Spanish War Era Uniform Grouping For Major Frank E. Wood, 74th & 202nd NY Infantries. SOLD

Description

Spanish War Era Uniform Grouping For Major Frank E. Wood, 74th & 202nd  New York Infantries. This is the largest grouping of material for Major Wood consisting of the following:

• M1898 Khaki Tropical coat with dark blue trim on collar, tabs and cuffs. The insignia is all sew-on variety with the exception of the major’s rank. The 202nd Infantry insignia is missing from the right side collar, the only piece missing from this fine condition coat. The buttons are Civil War era infantry “I” buttons, backmarked, “Schuyler. Hartley. Graham.”
• The dress helmet is made by Ridabock, and has all the helmet components, including the bullion cords which are many time missing. The helmet is in the original Japanned tin storage container. The helmet body is generally in very good condition, but there is some damage around the plume base, where some weight in the past has caused some stress lines and some cracking of the body in a few areas. With all of the cords, plume and other components, it is hard to see the damage, and the helmet still displays nicely. Major Woods wrote his name and unit on the inside lining. (see photos).
• The dress sword belt hangers suspend from a single snap hook, and hangers have their original snap swivels, Ridabock & Co marked on the tongue. Strong gold bullion finish overall, with one area where leather blacking has adhered to the bullion (in the back and not as visible). A nice, tight example.
• A gold framed shadow box (22.5 x 23.5 x 2.5d inches) contains the majors, later blue background shoulder knots for the 74th Infantry, his spurs with leather straps, the spike from his helmet when his rank was company grade (only mounted and or field and staff rank officers had horse hair plume), a gilt framed portrait where the earlier set of knots with the white background. These group was professionally mounted using clear plastic and other hidden props making for a great looking display. This was all done in recent times by a either family or collector. Condition of items is fine-excellent.
• Photograph of Wood in undress uniform, holding his 1872 pattern saber.  8 x 10 mounted in larger grayish mat/folder. Fine.
• Photograph of the officers of the 74th New York Infantry, (being National Guard all officers are allowed to wear the mounted dress helmet. Note the chaplain in the photo is wearing only the slouch hat with the regimental number within a wreath. Mount is 11 x 24″, and the image size is 7.5 x 9.5″. Photographed by Levi Moore, Albany, NY. Fine condition.
• Photograph of the 202nd Infantry with Woods out front of the troops with their camp in the background, and Camp Meade, Pa.  1898. Everything is identified on the reverse of the image in red ink.  It mentions that Major Wood is mounted “on Wards $700.00 horse.” Taken prior to movement to Cuba.  Fine condition image, mount has been trimmed.
• M1872 Mounted Saber – German import, marked “HORSTMANN /PHILADELPHIA.” 33 inch etched blade has floral work with intertwined US, and similar on the reverse side with a federal eagle.  Most of the frosty etching is gone from many cleaning sessions over the years, but the design is still strong. Some areas of light pitting toward the point. The hilt is free of any distorted bends, etc. and sharkskin grip and wire are good. Missing is the wool washer beneath the hilt and blade ricasso.
• The gild on the sword was never high quality, as this sword shows not a trace of gilt remaining in the remotest of areas. The finish is even overall. The scabbard is nickel plated, and in very good + condition with some roughness under the plating only on the back side of the scabbard and on the lower part below the lower ring mount. In very good condition.
• Miscellaneous papers, etc.  Original newspaper clipping for Major Wood’s obituary. The paper is brittle, and some paper separated. Has a complete photocopy of same prior to damage. Other news clippings and other broader family genealogical document/paper.

The shipping will be somewhat expensive due to the shadow box. Best to be picked up, or delivered at mutual convenience; at a show or some other arrangement.

Due to the various large sizes and weights of the various groupings, please contact us for postage costs, since your address and the size & weight of items will need to be specifically calculated, so you do not get overcharged.  Thanks!

It would be a shame to dismantle it, but that would be the buyer’s call.

 

Apparently, after the mustering out of the 65th New York Volunteers in 1865, the military organization maintained a presence in Buffalo, known as the Cadet Corps (still part of the 65th regt.) , and had a armory in that city for military and other functions. This may be the unit where Frank Wood began is military career.  In the 1890’s the State reorganized its National Guard, and this unit (I believe) was amalgamated into the 74th National Guard Regiment.

Frank Wood’s Obituary:

“Major Frank Eugene Wood, formerly of the 74th Regiment, well known in Buffalo military and business circles, passed away last evening at his home…after an illness of a week..  Mr. Wood was 48 years old.  He had been in business in Buffalo for a number of years as a public accountant for the International Railway Company and at the time of his death held that responsible post with the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.  During the past 15 years Maj. Wood had devoted much of his energy and time to military work along national lines. He was the first captain of Company  H, of the 74th Regiment, and at the time of the reorganization of the regiment into two battalions, in 1893, was promoted to major. When the 202d Regiment, N.G.N.Y.  was formed in Buffalo during the Spanish War, Maj. Wood answered the call for volunteers, and was assigned to the rank of major.  He accompanied the regiment to Cuba, serving until the command was mustered out at the close of the war.   Maj. Wood was for many years a member of the Buffalo Yacht Club, and a past commodore of that organization.   He was also a member of Queen City Lodge, F. & A.M. ….”

In June of1898, Frank Wood mustered into the 202nd Regiment, and saw service in Cuba, the first American regiment to land at Havana. Promoted to major, Wood was given command of the 2nd Battalion. On 18 March, the 202nd was notified it was being replaced by the 1st U.S. Infantry, and ordered to muster out, eventually arriving at Savannah, Ga. on April !5. 1899.

A nice grouping of very good material.