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THBCorporal Joseph L. Steele, Iowa 2nd Cavalry, Archive Incl. 1862 Diary, Prosthetic Leg, Photographs, and More
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 17, 2017 - Nov 18, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (372)
- Lot Description
Lot of 20.
Twenty-three-year-old Joseph Loring Steele enlisted as a private on August 14, 1861. On the first of September, he mustered into the 2nd Iowa Cavalry, Co. C. While out in the field in 1862 he kept a daily journal, briefly recording his service and experiences while assisting General Pope in the reduction of New Madrid and Island No. 10. Many entries describe abandoned artillery pieces, captured prisoners, and scouting parties. In 1864 Steele’s service took a dire turn. During battle in Collierville, TN, a rebel soldier shot him in the left leg. In order to save his life, doctors amputated the leg above the knee--8 in. from his body. The army granted Steele an honorable discharge from service on October 1, 1864 in Memphis, TN. He received a prosthetic leg (5.5 x 30 in.) made of metal and leather that still retains his original worn boot. As a souvenir, he kept the bullet that took his limb and almost cost him his life. The prosthetic leg and bullet as well as 4 post-war diaries; 2 silver gelatin photographs of the veteran, ca 1920; chevrons from his cavalry jacket; 2 newspaper clippings concerning his regiment; a 5 dollar Confederate note; his personal narrative of his record of service during the Civil War; and more are included in the lot.
Provenance: Property of Another Owner
The leg has some wear and corrosion with age, the boot has a large hole in the heel most likely from prolonged use. Paper items remain in good condition with some toning, the Confederate note has some brittleness. The journals are fragile but still retain their binding. Steele's handwriting is clear and legible.Condition
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Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219.
At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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