September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Lot is comprised of: the original 1757 military commission of Charles Bulkeley as a Captain in Roger's Rangers; his small powder (priming) horn baring his initials inscribed in a circle, and a small priming horn belonging to Joseph Bulkeley, bearing his initials stamped on the butt cap and a hex sign engraved on the front.
Charles Bulkeley was born in Concord, Mass., to a Captain Joseph Bulkeley and a Silence Jeffery on October 28, 1724. By occupation he was a joiner, living on land handed down from his ancestors. According to Walter's notes, 1st Lieutenant Charles Bulkeley served in Captain Phineas Osgood's company of Colonel Winston's Regiment. With this unit, he served on the Eastern Front from April 23 through October 1, 1754. His service there totaled five months, three weeks and one day. In 1755 he continued service under Captain Osgood in the Nova Scotia Campaign. The Third Company of Roger's Rangers, of which Charles Bulkeley served as an officer, was formed in December of 1756. At the time Bulkeley was a Lieutenant under the command of Captain Humphrey Hobbs. He received this rank September 1, 1756. On April 25, 1757 Bulkeley was promoted to the rank of Captain.
There is an extant roster of Captain Charles Bulkeley's Company, a copy of which can be found in Volume VI, Number 1 of "The Bulletin of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum" from January, 1941. A copy is also provided with this lot along with additional information about Bulkeleys and Roger's Rangers, including copies of the "Bulkeley Papers". These extensive papers originally belonged to Captain Charles Bulkeley and were found in the attic of his original house and donated to the Littleton Historical Society June 17, 1909.
In March of 1758, Captain Bulkeley and his men, who were quartered on an island near Fort Edward marched toward Fort Ticonderoga with snow shoes, as it was estimated that the snow was four feet deep in the mountains. On March 13th a group of approximately 96 Native Americans were spotted by forward scouts and the troops prepared for battle. After an initial skirmish, the Rangers believed the enemy to be defeated, however, they then came up against the main body of the force, some 700 Canadians and Indians. The Rangers were forced to retreat, losing a number of men, including Captain Bulkeley and a good portion of his company. This battle is now known as the Battle of Roger's Rock.
Charles' father was Captain Joseph Bulkeley, born at Concord Mass., on the 7th of September 1670. He died at Littleton, Mass., the 24, September 1748. It is possible the horn initialed "J . B", belonged to him.
According to a receipt and a group of photographs taken at the time, Walter acquired this commission and pair of horns from a descendant of the Bulkeleys, Sylvia Priest Landini of Littleton, Massachusetts. Walter noted that the minute book of Rogers Rangers was also found in the old Bulkeley homestead.
The initials "C B" are inscribed in a double lined circle. Overall, this horn has a greenish tint. The flat, pine butt plug of this horn is attached with wooden pins. There are two vacant holes on the top of this plug. The rather large spout is faceted. This horn measures 8 " overall.
Condition: Very Good. A minor chip is located at the plug.
(C) There is a hex sign or pin wheel type decoration, with six leaves and stippling in the negative space. The plug appears to be branded in four places with the initials, "J. B". It is secured with four wooden pins. There is a carved convex ring, which creates the spout. Horn measures 6 - 1/2 inches.
Condition: Good. There is a one inch crack that terminates in a 3/8 inch chip at the plug.