#116-CIVIL WAR SALE: A GROUP OF ITEMS ALL BELONGING TO UNION LT COLONEL JULIUS GARESCHE

Garesche is quite a story, and one of so many heroic and sad tales that came out of the Civil War. Haresche was known as the Headless Horseman. Unfortunately, that wasn't just a clever nickname but an appropriate moniker--as he was killed in action during his first battle action of the war. Lt. Col. Garesche, an 1841 graduate of West Point at just 20 years of age, was riding with Gen. William Rosencrans watching Breckinridge's final charge at the battle of Round Forest.

As he and Rosecrans watched the end of the battle from a knoll overlooking the action a Confederate cannon ball whizzed past Rosencrans' head and struck Garesche, instantly decapitating him. His horse and the headless body continued on for some 20 paces before Garesche's body slumped and fell from the horse.

General Sheriden recalled the incident later saying it "stunned us all, and a momentary expression of horror spread over Rosencrans' face; but at such time the importance of self-control was vital, and he pursued his course an appearance of indifference." Rosecrans later saved the buttons of his coat in an envelope on which he wrote "Buttons I wore the day Garesche was killed."

Garesche, born in Cuba, was offered a general's commission in 1861 but said he would prefer to earn such a promotion on the battlefield.

This is one of the most remarkable items in this sale.

It includes items a selection of items which are pictured here:
>>>Powder flask with his initials scratched into the surface
>>>His personal telescope/spyglass (please note that we have a nearly identical telescope listed in this sale also)
>>>An appointment to lieutenant that is signed by Garesch; an excellent military autograph, which is exceptionally rare
>>>A small oil portrait in original frame of Garesch, which is identified on the wood backing of the picture (that was painted on paper)

It is always very rare to find identified items of Civil War soldiers beyond the most obvious letters and documents; but this FOUR-piece collection is rare and enhanced by the unfortunate details of Garesche's death.

It is a bit of a bonus to have the painting done from life and that the appointment made by and signed by Garesch is very atypical as the person signing such an appointment would rarely have the original copy in his possession. And including his telescope and powder flask, the painting is a wonderful complement to the other items.

This collection of unusual items and the portrait, combine to make this a rare--unique!--grouping. And while one can occasionally find documents showing rank and regiment, most 3D pieces rarely survive. And few have such an unusual story as the unfortunate case of Garesche's gruesome end--and in his very first battle.

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