#7. Colonel Edward M. Offley Collection; 2nd Lt. Commission, Saber & Photos. SOLD

Description

Having had an incredible amount of material belonging to career cavalry officer, Colonel Edward M. Offley, we tried to keep the collection intact for years now, but sadly I must break up the collection in the attempt to move it along. There will be single and small lots, as well as larger groups with combinations of uniforms, insignia, photo and or paper, etc.  All lots offered will be titled, “Colonel Edward M. Offley Collection.

This part of the collection represents a nice cross section of material in the early years as a new cavalry officer, newly commissioned into the 12th U.S. Cavalry.  Lieutenant Offley’s 1872 pattern mounted saber, sold by “HORSTMANN, PHILADELPHIA,” and bears his named etched on the left side of the blade toward the riccaso. The blade is etched with florals, panoply of arms & flags, with upright American eagle on left side, and an upright “US” in monogram on the other.  Although he only used this sword for a year or so, the sword had been lovingly cared for perhaps too much, as the etching is quite visible, but weak with all the frosty etching gone. The name panel using English letters simply reads, “Edward M. Offley.” The sharkskin grips are very good, with typical wear and fading of original dark color. Grip wire is original and tightly intact. The scabbard retains most of the nickel.  It appears that the gilt has worn off, with very faint traces remaining in protected areas.  The color appears to be gilt, but looks like there is a fine coat of shellac. Blade length is 32 3/4 inches.  Still a most presentable saber with history. (I have included a photocopied image of Offley in Khaki uniform holding this saber; I never had the original of this, and probably kept by the family).

The William McKinley signed commission, dated 2 February, 1901 is a scarcer type; not on the typical illustrated vellum, but on heavy paper, with the simple “Hardee” type eagle vignette.  It is in excellent condition; also signed by Secretary of War, Elihu Root, and Gen. H.C. Corbin, Adjutant General.  Size is 16×21 inches.

There are several impressive images in this lot, including a large landscape style photo, of the entire 2nd Squadron of the 12th Cavalry at Fort Clark, Texas, dated 1902.  A typed label on the reverse lists all of the officers photographed.  Offley is right center as viewed, nearest to the adjutant (next to the major). Fine image quality; original framing and matting.  Size overall; 12 1/2x 22 1/2 inches.

Next, is a smaller framed photo of 2nd Lt. Offley and his Non-commissioned staff. This image was taken, no doubt, at the same time as the previous, as the two labels are identical in format. Offley is seated front and center with is NCOs in front of an old adobe barrack.  A strong crease runs through the center, and really only visible on close inspection. Size, overall; 11×15 approx.  Overall condition is very good.

Very similar, but on a smaller scale, is a long image of just “F” Troop. Identification is the same format as the other two images.  Light creasing and some water damage along the upper right mostly, other wise very good and clear.  Measures; overall 5×17 1/2 approx.

There are 3 postal card receipts from the Ordnance Department informing Lieutenant Offley that his ordnance returns were received and found correct.  Signed by a captain at the Ord. Dept., and mailed to Offley while he was stationed at Stores in charge, and ordnance at Fort Eagle Pass, Texas.  I had to look this one up, having never heard of Eagle Pass. Camp Eagle Pass, as it was correctly referred to, was a sub-camp for Fort Clark.  It was also formed in 1888, and discontinued in 1904 by the army; this location was originally near old Fort Duncan, a post established in the Mexican War days. The cards are in fine condition.

The last photo, a cabinet of “A troop of the 12th Cavalry watering horses in Los Alamos Creek, Fort Clark, Texas, 1903.  Heavily water-stained, but a nice view.  Originally hand color tinted. 8 1/2x 11 overall.

Colonel Edward Murray Offley’s career began in 1899 to his retirement in at Fort Myer, Va in October, 1937 after 38 years of active service, most of that being in the cavalry.  He served in several regiment through the years, at many army posts in the southwest, west, Panama, etc.; he saw service in the Philippines with the 1st Cavalry.  During WWI, he was given the assignment to raise, train and command the 308th Machine Gun Battalion, 78th Division in the AEF, where he received the Purple Heart, being wounded at Boise De Loge on 14, Oct., 1918, while serving with the British 2nd Army in the Hazebrouck Sector on the Western Front.  His last assignment was with 2nd Cavalry at Fort Myer, Va.