GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
SPECTACULAR TIFFANY CASED PRESENTATION SWORD LT. COL. ADOLPHUS DOBKE, 45TH NEW YORK.This cased sword was a custom presentation mounted in silver and gold etched blade. This sword is shown in the Tiffany records as custom sword and orig drawing is still in their archives (No. 69). 31-1/2" relief etched blade with gold highlights has presentation "PRESENTED TO / LIEUT COL ADOLPHUS DOBKE / 45TH REGT N.Y.S.V. / BY THE MERCHANTS OF THE 3RD WARD, CITY OF NEW YORK, FOR HIS FAITHFUL SERVICES AS A / POLICEMAN, AND HIS BRAVERY AS A SOLDIER IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY. MARCH 16 1864". The unique languette is a 3" silver police shield with New York State seal. Fluted silver grip, floral guard with full relief eagle on pommel. The gilded scabbard body has three large silver mounts with relief floral decoration and raised relief "US" on drag. The blue velvet casing is fitted with high quality 2-pc eagle sword belt, officer's sash, sword knot, gold bullion hat cord, pair of patent gilt spurs, 5 reunion medals, pair of Colonel straps and a signed CDV. This grouping is in near pristine condition and the mahogany casing also has engraved plaque in lid "LT. COL. ADOLPHUS DOBKE".
The 45th New York "5th German Rifles" had gallant fighting history from 1861-1865. At the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, Lt. Col. Adolphus Dobke took command of the regiment. The 45th New York monument at Gettysburg on the McLean Farm: "This regiment went into action about 11:30 a.m., July 1st 1863 by deploying four companies as skirmishers under Captain Irsch. About one hundred yards to the rear of this monument, they advanced supported by the other six companies under Lt. Dobke, about five hundred and forty yards under a terrific artillery and sharpshooters fire to a point indicated by marker in front. This regiment also assisted in repelling a charge on the flank of the 1st Corps to the left, capturing many prisoners. Covered retrograde movement into town, fighting through the streets, where Major Koch fell desperately wounded. A portion of the regiment was cut off and took shelter in connecting houses and yards on Chambersburg Street west of the town square, holding the enemy at bay, until about 5:30 p.m. when they surrendered, after having destroyed their arms and accoutrements. The regiment carried into action July 1st, 25 officers and about 250 men as officially reported. It lost, killed 11, wounded 35, missing 164, total 210 officers and men. Among the missing, many were killed or wounded in the town and not included in the above numbers. Those captured refused offered parole hoping to encumber the enemy, believing that the Union Army would capture the crippled foe, and thereby effect their release. Sadly disappointed, they suffered indescribable misery in Andersonville and other prison pens, neglected, often maltreated and finally believing themselves forgotten and forsaken. Many died martyrs and joined their more fortunate comrades who fell gloriously on this field. On July 2, the remnant of the regiment was exposed to a heavy artillery fire on Cemetery Hill, and in the evening moved hastily to Culp's Hill and assisted in repulsing an attack on Greene's Brigade 12th Corps (see markers on Culp's and Cemetery Hills). On July 3rd it was again exposed to artillery and sharpshooters fire, whereupon Sergt. Link, with volunteers, dislodged the enemy's sharpshooters in the edge of town, nearly all the small attacking party being killed or wounded in the effort. The regiment, while in the Army of the Potomac, participated in the following battles; Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Waterloo Bridge, White Sulphur Springs, Gainesville, Groveton, 2d Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and then transferred to the Army of the Cumberland at: Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and many other minor engagements".
Dobke entered service September 2, 1861 in New York City and remained in service until October 1, 1865 being mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee. SIZE: PROVENANCE: W. Scott Ferriss, Southbury, CT; The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. 1862 Collins made blade retains most of its luster and gold highlights with several inches slightly dulled near ricasso with full firm mark "TIFFANY & CO NEW YORK". Hilt retains most of its orig gilt with old polish residue seen in protected areas. Scabbard body and hilt retain 90% plus orig gilt. Silver scabbard mounts, grip and languette are smooth with silver patina. Case lining is in matching condition with some edge wear in slot holding scabbard; overall blue velvet retains good color. Accessories all show use, but are intact and complete. Signed CDV is also very good with good contrast, good signature. Dobke is wearing earlier Cavalry saber rig in this photo. Exterior of case has numerous small cosmetic blemishes and minor separations at a couple of joints. Plaque in lid has dark mustard patina. 53091-133 JS (20,000-30,000)