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"PROPOSAL BOX" CAPT. ABNER J. PHELPS, AQM, 25TH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
 PROPOSAL BOX  CAPT. ABNER J. PHELPS, AQM, 25TH

OHIO INFANTRY. Abner J. Phelps (1818-1885) joined 12th Ohio Battery as a 42 year old private June 17, 1861, later service as private to sergeant, in 25th Ohio Infantry till accepting appointment as Captain & Assistant Quartermaster, US Volunteers, March 20, 1863. He served in Cincinnati and at Ft. Leavenworth in this capacity and rank till war's end in 1865. I am not sure what a "proposal box" was used for, but it is beautiful and elegant like Phelps fine penmanship seen in the numerous letters he wrote to Washington found in his National Archive service file. About 12" x 12" x 12" with locking lid, slot in top for papers to be dropped. Gold painted lettering and Victorian multicolor decorated designs. In one letter he states he is handling hundreds of thousands of dollars, so maybe box is for contractors submitting bids for supplies needed by the army. CONDITION: very good overall, paint is well preserved with craquelure and few reductions. Felt lined of unknown age is also very good. (02-17024/JS). $800-1,200.