Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT JOSEPH A. SLADEN CIVIL WAR & RECONSTRUCTION ERA ARCHIVE.
02-1789-7
Over 600 letters received from 1864-1871 chronologically bound in three volumes. 2) transcribed diary from January 1st till June 21st 1864. He writes “Battlefield at Devils Gorge, Resaca Saturday May 14, 1864……about 6 as the Major and Gen McC we’re drinking a cup of coffee, very heavy firing commenced and soon most of the brigade came running down panic stricken. We (the major…, orderlies & self) rallied the men and got them together. A battery a little to the rear did splendidly and saved the panic. Colonel Robinson’s brigade the 20th Corps came up and went in splendid”. This is his only entry that several officers including Gen’l OO Howard found gallant action not fearing for his own life recommending him for the Medal of Honor which he would receive nearly three decades after the event. Sladen was only a private till November 25, 1864 when he received first commission in 14th US Colored Troops. He was also brevetted twice to 1st lieutenant and then captain for gallantry at battles of Bald Knob-Kennesaw Mountain and Battle of Jonesboro, GA. Joseph mustered out of 14th USCT March 26, 1866 and was appointed 2nd lieutenant in US 17th Infantry, soon promoted 1st Lt. and transferred to 14th Infantry where he stayed. 1st Lt. Sladen had his right leg amputated on October 25, 1875 at Fort Walla Walla. He continued in service for 14 more years retiring 1889. 3) three brevet promotions signed by acting Sec. of War Ulysses S. Grant 4) six presidential commissions signed Andrew Johnson. 5) presidential captains Commission signed by president Grover Cleveland. 6) unique 17.5×11” calligraphed presentation document for Medal of Honor. 7) group of 14 different letters recommending Captain Sladen for Medal of Honor. 8) large engraved service document from state of Massachusetts. 9) large engraved MOLLUS membership certificate. 10) large engraved GAR appointment as Aide-de-camp 11) large engraved and calligraphy 32nd degree Masonic certificate. Many more misc. documents, appointments, certificates are folded and unopened.
