3209

CONFEDERATE OFFICER SASH OF LT. RUSSELL CAPLES,

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
CONFEDERATE OFFICER SASH OF LT. RUSSELL CAPLES,
SEARCY SHARPSHOOTERS, 16TH MISSOURI INFANTRY. 104" x 4.5". Paper files included with this lot include a statement by Russel B. Caples stating "APRIL of 1865 a tough remnant of our old regiment fought under General Kirby Smith….Returning home to Glasgow, I kept my sash and the flag under which I had fought so many battles. Mother had died and father [Confederate chaplain] was mortally wounded by a cannon shell during the battle of Glasgow [October 15, 1864]. I arrived home with no job and two half sisters to support." Russell Bigelow Caples (1841-1915) entered service as private in Searcy Sharpshooters in 1862 was promoted to Lieutenant serving till June 7, 1865 when he was given his parole of honor at Shreveport, Louisiana. The Searcy Sharpshooter's served in western theatre under Generals Earl Van Dorn & Sterling Price. Upon his return home finding such devastation, he turned to law, becoming attorney and later well-respected judge till his death in 1915. The red silk officer's sash is finely preserved and unusual construction with long braided knots and fringe, so different from Union counterpart in construction. The handful of identified western theater Confederate officer's sashes often show unique construction details such as the 3.5" long braided area below knot before fringe on Lt. Caples sash offered here. Identified confederate sashes are very scarce, and this is a fine example. CONDITION: very good overall, good color, one round knot has fraying of its net cover. (02-21024-2/JS). $1,500-2,500.