Civil War Watch Fob with Generals Photos - rare and unique (SOLD)

This is truly a unique piece being offered, it is a Civil War Watch Fob. Overall it measures 6 ¼”. On one end is a brass clasp, attached to that is six small sections of mother-of-pearl. The other end is a 1/1/2” circle made of brass, wood, mother-of-pearl and glass over two period photographs (photos rotate to display either one). One is General Joseph Hooker. Lincoln appointed Hooker to command of the Army of the Potomac on January 26, 1863. Some members of the army saw this move as inevitable, given Hooker's reputation for aggressive fighting, something sorely lacking in his predecessors.

On the other side is General James McPherson. On July 22, 1864, McPherson, at the age of thirty-six, was killed during the Atlanta Campaign as he rode into enemy skirmishers, under the command of General John Bell Hood, a former classmate of McPherson at West Point. As he attempted retreat back toward his command, the enemy yelled, "Surrender!" When McPherson attempted to flee, he was killed.

This is a one of a kind piece with several different opinions as to its origin. Some have said it might be a POW piece. Some prisoners who showed a talent for making such items would receive materials from guards to construct them in exchange for finished products which they would sell. Also it could have been made by a soldier in the hospital or by a veteran. In any case, it is a great piece of American history and an early piece of folk art. Overall it is in very nice condition for its age - comes in the glass top display case pictured.