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Case Auctions
Live Auction

2022 Summer Fine Art & Antiques (Day 1)

Sat, Jul 9, 2022 09:00AM EDT
Lot 652

5 Items Pertaining to CSA Private J.M. Wilson, incl. 2 Southern Crosses of Honor

Estimate: $700 - $900

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Five (5) items pertaining to Confederate soldier James Madison Wilson, Private, 1st Regiment Tennessee Cavalry (Carter's), Company K, of Giles County, TN. 1st-2nd items: Two (2) United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) Southern Crosses of Honor. Two-piece copper construction, comprised of a blank rectangular bar hanger with a pin back or screw back and a maltese cross shaped drop, having a Confederate battle flag surrounded by a laurel wreath and the inscription "UNITED DAUGHTERS CONFEDERACY" and "TO THE U.C.V.", obverse, the motto of the Confederate States, "Deo Vindice" (God our Vindicator) and "1861-1865" surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the inscription "SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR", reverse. Maker's marks for Charles W. Crankshaw, Atlanta, GA, stamped to reverse of rectangular bar. 3rd item: Certificate of Eligibility for Cross of Honor Application to United Daughters of Confederacy, submitted by Fulton M. Wilson, on behalf of his father James Madison Wilson, n.d. The application, endorsed by members of the UDC, includes details of Wilson's service and parol at Charlotte, North Carolina on May 3, 1865. 4th item: Carte-de-visite (CDV) depicting a bust portrait of James Madison Wilson, wearing a late 19th century suit and bowtie and seated in a studio setting. Studio marks for C.S. Judd (American, active 1890s) across lower edge of card. Ink inscription identifying the sitter, en verso. 5th item: One (1) grouping of three (3) small silver items, presumably Wilson's "good luck" charms, including one (1) Maltese cross with initials "HIN" and dated "1886", tests sterling silver; one (1) 1889 United Kingdom 1 1/2 Pence silver coin; and one (1) silver metal cross. Combined sterling weight: approximately .060 total troy ounces. Note: "1st (Carter's) Cavalry Regiment was organized in November, 1862, using the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry Battalion as its nucleus. The men were from the counties of Rhea, Bradley, McMinn, Roane, Bledsoe, Union, Knox, Jefferson, and Claiborne. Also some of its members were raised behind enemy lines, and a few had served in Thomas' North Carolina Legion. Company C was detached and assigned to A.W. Reynold's Brigade in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. This company was active in the Vicksburg Campaign and was captured in July, 1863. Exchanged, it was attached to Waul's Texas Legion, then returned to the regiment. Company K took part in the Atlanta Campaign, the defense of Savannah, and the campaign of the Carolinas. It surrendered with the Army of Tennessee. The regiment was attached to Wheeler's, Pegram's, J.S. Williams', Giltner's, and Vaughn's Brigades. It participated in Wheeler's raid in Tennessee, fought at Murfreesboro, skirmished in Kentucky and Tennessee, and was active at Cumberland Gap. For a time it served with the Army of Tennessee, then in April, 1864, moved to Virginia with 248 effectives. After fighting at Piedmont, it saw action in various conflicts in the Shenandoah Valley with General Early. During the spring of 1865 the unit disbanded. The field officers were Colonels William Brazelton, Jr., and James E. Carter; Lieutenant Colonel Onslow Bean; and Majors Alexander M. Goforth, John B. King, and Richard S. Van Dyke." (source: https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=CTN0001RC01).

Property of the Lincoln County Museum, Fayetteville, TN; Bequest of Mary Bright Wilson (1909-2004), formerly of Fayetteville, and descended in her family.

Condition

All items in overall good condition. 3rd item: Creases, tears, areas of loss, largest 1" x 1", to edges of sheet. 4th item: Scattered minute foxing spots. 5th item: Tarnish to silver items.