Unique Ulysses Grant Campaign Item

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011

Eight panel, paper lantern, 7" wide x 24" tall [flat], expands to 16" diameter x 20" tall when placed on the enclosed, eight prong wire frame. The item is manufactured by Sprague & French, Norwalk Ohio, printed in three colors. Each of the eight panels carries an image, most importantly is the bust-up image of Grant in uniform. The other seven images are non-political, primarily children and landscapes. The wire frame has a wood and metal base with a candle holder [some wax still present] and closes with a wood and metal stub. Remarkably, inspite of the paper item being illuminated with fire and now being over 140 years old, only two panels have minor period tape repair, and one has 1" tear at end. With Grant in uniform, this is nearly certainly from Grant's 1868 campaign. Our research indicates that the Sprague & French Company was owned by James H. Sprague, who in 1861, when but a youth of fourteen years, entered the volunteer service in the Nineteenth New York Volunteer Infantry, becoming a sergeant of Company A, Captain Charles Stewart commanding. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, after which he was detailed for guard duty at the White House in Washington, District of Columbia. After six months thus spent he was detailed in the secret service under Secretary Staunton, filling the latter position until 1864. At that time the regiment being changed from infantry to light artillery, Colonel Sprague joined his company, being promoted to second lieutenant of the same. Following the battle of Fort Wagner, for brave and meritorious service at the front, he was promoted to first lieutenant, later becoming captain and having command of Battery F, Coast Division, under General Foster. He was taken prisoner at Pocatalego, South Carolina, and was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was held for three weeks, when he made his escape and returned to his battery. He was mustered out of service at Charlestown, South Carolina, in June, 1865.

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