Lot 845

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Whiting Mfg Co. sterling beverage set presented to General James A. Williamson presented June, 1, 1881, baluster-form pitcher highly decorated with floral-and-vine motifs, with shaped spout and serpent handles, in the East Indian taste, marked: W with lion passant in rectangle, Sterling, 777A and 153; comprising: beverage pitcher, H11"; and pair goblets, H7 1/4"; and 47.3oz Troy;
in fitted case, the lid interior with gilt presentation reading:
Presented to General James A. Williamson, Late Commissioner of the General Land Office by his many friends in that Office, as a token of their regard for him as an official, and their appreciation of him as a friend.
Washington, D.C. June 1, 1881.

Accompanied by penwork dedication with Gen. James A. Williamson, signed by his colleagues and depicting this silver presentation set in the upper left corner, framed H38 1/4" W28"; and an engraved likeness of J.A. Williamson by J.C. Buttre Co, NY, framed, H17" W13 1/2". (6pcs)

Provenance: Descended in the family to the present owner.

Literature: ANNALS OF IOWA, Volume VI, No. 3, October 1903, pp.161-184

Other Notes: Medal of Honor recipient, politician and lawyer James Alexander Williamson (1829 -1902) served in the Union army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Born February 8,1829 in Columbia, Kentucky, Williamson was fifteen years old when his family moved to Iowa where he farmed, before studying law at Knox College in Galesburg. In the years prior to the Civil War he served as the chairman of the Iowa State Democratic Committee. When the war erupted he entered military service as 1st lieutenant and adjutant with the 4th Iowa Volunteer infantry in August 1861. He saw his first action and was wounded at the March 6-7, 1862 Battle of Pea Ridge. In March 1862 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then in July to colonel of the 4th Iowa. In December Williamson was part of William T. Sherman's force which attacked the Confederate forces at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou. He was again wounded and for his services here was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1895.

Williamson recovered in time to take part in the Campaign and Siege of Vicksburg. After the fall of the city, he assumed command of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, XV Corps until September, 1863, then commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, XV Corps in the Chattanooga Campaign. Williamson's division was temporarily attached to Joseph Hooker's forces and took part in the Battle of Lookout Mountain. The division was returned to the Army of Tennessee and Williamson led the 2nd Brigade during the Atlanta Campaign and was once again wounded in the Battle of Jonesborough. After taking part in the capture of Savannah during Sherman's March to the Sea, he received a brevet promotion to brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers followed by a January 13, 1865 full promotion to Brigadier General. On March 13, 1865 he received a brevet promotion to Major General of Volunteers. Briefly during the summer of 1865 he commanded the District of St. Louis and was mustered out of service on August 1865. He was on an inspection tour of army posts in the West and did not find out until he returned in October 1865.
In 1864 Williamson had been elected chairman of the Iowa delegation to the National Republican Convention in Baltimore, but did not attend due to duty to the army. After the War he resumed his law practice in Iowa. He served as Commissioner of the General Land Office from June 1876 until June 1881. During this time he served as chairman of the Public Land Commission which examined laws for the disposal of public lands and appraised the assets of those lands. General Williamson received this sterling presentation service in its dedicated case and elaborate documentation from his colleagues upon retirement from this position.

After leaving the land office he became associated with the Atlantic and Pacific (later Santa Fe) Railroad. Starting as general solicitor of the railroad, he rose to become its president. Williamson died September 7, 1902 in Rhode Island.

    Condition:
  • *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. Condition reports are prepared by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information please read paragraph #9 of Terms and Condition of Sale.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

CHARLTON HALL DOES NOT SHIP: Charlton Hall will be pleased to provide a list of shippers and packers that will our worldwide base of clients has successfully used, or you can have your own shipper handle your purchases. Please contact the shipper of your choice to arrange for packing and pick up your items. Your items will be released as soon as payment cleans our bank. We requests that your shippers schedule pick up times at least 24 hours in advance, this will insure no delays in pick up, and release of your purchases. SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BIDDERS/BUYERS MAY NOT PICKUP PURCHASES UNTIL MONDAY AFTER THE AUCTION.

March 24, 2013 1:00 PM EDT
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 + $5,000