4192A CASED CARVED MEERSCHAUM PIPE PRESENTED TO MEDAL OF

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Nov 02 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
HONOR WINNER DURING INDIAN WARS. Beautifully carved large bowl with crossed sabers and troop L, 2nd Cavalry insignia, silver mounted, with gold band engraved: "Presented to Henry Wilkens by the Members of Troop L 2nd Cavalry". Housed in form fitting silk & velvet lined hinged pipe case with Brandeis Brooklyn label. This was expensive gift to Sergeant Wilkens by fellow troopers who knew his gallantry. Henry Wilkens (1855-1895) enlisted in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry and eventually reached the rank of first sergeant. During the Nez Perce War, the 2nd USC did battle with small bands of renegade Indians hiding throughout the Idaho Territory. He was cited for bravery in two major engagements during the summer months of 1877. On May 7, Wilkens was among the soldiers who stormed Lame Deer's camp near Little Muddy Creek in the neighboring Montana Territory. Three months later, he led troops in routing the renegades at Camas Meadows in Idaho on August 20. Despite suffering a serious head injury, Wilkens remained with his company throughout the battle. This included participating in the pursuit of a captured mule train and defending his fellow soldiers when the company was surrounded by the Nez Perce for several hours. He received the Medal of Honor for both engagements on February 28, 1878. He retired from service in 1894 and died the following year at 40, at his home in Brooklyn, New York on August 2, 1895, and buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery. CONDITION: good overall, the cork set inside silver flange has broken that fits stem to bowl. The thin gold band with presentation has crack but fine script inscription is fine, casing soiled and stained, pipe has been smoked. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Littlefield estate collection. (02-25368/JS). NON-GUN. $3,000-5,000.