This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2012
Stephen R. Reynolds enlisted in the 99th New York Volunteers in December of 1861, eager to do his part to preserve the Union. His service ended like so many others at the Battle of Cold Harbor, where he was wounded on June 3, 1864. He died from his wounds on July 30, 1864. This remarkable collection of artifacts was carefully preserved by Reynolds’ family and others through the years. It survives today as a record of one man’s service in the Civil War. The collection includes: Dress Sword with Scabbard and Sash. A beautiful 38-inch dress sword. Blade is in exceptional condition. Leather grip shows some wear. The guard has an eagle and stars design. Ornate sash and leather strap are attached to the sword. The 32 1/2 inch scabbard has thin layer of rust with silver showing through. Top of two rings has leather strap and ball attached. Captain’s Commission with Signatures of President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Printed on velum, the commission is dated March 8, 1864, and announces the Reynolds’ appointment as captain and as an assistant adjutant general of volunteers. The 15 1/2 by 19 1/4 inch document carries the signatures of Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton. Excellent condition. Personal and Official Correspondence. Six personal letters from Reynolds to various members of his family from Dec. 20, 1861 to April 5, 1864. One letter from Reynolds’ father to General John Dix dated Sept. 16, 1861, detailing his son’s desire to serve in the army. Two pieces of official correspondence signed by Reynolds. One letter from Thomas Everett of Washington, D.C., dated June 17, 1864, detailing the injured captain’s condition. One calling card. Five envelopes. The letters are all in very good condition and all are legible. The envelopes are in good condition. A Lock of Reynolds’ Hair. A lock of Reynolds’ hair cut for a keepsake for his family, enclosed in a 1 1/4 inch pinback locket. Excellent condition. Other Items. Group also includes copies of the commission, a copy of a photo of a female relative and a printed Union song set to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner. Reynolds was 26 years old when he died. A resident of New York City and a graduate of Columbia College, he served in Virginia and North Carolina before being shot in the shoulder while talking with a fellow captain at the Battle of Cold Harbor, one of the true Union disasters in the war. He lingered for almost two months before he died and his funeral was held in early August in New York City. This lot is a rare and exceptional group of Civil War items.