Civil War G.A.R. Tobacco Box - 26th New York Volunteer Infantry Regt. Company F

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Civil War G.A.R. Tobacco Box - 26th New York Volunteer Infantry Regt. Company F:
$5995.00

Antique 19th C. American Toleware Tobacco Box.

Chismore Post No. 110 of the Grand Army of the Republic

26th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company F

John M. Williams (American, 1837/8 - 1939).

Size Approx: 7-1/8 x 4-1/4 x 1-7/8 in.

You are offerding on a very rare, museum quality late-19th C. American toleware Tobacco box. The oval metal box beautifully decorated throughout with polychrome painted floral, gilt and mother-of-pearl inlays was commissioned by, John M. Williams (American, 1837/8 - 1939) of the Chismore Post No. 110 of the G.A.R. for the 7th reunion of the 26th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company F. Also included is an original circa, 1891 newspaper article clipping regarding Mr. Williams with his fellow brothers in arms and this very Tobacco box.

Chismore Post, No. 110 was a local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic based in Ilion, Herkimer County, New York. John M. Williams (an Ensign in Company F) participated in major Civil War campaigns across the Eastern Theater, fighting through some of the bloodiest clashes of the war during his dual enlistments in the Union Army. These enlistments and battles are as follows...

Enlistment 1: Engagements with the 26th New York Volunteers (1861 - 1863). During his initial two-year enlistment in Company F, Williams and his regiment were part of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia. Their tattered battle Flag ultimately bore the honors of ten key engagements: Cedar Mountain (August 9, 1862). Rappahannock Station (August 1862). Thoroughfare Gap (August 28, 1862). Gainesville/Groveton (August 28-29, 1862). Second Battle of Bull Run (August 29-30, 1862) - The regiment suffered devastating casualties here, losing nearly half its strength. Chantilly (September 1, 1862). South Mountain (September 14, 1862). Antietam (September 17, 1862) - Fought in the brutal "Cornfield" action during the bloodiest single day in American history. Fredericksburg (December 11-15, 1862) - Participated in the assault on the Union left flank under General Franklin. Chancellorsville (May 1-5, 1863) - The regiment's finial major combat operation before their original enlistment term expired.

Enlistment 2: Engagements with the 189th New York Infantry (1864-1865). Upon re-enlisting later in the war, Williams was thrust directly into the grinding, final operations of the Appomattox Campaign and the chokehold around Richmond: Siege of Petersburg (late 1864-1865) - Fought in the heavily fortified trench systems encircling the Confederate supply hub. Lewis's Farm (March 29, 1865). White Oak Road/Hatcher's Run (March 29-31, 1865). Five Forks (April 1, 1865) - Known as the "Waterloo of the Confederacy," which directly forced General Robert E. Lee to abandon Petersburg and Richmond. Appomattox Court House (April 9, 1865) - Williams was present with the regiment when the Confederate Army of the Northern Virginia surrendered, effectively ending the war in the East.

Condition Report: some surface wear, rubbing, small chips, minor gilt loss and original newspaper article laminated to protect from further decay as shown, dirty/dusty from years of storage, needs cleaning. More photos on request!