GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
SIGNIFICANT CIVIL WAR - GAR ARTIFACT COLLECTION INCLUDING AN EXTREMELY RARE ARTICULATED ARTIFICIAL LIMB FOR AMPUTEE JOHN S. KOSTER, COMPANY H, 21ST MASS INFANTRY WHO LOST HIS ARM AT THE BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR, VA, 1864.This lot includes a collection of artifacts belonging to the late Major John S. Koster (1841-1937) of Port Leyden, NY. Major Koster was the inspiration for the poem "The Empty Sleeve" which was extremely popular among Civil War veterans and the public at large back in the day. The lot includes the following: 1) Major Koster's wooden prosthetic right arm replacing limb lost at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864. This is a spectacular relic with articulating elbow, wrist, thumb and fingers painted in flesh tones with a leather harness to connect to shoulder. Makers plaque with Jan. 1865 patent date is attached. This type of articulated prosthetic was exceptionally rare during the Civil War and few examples are noted in any collection. 2) Two cabinet card photos of Major Koster, one showing military medals and prominently displaying "empty sleeve". 3) And 8-page booklet including the poem "The Empty Sleeve" and two laid-in photographs of Koster with a child gazing into the "empty sleeve". 4) Letter from the War Dept. rejecting Major Koster's request for the Medal of Honor signed by War Secretary Elihu Root. 5) Engraved and colored "tongue in cheek" invitation to a complimentary lunch to the Botchford Post, No. 385, G.A.R. 6) 25" x 25" framed certificate commissioning Major Koster as Aide to Camp, New York GAR. 7) Two celluloid G.A.R. pin-back buttons picturing Major Koster. 8) Handwritten notebook of proceedings of the Botchford Post, No. 385, G.A.R. 9) Two large 19th century checkbooks belonging to Koster. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good overall on paper with the normal soiling noted after 100 years. The prosthetic arm is very good overall with good craqulure, chamois hinge is complete, little finger has broken tip and another crack at rear joint, leather harness has several breaks, but appears complete, but may be missing a strap. Regardless, we don't know of another example. 51198-1 JS (3,000-5,000)