Indian War Field Glasses of Henry J. Nowlan, US 7th Cavalry

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Indian War Field Glasses of Henry J. Nowlan, US 7th Cavalry

Indian War Field Glasses of Henry J. Nowlan, US 7th Cavalry Survivor of the Little Bighorn A fine set of French made field glasses in their case, with H.J. Nowlan, 7th Cavalry written inside the lid of the leather case. The field glasses have “BARDOU & SON PARIS” on the eye pieces. The lenses have brass cylindrical shades. The body is covered in black leather, and they are in a black leather case. The case has been reinforced with piece of brown leather and brass rivets, and the closure strap may have been replaced. Henry J. Nowlan was born in Corful, of Irish Catholic parents, and educated at the British military academy at Sandhurst. He served in the Crimean War before emigrating to the United States, where at age 25 he enlisted in the New York Volunteers as a 1st Lieutenant, and was assigned to the 61st New York Volunteers, transferring in 1863 to the 14th New York Cavalry as a captain, and then to the 18th New York Cavalry. He served in Louisiana and Mississippi, being captured at Port Hudson, but escaping his captors soon thereafter, and serving in Sherman’s March to the Sea. He was discharged at War’s end, and in 1866 was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in Custer’s 7th US Cavalry. He served with distinction throughout his career, and was on detached service at the time of the Little Bighorn, having recently been seconded to the Staff of General Terry. Following Little Bighorn he assumed command of Troop I, replacing his dear friend, Miles Keough who had perished in the battle. He continued to serve with the 7th Cavalry and was given a Brevet for Gallantry following the Battle of Canyon Creek, which rank was confirmed and made regular in 1895. Nowlan died of a heart attack in 1897, still on active duty with the 7th Cavalry. Size: The glasses are 6 ½ inches tall. In the case the glasses are 7 ¼ inches tall and 6 inches wide, not including the strap. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $35.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance.

Provenance:Estate of Herbert Lyons, Stockton, CA

Condition:

The glasses are in excellent condition, with very fine optics and are fully functional, although the mechanism is stiff. There is minor wear on the brass lens shades. And some wear on the gutta percha eye piece. The case shows wear, with a leather support piece having been riveted to the back of the case, and an additional piece being sewn to the strap. The name and unit inside the lid of the case are slightly worn, and Nowlan’s rank is illegible.

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Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000

Unsold/Reserve Not Met

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Witherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.

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Indian War Field Glasses of Henry J. Nowlan, US 7th Cavalry