Civil War Auction
Lot 1197:
Description
Original 1874 Photograph of Lt. Colonel George Custer and his wife Elizabeth (Libbie). It is one of 4 known original copies of the period photograph of the couple at home at Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota. The image has the original frame and matte under glass. The glass is cracked. The image is in good condition and measures approx 15.5″ wide X 8″ tall. The frame measures 22″ wide X 15″ tall. The cavalry saber is not named except for a stamped T on the blade near the brass guard. The wire wrapped leather grip is in good condition. The blade edge has no nicks and has nort been sharpened. There is some surface rust but no heavy corrosion and it is our opinion that the blade will clean up nicely. The blade measures 35.5″ long. The scabbard is in good condition with only a couple of small dings and the usual rust. . The framed under glass photo portrait of Borowski was taken later in life and is in VG condition. The image measures 19″ tall, 16.5″ wide. The frame measures 29.5″ tall, 27.25″ wide. The 4 drawer wood dresser Borowski used at Ft. Abraham Lincoln is probably walnut in original finish with carved nut and leaf drawer pulls. Each drawer has a lock but no keys. It measures 40″tall, 40.5″ wide, 12.75″ deep.
Charles Borowsky was a Russian immigrant who came to the United States as a young man. During the American Civil War, Borowsky served as a Sergeant in the cavalry under George Armstrong Custer. He was mustered out after being wounded in the head by a musket ball which was never removed and remained there for the rest of his life. During the Indian Wars, Borowsky served with Custer and the 7th Cavalry as a civilian wagon master. Because Borowsky spoke several languages, he accompanied Custer on buffalo hunts with the crowned heads of Europe serving as an interpreter. Leaving with Custer from Fort Abraham Lincoln on May 17th, 1876, Borowsky was with the supply wagons. On June 25th, Custer rode on ahead with one battalion in search of the Sioux.
The photograph of Custer and his wife, the cavalry saber, the large framed photo portrait of Borowsky, the chest of drawers that he used at Ft. Abraham Lincoln, and the story of Borowsky, were handed down through the family until it was sold to the Wild West Town Museum in Union, Illinois where it has been on display for the past 35 years.
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