So...our latest Mystery of the Week deals with a heavy piece of solid cylindrical metal found at the relatively shallow depth of 5 inches or so while relic hunting on the remainder of the Bennett Farms property which surrounds The Bennett House. Usually we can identify the coins or bullets or militaria or farm implements found while metal detecting.
But...this salt shaker-sized thingamajig? Any ideas? Post your suggestions to this Comment Page!
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In the always-interesting search for old treasures and rare antiques, we all sooner or later stumble upon something and find ourselves asking: "What in the heck IS this thing?" Our antique "Mystery of the Week" fits that description. This 9" brass plaque was removed from a trunk stored for Gawd knows how many years in a Neville Plantation barn near Port Hudson, Louisiana. It is a VERY detailed raised portrait-silhouette plaque, carefully crafted by someone immensely skilled in the sculptor's art, The raised brass silhouette is of a military man in a Union army uniform -- and who perhaps appears to be American Civil War General George B. McClellan, as he appeared in the years long after the Civil War had ended. However, that is only a guess as to the subject's identity. On the back of this brass carving are some type of "hooks" or posts, which may be for attachment of the plaque to something else -- a statue? A monument? All guesses. There are the following inscriptions on the reverse of the plaque: "C.T Robinson Co. Copyright 1886" and then the currently unidentified artist has apparently added his initials: "JYB," is my best interpretation of the initials. (See photos below.) Apparently this company was some type of monument or statuary production outfit located on Boston back in the 19th Century...but info on them is scarce. What WAS this plaque for? How did it end up unattached to whatever it was meant for and how did it journey to plantation country in Louisiana?? Who among our antique detectives can shed some light on this interesting and striking piece of history? Post your comments and insights and we'll figure it out together! I want to thank everyone who dropped by over the Mother's Day weekend -- we had a lot of visitors, offered some sensational pieces for good prices and made some great new friends. We are also now hooked up to accept credit cards with The Square -- so that was a nice evolution over the weekend. We will also accept your check in the store with proper ID. Please share this website with others and let them know of the inventory we have available -- and also know that we will have new pieces regularly. Thanks! Jim |
OWNERCitadel Antiques is owned by Jim Clary, Jr. -- whose "real job" for the last 35 years has been as a trial lawyer and owner of ClarySuba & Associates -- a Baton Rouge law firm. Jim has been interested in antiques and history since the world was new. Over the years, this passion has resulted in a large personal collection of antiques and other rare items. Having enjoyed these pieces for all those years, it is now time to pass 'em on for new owners to enjoy. Archives
January 2020
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