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EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE NAVY ENGINEER’S STRAPS

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE NAVY ENGINEER’S STRAPS
OF BENJAMIN S. HERRING. Archive of documents, letters & photographs of Confederate Naval Officer Benjamin S. Herring. (Cowan’s lot 355, June 12, 2012). Both pairs about 4” long w/ bullion borders, dark navy blue wool backgrounds, single live oak leaf insignia for 2nd assistant engineer & 2 oak leaves for assistant 1st engineer. Both are very similar for manufacture though slightly different dimensions & bullion work. These are most likely the only surviving Confederate naval straps for assistant 1st & 2nd engineer extant. Benjamin Simms Herring (1837-1915), born in Duplin County North Carolina, after attending University of Mississippi, Benjamin entered the United States Naval Academy graduating just before the war & served as a 3rd assistant engineer on the USS Richmond which returned early 1861 from tour in the Mediterranean. With war eminent, he resigned his commission & was appointed 2nd assistant engineer on the CSS Virginia & took part in the battle of Hampton Roads, being cited by Adm. Buchanan in his report. His next assignment at the Naval works in Columbus Georgia, & later served as 1st assistant engineer on the CSS Tennessee 1863-1864. He surrendered & was paroled May 10, 1865. He died in Tallahassee, Florida on September 7, 1915. CONDITION: 2nd assistant engineer’s straps are good to very good overall. 1st assistant engineer’s straps has substantial insect damage to wool background on one & spotted mothing on other. (02-14878/JS). $2,000-3,000.