November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Alonzo Frye (Fry in some records, including the 1860 census) was born in Sharpsburg in 1859, son of carpenter Daniel Fry, and just 3 years old at the time of the battle. He is pictured in a photo online with a notation that the original was taken in Sharpsburg in 1862. The image is pictured with the same information on p. 77 of Steven Cowies 2022 “When Hell Came to Sharpsburg: The Battle of Antietam and Its Impact on the Civilians Who Called It Home,” where Cowies wonders how the terrifying experiences of the battle affected the mental health of children in the area. He had moved to Steelton, PA, by the 1890s, where he died in 1951, but likely kept up some connections with his home town and retained the cane as a memento and reminder of whatever he had experienced in 1862. He seems to have spelled his name consistently with a final “e,” indicating he was given the cane rather than carving it himself. The cane is neatly carved and reads "ALANZO.FRY / A MEMENTO OF THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. FOUGHT SEPT. 17 1862." Also carved on the shaft is Union General name's "MEAD", "McCLELLAN", and "HOOKER". Measures approximately 36". CONDITION: The cane exhibits a nice patina with scattered blemishes from handling and age.
Item Dimensions: 36"