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Unique, Handcrafted, Framed "G.A.R." Commemorative Display Frame and Assemblage of Rare 33 Medals, Ribbons & Photos, of W.S. Kirby, a Noted Civil War Veteran (there is a W. Kirby, listed as a member of the 50th Missouri Volunteers, Company B), Choice Extremely Fine or better. This item is a "One-of-a-kind". An original labor of love and loyalty for an ex: Civil War veteran, W.S. Kirby, who apparently served in Co. B, 50th Missouri Infantry Volunteers during the conflict. Large, impressive assemblage is 26.25" x 34.25", with a magnificent, decorated hand-carved wooden frame, into which Kirby has inscribed drawings, photos, mementos, a postcard, and a news clipping detailing memorable Civil War personae and colleagues from his life. The central portion of the piece features an outstanding display of some 33 (thirty three) different Commemorative Badges, Silk Ribbons, and Medals dated from approximately 1881 to 1949, the latest date found on the ornately engraved frame itself being 1977, and are in excellent overall condition, for numerous official G.A.R. and other encampments or Woman's relief gatherings, all affixed to a green velvet backdrop, approx. 20" x 27.5". The decorative, custom commemorative wooden frame is itself fantastic! There are various insets, including a rifle, an sword among many other smaller insets with descriptions as to their histories and importance to Kirby. There are also 11 informative photos on the frame -- including a few of the white-bearded Kirby himself -- and having carved insignia and brief notations. The news clipping features an obituary of his comrade Rollin B. Glaze, a "Pioneer of Colorado," who died at age 87 -- Glaze served three years with the 63rd Illinois Infantry and saw action in the Battle of Vicksburg and Lookout Mountain, and accompanied Sherman in his "March to the Sea." In addition, on the right side of the frame is a 4" piece of a stick with a pasted image of the American flag -- the stick is a remnant of the "first flagpole raised in Lincoln's Campaign when he Run [sic] for President." Also attached to the frame is a piece of a leather drum that survived the Civil War and was carried by George Edwards. There is just too much to properly list and this item should be inspected closely, to be fully appreciated for all of the content. There are a few trivial scattered dents and dings to the wood frame, and one missing "carved buckeye" by R.B. Glaze, and the backdrop and ribbons are aged or somewhat faded--as would be expected, but these only add character to the piece, attesting to its unique originality. Kirby "signs" his work on the back in a carved inscription: "Made in July 1934 by W.S. Kirby," and inscribes the front of the frame: "W.S. Kirby made this frame and placed all Badges And Other Things for Mr. and Mrs. Patton"... "This Is A Fine Collection And Should Never be Destroyed. When the Last Comrade has Passed Away You Can Look on This and Safely Say, They are Not Dead, They Are Just Away." Certainly the most original, decorative and outstanding commemorative displays recording a known Civil War veteran we have ever had the pleasure to offer.
Item Number: 80845 |
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