September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Circa 1780. An attractive gold-mounted portrait miniature of General John Cadwalader. Reverse of portrait is equally elegant with 7-pointed stars adorning a mesmerizing blue border, surrounding the reverse side glass window containing woven strands of General John Cadwalader’s hair beneath an ingeniously balanced and intertwined gold monogram of General John Cadwaladers rank and initials, ie: G double-J Double-C, with the second “J” overlapping the the first “C”. An important Revolutionary War leader, General John Cadwalader was commander of the Pennsylvania Associators militia troops early in the war, as well as a noted friend of George Washington. Cadwalader and his troops served at the front of the Battle of Princeton during the "Ten Crucial Days". He quartered at Valley Forge (his Philadelphia home had been taken over by the Hessian General Knyphausen during the occupation of Philadelphia). Cadwalader fought at Monmouth, and later raised Militia in Maryland. He is also noted in history to have shot George Washington’s nemesis, the discredited General Thomas Conway of the Conway Cabal, right in the mouth in a non-fatal duel. George Washington noted that he found John Cadwalader to be "a man of ability", "of intrepid bravery", and a "military genius". This Revolutionary War period portrait and its case measure approximately 4" x 3". Image exhibits wear toward top left side. Light handling wear and impressions to frame. The case is intact with functioning clasp and hinge. Scuffs to leather and wear to interior lining. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: 4" x 3"