Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 71

The Manuscripts, Collectibles & Space Auction

The Claude Harkins Collection of Washingtonia

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1		George Washington's Chinese Export Society of the Cincinnati Soup Plate, c. 1786. 9 3/8" in diameter, purchased from China in August 1786 for George Washington by Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee. One of a set of 302 pieces of breakfast, table, and tea china painted in the center with a figure of Fame holding aloft the badge of the Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in 1783 to recognize the honorable service of American and French officers during the American Revolution. Washington served as the first President of the Society of Cincinnati. The china was used by Washington during his Presidency and also at Mount Vernon. It was the rarest export China in existence. Samuel Shaw (1754-94), who was Henry Knox' aide-de-camp, was the supercargo or mercantile agent on the Empress of China, the first American ship to enter the China trade, as well as a founding member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Shaw arranged to have the Society's Eagle, designed by Pierre l'Enfant, applied to the porcelain in Canton. The set arrived at Mount Vernon in September 1786. Provenance: Descended by Martha Washington's will to her grandson, George Washington Parke Custis at Arlington House. During the Civil War, Union troops took possession of the china set at Arlington House. After the War, the set was released by order of President William McKinley to Mary Custis Lee, the daughter of General Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Randolph Custis. There is also evidence that some pieces were given away as gifts by descendants of Mrs. Washington. In 1928, Henry Francis du Pont acquired more than sixty pieces remaining in the possession of the descendant of Mary Custis Lee. These pieces are at Winterthur. Mount Vernon has a dozen or more pieces. This piece was acquired by Claude Harkins at Sotheby's, New York, Oct. 19, 2000, Lot 327. The label of noted China export dealer Elinor Gordon is on the back. Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $54,000
Lot 2		George Washington Miniature Memorial Portrait on Ivory, Reverse With A Lock of His Hair. Watercolor on ivory, 2¼ x 1¾" attributed to Frederick Kemmelmeyer (c. 1755-1821), inscribed "G. Washington, OB 15 Dec. 1799. AE 68." In a locket with a reverse bezel containing a nine-inch lock of Washington's reddish-brown hair, with over 100 strands (a sample from this lock of hair was sent to the FBI's Hair and Fiber Unit, Washington, D.C. Mr. Douglas Deedrick, Unit Chief, conducted the analysis and a copy of his report accompanies this lot). German artist Frederick Kemmelmeyer is best known for "General George Washington Reviewing the Western Army at Fort Cumberland, Maryland." He arrived in America in 1788 and on June 3, he placed an announcement in the Maryland Gazette; or, The Baltimore Advertiser for a "Drawing-School….[Kemmelmeyer] paints Miniatures and other sizes, in oil and water colours, and Sign Painting upon moderate terms." In 1803, he moved to Alexandria, Virginia and by 1807 moved to western Maryland, his moves being documented by his newspaper ads. His last known newspaper ad appeared in the Maryland Herald and Hagerstown Weekly Advertiser on Nov. 13, 1816. Attribution of this miniature painting was based upon direct comparisons with signed and dated Kemmelmeyer full-face depictions of General Washington, including the c. 1803 9¾ x 8" oil on paper titled "Genl. Geo. Washington" in the New York Public Library print room, Charles W. McAlpin collection. Compared were techniques and characteristics such as blue background and salmon-colored smallpox scars (obtained in 1751 in Barbados), the construction, shape and shading of feature details (eyes, eyebrows, nose, tip of nose, mouth, lips, hair and double chin). A distinctive characteristic of Kemmelmeyer's technique is his style of lettering, particularly the shape of the "G's," "E's" and the numbers "9" and "7". Although miniature painting was a significant part of the artist's output, this is the first miniature attributed to Kemmelmeyer. It is original and unrestored; the reverse glass of the locket has been replaced. Provenance: 1.Charles G. Moore American Auction, New York, Feb. 28, 1997, Lot 1. 2. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $15,000
Lot 3		Decorated Blue Canton China Export Dinner Plate, Octagonal, 18th Century. 9" in diameter. Very good condition. Used by George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon before and after the Presidency. A copy of a letter from Mount Vernon to Mr. Harkins states: "As your documentation indicates, the Chinese export plate in your collection was formerly owned by Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis of Woodlawn Plantation. Mrs. Lewis was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and, and she was raised by the Washingtons following her father's death. At the time of Martha Washington's death, Eleanor 'Nelly' Lewis inherited what Mrs. Washington termed 'all the blue and white china in common use.' This service likely included many pieces of the 'Table China fine blue & white' shipped to Mount Vernon in April of 1763, as well as the '27 Dishes' purchased by General Washington in 1783 from tavern keeper Samuel Fraunces in New York. Based on your photograph, the similarity of your plate to those in our collection, archaeological evidence, and other documented examples of Washington's blue and white porcelain, I find no reason to doubt that your plate was among the blue and white ceramics Mrs. Washington referred to as being 'in common use' at Mount Vernon. It is certainly a stellar example in a remarkable state of preservation." Provenance: 1. Willed by Martha Washington to her granddaughter Eleanor Parke Lewis 2. Lawrence Lewis 3. H.L.D. Lewis, great-great granddaughter of Martha 4. Thos. Birch's Sons, Auctioneers, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1891, Lot 143 5. Joseph E. Fields, II 6. Hendershott Museum Consultants 7. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 4		Decorated Blue Canton China Export Dinner Plate, Octagonal, 18th Century. 9" in diameter. Repaired. Used by George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon before and after the Presidency. A copy of a letter from Mount Vernon to Mr. Harkins states: "As your documentation indicates, the Chinese export plate in your collection was formerly owned by Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis of Woodlawn Plantation. Mrs. Lewis was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and, and she was raised by the Washingtons following her father's death. At the time of Martha Washington's death, Eleanor 'Nelly' Lewis inherited what Mrs. Washington termed 'all the blue and white china in common use.' This service likely included many pieces of the 'Table China fine blue & white' shipped to Mount Vernon in April of 1763, as well as the '27 Dishes' purchased by General Washington in 1783 from tavern keeper Samuel Fraunces in New York. Based on your photograph, the similarity of your plate to those in our collection, archaeological evidence, and other documented examples of Washington's blue and white porcelain, I find no reason to doubt that your plate was among the blue and white ceramics Mrs. Washington referred to as being 'in common use' at Mount Vernon. It is certainly a stellar example in a remarkable state of preservation." Provenance: 1. Willed by Martha Washington to her granddaughter Eleanor Parke Lewis 2. Lawrence Lewis 3. H.L.D. Lewis, great-great granddaughter of Martha 4. Thos. Birch's Sons, Auctioneers, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1891, Lot 143 5. Joseph E. Fields, II 6. Hendershott Museum Consultants 7. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 5		Decorated Blue Canton China Export Dinner Plate, Octagonal, 18th Century. 9" in diameter. Repaired. Used by George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon before and after the Presidency. A copy of a letter from Mount Vernon to Mr. Harkins states: "As your documentation indicates, the Chinese export plate in your collection was formerly owned by Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis of Woodlawn Plantation. Mrs. Lewis was the granddaughter of Martha Washington and, and she was raised by the Washingtons following her father's death. At the time of Martha Washington's death, Eleanor 'Nelly' Lewis inherited what Mrs. Washington termed 'all the blue and white china in common use.' This service likely included many pieces of the 'Table China fine flue & white' shipped to Mount Vernon in April of 1763, as well as the '27 Dishes' purchased by General Washington in 1783 from tavern keeper Samuel Fraunces in New York. Based on your photograph, the similarity of your plate to those in our collection, archaeological evidence, and other documented examples of Washington's blue and white porcelain, I find no reason to doubt that your plate was among the blue and white ceramics Mrs. Washington referred to as being 'in common use' at Mount Vernon. It is certainly a stellar example in a remarkable state of preservation." Provenance: 1. Willed by Martha Washington to her granddaughter Eleanor Parke Lewis 2. Lawrence Lewis 3. H.L.D. Lewis, great-great granddaughter of Martha 4. Thos. Birch's Sons, Auctioneers, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1891, Lot 143 5. Joseph E. Fields, II 6. Hendershott Museum Consultants 7. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 6		George and Martha Washington's Punch Glass. Rare Old English rose-cut punch glass with handle, crafted in the English Rose pattern. Once part of the dinner service used during Washington's presidency and afterwards at Mount Vernon. 4 1/8" high. One chip and ¾" crack at top back edge. Provenance: 1. Descended from Martha Washington's will to her granddaughter, Eleanor Parke Lewis 2. Lawrence Lewis 3. H.L.D. Lewis, great-great granddaughter of Martha 4. Thos. Birch's Sons, Auctioneers, Philadelphia, Dec. 15 1891, Lot 139 5. Parke-Bernet Galleries Auction, New York, Jan. 12, 1950, Lot 246 6. Joseph E. Fields, II 7. Hendershott Museum Consultants 8. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 7		George Washington Houdon Bust Image. Early 19th century, 4¼ x 3¼ ", showing Washington in right profile, his hair tied in a queue and his chest covered with drapery, toga style, which is held by a button on the right shoulder. In 9 x 8¼" frame with label on the back from Williams & Everett, Boston art dealers (established in 1855) who sold original art as well as "photographs and carbon-pictures of eminent persons, noted places, and famous paintings." At the invitation of Benjamin Franklin, French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) visited Mount Vernon in October 1785 to observe Washington's movements and expressions. He modeled a bust in clay and made a life mask of Washington's face, from which Houdon and his assistants produced many versions of Washington, including busts, statuettes, and statues in plaster, bronze, and marble. Houdon's subjects also included Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, as well as philosophers, inventors and political figures of the Enlightenment. Provenance: 1. Dr. Joseph Fields 2. Bruce Gimelson 3. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $500 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $510
Lot 8		George Washington Miniature Portrait on Ivory After Bone and Stuart. 5½ x 4½" portrait, c. early 1800s, inscribed in a period hand on the verso: "General George Washington born 22d Feb. 1732 died 14 Dec. 1799 / copy of an Enamel painting by Henry Bone after a picture painted in America by G Stuart in 1797 for the Marquis of Lansdowne." Painted is unsigned. Housed in an elaborate, carved, antique gold-painted wooden frame, 13 x 11"; one tiny chip at top of frame needs retouching. Henry Bone was royal enamel painter to George III, IV, William IV, and the Duke of York. The Lansdowne portrait was one of three painted by Gilbert Stuart of George Washington. The full-length portrait was commissioned by wealthy senator William Bingham of Pennsylvania as a gift for British Prime Minister William Petty FitzMaurice, first Marquess of Lansdowne, who had supported American independence. The original is currently on permanent display at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $5,700
Lot 9		George Washington Watercolor On Ivory, c.1870. An oval image of a young Washington, 3 1/8 x 2 3/8". Signed "Morton" along the right edge. In a 5¾ x 5" frame. This is identical to a miniature in the White House collection, pictured in Art in the White House. A Nation's Pride (White House Historical Association in cooperation with The National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. Distributed by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York), where it is noted as being by an unknown artist. Estimated Value $500 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $600
Lot 10		Shoe Buckle Owned and Worn by George Washington. Silver setting with engraved inner gold borders, enriched with French paste brilliants, one of which is missing. Octagonal in shape. In 8¾ x 7¾" frame with plaque: "George Washington Dress Shoe Buckle / worn during Presidency and after at Mount Vernon." Accompanied by a 1934 letter from James E. Barney of New York to Charles W. Lyon explaining that his wife's grandmother, Mrs. La Montagne, received the buckle from her grandmother, née Millissent Fowler Washington, who received it from her father, William Temple Washington, who was the son of George Steptoe Washington, husband of Lucy Payne, who was Dolly Madison's sister. Col. Samuel Washington, father of George Steptoe Washington, was the only full-blood brother of George Washington. The buckle sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, Oct. 25, 1960, lot 247. Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $10,800
Lot 11		Shoe Buckle Owned and Worn by Washington As President. Shoe buckle, rectangular with curved outline, 2¾ x 2", the silver buckle mounted with clear paste stones centered by two flowerheads, with gold-toned inner rim. In a fitted black morocco case stamped inside, "Shoe Buckle owned and worn by General Washington." This buckle was lot 202 in the sale of "Relics and Memoribilia of George Washington Inherited and Collected by His Great-Great-Nephew Mr. W. Lanier Washington." It took place on February 22, 1922 at The American Art Galleries, Madison Square South, New York (photocopy of cover and lot description present). The description describes the buckle as "of exquisite French workmanship…enriched with French paste brilliants…." and notes: "This shoe buckle is one of a pair worn by General Washington while President, and which, according to family tradition, were presented to him at the time of his inauguration. It was given by Martha Washington to her nephew, George Washington Bassett, whose daughter was the second wife of the grandfather of the present owner, through whom this buckle came into his hands…." A Feb. 11, 1921 sworn affidavit by William Lanier Washington, giving the history and descent of the buckle, is affixed to the bottom of the case. In the Writings of Washington (Fitzpatrick), a letter Washington wrote to the Secretary of State (Timothy Pickering) from Mount Vernon, April 10, 1797, has a postscript: "The Buckles of which you make mention are from Colo. Humphreys to me." Fitzpatrick notes that the buckles to which Washington refers are a pair of knee buckles and a pair of shoe buckles. The beautiful buckle offered here may well have been one of the buckles which caught Pickering's attention and a gift of Col. Humphreys to Washington, to be worn at his first inauguration. Provenance: George Washington Martha Washington George Washington Bassett (her nephew) Betty Burnett Lewis (his wife) Ella More Bassett Washington (her daughter) William d'Hertburn Washington (her son), Lewis William Washington William Lanier Washington (his brother) Sold American Art Association, New York, Feb. 22, 1922, lot 22 Godfrey A.S. Wieners Collection sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, Oct. 25, 1960, lot 246 Sold Sothebys, New York, Oct. 11, 2001, lot 93 Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $11,000
Lot 12		Knee Buckles Owned and Worn by George Washington. Two dress knee buckles of silver and French paste, each rectangular in shape, centering a row of cut paste stones, one buckle being 1 x 1 1/8" and the other 1 x 7/8". In 9 x ½" frame. Worn by George Washington for special occasions while President, such as his inauguration or speaking before Congress, and afterward at Mt. Vernon. He would have worn matching shoe buckles and elaborate breeches with the knee buckles. Provenance: Descended to the Custis and Lee families Beverly Middleton Joseph Garnier, dealer Butterfield's San Francisco, CA, June 28, 2001, Lot 1109 Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $10,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $12,000
Lot 13		Thomas Jefferson's Shoe Buckles, 18th Century. Pair of French shoe buckles, rectangular with curved outline, each 2¾ x 2", made of numerous colored paste stones with gold-toned inner rim. In original leather case, with silk lining somewhat worn and frayed; original clasps still function. These were purchased from a Jefferson descendant, Mrs. Meckling, of Alexandria, Virginia, who received them through descent from the Randolph family (Martha Jefferson Randolph was Thomas Jefferson's daughter). Provenance: Randolph family Mrs. Meckling Sold at Ken Farmer's Auctions Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $5,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $5,700
Lot 14		Washington Cameo Gold Mourning Ring, c. 1800. 7/8 x 11/16" black onyx oval with ¾ x ½" white agate Houdon bust facing right, mounted on 10 or 14 karat gold ring. Martha Washington purchased this ring and other mourning jewelry from jewelers such as Joseph Anthony, Jr. (1762-1814), a Philadelphia jeweler, silversmith, and goldsmith. The Washington household account books show that Mrs. Washington made numerous purchases from him. This ring, and the brooch in the following lot, were some of the mourning jewelry given by Mrs. Washington to family members after Washington's death. Excellent condion. Provenance: Custis Estate Descended to William Lanier Washington Joseph E. Fields, II Hendershott Museum Consultants Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 15		Martha Washington's Hair Comb Worn at Washington's Inauguration. 5 x 7¾" tortoise shell hair comb which was part of the head dress worn by Martha Washington at the inauguration of her husband as first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. With early ink-written paper attached: "Part of the head dress worn by Martha Washington at the inauguration of her husband as the First President of the United States. From the collection of Antiques at Washington!" Three teeth are missing and there are a few minor blemishes. Extremely rare and important historical artifact. Provenance: 1. Martha Washington ordered two hair combs and other personal items from Robert Cary and Co. in January 1758. 2. Excelsior Gallery Auction, Scottsdale, AZ, Mar. 6, 1998 3. Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 16		Mourning Brooch with Washington Tassie Bust, c. 1800. Lady's brooch with crystal clear paste stones encircling a white agate Tassie bust of Washington against a black silver onyx background, under glass, 1½ x 1¼". James Tassie (1735-1799) was a Scottish gem engraver and modeler known for reproductions of engraved gems and for portrait medallions made from a hard, fine-textured substance that he developed with a physician, Henry Quin. Martha Washington purchased this ring and other mourning jewelry from jewelers such as Joseph Anthony, Jr. (1762-1814), a Philadelphia jeweler, silversmith, and goldsmith. The Washington household account books show that Mrs. Washington made numerous purchases from him. As well as mourning rings and lockets, Anthony made mounted miniatures. This brooch, and the ring in the preceding lot, were some of the mourning jewelry given by Mrs. Washington to family members after Washington's death. Excellent conditiion. Provenance: Custis Estate Descended to William Lanier Washington Joseph E. Fields, II Hendershott Museum Consultants Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 17		The Society of the Cincinnati Medal Presented to William Linn on July 2, 1802. Stunning 24K eagle insignia with its original ribbon, in an oval 7¼ x 5¾" frame. Gold. Height, 41mm; width, 30mm. Presented to Rev. William Linn (1752-1808), first Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, in 1802. Linn was made an honorary member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati for delivering a "Funeral Eulogy on Gen. Washington," Feb. 22, 1800, before the New York Society of the Cincinnati. The eulogy was published and the hard-bound copy (quarter leather with marbled boards) which belonged to Catherine Moore, Rev. Linn's second wife, accompanies Linn's medal. Laid on the first end page are several pages of extracts from the sermon Rev. Lynn preached in the North Church on Feb. 2, 1786 when he was confirmed as a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church. The notes are inscribed to Catherine Moore, who could not attend the sermon because of illness, by Thos. Anthony. The book has a small bookplate of Dean Sage, grandson of William Linn. Linn's daughter Susan married businessman and philanthropist Henry W. Sage in 1840. Cornell University's Sage Chapel's web page notes that "Much of Cornell's religious tradition dates from 1872, when Henry W. and Susan Linn Sage gave the University its chapel, and Dean Sage, their oldest son, established the endowment which brings notable religious leaders to speak at the Sunday services." Dean Sage also owned his grandfather's Society of the Cincinnati medal and so notes on the back of the frame. William Linn graduated from Princeton in 1752 and was ordained by Donegal presbytery in 1775. From Feb. 15, 1776 to Dec. 31, 1776, he served as chaplain in the 5th PA Battalion of the Continental Army. He was a minister and a teacher before serving as the second president of Queens College (now Rutgers) in a pro tempore capacity from 1791 to 1795. On May 1, 1789 he became the first Chaplain of the the U.S. House of Representatives. Linn's medal is a Cook New York Eagle, 1802 (see The Insignia of The Society of the Cincinnati by Minor Myers, jr., pp 24 and 56). John Cook, a New York silversmith, was paid $30 on July 7, 1802 for an eagle for William Linn. It was ordered by Lt. John Stagg, Jr., who was secretary of the New York Society from 1788 to 1790 and from 1800 until his death in 1803. Meyers notes that only three examples of the Cook Eagle survive, all suspended from a squared gold bracket through which the ribbon can be threaded. Description of the Medal: Obv. Head to right, neck, tail and feet enameled white. Green leaves in wreath and branches. Head with small crest, neck stippled. Beak gold and eye red. Beneath crossed branches eight long tail feathers wit gold fringe at bottom. In medallion two senators present a sword to Cincinnatus, wife and two children behind. Branches in exergue. Blue enamel in sky. The hand-lettered motto in well-formed, serifed letters on white enamel from 6 o'clock OMNIA : RELINQUIT: SERVARE: REMPUBLICAM* Rev. Head similar, reverse tail distinctly different from obverse. Eight long thin tail feathers with gold fringe at bottom. Area of gold abou e tail and beneath medallion. Medallion design is not as distinct as obverse, but Cincinnatus stands with plow, with Fame above. Motto reads SOCIETAS : CINCINNATORUM : INSTITUTA : AD : 1783 . Organized May 10, 1783, before the Treaty of Peace was signed and before the British evacuated New York, The Society of the Cincinnati was established with a charter stating three purposes: to preserve the rights and liberties for which its founders had fought, to promote the national honor and "dignity of the American Empire," and to reinforce the "cordial affection" among its members by providing aid and assistance to them and their families when in need. The first military beneficial society, The Cincinnati worked to influence Congress for pensions for surviving Revolutionary veterans. Original membership was limited to those officers who had served a minimum period with the regular (Line) American Army or Navy; or with the French forces under Rochambeau or deGrasse; those who had served to the end of the War as a Line Officer, resigned with honor after at least three years of service, and/or had been rendered supernumerary, or honorably discharged after three years of service (today, descendants of original members may also become members). George Washington served as The Cincinnati's President General from its inception until his death in 1799. Provenance*: Linn and Sage Families Bruce Gimelson Claude Harkins. Estimated Value $50,000 - 75,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $75,000
Lot 18		[Washington, George] Mount Vernon, by Victor de Grailly. Oil on canvas of Mount Vernon, 15½ x 20½". Framed to 19 x 24". Couples stroll on the lawn of Mount Vernon and observe the sailboats on the Potomac River. The men wear top hats and one of them wears a medal around his neck on a long ribbon; a young boy rolls a hoop, and a young woman plays with a dog. A maid in uniform can be seen at the door speaking to a gentleman on the veranda. Victor de Grailly (1804-1889) was a French landscape painter whose most popular paintings were American scenes from steel engravings by William Henry Bartlett (1809-1854). In 1836, George Virtue, a London publisher, commissioned Bartlett to record American landmarks, such as Niagara Falls and the Hudson River Valley; in 1851, he made "Washington's House Mount Vernon." De Grailly's paintings showed American scenes through a romanticized European prism. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $6,000
Lot 19		Chinese Export Large Mug Monogrammed "GW," c. 1790. 6 1/16" in height, 4¾" in diameter. Pictured in Elinor Gordon's Chinese Export Porcelain, 1977, p. 137 with the description: "Mug, Ch'ien Lung, c. 1790, American market. Unmistakably American is the mug which carries the simple monogram "GW" monogram for George Washington. The decoration is armorial, but is not heavily weighted with heraldic elements. An ermine-lined blue mantle surrounds the shield. The border is a blue enamel wavy band with polychrome floral sprigs…." She also refers to a punch bowl at Mount Vernon which belonged to George Washington and which has an identical monogrammed shield draped by an ermine-lined mantle. Elinor Gordon's label is on the bottom. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. Private Collection of Elinor Gordon, sold at Sotheby's New York, Jan. 23, 2010, Lot 81. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $6,450
Lot 20		Piece of Elm Tree in Cambridge, MA Under Which George Washington Took Command of the American Army July 3, 1775. 2½ x 5¾ x ¾" piece of wood with a brass plaque attached with the foregoing information and "Presented by The City of Cambridge 1924." The tree was blown over by a storm in 1923, or, by some accounts, was accidentally pulled over by a city worker. In any event, in 1924, the city of Cambridge cut the tree into rectangular pieces and presented them to prominent people. Washington travelled from Philadelphia to Cambridge to take command of the inexperienced and poorly-equipped Continental Army, composed of some 17,000 men, having been appointed by the Continental Congress two weeks earlier. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $600