Artifacts from Custer’s Last Stand for Sale at Auction

Americana & Political, Historical — Auction Preview, Long Story by Tom Slater

For Garryowen and Glory! Those were the prophetic closing words of the regimental song of George Armstrong Custer’s 7^th Cavalry.

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As a boy growing up in the days of black-and-white TV, my favorite “old movie” was They Died with their Boots On, starring the incomparable swashbuckler Errol Flynn as Custer.

I watched it countless times. Who could forget the catchy tune played over and over during the film, or the image of Custer, the last man standing, blazing away, six-gun in each hand, as he was ridden down by a horde of Indians? Eventually I would have to unlearn most of the contrived “history” related in the movie, but my disillusionment did little to discourage my fascination with the saga of Little Bighorn and Custer’s Last Stand.

Barely 200 men perished with Custer, a seemingly insignificant number when compared to the tens of thousands of casualties in other American battles. Why does the Little Bighorn saga still hold such fascination nearly a century and a half later? Undoubtedly, part of the allure lies in the fact that Custer was a genuine American hero long before the events of 1876. The youngest man to be made a general during the Civil War, he was famous for his exploits as a cavalry commander … as well as for his golden locks and flamboyant dress. After finishing dead last in his West Point class, Custer certainly made his mark. During the decade before Little Bighorn, he led the 7^th Cavalry as they fought Indians and explored new territory with the Yellowstone and Black Hills Expeditions. By the time of the disastrous battle in 1876, he was a celebrity and a household name.

Further adding to the drama was the possibility that personality traits and conflicts played a role. Was Custer brash and irresponsible in rushing to attack the large Indian encampment, or was he simply acting on what he thought was reliable military intelligence? Was the failure of Capt. Frederick Benteen to come to Custer’s aid a sound military decision, or was he influenced by his well-known personal distaste for his commander? Was Major Reno’s retreat after initially assaulting the village an example of cowardice, or an unavoidable response in the face of unanticipated, overwhelming resistance?

Lastly, there was the epic significance of a number of Plains tribes and bands coming together for one last, great celebration of their vanishing way of life, and to make a final valiant stand against the inevitable encroachment of “civilization.” It is now known that the Indians in the camp were aware of the soldiers’ approach, but failed to scatter as had been their tactic in the past. Instead, they waited almost passively for the great confrontation, knowing full well that, even if they managed to win the battle, they already had lost the war.

It is our great honor to bring to you an amazing auction June 9, a sale focused on those historic events and the personalities associated with them, titled “George Armstrong Custer and the Plains Indian Wars.”  We are especially gratified to present the important artifacts and relics amassed by Glenwood J. Swanson, the highly respected Custer collector and scholar whose items make up a large portion of the auction. Glen is particularly appreciated for his ongoing support of archeological endeavors at the Custer Battlefield and for his landmark book, G. A. Custer His Life and Times, published in 2004. Lavishly illustrated, largely with items from his own collection, this book gives wonderful insights into Little Bighorn and the men who fought there.

There are SO many exciting and significant items that I can only encourage you to go to our website and peruse the entire 260-lot auction. Here are just a few examples:

Sitting Bull’s Identified Flintlock Carbine with Standing Statue

George Armstrong Custer: An Autographed Brady Carte de Visite

George Armstrong Custer His Walking Stick, a Tiffany Hardwood Cane with Sterling Silver Ferrule and Decorative Head

Major Marcus Reno: A Highly Important Document Reflecting on the Esteem in Which He Was Held by His Men in the Aftermath of Little Bighorn

Charles Varnum’s 7th Cavalry Outfit

Capt. F. W. Benteen His Lemaire Military Binoculars

George Armstrong Custer: A Superb Presentation Ink Well, Inscribed by Custer to Yellowstone Expedition Photographer William Pywell

Battle of Washita Chief Black Kettle’s Silver Ring

Capt. Thomas Mower McDougall Ensemble of Personal Mementos

Document Signed in 1874 by Seventeen 7th Cavalry Troopers who Perished at Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876

Brass Buckle and Keeper from a Trooper’s Belt

John Sivertsen Personal Effects Found Near the Bones of His Horse

George Armstrong Custer A Fine 1875 Letter in His Hand, Written as Commanding Officer of the 7th Cavalry

William Tecumseh Sherman His Dress Uniform as General of the Army

Kit Carson A Very Rare 1862 Anthony Carte de Visite with Edwin Perrin

George Armstrong Custer A Marvelous Inscribed .22 Revolver Presented to Custer by the United States Volunteers in 1863

Red Horse Battle Scene Inscribed on Brass Kettle, 1876

Battle of the Little Bighorn Used 
U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine

Check out more Militaria & Civil War Memorabilia here!

Written by: Tom Slater