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President Dwight D. Eisenhower
LOT 3309
Historic Documented Miniature Model of a U.S. M1841 6-Pounder Field Gun, Presented to President Dwight D. Eisenhower with R.L. Wilson Letter - The R.L. Wilson letter included with this magnificent miniature model states that it was made by H.P. Lee. It is a very close miniature copy of an M1841 6-pounder field gun, many of which were used early in the Civil War, before being replaced by more technologically advanced cannon. The miniature model also includes a full compliment of accouterments. The model rests on a large wooden plinth that is fitted with a brass plaque marked “CIVIL WAR JAMES SIX-POUNDER/PRESENTED TO/PAST PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER/54-TH. ANNUAL GOVERNORS’ CONFERENCE/ PENNSYLVANIA 1962/CANNON MAKER H.P. LEE CANNON NO. 2”. This plaque, as well as the Wilson letter, attribute this cannon as having been presented to and part of the collection of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The letter goes on to state that Wilson was personally presented the cannon later on and that it was missing one wheel at that time, which he then commissioned Master Engraver and gunmaker, Alvin A. White, to reproduce and repair. CONDITION: Very fine, the brass showing an attractively aged patina and some darkening of the wood carriage. One of the wheels is a professionally made replacement (see above. The plinth is also fine with some mild wear and a few scattered stains. A fine model formerly of the collection of President Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as legendary firearms author, R.L. Wilson! Estimate: 10,000 - 20,000
LOT 3310
Attractive Detailed Miniature Model of a U.S. Model 1841 12 Pound Mountain Howitzer by William B. O’Neal with Case and R.L. Wilson Letter, as Pictured in “Steel Canvas” by Wilson - The included letter from R.L. Wilson states that this miniature model of a 12 pound U.S. Model 1841 Mountain Howitzer was made by William B. O’Neal c. 1974, and that it was previously part of his personal collection. It goes on to state that O’Neal was not a full time model builder and that his total production was extremely limited. The letter also states that the scale of the model is 1 inch = 1 foot, though the writer believes it to be slightly smaller than that, with the barrel measuring approximately 3 3/8 inches from base ring to muzzle, while a full size Mountain Howitzer barrel measures approximately 53 inches. The model rests on a marble-like plinth with a small brass sign post and sign etched with the model designation, and a smaller brass plaque in the front right corner marked “W.B. O’NEAL/BIRMINGHAM/1974”. The trunnions are marked “C.A. & Co./BOSTON” and “1845”. The carriage appears to be made of wood and iron with the wood finished olive green and the iron finished black. There is a plexiglass box type lid that fits over the model, fully enclosing it. This model is pictured on p. 302 of “Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms” by Wilson. CONDITION: Excellent, the barrel showing an attractive, slightly aged patina with clear marking, and both the wood and iron retaining almost all of their finishes with only the slightest signs of handling. The plinth/case are both excellent with minimal wear. An excellent piece for display on a desk or in a study! Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK STEEL CANVAS BY WILSON