Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1473a:
Description
A fascinating lot of Spanish-American War (1898) and early 20th-century American postal history—a time often overshadowed by later conflicts. The key piece is the handwritten letter dated July 1898, detailing troop movements out of Newport News, VA, on board the transport ship “Grande Duchess” en route to Santiago (Cuba). This detail instantly places the item within the very heart of the conflict. The writer, “Abby C. E. B.,” mentions being with the 9th Co. Vol. U.S. Sig. Corps (Ninth Company, Volunteer U.S. Signal Corps), a unit vital for communications during the war. The lot includes the single handwritten letter, a one-cent postcard, and four different-form Western Union Telegraph Co. forms (Form 129, Form 1039, and others), all addressed to a Miss Mabel B. Barto of Chicago. The combination of early telegraph forms and a significant piece of military correspondence offers a powerful cross-section of communication during the period. The ephemera, consisting of aged paper and cardstock, is in fair to good antique condition. The paper exhibits expected heavy toning, foxing, creases, and folding wear consistent with its age and the nature of being personal correspondence handled and saved over a century. The handwritten ink and pencil is still legible despite some fading and smudging. The collection is currently housed in protective sleeves. H 3.25″, W 5.5″
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