1840s New York Militia Presentation Sword and Archive of John P. Ellis

Lot 146

About Seller

6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States

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About Auction

Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, Day 1 by Cowan's Auctions

Live

Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, Day 1

By Cowan's Auctions

Apr 26, 2016 - Apr 28, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-04-26 10:00:00 2016-04-28 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/historic-firearms-and-early-militaria-day-1-1389 Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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Lot Description

Archive consists of a presentation sword, militia muster roll, cased daguerreotype image, patent documents and mixed ephemera, formerly the property of John P. Ellis, 1820-1896, of Flushing, Queens, New York. The militia staff pattern sword has a 31" straight, double-edge blade with center fuller, etched with engraved details of patriotic and floral motifs, ricasso engraved "N. P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield." This marking dates the sword before 1847. Cruciform hilt has brass crossguard, embossed military trophies, obverse center planchet engraved "Committee / Lieut. John Gilliooly / Lieut. Robt. Brown / Wm. A. Gamble," knight's head pommel and chain guard, all with traces of gilt finish, grip of grooved bone. Engraved brass scabbard has floral embossed fittings and presentation "Presented to / Capt. John P. Ellis / by the officers & Members of the / Union Riflemen, N.Y.S.M." A related scroll muster roll of the 1st Company, Union Riflemen, 51st N.Y. Infantry (transferred to the 142nd Regt. in 1838) lists the members of the this unit beginning with their founding in 1836 through 1846. Ellis' is listed as joining on Feb. 4, 1839.

Artifacts and ephemera relating to Ellis' life outside the militia include a cased half plate daguerreotype image, reportedly of Ellis ca 1850, in citizen's dress with an early gilt brass mat and damaged embossed paper covered wood case. Ellis was a prolific poet and hymn writer an the archive contain a small scrapbook of his poems published in the early 1840s New York papers, eight mid-19th century newspapers containing his poems, hymns or articles and three hand-out sheets with hymn lyrics. Two original patent documents record Ellis' invention of window sash lock in 1864 and a water proof safe in 1867.

The subject's political activity is documented in a broadside from 1872 endorsing him for the office of Flushing's police justice and a handwritten copy of a speech on oppressive New York taxes delivered in 1894. The lot culminates with a 9" x 7" ink wash portrait of Ellis ca 1865.

John P. Ellis, 1820 to 1896, was a life-long resident of Flushing, Queens, active in his community as a civil leader and militia officer. An active poet and hymnist, his poems were first published in the early 1840s and his sacred music first appeared in hymnals in 1850. At least two patents were issued to him. The Union Riflemen were organized in 1836 by Capt. Samuel S. Parker and wore a hunting frock style uniforms and carried custom-made rifles and saber bayonets.

Condition

The sword is good with mostly bright blade beginning to lightly age. Retains much of the gilt finish on the brass parts with an even light brown patina on the highlights, details and engraving are crisp. The daguerreotype is will focused with some minor oxidation. it appears to have never been removed from the mat or cleaned; the case is broken at the hinge and lacks the bottom edge. Papers and other ephemera show normal age, creasing and wear.
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