ONLINE ENCORE - Militaria Auction
Lot 2060:
Description
This compelling historical display pairs a significant Civil War signature with a detailed scene of Battery Rodgers in Alexandria, Virginia. The hand-signed clipping features the bold ink signature of Brigadier General Henry S. Briggs of the U.S. Volunteers, dated December 29, 1863. Briggs, a noted hero of the Battle of Fair Oaks, led the 10th Massachusetts Infantry and later commanded the Draft Rendezvous at Long Island, Boston. The accompanying image is a high-quality reproduction of an 1863 photograph by Andrew J. Russell, depicting a 200-pounder Parrott rifle and 15-inch Rodman gun positioned to defend the Potomac. The presentation is professionally housed in a traditional wood frame with gold-tone accents and an olive-drab suede-texture mat. While the signature is a period original showing authentic light toning and ink oxidation, the photograph is a modern reprint of the Library of Congress original. The entire assembly is in excellent condition with no visible damage to the glass or frame. A note on the signature: here is a breakdown of the authentication markers found in the signature of General Briggs: 1)The “H” Flourish: Briggs typically utilized a distinct, sweeping top loop on his “H” that leans slightly to the right, consistent with the provided image. 2)Ascender Consistency: Note the height of the “B” in Briggs; he often wrote his surname with a taller, more narrow initial letter compared to the “S” of his middle initial. 3) Ink Oxidation: The signature shows a transition toward a brownish hue (iron gall ink), which is a hallmark of authentic 19th-century writing and very difficult to replicate with modern felt or ballpoint pens. 4) The Title “U.S. Vol”: His designation “Brig Gen U.S. Vol” matches his official rank during the 1863 period when he was stationed in Alexandria/Washington D.C. overseeing the draft. Framed: H 10.5″, W 9.5″, D 1″ Please see photos.
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