November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
The Schuylkill Arsenal at Philadelphia was established in 1800 and situated on Schuylkill River at Grays Ferry Avenue, serving as the principal supply center for arms, accoutrements and uniforms for the US Army prior to and during the War of 1812 until the Civil War. During the Civil War, 10,000 outside seamstresses and tailors were hired to supply the Union Army with uniforms, blankets, tents, and bedding. The Arsenal, later renamed the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, provided the military with supplies through World War I, later transitioning into a Quartermaster School and storage facility and closing in 1957 and subsequently sold. This historic gate section from Schuylkill Arsenal, dating from the 1830s, was salvaged in 1963 when the site’s new owner demolished most of the historic Army buildings and walls in 1963. It consists of two elements, the gate body and its top or cornice. The former is 35-1/2" x 67" x 2-1/2" and principally made of cast iron, with forged iron reinforcements. It features American martial motifs, the central device being a Model 1832 Army cap surmounting a panoply of arms, consisting of a “U.S.” marked cartridge box, two flintlock muskets, two cavalry sabers and a trumpet, surrounded by sprays of laurel leaves. The cornice is 10-1/2" x 67" x 2-1/2", being a flattened bar upon which were set three five-point stars, flanked on each side by two spearheads or blades. A superb and rare example of martial decorative art and architectural design elements from the early Republic period. CONDITION: In overall very good condition, with uniform moderate casting/pitting surface as expected with age and usage, the two righthand spearpoint on cornice now missing (but could be easily replicated). JLK
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Item Dimensions: 35 - 1/2" x 66 - 1/2".