Summer Americana Auction
Lot 641:
This salvaged historic gate or fence section is from a Federal or state arsenal complex and dates from the 1830s when many of these were under construction or expansion, such as Schuylkill or Kennebec Arsenals at Augusta, Maine or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of two elements, the gate body and its top or cornice. The former is 35-1/2" x 67" x 2-1/2" and principally made of cast iron, with forged iron reinforcements. It features American martial motifs, the central device being a Model 1832 Army cap surmounting a panoply of arms, consisting of a “U.S.” marked cartridge box, two flintlock muskets, two cavalry sabers and a trumpet, surrounded by sprays of laurel leaves. The cornice is 10-1/2" x 67" x 2-1/2", being a flattened bar upon which were set three five-point stars, flanked on each side by two spearheads or blades. A superb and rare example of martial decorative art and architectural design elements from the early Republic period. CONDITION: In overall very good condition, with uniform moderate casting/pitting surface as expected with age and usage, the two righthand spearpoint on cornice now missing (but could be easily replicated).
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