefly active in the American West, chiefly facing
off against Native Americans while also participating
in the Utah War. Among their commanders was then-
Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, who among others of
the unit would depart to fight for the South during the
Civil War. Rebuilding, the 5th would see action at Bull Run,
Gaines’ Mill, Fairfax Courthouse, Williamsport, Martinsburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness,
Aiken and during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. For Gettysburg, they were part
of the Reserve Brigade of the First Division of the Cavalry Corps under Brigadier
General John Buford, who would be responsible for making initial contact with the
Confederate forces on July 1st, 1863. Late in the war, they would serve as part of the
honor guard for Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Records on Lieutenant Balter
are limited. Abraham Lincoln requires no introduction. Edwin Stanton was the U.S.
Secretary of War from 1862 to 1868, serving under Lincoln for the bulk of the Civil War,
and later given the grim task of organizing the manhunt for Lincoln’s assassin, John
Wilkes Booth. Included with the lot is a copy of a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA
authenticating the signatures of both Lincoln and Stanton.
CONDITION: Very good overall. The document has been folded, with creases through
the center, foxing around the edges, and mild stains. The blue wax seal is stress
cracked, and some bled-through hand markings are present in the upper left corner.
Frame is also very good.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
Abraham
Lincoln
201