General Benjamin Pritchard, Uniform Cape Worn During the Capture of Jefferson Davis

Lot 86

About Seller

6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States

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$0	$25
$500	$50
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$5,000	$500
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$100,000	$10,000

About Auction

American History, Featuring the Property of N. Flayderman & Co. by Cowan's Auctions

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American History, Featuring the Property of N...

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 9, 2017 - Jun 10, 2017

Set Reminder 2017-06-09 10:00:00 2017-06-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History, Featuring the Property of N. Flayderman & Co. https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-featuring-the-property-of-n-flayderman-co-2392 Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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Lot Description

Blue Union cape/cloak worn by Benjamin Pritchard, known for the capture of CSA President Jefferson Davis in Allegan, MI. The cape is dark blue wool, lined with heavy cotton, trimmed with a black flat braid. A single button closes it at the neck (this cloth-covered button is a replacement). Short standing collar has seven buttonholes, possibly intended to attach the cape to a coat so the cape remains in place.

An October 27, 2016 letter from a previous owner states that the cape was acquired from the Pritchard Estate in Allegan, MI by a local historian who found it amongst a pile of blankets, who in turn sold it to the previous owner in 2005. The cape was later sold to the Union Drummer Boy of Gettysburg, PA before it was purchased by the consignor in 2016.

Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Michigan Cavalry, Benjamin Pritchard (1835-1907) was brevetted brigadier general on May 10, 1865 for his role in leading the 4th Michigan Cavalry in the capture of Jefferson Davis in the weeks surrounding the close of the Civil War. In addition to his brevet, Pritchard received a $3000 share of the bounty that President Andrew Johnson offered for the apprehension of Davis. Following the war, Pritchard, who had gained a reputation as a national hero, returned to his home in Allegan, MI, to practice law. Although he declined opportunities to run for Governor and Congress, Pritchard served two terms of office as State Treasurer of Michigan from 1880-1884.

Condition

Wear typical considering age and use.
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