6/25/2021 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Quarter plate tintype full standing portrait of a soldier in uniform, presumably Willard Norton, armed with a bayonetted musket, and posed before an illustrated backdrop featuring tents, an American flag, and a cannon. N.p.: n.p., [1860s]. (Some dents and scratches to plate, with spotting to mat.) Housed under mat only, no glass, preserver, or case. Typewritten inventory claims image was found in Willard Norton's uniform pouch.

New York Gettysburg Veteran's medal with bar commemorating the dates of the battle and medallion featuring the New York State Gettysburg monument flanked by dates "1863" and "1893" on obverse, and the New York state seal on reverse. Medal with tricolor ribbon attached to bar. Housed in original box. Lg. 3 3/4 in. -- Sons of Civil War Veterans medal with bar featuring the Latin phrase, "Filii Veteranorum" and medallion featuring the intertwined "SV" logo along with Latin motto "Gratia Dei Servatus" and roman numeral "MDCCCLXXXI" surrounded by wreath and surmounted by eagle on obverse. Bar and medallion connected by tricolor ribbon. Lg. 2 7/8 in. -- New York Day ribbon with bar featuring crossed sword and rifle surmounted by banner reading "New York Day" and flanked by dates "1863" and "1893," and frayed blue ribbon featuring gilt New York state seal with text above and below reading "Veteran / Gettysburg / July 1 2 3 / 1893." Lg. 7 1/4 in. -- And 5 other ribbons and badges, including Odd Fellows and GAR examples. Condition generally fair, with some discoloration and fraying common throughout. 

[With:] Woven star and tassel with handwritten note on fabric identifying the pieces as parts of an "old flag Willard brought home from the army in 1865." Typed inventory identifies the author of the note as "Aunt Jenny," (presumably Willard's wife or sister). -- GAR cufflink (discoloration to surface). Diam. 5/8 in. -- Graphite rubbing of a Union eagle breastplate on paper with handwritten note below reading, "A rubbing of a brass orniment [sic] which is attached to cross belt of Uncle Willard's Uniform." Note bears partially obscured printed header reading, in part, "Bruce F.S. Norton." -- Typed inventory with partially discernable signature, "[?] Norton," dated in ink to upper right, "Reviewed, 02/05/80." 

Willard Norton enlisted as a private in August of 1862 when he was 18 years old. He mustered into Company F, 122nd New York Infantry Regiment on August 15th, and mustered out three years later after being promoted to the rank of corporal in September of 1864.