Identified Spanish American War Period 3rd Volunteer Engineers Insignia and Documents Group
$675.00
The group is comprised of the insignia and documents of Charles H. Smith, who served during the Spanish American War as an officer with the 3rd United States Volunteer Engineers. The group includes the following items:
– A pair of Lieutenant of Engineers shoulder straps and two pair of Captain of Engineers shoulder straps, all showing age toning and signs of actual wear. The Lieutenant straps have four hooks on the reverse of each strap. Both pair of Captain’s rank straps were sewn to uniforms, with the reverse of one set of straps bearing the manufacturer stamp of The Armstrong Uniforms Company of Chicago.
– Two letters on the letterhead of the War Department Adjutant General’s Office. Both letters are dated January 18, 1899. One letter transmits a commission of First Lieutenant to Charles H. Smith, while the second letter transmits a commission of Captain to Smith.
– A brass stencil of Company E of the 3rd U.S. Volunteer Engineers for use on trunks or other military baggage. The stencil is approximately 4-1/2 inches by 8 inches.
– A printing plate bearing the reverse designation of “Headquarters Second Battalion 3rd Regt. U.S.V. Engineers”, used for printing of cards or letterhead.
– An 1891 envelope addressed to “Cadet C.H. Smith” in Auburn, Alabama; an 1898 envelope addressed to “Lieut, Chas. Smith” of the Engineering Corps in Rome, Georgia; and a 1937 postcard addressed to “Major Charles H. Smith” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The postcard, which was sent from Fort Sam Houston in Texas, bears a handwritten message regarding the publication of “the Smith manuscript”.
– A printed version of a group photograph of the officers of the 3rd Volunteer Engineers, apparently taken during the Spanish American War. The photograph appears that it might have been cut from a magazine of other publication. Approximately 6-1/2 inches by 9 inches.
– Two menus from a reunion dinner of the regiment on May 27, 1950, as well as what may have been the artwork for an advertisement for the dinner, depicting the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
– Photocopies of the materials in the group, as well as a photocopy of Smith’s discharge in May of 1899 and a printed article about Smith from the internet.