3294 CIVIL WAR MESS CHEST OF THE 55TH PENNSYLVANIA

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This item SOLD at 2020 Jun 14 @ 14:00UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 400.00 USD
Estimated at 800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
VOLUNTEERS. This empty, flat topped wooden chest measures approx. 25 1/4” in length, 17” in width & 21” in height. The upper & lower corners are reinforced w/ sheet metal. There are 2 iron handles on each end & an iron hasp in the front to facilitate locking. The chest would have originally held various cooking & serving equipment used in feeding the officers of the regiment. The chest is painted in a dark blue/green w/ white painted letters on the front that read, “MESS CHEST CAPT. H. HAMMER. CO. K. 55TH REGT. PA. VOL’S”. Captain Hezekiah Hammer enlisted on November 5, 1861 w/ the 55th Pennsylvania. He was promoted to corporal late in 1863 & then sergeant June 1, 1864. 3 Months later he became first sergeant. On October 3rd he was commissioned second lieutenant & 5 weeks later first lieutenant. On Nov. 7th, he was promoted to captain of the 55th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain Hammer lost an arm at Petersburg, Va. on April 2, 1865. The 55th Pennsylvania saw service in South Carolina until April 12, 1864 when they embarked for Virginia. The regiment was involved in the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg including the mine explosion & the 55th was present during the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House. CONDITION: shows light to moderate wear to the paint throughout. Structurally the box is extremely solid. The painted letters on the front are quite clear & easily read. (02-13490/BF). $800-1,200.