Major Frank Wood’s 74th New York Knots, Belt, & Photo Portrait. – SOLD

Description

Major Frank Wood’s 74th New York Knots, Belt, & Photo Portrait.  This lot consists of the earlier knots worn by Major Wood, having the white infantry background color which was regulation from 1880 to 1902. They are made by Ridabock & Co, and come in the original Japanned tin case.  Gorgeous major’s oak leaf rank in gold bullion and 74 in silver bullion. New York state buttons on each one.  Condition of the knots is excellent with just a few very small moth nips on the underside, and one area on the front side of a knot.

The dress belt for a staff and field grade officer is one of two that came in the collection of Wood material, and is the earliest of the two. When I got this lot, this belt had the buckle removed and had been used on a white web belt used much later by someone in the family. It is the correct 1872 pattern with the solid color bullion for this rank, and complete with both hangers and snap swivels. Due to dryness, the bullion tape is pulling away from the leather, but on a mannequin.  The buckle, having been off the belt for some time, has a dull patina, but will clean.

Finally, a spare oval framed portrait of Wood, wearing these knots. The frame is period.

Look on site to see some of the other lots belonging to Major Wood.

 

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.